Day 1: Paro – Shana/Soe Thangthangkha. (Distance 6-7 hours hike, 3560m)
We drive 1.5 hours the winding road northwest up the Pa Chu to Drukyel, the ruined Dzong which once defended this valley from Tibetan invasion. This fortress, now under renovation, was once strategic in Bhutan’s defense against Tibetan invasion. Mt. Jhomolhari (24,500 feet), the sacred summit, reaches skyward beyond the Dzong. The road ends at Shana (2485m) where we find the army check post and the trek begins, following the river gently uphill through a narrowing agricultural valley. Many farms line the valley.
The trail proceeds up a wide valley beneath forest-covered mountains. Continue uphill through the river valley. It narrows and closes in and the trial winds up and down along the drainage. The trek is mostly downhill. Camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter.
The trailheads gradually up the river valley, passing farms and crossing and re-crossing the river many times. The trail goes up and down quite a bit and the footing is sometimes challenging with many river rocks on the path.
Overnight at Soe Thangthangkha campsite.
Day 2: Soe Thangthangkha – Jangothang (Distance 5-6 hours hike, 4080m).
We continue up the Pa Chu, passing a small army post where the valley begins to widen again. Now views of high ridges and snow-capped peaks can be seen all around. You may see Yak herders’ winter homes. The trail climbs to a beautiful flat plateau with a small chorten, and then follows the river around a sharp bend. Another brief climb takes us to plateau where our staff will have a hearty lunch waiting for us.
After a hot lunch of noodles and vegetables, we continue, now above tree line, through a spectacular valley lined with snow peaks and several huge waterfalls. We pass the small village of Jangothang, with their new health clinic, school and within an hour, we reach the camp at the base of the ruins of an ancient fortress and (if it is clear) Jhomolhari looming at the end of the valley.
Overnight at Jangothang campsite.
Day 3: Jangothang day Excursion to Bagala/Jichudrake base (4500m)
Today’s program is the excursion around Jichudrake or Jomolhari which can include a beautiful rewarding walk to the base of jichudrake and Jomolhari mountain. Be on the lookout for Blue Sheep and snow leopards.
Overnight at Jangothang
Day 4: Jangothang – Yaksa (Distance 6-7 hours, highest pass to cross: 4900m)
Start steep climb of 300 m in a short distance. After strenuous climb, you will be rewarded with flat or mildly ascending path around beautiful lakes. The views of Jomolhari and Jiychu Drake are breathtaking. Continue ascent to Bonte-la pass. It’s quite likely, that there will be some mild snow here. After crossing the pass with prayer flags, it will take about 3-4 hours descending through steep gully to Soe Yaksa valley.
Day 5: Yaksa-Thombu (Distance 5-6 hours hike, 4080m).
Climb through the rhododendron forest and along the ruins of the old castle monastery Sey Dzong to Tagulung-la pass (4,540 m). From the summit, you can have a spectacular view of the Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and even Kanchenjunga and Makalu peaks in great distance to the west. After some walk you descend to the Thombu valley, the last camp of the trek.
Day 6: Thombu – Gunitsawa, drive to Paro
Short and steep climb through rhododendron bushes to the summit of Thombu la pass (4270 m) and continue on the ridge with great views of surrounding and distant mountains. Shortly after you start descending steeply for about 2-3 hours until you reach the military camp of Gunitsawa, where the whole trek started. From here you’ll drive to Paro for hotel accommodation.
End of the trek
