Jomolhari Mountain Festival
11Nights/12Days
Festival Date: 14th Oct – 15th Oct, 2024
Jomolhari Mountain Festival celebrates the culture of the communities living in close proximity to endangered snow leopards. “A community based initiative for the conservation of snow leopards”. Jomolhari Mountain Festival is an exquisitely themed two-day event celebrated at the base of Mt. Jomolhari, by communities located along one of the most scenic trekking routes in Bhutan.
The Jomolhari Mountain Festival celebrates the culture of the communities living together with the natural wonders that surround them: one in particular, the elusive, yet elegant, snow leopard! This endangered cat thrives in the region; several camera trap photos and definite signs have established the region as one of the best snow leopard habitats in Bhutan.
The communities of Soe Yaksa and Soe Yutoed, located along the Jomolhari trek, in collaboration with Jigme Dorji National Park (JDNP) and the Nature Recreation and Ecotourism Division (NRED) – with support from the Snow Leopard Conservancy (SLC) and Bhutan Foundation – bring together the Jomolhari Mountain Festival as a community based initiative towards the conservation of snow leopard.
The Jomolhari Mountain Festival includes snow leopard themed folk songs and dances performed by the local people, JDNP staff and the school children, traditional sports such as Khuru (darts), shot put, horse and yak riding, sampling of local delicacies and boutique handicrafts, and various picturesque guided hikes in and around Jomolhari. It also showcases various stalls set up by both local and international agencies to educate and promote conservation among those participating at the festival.
The Jomolhari Mountain Festival was initiated in 2013 and endorsed by the government as an annual event.
Day 1: Arrival in Paro
Our representative from Bhutan Everest Tours & Treks will be there at the airport to receive you and transfer you to the hotel. Visit the nearby Ta Dzong, and Ringung Dzong.
Dinner and overnight at hotel in Paro
Day 2: Excursion to Paro Taktshang -Thimphu
After breakfast, take a hike to the Tiger’s Nest (Paro Taktshang), the most visited tourist destination in Bhutan.
While returning from Taktshang visit Drukgyel Dzong (fortress of the victorious Drukpas), now in ruins, located in the upper part of the Paro District, Bhutan. The dzong was probably built by Tenzin Drukdra in 1649 at the behest of Ngawang Namgyal, Zhabdrung Rinpoche, to commemorate victory over an invasion from Tibet. In the early 1950s, Drukgyel Dzong was almost completely destroyed by fire.
Evening drive to Thimphu (capital of Bhutan)
Dinner and Overnight at hotel in Thimphu
Day 3:Thimphu Sightseeing – Paro
After breakfast, Enjoy sightseeing in Thimphu beginning with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten.. Changangkha lhakhang, folk Heritage Museum and the kuenselphodrang where the largest sitting Buddha in the world is located.
After lunch, visit Tashichho Dzong (the administrative headquarters of Bhutan) . Evening drive to Paro.
Dinner and Overnight at hotel in Paro.
Day 4: Paro to shana Zampa
After breakfast , drive towards Drukgyel, begin the trek from Drukgyel Dzong
Begin with a short downhill walk on a wide track. The trail then climbs gently through well maintained rice terraces and field of millet. Later on we come to apple orchards and forests. Soon the valley widens, and we reach the army post of Gunitsawa. We continue upwards to just beyond Sharma Zampa where there are several good camping places in meadows surrounded by trees.
Dinner and Overnight at campsite.
Day 5: Shana Zampa to Soe Thangthangkha
After breakfast , being The trek from Paro river
Following the trails of the river ,ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forest .After crossing a bridge to the left bank of the river, we stop for lunch. Then continue along the river, climbing upwards through Rhododendron forest, and crossing the river once more before reaching the campsite.
Dinner and Overnight at Soe Thangthangkha campsite.
Day 6: Soe Thangthangkha – Jangothang
After breakfast , being the trek from Soe Thangthangkha
The path ascends for a while until we reach the army camp. We then follow the river above the tree line, enjoying stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
Lunch will be served at a yak herder’s camp. A short walk from here into the valley takes us to our campsite at Jangothang. From here the views of Jhomolhari and JichuDrake are amazing.
Dinner and overnight at Jangothang campsite.
Day 7: Jangothang – Dangojang (festival day 1)
Today we hike back to witness the 1st day of mountain festival. Marchang ceremony before the festival commences followed by welcome dance and local song by Soe community. There will be opening of the stalls by the chief guest followed by yak and horse show. After lunch open competition for entertainment like Khuru, shot-put and horse riding/yak riding. In the evening hike back to Jangothang at the base camp.
Dinner and overnight at Jangothang campsite.
Day 8: Jangothang -Dangojang (festival day 2)
After breakfast, being The trek from
Optional 2ndday festival. Trekking activities to the finest sights in Soe guided by the natives. After lunch visitors would also witness the cultural performances including folk dances and traditional handicraft exhibition by the local communities to entertain the large congregation of spectators. In addition, the communities will also host the visitors in the home stays and cook local food from their own kitchen.
The food options depend on what is growing in the kitchen gardens.
Hike back to Jangothang at base camp.
Day 9: Jangothang- Soe Yaktsa
After breakfast , being the trek from Jangothang. The trail leads to a last settlement in the valley and drops to the Paro chhu. Passing the lake of Tshopu (4,380m) you will climb up steeply to Bhote La pass at 4,890m, the highest point of this trek route. Reaching the Dhumzo chhu river, you trek downstream passing the few houses of Soe Yaktsa (Dhumzo) to arrive at your camp.
Dinner and Overnight in Soe Yaktsa campsite.
Day 10: Soe Yaktsa – Thombu Shong
After breakfast , Our trail climbs up 100m over a ridge to drop to another stream then after crossing the Takhung La pass(4520m) you descent to Thombu Shong, three yak herder huts with your compsite next to them.
Dinner and overnight at Thombu Shong campsite.
Day 11: Thombu Shong – Gunitsawa Village
After breakfast , continue your trek and after crossing Thombu La pass (4,380m), you will finally reach Gunitsawa village where your diver will be waiting for you. Than you will be than drive to Paro.
Dinner and Overnight stay at hotel in Paro.
Day 12: Paro Departure
After Breakfast, drive to the airport for your onward flight. Tashi Delek!
Include in this package
- Government Royalty(SDF): USD 100 per Person per Night.
- 2% Government Tax per Person per Night.
- All Meals.
- Daily Mineral Water.
- English Language Speaking Guide.
- Comfortable and Luxurious Imported Cars for Internal Transportation with Skilled Driver.
- Entrance fees for Museums.
- The Government set package rates are valid for accommodation on twin sharing basis.
- A minimum of 3 star accommodation (4 & 5 star may require an additional premium).
Not include in this package
- Airfare international & Domestic.
- Travel Insurance.
- Personal shopping.
- Alcohol.
- Laundry.
- Tips for Guide & Driver.