Jomolhari Base Camp Trek: The Path of the Snow Goddess

You will be met by our guide on arrival and transferred to your hotel to settle in. After lunch visit the Paro Dzong and the National Museum. The evening ends with a walk through Paro main shopping district. Overnight stay at hotel.

Taktsang Monastery / Tigers Nest, the most spectacular monastery and probably the most photographed one in Bhutan, in a way a symbol of Bhutan. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery hence it is called “Tiger`s Nest”. The excursion to monastery`s view point takes about 5 hours for round trip. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria, followed by a short walk back. Evening stroll Paro town for leisure.
Overnight stay at hotel.

(Distance: 13.6 miles / 22 km Duration: 6-8 hours)

Early morning drive from hotel to Shana. The trail follows the river through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses. As we go up the valley becomes narrow, wilder and steeper. The trail winds up and down along the drainage. We pass a junction en route, where another path leads over the Tremo La to Tibet. This route was formerly used by Bhutanese people as a trading route to Tibet. We cross several traditional wooden bridges finally arriving Thanthangka. Camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter. From this campsite for the first time-in case of good weather the Mount Jomolhari may be seen.

(Distance 19km, five to six hours, 480m ascent, camp altitude 4,080m)
This morning the trek continues up the Paro Chhu valley which widens into patches of alpine meadow and scanty growths of forest. Cross an army outpost along the way and enjoy a spectacular view of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. Yaks and the herder’s homes become a regular feature of the landscape. Passing the villages Soe, Takethang and Dangochang is another asset on this day. Reaching Jangothang, one of the most beautiful campsites of the Himalayas, you will again have a spectacular view of Mount Chomolhari.

The day in Jangothang provides plenty of possibilities for day hikes with great views on lakes and snow capped mountains such as Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. There are good chances to spot some blue sheep on the upper slopes of the valley. Jangothang is a perfect environment for your acclimatisation. Trek up to Tosoh or hike around the area. There are good short hiking trails in three directions. Jumolhari and it’s subsidiary mountain chains lie directly west, Jichu Drake to the north and a number of unclimbed peaks to the east.

(Distance 18km, six to seven hours, 840m ascent, 870m descent, camp altitude 4,010m)
After 15 min. from the camp the trail climbs rapidly for about half an hour and then becomes a gradual ascend to the Nyilila pass at 4,870m. While on the climb enjoy the sourrrounding. You might see herds of blue sheep grazing on the slopes of the mountains. From the pass you will have spectacular views of Mt. Jomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsherimgang, all of them rising above 7,000m. On the way down to the camp you will pass by some of the yak herder’s tent, made from yak wool, where the herders take shelter while on the move to various pastures for their yaks. As you come down into the Lingshi basin, you get a wonderful view of Lingshi Dzong on a clear day. Tserimgang and its glaciers rise up at the north end of the valley. The campsite is next to a stone hut you reach just before Lingshi Dzong.

One day halt at Lingshi to make an excursion to Tshokha (Lake). Rare animals like Blue Sheep and musk deer are seen at Tshokha. Hike takes about 4-5 hours.

(Distance 4km, 2 hours, 290m ascent, 640m descent, camp altitude 3,000m)
The trail descends down to the Thimphu Chhu river valley, through dense forests of rhododendron, birch, conifer, maples and bamboos and then ascends to pasture lands. The camp is in a meadow.

(Distance 9km Elevation: Ascent 940m, Descent 920m; Camp altitude around 4,080m)
This long and strenuous day involves crossing the high Yale La Pass (approx. 4,930m / 4,990m), which offers spectacular views of Mount Jomolhari, Tserim Gang, and Masagang on a clear day. The trail is well-marked and a main route for locals. After the pass, it's a steep downhill trek to the campsite at Shodu, often located near a stone shelter or meadow.

(Distance: Approximately 16 km. Duration: 5-6 hours. Elevation: Ascent 250m, Descent 670m)

The trail follows the Thimphu Chhu through rhododendron forests, past beautiful waterfalls along the way. The valley narrows till the path takes to the slopes and gradually ascends to the ruins of Barshong Dzong. From Dzong , pick up by the vehicle and drive to Thimphu Town through Dodena. , you will exit the Jigme Dorji National Park and reach to Thimphu valley.

Morning Thimphu sightseeings that includes: National Library, Traditional Medicine Institute, memorial stupa , Arts & Crafts School, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, Buddha point. Evening transfer to Paro.

Transfer to airport for onwards departure and upon arrival you will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel.