12-Day Bhutan Jomolhari Trekking Tour with Paro and Thimphu

• Arrive in Paro by flight, followed by a meet and greet with your tour guide.

• Head to your hotel and enjoy a warm lunch.

• Spend the afternoon sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to Ta Dzong, the National Museum, which houses many religious relics, works of art, and handicrafts.

• Visit Rinpung Dzong to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa, who is considered the master of meditation by the Bhutanese.

• Walk to the beautiful cantilever wooden bridge, which is still in use.

Overnight in Paro.

• Have a hearty breakfast.

• Hike to Taktsang Monastery and witness its spectacular setting.

• Stop for lunch near a teahouse.

• Drive to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong in the afternoon, a historic monument built by the Shabdrung.

• Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo.

Overnight in Paro.

• Start trekking from Drukgyel Dzong with a short downhill walk on a wide track.

• Climb gently through well-maintained fields of millet and rice terraces to reach apple orchards and forest.

• Reach the army post of Gunitsawa as the valley widens. This will be the last stop before heading to Tibet.

• Continue upwards to just beyond Sharma Zampa, where there are several good camping places in meadows surrounded by trees.

Overnight at the campsite.

• Follow the Pa Chu (Paro River) trail, ascending and descending through pine, oak, and spruce forest.

• Stop for lunch after crossing a bridge to the left bank of the river.

• Continue along the river, climbing upwards through rhododendron forest and crossing the river once more before reaching the campsite.

Overnight at the campsite.

• Reach the army camp along the ascending path.

• Follow the river above the tree line and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding peaks.

• Have a hot lunch served at a yak herder's camp.

• Walk from here into the valley to reach the campsite at Jangothang and take in the superb views of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake.

Overnight at the campsite.

• Follow the trail along a gentle stream for half an hour and cross a bridge to the right bank.

• Climb up the first ridge and enjoy breathtaking views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tserimgang.

• Descend gradually, enjoying a panoramic view of the mountain peaks and Lingshi Dzong from the pass.

• Reach the campsite at Lingshi.

Overnight at the campsite.

• Climb up and follow the trail towards a small white chorten on a ridge above the camp.

• Turn south up the deep Mo Chu valley. The trail stays on the west side of this largely treeless valley, climbing steadily a short distance above the Mo Chu.

• Cross the river and climb steeply for two hours to Yeli-La. On a clear day, you may witness Chomolhari, Gangchenta, Tserimgang, and Masagang from this pass.

• Descend alongside a stream to a rock shelter in a cliff face and continue heading downstream.

• Reach Shodu, where you will camp in a meadow with a chorten in it.

Overnight at the campsite.

• Descend through rhododendron, juniper, and mixed alpine forests while witnessing stunning views along the way.

• Stop at the riverside for a hot lunch.

• Go upwards to the ruins of Barshong Dzong to set camp.

Overnight at the campsite.

• Descend gently through a dense forest of rhododendron, birch, and conifers, then drop steeply to meet the Thimphu Chu.

• Climb around a cliff face high above the Thimphu Chu, coming out onto pastureland to set camp for the night.

Overnight at the campsite.

• Follow the trail winding in and out of a side valley above the Thimphu Chu, making a long ascent through a forest of conifers and high-altitude broadleaf species to a pass.
• Drop steeply down to the river, following the trail southward to the road head at Dodena. Bhutan Travel Bureau transport meets you here.
• Drive to Thimphu and stay overnight.

• Enjoy sightseeing in Thimphu, beginning with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, which depicts the Buddhist faith in the form of paintings and statues.

• See other highlights, including Changangkha Temple, Drubthob Monastery housing the Zilukha Nunnery, and the School for Arts and Crafts.

• Visit the National Library, which houses a collection of Bhutanese scriptures, and see a fascinating replica of a medieval farmhouse at the Folk Heritage Museum.

• Depart for Paro in the early evening.

Overnight in Paro.

• Head to the airport for your flight back home.