Day 1 : Gunitsawa Village - Sharna Zampa

Distance 40 mins. Time 40 mins. Ascent descent 80 m. Camp Altitude 2,850 m

This trek begins at Gunitsawa Village were you pass the army post. 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 : Sharna Zampa - Thangthangkha

Distance 22 km. Time 7-8 hours. Ascent 770 m, descent 10 m. 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. From here, if weather permits, you will have the first great view of Mt. Jomolhari.

 

Day 3 : Thangthangkha - Jangothang

Distance 19 km. Time 5-6 hours. Ascent 480 m. 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 valley which widens into patches of alpine meadow and scanty growths of 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 yaks 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.

 

Day 4 : Jangothang Halt

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 your acclimatization. You can also trek up to Tosoh or hike around the area. There are good short hiking trails in three directions. Jomolhari and its subsidiary mountain chains lie directly west, Jichu Drake to the north and there are a number of unclimbed peaks to the east.

 

Day 5 : Jangothang - Lingshi

Distance 16 km. Time 6-7 hours. Ascent 810 m, descent 1,090m. Camp Altitude 3,800 m

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 Soi Yaktsa (Dhumzo) to arrive at your camp soon after.

 

Day 6 : Lingshi - Shodu

Distance 22 km. Time 8-9 hours. Ascent 940 m, descent 920 m. Camp Altitude 4,080 m

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 Jumolhari, Tserimgang and Masanggang. The trek from the pass to the campsite at Shodu is a steep downhill.

 

 

Day 7 : Shodu - Barshong

Distance 16 km. Time 5-6 hours. Ascent  250 m, descent 670 m. Camp Altitude 3,710 m

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 : Barshong - Dolam Kencho

Distance 15 km. Time 4-6 hours. Ascent 290 m, descent 640 m. Camp Altitude 3,320 m

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 : Dolam Kencho - Dodena

Distance 8 km. Time 3-4 hours. Ascent 500 m, descent 930 m

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.

 

Day 10 : Jomolhari Trek - Finish

The trek finishes at the beautiful Cherri Monastery, while it is a 40 min hike to the monastery it is well worth it.