"I have traveled throughout the world for decades but our MountainVision trek was far and beyond all expectations. The grandeur of the mountains, the joy of community service, the excellent food, and wonderful service were all world class. Most of all, Jeff is remarkably gifted at building superb teams of adventurous people who truly enjoy each other. In sum, it was an experience of a lifetime."
We offer multiple treks and itineraries for experiencing Bhutan. Here we have listed our most popular Jhomolhari Trek. However, we are pleased to create an itinerary that suits your trekking desires with regards to level of difficulty as well as budget. Each of our treks are primarily on foot, trekking through the high Himalaya. Our Cultural Tour is a way to discover Bhutan with a bit less exertion, primarily by private car with intermittent hikes along the way. This is a great way for multiple family members or friends to experience Bhutan "together".
Jhomalhari Trek Itinerary
Days 1 - 2Home - Bangkok, Thailand
The Gateway for our journey is Bangkok, Thailand. You will be met by a MountainVision representative for transport to the the Novotel, Suyarnabhum Airport Hotel. Make sure to arrive in Bangkok on October 3rd. Most flight don’t arrive until later in the evening.
Day 3 Bangkok to Paro, Bhutan
We depart from Bangkok very early for our flight to Paro, Buhtan. If the skies are clear you’ll be treated to some breath taking views of the highest peaks in the world including Mt. Everest, Makalu and beautiful Kanchenjunga. Paro stands at 7,500 ft. above sea level, where we are met by our Bhutanese hosts and guide and transfer to our hotel. After lunch we pay a visit to Ta Dzong, built in 1651 as a watch tower and in 1968 inaugurated as Bhutan’s National Museum. The collection includes art, relics, religious thangkha painting, postage stamps, coins and handicrafts, as well as a small natural history collection. Below Ta Dzong is Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), the Fortress of Jewels, built in 1646.
Day 4 Paro, Bhutan
This morning we drive to Drugyel Dzong, built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel to commemorate his victory over the Tibetans in 1644. Drugyel Dzong means ‘fortress of the victorious Drukpas’. When the high mountain air is clear the towering peak of Mount Jhomolhri , 7314 metres (24,000 feet) appears as an impressive backdrop. The mountain, which marks the frontier with Tibet, is sacred, as are all the mountains in Bhutan, and it is the dwelling place of the Goddess Jomo. It was first climbed in 1937, but the expedition never actually set foot on the summit. Jomolhari has never been climbed since and it is now a ‘protected peak’.
In the afternoon, visit Kyichu Lhakhang. Built by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century, it’s one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 5 Paro to Shana Hike time: 5-6 hours
Estimated distance: 9 miles
Elevation change: 1000 ft
Camp at 9,250 ft
Our trek starts from Drukgyel Dzong (2,580) with a short downhill walk on a wide trail. The trail then climbs gently through well maintained rice terraces and field of millet. Later on we come to apple orchards and forests. Soon the valley widens, and we reach the army post of Gunitsawa (2,810m). This is the last stop before Tibet. We continue upwards to just beyond Sharma Zampa (2,870 m), where there are several good camping places in meadows surrounded by trees.
Day 6 Shana to Thangthangkha Hike time: 7-8 hours
Estimated distance: 12 miles
Elevation change: 2500 ft
Camp at 12,300 ft
The trail again follows the Pa Chu (Paro river), ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forest. After crossing a bridge to the left bank of the river, We stop for a lunch . Then we continue along the river, climbing upwards through rhododendron forest, and crossing the river once more before reaching our campsite (3,750m).
Day 7 Thangthangkha to Jangothan Hike time: 5 hours
Estimated distance: 9.5 miles
Elevation change: 1,400 ft
Camp at 13,251 ft
The path ascends for a while until we reach the army camp. We then follow the river above the tree line, enjoying stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch is served at a yak herder's camp. A short walk from here into the valley takes us to our campsite at Jangothang (4,040 m) where the view of Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake are superb.
Day 8 Jangothang Halt to Lingshi Hike time: 7-8 hours
Estimated distance: 9.5 miles
Elevation change: +2,300 ft, -2,400 ft
Camp at 13,120 ft
The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right bank. We now start our climb up the first ridge, enjoying breathtaking views of Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang. The trail then takes us across a fairly level valley floor until the climb up to Nyele-la pass (4,700 m). We descend gradually from the pass to our campsite at Lingshi (4,000m) enjoying a panoramic view of the mountain peaks and Lingshi Dzong as we walk.
Day 9 Lingshi to Shodu Hike time: 8-9 hours
Estimated distance: 12.5 miles
Elevation change: +2,700 ft, -2,400 ft
Camp at 13,440 ft
The Laya -Gasa route leaves the Jhomolhari trek route here. Our trail climbs up towards a small white chorten on a ridge above the camp, then turns south up the deep Mo Chu valley. The trail stays on the west side of this largely treeless valley, climbing steadily a short distance above the Mo Chu. It then crosses the river, and climbs steeply for two hours to Yeli-la (4,820 m). On a clear day you can see Jhomolhari, Gangchenta, Tserimgang and Masagang from this pass. We descend alongside a stream to a rock shelter in the cliff face, and then continue on downstream till reaching Shodu (4,100m), where we will camp in a meadow with a chorten in it.
Day 10 Shodu to Barshong Hike time: 6-7 hours
Estimated distance: 9 miles
Elevation change: -1,600 ft
Camp at 11,800 ft
We are now back at the tree line, and our path follows the course of the Thimphu Chu, descending through rhododendrons, junipers and mixed alpine forests. There are stunning views of rocky cliff faces and waterfalls along the way. We stop at the riverside for a hot lunch, then the trail takes us gradually upwards to the ruins of Barshong Dzong (3,600m), near which we camp for the night.
Day 11 Barshong to Dolam Kencho Hike time: 5-6 hours
Estimated distance: 8 miles
Elevation change: variable
Camp at 11,800 ft
The trail descends gently through a dense forest of rhododendron, birch and conifers, then drops steeply to meet the Thimphu Chu. The trail runs along the left bank of the river, climbing over ridges and descending into gullies where side streams run down into the river. The final stage of the trail climbs around a cliff face high above the Thimphu Chu, coming out onto Pastureland where we camp for the night at 3,600 m.
Day 12 Dolam Kencho to Dodena to Thimphu Hike time: 3 hours
Estimated distance: 5 miles
Elevation change: finish at Dodena @ 8,800 ft
The trail winds in and out of side valley above the Thimphu Chu, making a long ascent through a forest of conifers and high altitude broadleaf species to a pass at 3,510 m. The trail then drops steeply down to the river, following it southward to the road head at Dodena (2,600 m). Here we meet a vehicle and drive to Thimphu and overnight at the Thimphu Hotel.
Day 13 Thimphu (Capital of Bhutan) to Paro
Early morning drive to Paro and hike up to the famous Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang) monastery in Paro. Overnight in Paro.
Day 14 Paro to Bangkok
After an early breakfast in the hotel we drive to the airport for flight back to Bangkok. We’ve arranged another night for your here at the Novotel to relax prior to catching flights home.
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MountainVision Expeditions
1024 55th St.
Boulder, CO 80303
Days 1 - 2 Home - Bangkok, Thailand 
