Jomolhari Dodena Trek

As we fly to Bhutan we can get a spectacular views of the Himalayas .At the airport, we will be greeted by a representative from A Bucket list Adventure who will take us to our hotel. Today, we will visit National museum ( a best start to know about the culture, history, People and biodiversity of Bhutan), Visit Paro Dzong (fortress) built in 17th century which now house an administration and monastic body of the Paro district . In the Evening stroll around town’s main street. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, we hike for 4 -5 hours to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at 3,180 meters. In 8th century Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up the mountain. After having explored the monastery, we hike down to the valley We will drive to North of Paro passing by Drugyel Dzong, (a ruin fortress built in 17th century to commemorate the victory over Tibetan and Mongolian tribes ) to Sharna Zampa, where we and  our trekking crew will be camping for overnight.

Distance 22 km, 7-8 hours,  770 m ascent, 10 m descent, camp altitude 3,610 m.

On this long day, the trail continues with lots of small ups and downs. After going uphill through the river valley the valley finally narrows gradually to a mere path which descends to a meadow where a camp will be set up.We will have a great view of Mt. Jhomolhari from the camp site.

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

If you did not see Mt. Jomolhari the previous evening, we will still have a chance to get a great view early this morning. This morning the trek continues up the Paro Chhu valley which widens into patches of alpine meadow and scanty growth of forest.We will cross an army check post along the way before we reach a village of soe, Takethang and Dangothang. We will camp at Jangothang (Jhomolhari base camp) with a spectacular view of Mt.Jhomolhari(7314m).

The rest day in Jangothang provides plenty of possibilities for day hikes with great views of 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 our acclimation, we can go for day hike(2hrs) to Tshophu(4500m) , a glacier twin lake on the north -east of camp site.From Tshophu, we can get a great View of Mt.Jhomolhari and Mt.Jichu Drakey (6898m).

Distance 18 km, 6-7 hours, 840 m ascent, 870 m descent, camp altitude 4,010 m.

A short distance from the camp the trail begins climbing rapidly for about an hour and then becomes a gradual ascent to the Nyilila pass at 4,870m, from where we can see most of the Himalayan snow capped peak.We can also get a great view of Tsheringma/Tserimgang(6500m) next to Jichu Drakey. While on the climb we might see herds of Blue sheep gazing on the slopes of mountain and Marmot spying on us near their holes on certain times of the year.We can also see some Yak herders camp along the trail as we decent to Lingshi Army check post. We will climb for few minutes on the slope of mountain and descend down to the camp site by the side of River.

Distance 22km, eight to nine hours, 940m ascent, 920m descent, camp altitude 4,080m.
The trail follows the stream and 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 Jumolhari, Tserimgang and Masanggang. The trek from the pass to the campsite at Shodu is a steep downhill.

Distance 16km, five to six hours, 250m ascent, 670m descent, 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.We will camp near the Dzong.

Distance 15km, four to six hours, 290m ascent, 640m descent, 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.

Distance 8km, three to four hours, 500m ascent, 930m descent.

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.Then we will drive about 30 mins to the capital city. If time permits we will visit Tashichoeddzong(fortress of glorious religion) which houses His majesty the King’s office and central monk body. In the evening we will stroll around the main street of Thimphu. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Drive 1hr,55km
Today after breakfast, we will drive to Paro Airport and our representative will bid you farewell at the Airport.If you have enough time before flight, probably you can discuss with your guide and visit some places around.