Dragon Trekking Tour 3 - Jomolhari Trek
JOMOLHARI TREK 2006 2007 JOMOLHARI TREK 12N13D 5-17Oct 3-15May 4.Oct-16Oct Maximum elevation: 4930m/16,170feet. Total Trek appx. 137km. Difficulty grade Medium-Hard. This trek gifts you with great variety of Bhutanese landscapes and is without doubt one of the most beautiful and unspoiled trekking areas in the entire Himalayas. The trek begins at Drugyal dzong passing through beautiful villages, scattered hamlets and farmland. Different vegetation from richly forested valley to high alpine pastureland where Yak herders graze their animals. Trout fishing in the sky blue lake with magnificent view of three majestic peaks are some activities which can be done on a rest day. Spectacular views of Mt. Jhomolhari 7314m/23,990ft. from a high camp at Jangothang is most rewarding. You will also encounter rare species like the blue sheep & snow leopard. Day01. ARRIVE PARO BY DRUK AIR Arrive Paro by Druk air, the only national carrier. The flight offers you beautiful view of the Himalayan ranges. Weather permitting views of Mt. Everest and Kanchenjunga is visible. On arrival and after visa formalities you will be received by our staff. Time permitting can visit the Paro town and the Dzong. Day02.6 HIKE TO TAKTSANG MONASTERY acclimatization. Day hike to Taktsang monastery. The hike which is all the way uphill takes about 2 /3 hours through pine forests. The monastery which clings to a huge granite cliff 800 meters from the Paro valley was devastated by fire in 1998 but the Royal Government has taken immediate steps to restore the monastery to its original splendor. It is believed that the great saint Padmasambhava came in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months. The demons were subdued who were trying to stop the spread of Buddhism and converted the Paro valley into Buddhism. During the end of the 17 century a monastery was built on the spot where the saint meditated and it is a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese to visit once in their life time. DAY03. DRIVE TO DRUGYEL DZONG AND TREK TO SHANA CAMP Drive to Drugyel Dzong where the trek begins. The path goes upstream of the Pachu river through villages gradually ascending to 2800 meters at Shana camp. Walking time 5/6 hours. DAY 04. TREK FROM SHANA TO SOI THANTHANGKHA Shana to Soi Thangthangkha. The trail again follows the Pachu river ascending through pine, oak and spruce forest. Lunch will be served near a wooden bridge. The camp is at an altitude of 3800 meters near a stone shelter. Walking time 7/8 hours. Day05. TREK FROM SOI TO JANGOTHANG Soi to Jangothang. Climb slowly for a while till you reach an army camp. Then follow the river above tree line with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch will be served inside a Yak herders camp. A easy walk will reach you to Jangothang at an altitude of 4050 meters. The view of Chomolhari (7320 meters) and Jichu Drake (6900meters) is superb. Both the mountains are still virgin peaks. Walking time 4/5 hours. Day06. REST DAY AT JANGOTHANG Halt at Jangothang. Explore the surrounding areas like Tshophu lake, visit Yakherders or simply relax. Day07. TREK FROM JANGOTHANG TO LINGSHI Jangothang to Lingshi. The trail follows the stream for half hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. Climb up the ridge and enjoy stunning views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tshrim Khang mountains. Than walk through the wide open valley sometimes coming across herds of blue sheep. The climb upto the Nyele la pass 4700 meters is not too difficult and the view is breathtaking. After the pass its a gradual descend and through the valley with beautiful views on all side. Nearing the camp you will see the Lingshi Dzong perched ontop of a hill with commanding view of the valley. Arrive camp at 4100 meters near a stone shelter. Walking time 6/7 hours. Day08. TREK FROM LINGSHI TO SHODU Lingshi to Shodu. Today is the most difficult day so start early. Begin walk opposite the dzong gradually through the valley until the stiff climb to Yale la pass at 4950 meters the highest point of the trip. The panoramic view of Mt.Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tshrim Gang is breathtaking. After the pass its a long descent to the camp at 3750 meters. Walking time 7/8 hours. Day09. TREK FROM SHODU TO BARSHONG Shodu to Barshong. The path follows the Thimchu river descending through rhododendron, Juniper and pine forests. The view of the cliff facing rocks and water falls are stunning. The trail gradually ascends after 3/4 hours to the ruins of Barshong Dzong reaching the camp at 3500 meters. Walking time 5/6 hours. Day10. TREK FROM BARSHONG TO DODINA AND DRIVE TO THIMPHU Barshong to Dodina. The path descends for a while joining the Thimchu river and gradually ascending and descending through thick bamboo and pine forests. From Dolemkencho the trail descends all the way to Dodina where the Our coach will be waiting for your return. Walking time 7/8 hours. Drive 1 and half hour to Thimphu (capital city). Be at leisure to relax in your hotel or can explore the city on your own. o/n Hotel. Day11. THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING. Do sightseeing in Thimphu, visit the memorial Chorten, the Textile muesuem, the national handicrafts center. Visit Tashicho Dzong which also houses the office of His Majesty the King and most of the Ministers. Day12. 16 THIMPHU TO PARO. Complete shopping etc and drive to Paro which is 2 hrs from Thimphu. Complete sightseeing and farewell dinner at Paro. Day13. 17 DEPARTURE. Tour tariff: Group size Price in USD per person 01 person 2910 02 person 2790 03 -10 person 2430 11th person 50% off on Druk air and ground arrangements 10-15 person 2430 16th person gets 100% free on Druk air and ground arrangements. Single room/Tent supplement USD 420/- What is Included: • A grade Hotel/Resort accommodation with 03 meal plan and evening tea while at Paro and Thimphu. • All Trek arrangements porter ponies, cook, helpers, dining tents, kitchen tents, sleeping tents and mats. You can bring only your sleeping bag and trekking clothes and shoes. • English Speaking Guide throughout trek. • All transfers • All entry fees, visa fees and permit arrangements. Extras. • International and domestic flights. • Use of bar, drinks, telephone, laundry, internet. • Personal shopping etc. • Tips and Gratuities to Guide and trek crew. Options: While at Paro, there is the option to stay at some luxury Hotel like the Zhiwaling Hotel, if guests would like to stay there we can arrange for the same and an extra surcharge will be applicable based on room category and season. Please note that above programme might have some changes due to flight timings, schedules etc which we always confirm prior to departure. *********************************************************************** |
