JOMOLHARI TREK

During this flight one will enjoy the view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari& Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro Airport the representative of Atlas Tour and Travel will receive you and transfer you to the hotel. later visit Ta Dzong former Watch Tower which now houses the National Museum and then visit Rinpung Dzong which houses the monastic school and the office of the civil administration andwalk down passing close by crossing the Bhutanese typical wooden roofed bridge to Paro town. After a short stroll in town drive back to hotel for the night halt.

After breakfast, drive for half an hour and start the hike, which is about 5 hours (round trip.) The trail is along an ancient path marked by river powered prayer wheels.

As you reach Taktshang you will be struck by the architectural wonder of this most pious Buddhist shrine in Bhutan. Perched some 1000m, 3000ft on a cliff overlooking the valley, it would justifiably qualify as one of Bhutan’s wonders. Tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998. It has been rebuilt to its original glory. It is said that the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress to tame five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A.D. Hence the name, Taktshang, or the “Tiger’s Lair.”

Descend back to Ramthangka. If the time permits, drive further north to visit another symbolic structure, which is now in ruins. Drugyel Dzong, or “Castle
of the Victorious Drukpa,” which was also built by the Shabdrung to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetans in the 16thcenturies.
From here, the Jomolhari Peak (“Mountain of the Goddess”) can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7,329m/24,029ft.). Overnight at hotel.

Paro Taktshang, Tiger’s Nest Monastery

After breakfast drive to Shana where the motor-able road ends and start the trek to Thangthangkha. (Distance 22km, seven to eight hours, 770m ascent, 10m descent, camp altitude 3,610m). The trail is gradual ascend following the Paro river through the conifer forest and Rhododendron. The path narrows and closes in and the trail winds up and down along the drainage. Camp is in the meadow with stone shelter built for trekkers surrounded by conifer and birch forest and on clear days one can have

Shana Camp

a magnificent view of Mt. Jhomolhari suddenly peeping at you through the clouds. Overnight at camp.

(Distance 19km, five to six hours, 480m ascent, camp altitude 4,080m). The trail leads by passing the array post and the valley begins to widen and come by the winter house of yak herder where hot lunch will be served in one of the houses. Halt camp beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mt. Jhomolhari.

Camp at base of Jomolhari

The day in Jangothang provides plenty of possibilities for day hikes with great views on lakes and snow capped mountains such as Jhomolhari 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. Trek up to Tosoh or hike around the area. There are good short hiking trails in
three directions. Jumolhari and itssubsidiary mountain chains lay directly west, Jichu Drake to the north and a number of unclimbed peaks to the east Jangothang

(Distance 18km, six to seven hours, 840m ascent, 870m descent, camp altitude 4,010m)

After your breakfast you start ascending up the mountainside towards Nyelila.
During the ascend you will be seeing the Mt.Jhomolhari, Mt. Jichu Drake and Tsherim Gang till Nyelila at which point you will be seen off by the former
two mountains. There after you will be seeing only Tsherim Gang. From Nyelila pass the trail leads you down to the camp.

Lingzhi Dzong

(Distance 22km, eight to nine hours, 940m ascent, 920m descent, camp altitude 4,080m)

The trail is through a deep valley and ascends to Yeli-la pass, Alt. 4,820 m. From here Mt. Jhomolhari, Mt Tsherim Gang and Mt. Masagang can be seen on clear days. Camp will halt in a meadow.

(Distance 16km, five to six hours, 250m ascent, 670m descent, camp altitude 3,710m)

The trail winds up and down gently following the ThimphuChhu and gradually climbs to Barshong. Camp will be halted just below the ruined fortress.

(Distance 15km, four to six hours, 290m ascent, 640m descent, camp altitude 3,320m)

The trail descends down to the ThimphuChhu river valley, through dense forests of rhododendron, birch, conifer, maples and bamboos and then ascends to pasture lands. The camp is in a meadow.

(Distance 8km, three to four hours, 500m ascent, 930m descent)

The trail continues through forested areas winding up and down and through a small pass. Languor’s (monkeys) can be seen along the way. In Duodena, you will exit the Jigme Dorji National Park and reach the road head next to an impressive cantilever bridge. You will meet with our driver and drive to Thimphu. In the evening stroll around the town and drive back to hotel for overnight stay.

Memorial Chorten: Built in the year 1974 in the memory of our third king of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

Memorial Chorten

Buddha Point / Kuensel Phodang: Is the largest Buddha statue in the country, from there you can get a good view of the Thimphu valley.

Golden Buddha

Motithang Takin Preserve: Houses the rare national animal of Bhutan. Takin is listed by international conservation agencies as a vulnerable species and it is a rare animal found only in Bhutan, Nepal and Burma.

Takin Preserve at Motithang

National Institute for Zorig Chusum: Or the school of Arts and crafts is an institute where student undertake a six year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.

Traditional Arts

Traditional Medicine Institute: In Bhutan, equal emphasis is given to both allopathic and traditional medicines. The rich herbal medicines made up from medicinal plants are prepared and dispensed here.

Folk Heritage Museum: The house replicates a traditional farmhouse and is furnished as it would have been about a century ago. Overnight at hotel.

Making mud pot at Fold Heritage Museum

After breakfast, drive to Paro international airport for your onward flight. The representative of Atlas Tour and Travel will see off and bid farewell

Paro Internation Airport