Nirvana Expeditions - Tours & Treks

The following trek ventures to the base of one of the queens of Bhutan Himalaya, Mt. Jumolhari. It is revered by locals as abode of the gods. Trail starts in the broad alluvial plains of Paro and gradually runs past by the base of the perpetually crowned (snow and ice) mountain. It passes through the high altitude community of Lingshi, the pastoral tribal and ends in Thimphu the capital of Bhutan.

For complete list of treks and season, please check The Complete Trekking Option

JUMOLHARI TREK II
Duration: 15 Nights
Level: Moderate
Season: March to June & October to November

Day 1: Arrive Paro International Airport
On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by our representatives and your guide during your stay in Bhutan.

Day 2: Paro Sightseeing
Full day sightseeing in Paro, starting with the National Museum (Ta-Dzong). Originally a watch tower for the Paro Rinpung Dzong it was converted into a museum 1968. Next, visit the Rinpung Dzong, built in 1645, located on a small hill overlooking Paro valley. The Dzong is the seat of District Governor and Monastic body of Paro. Afterwards, walk down the ancient path way and cross the cantilever bridge on Paro river. Lunch in popular Sonam Trophel Restaurant in town. After lunch, visit 7th century Kyichu Temple. History indicates it was built by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet as part of 108 temples he built across the Himalayan Kingdoms to propogate Buddhism.

Day 3: Paro - Shana
Trek begins: Drive to Drukgyel Dzong, the starting point of the trek. While the team prepares the pack animals visit the ruins of the Drugyel. It was built as a monument of victory over Tibetan and Mongolian invaders in the 17th century. From here you can, as a preview, see the crown of Mount Jumolhari (24,029ft.), the base of which will make our camp in few days. The trail follows Paro River gently uphill through a narrowing valley of paddy fields. You will pass many traditional farmhouses along the way. The campsite is a meadow past an army outpost. Camp altitude 2800m., distance/walking time - 17 km/5-6 hours.

Day 4: Shana - Soe Thangthangkha
Continue uphill following the river and through the valley, which narrows and closes in after some distance. The trail then winds up and down along the drainage. Most of the trail actually is down hill after the initial climb. The campsite is located in a meadow with stone shelter. Camp altitude 3,400m., distance/walking time - 15 km/4-5 hours.

Day 5: Soe Thangthangkha - Jangothang
Gradual climb as the vegetation turns rapidly alpine, past an army outpost until the landscape opens up into wide valley. The view around is surrounded by high ridges and the snow-capped mountains all the way to Jangothang. You will also come across yaks and yak herder camps. Camp altitude 4,040m., distance/walking time - 19 kms/5-6 hours.

Day 6: Jangothang Halt
Spend the day in rest or explore the valley. There are many options for exploration including climbing the ridge behind the camp for better view Jumolhari and Jichu Drake or walk to the glacial basin of Jumolhari or to glacial lakes of Tsophu. A stop here does good for acclimatization since the route here on goes higher.

Day 7: Jangothang - Lingshi
The trail enters more serious climb today starting with a climb to a higher basin, from where it level for a while, until the start for a long climb to Nyile La pass at 4,890m. After the pass it is a long descent into Lingshi basin. The vegetation is sparse and as you approach Lingshi you will see great view of the frontier fortress, Mount Tserim Kang and its glaciers to the north. Camp altitude 4,150m., distance/walking time - 19 kms/ 5-6 hours.

Day 8: Lingshi Halt
Spend the day resting or take day excursions to Lingshi Dzong and village or a trip to Tsokha Lake at 4,500m., the base camp for Jichu Drake. High chances to see Blue sheep and Musk deer during the day hikes. Tsokha excursion is 15 kms and will take 3 - 4 hours.

Day 9: Lingshi - Shodu
The trail climbs up gradually to a glacial basin with great view of Lingshi Dzong and further high across Yelila Pass at 4,820m. From the pass, you see Jumolhari, Tserim Gang and Masagang on clear days. The trek from the pass to campsite at Shodu is almost all downhill. Camp altitude 3,963m., distance/walking time - 22 kms./7 - 8 hours.

Day 10: Shodu - Barshong
From here on the trail follows the Thimchu River through rhododendron forests and in the beginning bamboos. The valley is narrow most of the way until the climb to ruins of Barshong Dzong, a 17th century trade-route guard post. Camp altitude 3,785m., distance/walking time - 13 Kms./3 - 4 hours.

Day 11: Barshong - Dolam Kencho
The trail descends through thick rhododendron forest and makes the place almost surreal in the right season. It is either on faily level ground or downhill until camp by Thimchhu again. Camp altitude 3,628m., distance/walking time – 11 kms./3 - 4 hours.

Day 12: Dolam Kencho – Thimphu
The trail descends all the way to Dodena through progressively temperate vegetation. It is a winding route downhill with great part of the day descending stone steps to the river again, which you leave at mid-day. Shortly after you hit the river valley, it is not far to walk to the bridge and road that marks the end of the trek at the base of two famous Buddhist Colleges and retreat center of Tango and Cheri. Distance/walking time - 14 kms./ 4 - 5 hours. Your car will take you to a hotel in Thimphu.

Day 13: Thimphu Halt
Full day sightseeing in the capital city. Visit the Memorial Chorten dedicated to the memory of 3rd King, the National Library – a repository of ancient manuscripts, Traditional Art School, Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Museum and the Handicrafts. End the day with visit to Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the Government which houses the King’s Throne, and several Government Ministries. Evening cultural show and dinner with invited Bhuatnese guests for “beyond your guide” exposure.

Day 14: Thimphu – Punakha/Wangdue (66kms/ 2 ½ hrs)
Drive across Dochula pass (3,100m.) with its great view of the inner Himalayan peaks, through forests of Rodhodendrins and Magnolias and down to Punkaha and Wangdue valley.

After lunch visit Punakha Dzong, once the seat of the government. The Dzong lies between two rivers, Phochu and Mo Chhu – you have almost seen its water head. It was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal the founder of unified Bhutan in 1637 AD and is one of the most important historical fortresses Bhutan. In the Dzong are kept the sacred remains of Pema Lingpa and Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Dzong now houses the District Administration office and the winter residence of the state Monastic Body and the Chief Abbot. Next visit Chime Lhakhang, dedicated to famous saint Drukpa Kuenley, the divine Madman. 77 kms. and 3 hours.

Day 15: Thimphu Sightseeing
In the morning visit Wangduephodrang Dzong and the unique town built on steep slopes, on stilts. After early lunch retrace your drive to Thimphu and further on to Paro. Farewell dinner today. 135 kms. and 4 hours.

Day 16: Thimphu - Paro International Airport
Your journey into Bhutan ends. Your guide will see you off at the airport on your way to the next adventure.

The Complete Trek Option
There are currently twelve trekking routes in four categories – easy, moderate, challenging and very challenging, that we handle. The category depends on duration, altitude and terrain. Following are brief description of the treks. For full details, please, contact us.

Bumthang Cultural Trek :
Starting out from Chamkhar valley, this is a three days trek in northeast Bumthang, through villages, temples and varied vegetation of the countryside. This is an easy trek that provides opportunity to witness rural life and a taste of nature in close encounter. <TOP>

Gangtey Trek :
Also a three-day trek, this is excellent for average walkers. It starts from Phobjikha valley, goes through the isolated valleys of Gogona and Khotokha, amid fields of rhododendrons in spring. It ends in Chunzom, about ten kilometers from Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. <TOP>

Gasa Hot Spring Trek :
A low altitude trek, this is the end part of Laya Gasa trek. This leads to hot springs at the base of Gasa Dzong north of Punakha valley. Early spring and late autumn to early winter is the best season since leeches and gnats make it very unpleasant in other seasons. <TOP>

Jumolhari Trek I :
An easier version of the main Jumolhari, this trek, starts from Drugyel Dzong in Paro, goes to the base camp of Mt. Jumolhari (7314m) at Jangothang and comes back. There are remote yak herders’ villages on the way and possibility of seeing animals such as marmots, blue sheep and gorals are great. Height of spring you will see many exotic alpine vegetation in bloom. This is one of the most popular treks. <TOP>

Druk Path :
This is a short trek but part of the route reaches mid 3000 meters and some days can be strenuous. The route can be done either way, Paro to Thimphu, and vice versa. Highlights of the trek are Phajoding – an old meditation center, high altitude lakes with lot of trouts, an old royal palace and magnificent view of Mt. Jumolhari.
Sinchula Trek: This follows an ancient route between Thimphu and Punakha. Starting from Thimphu it has only one day of difficult climb, after which it is a gradual descent. <TOP>

Sinchula :
This a short trek close to Thimphu. Most trekking days are short but there are few steep climbs that finally lead to beautiful high altitude lakes. <TOP>

Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek :
This a short trek close to Thimphu. Most trekking days are short but there are few steep climbs that finally lead to beautiful high altitude lakes. <TOP>

Duer Hot Spring Trek :
On the route to Mt. Gangkhar Puensum (7,541m), the highest unclimbed mountain in the world, the route passes through villages following the Yoleng Chhu. The vegetation is primarily cyprus, spruce, hemlock and maple. There are herds of musk deer in this area. There is also a lake on the way before reaching the hot springs at 3,590 meters. <TOP>

Jumolhari Trek II :
This is a challenging route that starts from Paro, past Jangothang base camp, remote Lingshi Dzong and into Thimphu valley. This is a very popular trek that has abundant natural beauty on its path. <TOP>

Laya-Gasa Trek :
An extension of Jumolhari trek that diverts in Lingshi, it takes the high route to remote yak herder village of Laya. The route then comes down to Gasa, past the hot springs and into Punakha valley. This is also a very popular route. <TOP>

Wild Rodungla Trek :
This route follows the ancient foot-highway, before automobiles arrived in Bhutan, leading to the eastern regions of the country. It starts in Bumthang and ends in Tangmachu village in Lhuentse. However, there is a possible extension that will lead into the farthest district in Bhutan, Trashi Yangtse. The route is difficult, strewn with rough-cut paths and muddy areas. <TOP>

Snowman Trek :
This is the mother of all treks in Bhutan, the most challenging, reputedly even in the world. It takes 23 days traversing the whole length of northern Bhutan. It starts in Paro, following Jumolhari trek route to Laya, then into remote village of Lunana and end in Sephu, a village between Wangdue Phodrang and Trongsa. The full Snowman trek continues to Bumthang before dropping into Sephu village and picks up on the Wild Rodungla trek, all the way to Trashi Yangtse. This is rarely done since it amounts to additional two weeks and a very huge expense. <TOP>

Nirvana Expeditions
P.O Box 611, Deki Lam, Changangkha
Thimphu, Bhutan
Telephone : 975 232 8875
Fax : 975 233 1781
Email : info@nirvanaexpeditions.com

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