Jhomolhari Mountain Festival Trekking

Jhomolhari Mountain Festival Trekking 12 Days

Background
Enjoy one of the most soothing trekking experiences while celebrating the ethnic mountain festival in Bhutan. Jhomolhari Mountain Festival is a local festival celebrated for two consecutive days in the community located just below Mt. Jhomolhari (7326m). The vibrant and enchanting festival takes place on October 14 and 15 every year to mark the peace, solidarity, and the legacy of Snow Leopard.

Jomolhari Mountain Festival, also known as the snow leopard show, aims to promote awareness about the declining numbers of snow leopards. One of the most endangered species of wildlife, Snow leopard, resides in the discreet mountainous locations. Enjoy a rare chance to witness the locals donning the colorful traditional dresses, singing folk songs in a chorus, and dancing to the beats of the drum. The scenic trek begins at Paro City and heads to Jangothang Region in Upper Paro Valley. The mountains region in Upper Paro is home to snow leopard and Mountain Blue Sheep. Exploring Tsho Phu Lake at the sheer altitude of 4,400 meters above the Jangothang Region remains one of the major highlights of this trek. All in all, the trip offers a sublime display of cultural riches in Bhutan along with its array of magical natural wonders.

The exciting 12-day trek begins upon your arrival in the scenic Paro Valley. The pristine Bhutanese valley is home to Paro Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), Rinpung Dzong, and Drukgyel Dzong (Victory Fort). Spend a few days exploring the beautiful monastic destinations, including climbing to the Tiger’s Nest. The 16th Century Gompa lies 900 meters from the valley floor at the sheer altitude of 3,120 meters. After witnessing the legacy of Padmasambhava Guru Rinpoche, you’ll embark on a 14km long drive towards Shana village in Upper Paro. The full-day trek through lush forests will bring you to Thangthangkha. The trail further advances north towards Jhomolhari Base Camp (4115m) and continues along Yak pastures to reach Jangothang Camp. Explore the pristine Jhomolhari Glacier and Tsho Phu Lakes located at the altitude of 4,400 meters. After witnessing the majestic Jhomolhari Mountain Festival, you’ll begin climbing down through Thangthangkha to Shana. The locals celebrate the ethnic festival every year in October. The festival also highlights the importance of protecting wildlife and promoting solidarity. The trek ends upon your arrival in Paro. Embark on a short road journey to Thimpu, followed by a scenic tour of the capital city. You can choose to tour around Thimpu Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, and Cheri Monastery before heading back to Paro Valley.

Optional Everest Base camp Helicopter tour. Review of travelers in this link.

Enjoy one of the most popular Jhomolhari Mountain Festival Trekking with Himalaya Holiday Service. We specialize in all kinds of trekking and tour in Bhutan. Enjoy our full-board package with transportation, three meals a day, luxury accommodation, an experienced guide, and staff.

Trip highlights
Explore the pristine, high-altitude alpine lakes of Tsho Phu Lakes located at the altitude of 4,400 meters.
Trek through Upper Paro Valley to reach Jhomolhari Base Camp (4115m), an off-beat trek destination.
Visit the beautiful cultural and historical sites of Drukgyel Dzong, Rinpung Dzong, and Tashichho Dzong.
Enjoy a short trek to the revered Buddhist site of Paro Taktsang Monastery located at the sheer altitude of 3,120 meters.

Trip Facts
Geography: Hills, Valleys
Location: Bhutan
Level of Difficulty: Difficult
Duration of Trip: 12 days
Max Altitude: 4400m
Religions: Vajrayana Buddhism
Ethnic People: Bhutanese
Accommodation: Hotel
Transportation: Private Vehicle and Flight
Minimum Pax: 02

Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive at Paro
Bhutan welcomes you with arms wide open! Your local Bhutanese guide will warmly receive you at Paro International Airport and then drive you to the hotel. After freshening up, you can enjoy your lunch. Spend the rest of the day exploring the beautiful Paro Main Street filled with handicraft shops and restaurants. Overnight in Paro.

Day 02: Paro Sightseeing
Spend the day exploring the beautiful monastic and historical destinations around Paro Valley. After a delicious breakfast, you’ll embark on a short drive north to Rinpung Dzong, the 15th Century fortress. One of the major landmarks of Paro Valley, it lies almost 6km from Paro International Airport. Also known as Paro Dzong, the former fortress turned into a monastery celebrates the Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu School of Buddhism. After visiting this pristine site, you’ll begin driving further north towards Drukgyel Dzong. Overnight in Paro.

Day 03: Tiger Nest (Taktsang Monastery) Hiking: Paro Sightseeing
The second day of the trip takes you on a short yet adventurous trek to Paro Taktsang Monastery. Popularly known as the Tiger’s Nest, you’ll climb almost 900 meters in altitude through pine and rhododendron forests to reach the site. Built-in 1692 around the Taktsang Senge Samdup cave, the monastery celebrates the legacy of Padmasambhava Guru Rinpoche. This is where Guru Rinpoche meditated before heading back to Tibet. Enjoy the scenic trek and explore the equally beautiful monastery. Overnight in Paro

Day 04: Paro – Shana (Start of Chomolhari Trek). Camp. (B, L, D)
Enjoy your breakfast before driving north toward Drukgyel Dzong. The trek begins on the foothills of Drukgyel Dzong and climbs almost 14km to reach Shana village. Shana marks the beginning point of the trek. The first of the day trek may last almost 5 hours. The scenic Himalayan foothills will take you past lush forested trail filled with numerous birds and brightly colored butterflies. After you reach the destination for the day, you can enjoy the beautiful views of the surroundings and the Bhutanese hospitality. Overnight in Shana.

Day 05: Shana: Thangthangkha
Leaving Shana, the trail begins to climb north towards Thangthangkha village. The longest day of the trek, you’ll walk past a mountain pass en route to the remote camp at Thangthangkha. The trail goes upstream through a lush forested area with a few farmhouses. Then, the route begins to get narrow as you arrive close to Tremo La Pass. Upon crossing the pass, you’ll arrive in Tibet. A short hike along the trail winding past the pass will bring you to Thangthangkha. Overnight in a camp.

Day 06: Thangthangkha: Jangothang
Leaving Thangthangkha, you’ll begin climbing the isolated valley towards Jangothang that spans almost 15km. The trail advances past a small army post and then gradually exits the forest line. A short hike will bring you to Tegethang village used by local Yak herdsmen as a winter shelter. Enjoy a delicious and warm lunch prepared by the locals. The trek continues towards Jhomolhari Base Camp (4115m). Walk past the ruins of an old fortress towards Jangothang. Overnight in a camp.

Day 07: An Additional Day in Jangothang for Acclimatization.
Welcome to the beautiful Jangothang Camp, where you will get to witness the ethnic Jhomolhari Mountain Festival. Every year during October, the locals gather to celebrate the festival for two consecutive days. An additional day in Jangothang offers you a chance to explore the nearby Jhomolhari Glacier and the beautiful Tsho Phu lakes. The Tsho Phu lakes remain popular for their mesmerizing color and variety of fishes. Relish the panoramic view of Jhomolhari Peak and Jichu Drake. From here, begin climbing down towards a small Chorten located just above the military camp (Sie Makha). Overnight in Jangothang.

Day 08: Jangothang: Thangthangkha. Camp. (B, L, D)
Leaving Jangothang, you’ll begin climbing down the narrow trail leading towards Tegethang Village. You’ll walk past few Yak pastures en route to Tegethang. Upon continuing downhill, you will witness the majestic sight of Jhomolhari Peak. Walk past an army camp and head towards Thangthangkha. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local hut. Then, you can also explore the nearby areas and enjoy the culture and traditions of the locals. Overnight in a camp.

Day 09: Thangthangkha – Shana. Camp. (B, L, D)
From Thangthangkha, you’ll begin tracing the lush forested path. Begin climbing downstream along the massive river towards Shana village. The short trek offers enough time to explore the surroundings and take beautiful pictures. The lush forest in the region is home to different species of birds, mammals, and butterflies. Explore the campsite and the nearby locales while enjoying the views of the mountains and landscapes in the vicinity. Overnight in Camp.

Day 10: Shana: Paro – Thimphu (End of Chomolhari Basecamp Trek). Hotel. (B, L, D)
A short downhill hike from Shana will bring you to Drukgyel Dzong. Get on a private car waiting for you and begin driving towards the hotel. From here, you’ll embark on a 2hr long road journey to the east. Drive along the countryside overlooking the majestic Mt. Jhomolhari en route to Thimpu City. Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan, is home to numerous monastic destinations and the house of monarch Jigme Namgyal Wangchuk. Overnight in Thimpu.

Day 11: Thimphu Sightseeing
Today, you will indulge in a tour to Cheri Monastery or Cheri Dorji Dhen built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The 16th Century monastery is a hermitage located in the Upper Thimpu Valley. Leaving this beautiful site, you’ll begin driving towards the popular Tashichho Dzong Monastery, a Buddhist monastery, and fortress located on the western bank of the Wang Chu River. From here, you’ll drive to the final destination of the day, Thimpu Memorial Stupa. Overnight in Thimpu

Day 12: Drive from Thimphu to Paro International Airport: Final Departure
Leaving Thimpu, you’ll embark on a road journey back to Paro Valley. A 2hr long road journey along the beautiful countryside will bring you back to Paro Valley. Enjoy your lunch and then leave for Paro International Airport.