Duration: Nine days
Max. Elevation: 4,930m
Highest Camp: 4,080mStandard: Medium
Best Seasons: March to June & September to November
Start: Gunitsawa village (Paro)
Finish: Dodena (Thimphu)
- Trek to altitude differences of 2,500m and nearly 5,000m
- Breathtaking views of landscapes, fauna and flora.
- Spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari (Mountain Goddess) from Jomolhari Basecamp (Jangothang).
This trek begins at Gunitsawa Village where 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
On this long day, the trail continues with several ascends and descends. After an uphill trek through the river valley, the trail narrows gradually to a mere path and then descends to a meadow. This will be your camp for the night.
Day 3: Thangthangkha – Jangothang
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 scenic beauty.
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.
Day 5: Jangothang – Lingshi
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.
Day 6: Lingshi-Shodu
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.
Day 7: Shodu – Barshong
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
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
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 drive to Thimphu.
Overnight at the hotel.
