Jumolhari Yaktsa trek

12 Days
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Jumolhari Yaktsa trek is one of the best trekking in Bhutan and it is a trek from Paro valley to Jumolhari Base camp. Jumolhari is located on the border between Bhutan and Tibet China. Jumolhari Yaktsa trek begins in Paro valley with two nights acclimatization to the altitude and visiting Bhutan’s most famous and sacred Taktshang monastery and some of the Bhutan’s most famous Dzong and monasteries.

Jumolhari Yaktsa trek can take you to the most beautiful and high altitude nomadic areas of Bhutan, driving through a rough road on the first day for around 2 hours and then start the trek from Drukgyel Dzong to Shama village along the Paro Chu. Since ti is a first of the trekking in Bhutan, we will just walk for one hour and rest at the campsite.

During Jumolhari Yaktsa trek, you will enter Jigme Dorji National Park which is named after the late Bhutan’s king Jime Dorji and it is the second largest national park in Bhutan. The park The park is a home to many different kinds of wild lives in Bhutan including snow leopard, clouded leopard, Himalayan blue sheep, Bengal tiger, and black musk deer so on. Passing by a village of Sheng Karap and Tremo-la is nearby; a stone paved trail utilized as a trade route from Tibet. You are very near the Tibet and Bhutan border and it was used to be a pretty big trade routed between Bhutan and Tibet in the olden days.

Most of the Himalayan kingdoms including Bhutan, Nepal, Ladhak, Sikkim and Tibet have Yaks and for them Yak is everything, especially in the olden days. They use Yaks for meat, to plough the fields, to transport goods. Yak’s hair is used for making tents, blankets and clothes and Yak’s tail is used for cleaning and they get cheese, milk, tea. From Thangthangkha to Jangothang is 4-hours trek starting at Pa Chu and you are now entering the nomad area of Bhutan with lots of Yak. The nomads here utilized Yaks for the same purpose as other Himalayan kingdoms.

During Jumolhari Yaktsa trek, you will not only see Bhutan’s nomads and Yak but also can interact with Bhutan’s nomads by visiting their nomad tents, talking with nomads, having meals in their black Yak hair made tent. After continue trekking to Jumolhari base camp, you will reach the most beautiful view point of Jumolhari snow mountain at 7326m ( 24035 ft), Jichu Drake’s highest summit at 6989m and surrounding unclimbed peaks in the east.

Your trekking in Bhutan will end up in Paro valley and continue drive to Thimphu city at the distance of 50km which takes you around one hour and 16 minutes. Spending two nights in Thimphu city, visiting the most important sites of Thimphu city in Bhutan during your trekking tours in Bhutan. Finally drive back to Paro valley and take the international flight back from Bhutan.
Days Trip Outline Daily Activity Accommodation Guide & Driver Meal
01 Arrival in Paro airport and transfer to downtown Paro valley ( 2250m/5km/10 min ) Museum at Tadzong-Rinpung Dzong-Dongtse Lhakang Hotel Bhutanese LD
02 Paro sightseeing tour Taktshang monastery-Drugyel Dzong-view of Mount Jumolhari Hotel Bhutanese BLD
03 Paro to Shana (2820m/2h drive/2km/1 h trek ) Gunitsawa-Drugyel Dzong-Army checkpoint-Paro Chu-Shana Camp Bhutanese BLD
04 Shana to Thangthangka ( 3581m/16Km/7 h ) Jigme Dorji National Park-Sheng Karap-Thangthangkha Camp Bhutanese BLD
05 Thangthangka To Jangothang ( Jumolhri Base camp ) ( 4090m/11Km/4 h) Nomad camp with Yak-snow peak mountain-Jangothang-Jumolhari Basecamp Camp Bhutanese BLD
06 Jangothang (Jumolhri Base camp Halt ) Great view of Jumolhari Mountain with sun rise-Jichu Drake-Tshophu Camp Bhutanese BLD
07 Jangothang to Tsophu Lake (4380m/8Km/2 h ) Sophu Lake-Yak herders camp-Interact with nomads Camp Bhutanese BLD
08 Tsophu Lake to Yaktsa ( 3870m/14km/5h) Bonte la Pass at 4890m-Dhumzo chhu river-Dhumzo village-Yaktsa Camp Bhutanese BLD
09 Yaktsa to Thombu Shong ( 4165m/11Km/5h ) Taklungla Pass at 4550m-spectacular view of Mt. Jumolhar, Jichudrakey Tserimgang and many other high Peaks-Thombu Shong nomad camp site Camp Bhutanese BLD
10 Thombu Shong to Shana–Paro-Thimphu ( 2350m/14Km/4-5h/50km drive ) Thumbo la at 4380m-view of Mt Jho Darkey-Shana village-Paro-Thimphu Hotel Bhutanese BLD
11 Sightseeing tour in Thimphu Tango monastery-Arts and craft school-Traditional medicine center-Bhutan post office-Tashichhodzong Hotel Bhutanese BLD
12 Thimphu to Paro international airport ( 2250m/50km/ 1h/16 min ) Thimphu-Paro valley-Paro International airport End the trip Bhutanese BB

Inclusive

  • Accommodation as mentioned in the program on twin sharing room basis
  • All necessary Bhutan travel permits
  • Transportation by one good conditioned tourist vehcile
  • Full board for entire tour
  • All entry fees to the sites and monasteries during your Bhutan tour
  • One good local English speaking guide
  • All camping equipment except sleeping bags
  • All camping fee
  • Pakc horse and horse men for the trek
  • All cooking team
  • Different kinds of snack like biscuit, cheese, dried and fresh fruit during trek
  • Oxygen incase needed

Exclusive

  • Both International and domestic flight
  • Bhutan visa fee
  • All kinds of insurance such as personal insurance, evacuation and medical insurance
  • Personal riding horse
  • Personal and medical evacuation insurance
  • Any extra cost in the event of landslides and personal nature expenses need to be paid by clients themselves
  • Day 01: Arrival in Paro airport and transfer to downtown Paro valley ( 2250m/5km/10 min ) Hotel on LD

    Your introduction to the enchanting Kingdom of Bhutan begins on the flight itself, a couple of minutes before landing into the beautiful Paro valley. The majestic mountains, ancient monasteries and lush alpine forest will usher you into the country popularly branded as the last Shangri-La of the world. On arrival at Paro Airport you will be received by our representative, who will straight away take you to Hotel for check in and refreshment. We begin our tour of Paro valley straight after. Visit the Museum at Ta Dzong, which served as a watch tower for Paro Rinpung Dzong back in the old days. But since its conversion to a museum, it has become the hotspot for tourists. The artifacts on display will give you an insight into the Bhutanese way of life, which you will be experiencing first hand in the following days. Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong. Built in the year 1645, this towering monastery-fortress is the administrative centre of Paro district. Like every Dzong in Bhutan, the clergy resides inside pursuing their dharma activities. While you are there you can interact with the monks and get a feel of the monastic life in Bhutan through their eyes. Then we go to nearby Dungtse Lhakhang, a temple designed in the shape of a Stupa. This temple has a wide collection of illustrious ancient paintings on Drukpa Kagyu sect of Buddhism. Towards evening, we visit the nearby archery field to watch the local people play.

  • Day 02: Paro sightseeing tour. Hotel on BLD

    Today, we hike to the Tak¬tshang monastery, perched on a sheer cliff face, 800 meters above the valley floor. No one has any clue as to how this architectural feat was achieved, although some even go to the length of attributing the role of the supernatural forces in its construction. Anyway, the myths surrounding this temple has it that the place was blessed in the 8th century by tantric Buddhist master Guru Padma Sambhava who visited the place astride a ferocious tigress believed to be a miracu¬lous transformation of the master’s famous consort, Yeshey Tshogyal. Apart from the myths, the hike is beautiful as it meanders along a forested trail that is as old as the monas¬tery itself. After lunch at Taktshang Cafeteria overlooking the beautiful Paro valley, we descend and then drive up to the ruined fortress at Drugyal Dzong. The Dzong – whose name means “Fortress of Victory” – commemorates the victory of Bhutanese over Tibetan invaders in the 17th century. From here, we can see the snow-clad Mount Jumolhari (Abode of Goddess Jumo, alt. 7,329 m), one of the most sacred and beautiful peaks in Bhutan. Return to the hotel for relaxation. You may like to indulge in the herbal traditional hot stone bath followed by aeroma or Swedish massage.

  • Day 03: Paro to Shana (2820m/2h drive/2km/1 h trek ) Camp on BLD {{ Altitude gain 570m / Altitude loss: 0 Level of Difficulty: easy }}

    Drive un paved road to Gunitsawa through Drugyel Dzong following the Paro river through the beautiful meadows and paddy fields of the upper Paro valley. Look back to view the strategically built Drukgyel Dzong, watchtower over Paro Valley. Stop at Armey gate to process all necessary permits and trek one hour to Shana. The camp is just beyond an army outpost at Shana. You proceed over a wooden cantilever bridge across the Paro Chhu. A climb to the rustic village of Shana Zampa for overnight camp. Altitude 2820m

  • Day 04: Shana to Thangthangka ( 3581m/16Km/7 h ) Camp on BLD {{ Total Altitude Gain: 760m Altitude Loss: 0 Level of difficulty: long but not difficult. }}

    Shana to Thangthangkha is a about 7 - 8 hour trek. Continuing on a gradual climb alongside the Paro Chhu (Chhu Means River) through conifers and rhododendron you'll soon enter Jigme Dorji National Park. Lunch served at Sheng Karap. Tremo-la is nearby; a stone paved trail utilized as a trade route from Tibet. We are very near the Tibet and Bhutan border. Here there are two path one would take you to Tibet, we will not take this path. We take our path to cross over a wooden bridge and continue our climb over a set of switchbacks and cross the river again. Ups and downs, with more ups, will bring us over our last bridge of the day. The terrain can be challenging. Camp at 3581m

  • Day 05: Thangthangka To Jangothang ( Jumolhri Base camp ) ( 4090m/11Km/4 h) Camp on BLD {{ Total altitude gain: 509m Altitude Loss: 0 Level of difficulty: Moderate }}

    Thangthangkha to Jangothang is 4-hours trek starting at Pa Chu. Your climb today gains elevation and you will be comfortably worn out at day's end. You are now entering "yak" country. Yaks are utilized for pack animals as well as supply cheese, milk, tea, meat and Yak hair for weaving of huts, blankets, clothes, backpacks and hats. Burley and huge, the yak plays an important role in Bhutan history, yesterday and today. Remote villages are dotted throughout this area. A stone and log bridge provides access to Jangothang. Winters here are harsh and long. Unparalleled views of snow Peak Mountain form the eastern side of the valley. Camp at 13,500 ft. (4090 m)

  • Day 06: Jangothang (Jumolhri Base camp Halt ) Camp on BLD

    Halt day Jangothang Halt. Rise early this morning to view Jumolhari Mountain. Today is for exploration and relax and acclimate. Choose from several day hikes for unsurpassed views of Jichu Drake at 28,000 ft (8485 m) and surrounding unclimbed peaks in the east. Day hike to Tshophu, a high altitude lake at 14,500ft (4394 m) is an alternative, as well as an outing toward the glacier at the foot of Jumolhari Mountain. Overnight in camp

  • Day 07: Jangothang to Tsophu Lake (4380m/8Km/2 h ) Camp on BLD {{ Altitude gain: 290m Altitude Loss: 0 Level of difficulty: short and easy }}

    The trail leads north with steep climb the first half an hour crossing a beautiful stream until you reach a high ridge and from the ridge to Sophu Lake its gradual downhill walk for another one and half hour. Camp near the TSophu Lake. Afternoon: Dine with yak herders on simple fare of Tsampa ( barley flour) ,yak milk and yak butter tea ( Sooja) in their tents woven from yak hair. Hear more stories of the snow leopard and interact with the yak herders. Overnight: Camp Altitude: 4380 m

  • Day 08: Tsophu Lake to Yaktsa ( 3870m/14km/5h) Camp on BLD {{ Altitude gain: 580m Altitude Loss: 1090m Level of difficulty: Moderate difficult }}

    Today the trail leads north towards Bonte la Pass at 4890m. and from the pass it descends a slope crisscrossed with ancient pathways marked by yak hooves as they went down to the watering holes on the Dhumzo chhu river. It finally trek down stream below the few houses of Dhumzo to a bridge, cross to the south side of the river and continue a short distance to a camp at Yaktsa 3870m The route between Sophu and Dhumzo is the main hunting grounds of the snow leopards and yak herders have often sighted the snow leopard stalking their herds in broad daylight while yaks have vanished mysteriously under their very eyes with only bleached bones found among hidden crevasses

  • Day 09: Yaktsa to Thombu Shong ( 4165m/11Km/5h ) Camp on BLD {{ Altitude gain: 685m Altitude Loss: 390m Level of difficulty: Moderate difficult }}

    The trail is gradual up hill through a forest of Juniper, fir and Rhododendron for while. After the forest trails is gentle ascent through alpine meadows passing some temporary Yak herders then drops to stream. After Crossing that stream trail climb to the Taklungla Pass at 4550 M . Climb to the pass is strenuous but beautiful surrounding with spectacular view of Mt. Jumolhar, Jichudrakey Tserimgang and many other high Peaks. After the pass is One hour downhill to the campsite at Thombu Shong (4,165m.). Thombu campsite is situated in a beautiful alpine valley, where you will see yak- herder’s dwellings huts built out of stone, with a wooden shingle roof. You see Yaks graze in this valley that stretches endlessly into the mountains beyond the campsite,Visit the yak herders and enjoy the cup of Yak butter tea .

  • Day 10: Thombu Shong to Shana–Paro-Thimphu ( 2350m/14Km/4-5h/50km drive ) Hotel on BLD {{ Altitude gain: 215m Altitude loss: 2030m Level of Difficulty: Moderate difficult }}

    Trail Climb out of the valley to a Thumbo la at 4380m, Pass and then gradually goes down hill through the ridge of Thombu with the view of Mt Jho Darkey. After leaving the alpine ridges trails then make a steep decent, switchback down the pine forest finally reaching the village of Shana and you will be met by Rainbow transport staff and driven to Paro and continue to Thimphu for over night

  • Day 11: Sightseeing tour in Thimphu. Hotel on BLD

    Morning Excursion to Tango: drive 12 kilometers North of Thimphu town for half an hour till the base of Tango Hill. It is a 45-minute hike to Tango Monastery, a renowned Buddhist College and a site blessed by many great Buddhist masters over nearly a thousand years. “Tango” literally means “horse-head” named after the rock formation on the side of the temple that resembles the head of a horse. Picnic lunch will be served near the river bank after we cross a traditional wooden bridge near Cheri Zam. Afternoon Visit the “School for Thirteen Traditional Arts and Crafts”, the Traditional Medicine Centre which includes an herbal medicine manufacturing unit. Visit Bhutan post office, and then finally Trashichhodzong, the Central Secretariat of the Royal Government of Bhutan.

  • Day 12: Thimphu to Paro international airport ( 2250m/50km/ 1h/16 min ) End the trip.

    After breakfast, drive to Paro along the Thimphu and Paro river at the distance of 50km and it will tak you around one hour and 16 minutes. See off at the airport and end the trip.

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Note: Contact us if the departure dates doesn't suit you. We can also arrange you a personalized trek according to your convenience. For more details, Contact Us

Inclusive

  • Accommodation as mentioned in the program on twin sharing room basis
  • All necessary Bhutan travel permits
  • Transportation by one good conditioned tourist vehcile
  • Full board for entire tour
  • All entry fees to the sites and monasteries during your Bhutan tour
  • One good local English speaking guide
  • All camping equipment except sleeping bags
  • All camping fee
  • Pakc horse and horse men for the trek
  • All cooking team
  • Different kinds of snack like biscuit, cheese, dried and fresh fruit during trek
  • Oxygen incase needed

Exclusive

  • Both International and domestic flight
  • Bhutan visa fee
  • All kinds of insurance such as personal insurance, evacuation and medical insurance
  • Personal riding horse
  • Personal and medical evacuation insurance
  • Any extra cost in the event of landslides and personal nature expenses need to be paid by clients themselves

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