12 Days
- TREKKING TOUR
- MODERETE - HARD
- TWO OR MORE
- HIGHEST ALTITUDE: 4960m
- AVG. WALKING DISTANCE: 17.5Km
- AVG. WALKING TIME: 6 Hours Average
- MEALS ON TREK: N/A
12 Days Jomolhari Trek—A Journey Through Bhutan’s Timeless Beauty
Jomolhari Trek in Bhutan is one of the most iconic adventure treks in Bhutan. After an acclimatization hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro. These popular 12 days trek offers adventures the perfect combination of exploration through the beautiful Jomolhari and brief insight into Bhutan’s distinctively tentalizing culture. Through your journey you will take in the breathtaking views of mount Jomolhari from Jangothang, as we take you along the Pa chhu/Paro River through lush forests of trees to Jomolhari base camp.
Next day, you will have to hike upto Neyle La Pass (4830m), which is marked by stone cairns and few prayer flags. Descend from the pass with a view of Lingzhi Dzong fortress. The next high pass after Lingzhi is the Yaklayla pass at 4942m. The pass offers astonishing views of Mount Jichu Drake (6989m) and Tsherim Gang (6789m). We then descend gradually along the downstream of Thimphu Chhu River till you end your trek. Last two days will be spent in exploring cultural sights of Thimphu and Punakha valleys before your flight back home.
Best Seasons:
- Spring (March – May): Clear skies, rhododendrons in bloom
- Autumn (September – November): Crisp weather, best mountain views
Tour Highlights
- Scenic flight to Paro, Bhutan’s gateway town surrounded by beautiful hills and lush valleys.
- Acclimatization hike to the cliffside Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang).
- Trek through alpine meadows, glacial rivers, and yak herder camps.
- Camp beneath the towering peaks of Jomolhari and Jichu Drake.
- Cross high passes such as Nyile La (4,830m) and Yeli La (4,960m) with spectacular views.
- Visit Punakha Dzong, Bhutan’s most picturesque fortress.
- Experience the vibrant blend of nature, spirituality, and hospitality unique to Bhutan.
Itinerary
The flight to Paro from Delhi or Kathmandu crosses the Himalayan mountains affording spectacular views. Flight from later offers more views of the Himalayas than former. Fifteen minutes prior to landing at Paro international airport, you will see sacred Mount Jumolhari 7315m and Jichu Drake 6989m north of the valley. upon arrival you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to a hotel. After lunch, if time permits, you have sightseeing in Paro — Rinpung Dzong or fortress, which was built in 17th century now houses government offices and district monk body; a traditional wooden bridge; 7th century old Kichu Monastery. In the evening you can stroll through the Paro town. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.
After a breakfast, you embark on an acclimatization hike to Taktsang or the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which is one of the most magnificent temples of Bhutan. The day begins with a short drive to the trailhead, followed by a hike through pine and fir forests with stunning views of Paro Valley. Along the way, you’ll pass prayer wheels and reach a lookout point offering a perfect view of Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The trail then descends past stone steps and a small waterfall before arriving at the monastery. After your visit, enjoy lunch at the cafeteria, hike back down to the base, and return to Paro with a sense of fulfilment. In the evening, you may take a leisurely stroll through Paro town before heading to your hotel. Overnight in Paro.
11KM | 4-5 HOURS | 250M ASCENT | DESCENT 60M | CAMP ALT 3110M
Your trek begins with a drive to Zangkipang, the trailhead, passing through stretches of apple orchards and forested areas. The route follows a gentle gradient, winding slowly through conifer, rhododendron trees along the Paro Chhu and will reach to the army checkpost. After 2 to 3 hours of continuous hiking and crossing several streams, you will arrive at Shingkharap, a broad open space with a lone house that serves as a resting and meal stop for highlanders on their journeys. From here, it is a short walk to your campsite set at 3110 meters.
15KM | 5-6 HOURS | 650M ASCENT CAMP ALT 3750M
The trail continues along the Pa Chhu (Paro River), winding up and down through beautiful forests of pine, oak, and spruce. After crossing a bridge to the left side of the river, you will stop for a hot lunch. The journey then resumes, following the riverbank as the path climbs through rhododendron forests before crossing the river once more to finally reach your campsite, set at an altitude of 3750 meters.
17KM | 4-5 HOURS | 290M ASCENT | CAMP ALT 4040M
Today’s trek takes you above the tree line at around 3,700 meters. From camp, the trail climbs steadily until you reach an army camp, then continues along the river with magnificent views of the surrounding peaks. The route passes through a muddy stretch of trail, alongside a mani wall, and into traditional yak country. A hot lunch will be served, after which the hike continues past the settlements of Soe and Takethang. The final stretch leads across a broad plateau, up a stream bed, and through Dangochang village before reaching the spectacular campsite of Jangothang at 4040 meters. From here, the views of Mount Jumolhari and Jichu Drake are truly breathtaking.
Today you will set out on a four-hour acclimatization hike to the north of the camp. The trailless slope gradually rises, opening up to magnificent views of Jichu Drakye (6,989m). This area is rich in wildlife, and you may encounter blue sheep, griffon vultures, golden eagles, Himalayan rhubarb, and the rare blue poppy. Jangothang itself is a flat grassy basin with the remains of an old fortress standing against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. Alternatively, you may opt for a gentler two-hour excursion to the twin Tshophu Lakes on the route to Bongtela Pass. Since the altitude here is challenging for many, a rest day is highly recommended. Those who prefer can relax at camp, making the most of the serene surroundings and mountain views.
18KM | 6-7 HOURS | 800M ASCENT | 730M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 4010M
The trail follows the stream for about half an hour before crossing a bridge and climbing to a ridge with stunning views of Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tsherim Gang. After a flat walk through the valley, you ascend to Nyile La Pass (4830m), then descend gradually towards camp. Along the way, enjoy sweeping mountain views and, if time allows, detour to Lingzhi Dzong, a historic fortress overlooking the village. Camp at 4010 m.
19KM | 7-8 HOURS | 940M ASCENT | 920M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 4100M
Following the west side of the valley, the path steadily ascends above the river before crossing it and making a steep two-hour climb to Yeli La Pass (4960m). On clear days, the pass rewards trekkers with spectacular views of Jomolhari, Gangchen Ta, Tsherim Gang, and Masang Gang. From here, the trail descends alongside a stream to a shelter and further down to Shodu (4100m), a meadow marked by a Chorten, where the camp is set for the night.
16KM | 5-6 HOURS | 450M ASCENT | 950M DESCENT
At this place, one comes back to the tree line. The path follows Thimphu River, descending through rhododendron, juniper and other alpine forests. The view of the cliff facing rocks and waterfalls is stunning. Hot lunch will be served by the riverside. After lunch the trail gradually ascends to the ruins of Barshong Dzong. This is a base from where it used to be supplying essentials to Lingzhi Dzong in olden days. Then drive to Thimphu. You will reach Thimphu in the late evening. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Punakha with a stop at Dochu La Pass (3100m), adorned with 108 chortens and offering spectacular Himalayan views on clear days. From the pass, the road descends through forests of rhododendron, fir, and hemlock. Along the way, stop at Metsina for a short hike across rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the 14th-century saint Drukpa Kuenley, known as the “Divine Madman.” On reaching Punakha, visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, dramatically set at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. The viewpoint near Punakha School provides the perfect angle to capture the dzong, the rivers, and the traditional wooden bridge in one frame. Overnight stay in Punakha.
Today’s journey takes you back to Paro via Dochu La Pass, the drive continues to Thimphu, and explore the bustling Centenary Farmers Market, alive with colorful displays of local produce. By late afternoon, you will arrive in Paro, where you can enjoy a relaxed evening stroll through the town to soak in the local lifestyle. Overnight in Paro.
Drive back to Paro International Airport. Farewell and departure with unforgettable memories. Have a pleasant flight back home.
Tour Inclusive and Exclusives
Inclusive
- Sustainable Development Fee & visa fee
- Transport by private vehicle
- Government approved 3-star hotels
- English speaking guide
- Bottled water in vehicle
- Permits, entrance fees, & sightseeing
- Sleeping tents, sleeping mats & pillows
- Dinning tents, kitchen tent & toilet tent
- Tables, chairs, utensils, hot water bags
- Trekking chef & assistants
- Horses to carry trek equipments
- Food supplies
Exclusive
- International airfare to/from Bhutan.
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Personal trekking gear (sleeping bags, trekking boots, down jackets, etc.).
- Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, or personal snacks.
- Tips for guides, cooks, and trekking staff (at your discretion).
- Extra nights in hotels due to late arrival/early departure or unforeseen circumstances.
- Any expenses arising from unexpected events such as flight delays, weather conditions, or medical emergencies.
Himalayan Trekking Adventures
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