It is a six-day trek from Paro to the Jhomolhari base camp at Jangothang, returning via the same route or by an alternative trail to Paro. The view of the Jumolhari mountain (7,314 M) from Jangothang is spectacular. This popular trek also affords an excellent opportunity to see yaks. The highest point on the trail is 4115 meters.
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Day 1
Arrival Paro
Pick up from Paro International Airport (2280m) and drop at hotel. If time is available visit Paro town in the afternoon.
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Day 2
Paro Sightseeing
After breakfast, visit the National Museum housed in Ta-Dzong which was built in 1656 and served as the watch tower of Paro Dzong in the past. Visit Paro Dzong, also called the Rinchen Phug Dzong which means fortress on a heap of Jewels. Paro Dzong is one of the most impressive and well-known dzongs of Bhutan and was built in 1644. After lunch in town, proceed towards Drukgyel Dzong, 14 kilometres from the Paro town. Also known as the fortress of victory, Drukgyel Dzong was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1649 to commemorate the victory over Tibetan invaders. On the way to Drukgyel Dzong, you can view Takshang Monastery, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the floor of Paro valley. Takshang means "tiger's lair". Guru Rinpoche is believed to have flown on the back of a tigress and meditated here for three months. It is the most famous monastery of Bhutan. Return to the hotel. Dinner in the hotel.
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Day 3
Paro - Shana (Start of Trek)
Distance 14 kilometres, time 5-6 hours. The trek to Shana starts at Drukgyal Dzong and follows the Paro river through cultivated fields, tiny picturesque villages and forests filled with numerous birds and brightly coloured butterflies. Overnight at camp Shana. Altitude 2,820m.
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Day 4
Shana Thangthangka
Distance 21 Km, time 7-8hours. The trail follows the river through dense forests with a few isolated farmhouses. After a while, it narrows and closes in and winds up and down and passes a junction where another path leads north to Tremo La. Tibet. Camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter. Altitude 3610 m
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Day 5
Thangthangka - Jangothang
Distance 15 Km; Time 5 - 6 hours. After passing a small army post in the morning, the trail slowly leaves the forest line and gradually climbs into a beautiful valley, passing Tegethang, a winter home of yak herdsmen. Lunch will be in one of the yak herdmen's huts. Lots of yaks will be visible before arriving at the Jhomolhari base camp (4,115 m). High mountains overlook the camp and nearby are the ruins of an old fortress that was used to guard Bhutan against Tibetan invasions. Altitude 4,115 m
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Day 6
Jangothang (Acclimatization)
Rest day. A chance to acclimatize and walk up to the Jhomolhari glacier or to the lakes in the opposite direction.
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Day 7
Jangothang - Thangthangka
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Day 8
Thangthangka - Shana
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Day 9
Shana - Paro - Thimphu (end of trek)
Drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan after the trek. The journey to Thimphu from Paro Airport is 53 kilometres and takes about an hour and a half of driving time. Visit Thimphu town and interact with the Bhutanese people. Dinner will be served in the hotel.
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Day 10
Thimphu Sightseeing
Sightseeing in Thimphu (2320m) includes visits to National Library which was established in 1967 and has many ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan texts); the Painting School or the National Institute for Zorig Chusum (the 13 traditional arts and crafts like painting, woodcarving, embroidery and statue making); National Memorial Chorten which was built in 1974 in memory of the third King of Bhutan; Semtokha Dzong which is about five kilometres south of Thimphu. Semtokha Dzong was built in 1629 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Today it houses the Institute for Language and Culture Studies.); Tashichhodzong the seat of the government of Bhutan. It houses the secretariat, the Throne Room, His Majesty's secretariat, the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs and the Ministry of Finance. If the sightseeing falls on the weekend you can visit Thimphu's open vegetable market where farmers from the nearby regions gather to sell their produce. The evening is set aside for shopping in town.
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Day 11
Thimphu to Paro. Paro Sightseeing
The first stop on this road journey is at Dochula pass at 3,140 meters. Dochula is about 23 kilometres from Thimphu and on a clear day, it offers a clear view of the Himalayas. After refreshments in Dochula proceed towards Paro. It is a 72-kilometre journey from Dochula to Paro. Lunch will be served in the hotel at Paro. In the afternoon Paro sightseeing and explore the town. Dinner will be served in the hotel.
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Day 12
Departure
After an early breakfast, our representative will see you off at the Paro International Airport.