Jomolhari Trek I
Duration: 9 Days (Trek Days)

Max Elevation: 4,930m
Highest Camp: 4,080m
Standard: Medium
Season: March to June & October to November
Start: Drukgyel Dzong (Paro)
Finish: Dodena (Thimphu)
Jomolhari Trek I is the longer one of the two Jomolhari routes- and 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, fauna and flora. The highlight of this trek is the spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari from Jomolhari Basecamp, Jangothang. Nearly the whole trek goes through a small part of the Jigme Singye National Park, passing a few of the Yak herder's settlement and the remotest region of Lingshi. One should be reasonably physically fit to enjoy the majestic mountain views, endure thin air, serenity & the wilderness of the landscape while on the trek.

Day 1

Start: Drukgyel Dzong
End: Sharna Zampa
Walking Distance: 17 km
Walk Time: 4-5 hours
Ascent: 360m
Descent: 80m
Camp Altitude: 2,850m

Drive up to Drukgyel Dzong (2,580m) where the road ends and the trek begins. 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 checkpost 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.

Day 2

Start: Sharna Zampa
End: Thangthangkha
Walking Distance: 22 km
Walk Time: 7-8 hours
Ascent: 770m
Descent: 10m
Camp Altitude: 3,610m

On this long day, 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. From here, if weather permits, you will have the first great view of Mount Jomolhari.

Day 3

Start: Thangthangkha
End: Jangothang
Walking Distance: 19 km
Walk Time: 5-6 hours
Ascent: 480m
Camp Altitude: 4,080m

If you did not see Mount Jomolhari last evening, you will have a great chance to get a great view this early morning. 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 Jomolhari.

Day 4
Jangothang Halt.

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 5

Start: Jangothang
End: Lingshi
Walking Distance: 18 km
Walk Time: 6-7 hours
Ascent: 840m
Descent: 870m
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 surrounding. 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.

Day 6

Start: Lingshi
End: Shodu
Walking Distance: 22km
Walk Time: 8-9 hours
Ascent: 940m
Descent: 920m
Camp Altitude: 4,080m

The trail climbs up to the Yelila pass at an altitude of 4,930m. From the pass, on a clear day you will get an excellent view of Jomolhari, Tserimgang and Masanggang. The trek from the pass to the campsite at Shodu is a steep downhill.

Day 7

Start: Shodu
End: Barshong
Walking Distance: 16 km
Walk Time: 5-6 hours
Ascent: 250m
Descent: 670m
Camp Altitude: 3,710m

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.

Day 8

Start: Barshong
End: Dolam Kencho
Walking Distance: 15 km
Walk Time: 4-6 hours
Ascent: 290m
Descent: 640m
Camp Altitude: 3,320m

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.

Day 9

Start: Dolam Kencho
End: Dodena
Walking Distance: 8km
Walk Time: 3-4 hours
Ascent: 500m
Descent: 930m

The trail continues through forested areas winding up and down and through a small pass. Langurs (monkeys) can be seen along the way. In Dodena you will exit the Jigme Dorji National Park and reach the road head next to a impressive cantilever bridge.

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