Jomolhari Trek II is the shorter one of the two Jomolhari routes- -the most popular trek in Bhutan . With altitude differences of 2,500m and nearly 5,000m (lowest and highest point of the route) it offers a wide range of landscape and fauna and flora. The highlight of this trek is the spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari from Jomolhari Base camp in Jangothang. Trekkers who want to avoid high passes and high altitude can chose an easier version of the Jomolhari Trek II by going back the same way down from Jangothang (see days 1-3), while still having the majestic impressions of Mount Jomolhari .
Trek fact
Grade: Medium
Duration: 8 Days
Trek style: Camping
Highest Camp: 4,080m
Max Elevation: 4,890m
Start: Drukgyel Dzong (Paro)
Finish: Drukgyel Dzong (Paro)
Season: April to June, September to November
Trek itinerary
Day 01: Transfer to airport and fly with Druk air to Paro. Meet our representative from Bhutan and drive to Thimpu the capital of Bhutan (65 kms/2 hours). Afternoon;
sightseeing tour to Zeleukha Nunnery, National Library and Memorial Chorten of His Majesty Late Jigme Dorjee Wangchuk and Handicraft Development Corporation, which displays all kinds of traditional handicraft products of Bhutan . Over night at the hotel.
Day 2: Drukgyel Dzong - Sharna Zampa 6-7hrs, 17kms
Drive up to Drukgyel Dzong (2,580m) and start with a gradual climb the trail follows the Paro Chhu passing beautiful meadows, paddy fields and impressive farm houses. After about four hours you will reach the army post at Gunitsawa village. At the army check post your trek permit (provided by your tour operator) will be checked and endorsed. The campsite is on the opposite side of the river, not far from Gunitsawa at 2850m.
Day 3: Sharna Zampa – Thangthangkha 7-8hrs. 10kms
The trail continues with lots of small ups and downs. After going uphill through the river valley, you enter the Jigme Dorji National Park . The valley finally narrows gradually to a mere path, which descends to a meadow where a camp will be set up at 3610m with first great view of Mount Jomolhari .
Day 4: Thangthangkha – Jangothang 5-6hrs, 19kms
Enjoy morning view of Mt. Jomollari and trek continues up the Paro Chhu valley which widens into patches of alpine meadow and scanty growths of forest crossing 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 at 4080m, one of the most beautiful campsites of the Himalayas, you will again have a spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari .
Day 5: Jangothang Rest day.
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. Jomolhari and it's subsidiary mountain chains lie directly west, Jichu Drake to the north and a number of unclimbed peaks to the east.
Day 6: Jangothang – Dhumzo 6-7 hrs, 16kms
The trail leads to a last settlement in the valley and drops to the Paro Chhu. Passing the lake of Tshophu (4,380m) you will climb up steeply to Bhonte La pass at 4,890 m, the highest point of this trek route. Reaching the Dhumzo Chhu river, you trek downstream passing the few houses of Dhumzo at 3800m to arrive at your camp soon after.
Day 7: Dhumzo - Thombu Shong 4-5hrs, 11kms
The trail climbs 100m over a ridge to drop to another stream then after crossing the Takhung La pass (4520m) you descent to Thombu Shong at 4180.
Day 8: Thombu Shong - Sharna Zampa, 4-5hrs 13kms
Crossing Thombu La pass (4380m) you will finally reach Gunitsawa then to Sharna Zampa at 2850m.
Day 9: Sharna Zampa - Drukgyel Dzong 4-5hrs, 17kms
Coming across the primary school and shop the valley opens. From Mitshi Zampa 2510m.you can already see how the dzong is positioned and reach finally to Drugyel Dzong and drive to hotel in Paro.
Day 10: Transfer to airport; farewell and fly to your further destination.
