Bhutan - Lindsay Brown [178]
JHOMOLHARI TREK 2
If you want to avoid high altitude it’s best to return from Jangothang to Drukgyel Dzong by the same route. The trek described here is an alternative route that is less strenuous than the classic Jhomolhari trek, but still reaches an elevation that could cause altitude problems.
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THE TREK AT A GLANCE
Duration 8 days
Max Elevation 4520m
Standard Medium
Season April to June, September to November
Start/Finish Drukgyel Dzong
Access Town Paro
Summary The shorter and easier version of the main Jhomolhari trek goes to the Jhomolhari base camp at Jangothang, returning either via the same route or by an alternative trail.
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Days 1-4: Drukgyel Dzong to Jangothang
Follow days 1 to 4 of the main Jhomolhari trek (Click here).
Day 5: Jangothang to Chora
16km / 6-7 hours / 810m ascent, 1090m descent
The trail leads north to the last settlement in the valley and drops to the Paro Chhu, crossing it on a wooden bridge. Switchback up the side of the hill to a large cirque and the lake of Tshophu (4380m), which is inhabited by a flock of ruddy shelducks. Climb high above the eastern side of the lake, passing a second lake as the trail climbs across a scree slope to a crest. Descend into a hidden valley and climb steeply to Bhonte La at 4890m.
From the pass the route descends a scree slope, then winds down a ridge with a lot of crisscrossing yak trails. It finally switchbacks down to the Dhumzo Chhu. Trek downstream below the few houses of Dhumzo to a bridge, cross to the south side of the river and make a short climb to a camp in a meadow at Chora, 3800m.
Day 6: Chora to Thombu Shong
11km / 4-5 hours / 720m ascent, 340m descent
The trail climbs 100m over a ridge, then drops to another stream. Crossing that stream, the trail heads up the hillside, dropping into a small side valley before emerging onto a ridge. Here the route turns south, ascending past a few huts to Takhung La (4520m). A short descent leads to Thombu Shong (4180m), with three yak herders’ huts.
Day 7: Thombu Shong to Sharna Zampa
13km / 4-5 hours / 200m ascent, 1650m descent
Climb out of the valley to Thombu La at 4380m, then drop gradually to about 4000m. The trail then makes a steep descent, switchbacking down the ridge, finally reaching the helipad at Gunitsawa (2730m). Camp here or cross the river and go upstream to camp at Sharna Zampa, the same place as Day 1.
Day 8: Sharna Zampa to Drukgyel Dzong
17km / 4-6 hours / 80m ascent, 360m descent
Follow Day 1 of the Jhomolhari trek in reverse to Drukgyel Dzong.
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LAYA–GASA TREK
This trek begins in the Paro valley and follows the same route as the Jhomolhari trek as far as Lingzhi, then heads north into the high country. Snow can close the high passes, but they are generally open from April to June and mid-September to mid-November. The best trekking month in the Laya region is April.
The trek will introduce you to the unusual culture of the Layap people and offers a stop at a natural hot spring in Gasa. If you are lucky, you may also see takins and Bhutan’s national flower, the blue poppy.
Days 1-5: Drukgyel Dzong to Lingzhi
Follow Days 1 to 5 of the Jhomolhari trek (Click here).
Day 6: Lingzhi to Chebisa
10km / 5-6 hours / 280m ascent, 410m descent
Cross the stream below the Chha Shi Thang camp on a wooden bridge and climb up the opposite side to a chorten below Lingzhi Dzong. In the valley to the east is a cluster of wood-shingled houses that is one part of Lingzhi village. There is a medicinal-plant collection centre there. If you look back at Tserim Kang you can see a very distinct rock pinnacle sticking up at the end of the east ridge.
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THE TREK AT A GLANCE
Duration 14 days
Max Elevation 5005m
Standard Medium–hard
Season April to June, September to November
Start Drukgyel Dzong
Finish Tashithang
Access Towns Paro, Punakha
Summary This trek is an extension of the Jhomolhari trek. It offers diverse flora and fauna, as well as a good opportunity to spot blue sheep.
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YUGYEL DZONG