9N 10D - Signature Jomolhari Trek

Drive to Satsam Chorten and spend the day hiking up the forested path to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most famous and scenic icon. The climb is steep and takes about 4 hours round trip. An important place of pilgrimage and refuge for more than 1200 years, Taktsang Monastery clings to sheer cliffs two-thousand feet above Paro Valley, and from your closest vantage point on a rocky ledge directly across from it, you will still need 200-300 mm lenses and a steady tripod to get tight photographs.

This sacred place got its name when Guru Rinpoche rode there on the back of a flying tiger and meditated in a cave behind the present-day monastery. Sadly, in 1998, the central temple was destroyed by fire, leaving the country in mourning for their holiest of spiritual places. But religious leaders and the King quickly developed a plan to rebuild Taktsang and donations started pouring in from Buddhist centres all over the world, and today, the magnificently rebuilt exterior is complete. Tiger’s Nest is once again the subject of cloud-shrouded posters that say, “Bhutan, Land of the Thunder Dragon.” Picnic lunch on the hillside cafeteria.

Overnight Hotel: 2,280m

From Paro - Shana - Thangthangka

Elevation 3,160m

Distance 22 km, duration 6-8 hours depending on the condition of the trail, 770 m ascent, 10 m descent, camp altitude 3,610 m

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. Bhutanese people formerly used this route as a trading route to Tibet. We cross several traditional wooden bridges before finally arriving Thanthangka. Camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter. From this, we can see Mount Jomolhari for the first time if the weather permits.

Overnight campsite: 3,610m

Elevation 4,080m

Distance 19 km, 5-6 hours, 480 m ascent, camp altitude 4,080 m

If you did not see Mt. Jomolhari the previous evening, you will still have a chance to get a great view early this morning. This morning the trek continues up the Paro Chhu that widens into patches of alpine meadow and scanty growths of a forest. You will cross an army checkpoint along the way and enjoy a spectacular view of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. In this area yak and their herder’s homes become a regular feature of the landscape.

Passing the villages Soe, Takethang and Dangochang is another asset on this day. After reaching Jangothang, one of the most beautiful campsites of the Himalayas, you will again have a spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari.

Overnight campsite: 4,080m

Elevation 3,800m

Distance 16km, walking time 6 - 7 hours, 810m ascent, 1,090m descent, camp altitude 3,800m

The trail leads to a last settlement in the valley and drops to the Paro Chhu. Passing the lake of Tshophu (4,380 m) you will climb steeply to Bhonte La pass at 4,890 m, the highest point of this trek route. Reaching the DhumzoChhu river, you trek downstream passing the few houses of Dhumzo. Bonte La The highest pass on this trek is crossed today, so it is important that we get an early start. The weather in the mountains tends to be most settled in the early morning, increasing the chances of spectacular views.

Bonte La (4,890 m) is the highest point of this trek. There are several cairns and prayer flags. Take time to enjoy the scenery or put up some prayer flags. Your camp site at SoiYaksay Valley is a beautiful site with impressive rock cliffs, waterfalls, deep side valleys and snow-covered peaks.

Overnight campsite: 3,800m

Elevation 4,180m

Distance 11 km, duration 4-5 hours, 720 m ascent, 340 m descent, camp altitude 4,180 m

The trail climbs 100 m over a ridge to drop to another stream then. After crossing the Takhung La pass (4,520 m), your descent to ThombuShong, your campsite for tonight.

Overnight campsite: 4,180m

Distance 13 km, duration 4-5 hours, 200 m ascent, 1,650 m descent

Crossing Thombu La pass (4,380 m) you will finally reach Gunitsawa where you will be collected by the car. Later proceed to Thimphu which is about 2 hours’ drive. Evening leisure in capital city.

Overnight hotel: 2,320m

Morning take a short drive to Buddha point which offers a beautiful city view of Thimphu. Astrologers & locals believe this spot is one of the central meeting points of the sacred energy vibe of the country hence the massive statue of Buddha facing the sun. On the way down, circumambulate around the Memorial Chorten (huge stupa) built in memory of the 3rd King of Bhutan. This is the favourite place for the locals to practice their devotions.

The drive to Punakha winds snake-like up the 3,000m-high mountain pass of Dochu La, offering views of 108 chortens, forests of cluttering prayer flags and, on a clear day, sweeping views of the Himalayan ranges.

Chimmi Lhakhang & Punakha Dzong

This is a full day of exploration through the lush Punakha Valley, which at 1,200m is low enough for bananas and oranges to grow. The morning starts with a short walk across farmhouses and rice paddies to reach Chimmi Lhakhang, a 15th-century fertility temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, a Tibetan Buddhist saint, perhaps better known as the ‘Divine Madman’. This site has long been a pilgrimage site for couples hoping to start a family.

Heading further down the valley, the 300-year-old Punakha Dzong comes into view. Built in the 17th century by ZhabdrungNgawang Namgyal (who founded the Kingdom of Bhutan), the fortress once housed the country’s government. It is now the winter home of Je Khenpo, the head abbot of Bhutan, along with a retinue of 1,000 monks.

Overnight hotel: 1,300m

Retrace your steps back over the Dochu La pass for another chance to view the Himalayan mountain range. Returning to the Chuzom (the confluence of the rivers Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu), you can glimpse the three nearby shrines, built to ward off evil spirits, each with a different style of architecture: Nepali, Tibetan and Bhutanese. Time-permitting, there will be a visit to Tamchog Lhakhang, a temple built by ThangtongGyalpo, a pioneering engineer who introduced the construction of suspension bridges into Bhutan and Tibet (several of which are still in use today). The final part of the drive to Paro is through apple orchards and rice paddies. Spend the rest of the day relaxing in the hotel’s calm setting, or do some last-minute shopping.

Overnight hotel: 2,280m

Druk Air normally departs in the morning to avoid adverse weather conditions so after breakfast, your transfer to the airport will be arranged depending on the flight schedule.