Jomolhari Trek
Overview
A breathtaking high-altitude trek offering stunning views of Mt. Jomolhari, diverse landscapes from lush forests to alpine meadows, and glimpses of blue sheep. Enjoy local cuisine, cultural immersion, and breathtaking scenery throughout the day.
This itinerary is designed to give you a comprehensive experience of Bhutan's unique culture and stunning landscapes.
Highlights
- Views of Mt. Jomolhari (7,326m)
- Crossing Nyeli La Pass (4,870m)
- Jangothang Base Camp
- Pristine alpine lakes
What's Included
- Trekking permit and fees
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats)
- Cook and support staff (ponies/yaks)
- All meals during trek
- Accommodation in hotels before/after trek
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Paro
Welcome to Bhutan! Your high-altitude trekking adventure begins with arrival at Paro International Airport (2,235m). After immigration and customs, meet your trekking guide and support team who will be your companions for the next 10 days. Transfer to your hotel in Paro town, where you'll spend the day acclimatizing to the altitude—crucial for your upcoming trek. Take a gentle walk around Paro town to stretch your legs and get your first taste of Bhutanese culture. Visit the local market where farmers sell fresh produce, and observe daily life in this charming valley town. In the afternoon, visit Rinpung Dzong, a massive fortress-monastery that dominates the Paro valley. Your guide will brief you on the trek ahead, check your gear, and ensure you have everything needed for the journey. Enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel where you'll meet your fellow trekkers (if in a group). Rest well tonight—your adventure into the high Himalayas begins tomorrow.
Day 2: Paro - Shana
After an early breakfast, drive north up the Paro valley for about 45 minutes to reach the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, the historic fortress built in 1649 to commemorate victory over Tibetan invaders. On clear days, the sacred Mt. Jomolhari (7,326m) towers magnificently in the background—a preview of what lies ahead. This is where your trek officially begins. The trail follows the Paro Chhu (river) upstream through pristine forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron. The path is relatively gentle today, allowing your body to adjust to trekking with a pack. Cross several wooden bridges adorned with prayer flags, and pass through small army checkpoints near the Tibetan border. The forest is alive with bird calls, and you might spot Himalayan langurs in the trees. After about 5-6 hours of trekking, covering approximately 17 kilometers, arrive at Shana camp (2,850m). Your camp crew will have already set up your tents, and hot tea awaits. Enjoy your first dinner under the stars in the Bhutanese wilderness. The sound of the rushing river will lull you to sleep tonight.
Day 3: Shana - Thangthangkha
Wake to the crisp mountain air and the aroma of freshly brewed tea delivered to your tent. After a hearty breakfast, continue your trek deeper into the valley. Today's trail continues alongside the Paro Chhu, gradually gaining elevation as the valley narrows. The landscape begins to change as you climb higher—the dense forests give way to more open terrain with scattered junipers and alpine shrubs. Cross several side streams on log bridges, and navigate through areas of loose rocks. The trail can be muddy in places, especially after rain. As you gain altitude, the air becomes thinner, so maintain a steady, comfortable pace. After about 6-7 hours of trekking (covering roughly 22 kilometers), reach Thangthangkha camp (3,610m). If the weather is clear, you'll be rewarded with your first proper views of Mt. Jomolhari's snow-covered peak glowing in the afternoon sun. The temperature drops significantly at this altitude, so layer up. Spend the evening around the campfire, sharing stories with your fellow trekkers while your cook prepares a delicious hot meal. The night sky at this altitude is spectacular, with countless stars visible in the unpolluted air.
Day 4: Thangthangkha - Jangothang
Today is one of the most spectacular days of the trek. After breakfast, the trail opens up dramatically into a wide, U-shaped glacial valley. The landscape transforms into high alpine terrain with short grasses, wildflowers (in season), and the occasional grazing yak. The path is relatively gentle today, following the valley floor with the majestic Mt. Jomolhari dominating the skyline ahead. To your right, the equally impressive Jichu Drake (6,989m) rises like a sentinel. After about 4-5 hours of trekking (approximately 19 kilometers), arrive at Jangothang Base Camp (4,040m), considered one of the most beautiful campsites in the entire Himalayas. The setting is absolutely breathtaking—you're surrounded by towering peaks, with Jomolhari's massive south face directly in front of you. The camp is situated near the ruins of an old fortress and a small stone shelter used by yak herders. In the afternoon, take a short acclimatization walk around the area, perhaps visiting the nearby stream or exploring the old fortress ruins. You might spot blue sheep (bharal) on the surrounding slopes or the rare Himalayan marmot. The sunset on Jomolhari is magical, with the peak turning shades of pink and gold. Tonight, sleep beneath one of the world's most sacred mountains.
Day 5: Rest Day at Jangothang
This crucial acclimatization day allows your body to adjust to the high altitude before crossing the challenging passes ahead. However, 'rest day' doesn't mean staying in your tent all day! After a leisurely breakfast, you have several options for exploration. The most popular is a hike toward the base of Mt. Jomolhari or Jichu Drake. Follow yak trails up the valley, gaining altitude gradually while enjoying spectacular mountain views. You might reach small glacial lakes fed by meltwater from the peaks above. Alternatively, hike to the nearby Tshophu lakes, a cluster of pristine alpine lakes about 2-3 hours away. The area is rich in wildlife—keep your eyes peeled for blue sheep grazing on impossibly steep slopes, Himalayan griffon vultures soaring overhead, and perhaps even the elusive snow leopard's tracks (though sightings are extremely rare). If you're feeling adventurous, climb the ridge behind camp for panoramic views of the entire Jomolhari massif. Photography enthusiasts will find endless opportunities to capture the dramatic landscape. Return to camp by afternoon to rest and hydrate. Your guide will check everyone's condition and discuss the challenging day ahead. Enjoy another spectacular sunset and prepare mentally for tomorrow's high pass crossing.
Day 6: Jangothang - Lingshi
Today is the most challenging day so far, crossing the high Nyeli La pass at 4,870 meters. Start early after a hearty breakfast, as this will be a long day of 6-7 hours trekking. The trail initially climbs steadily from Jangothang, switchbacking up the mountainside. The air is thin at this altitude, so pace yourself and take frequent breaks. As you ascend, look back for stunning views of Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. The final approach to the pass can be steep and may have snow even in summer. Prayer flags mark the summit of Nyeli La, where trekkers traditionally add stones to the cairn and offer prayers. On clear days, the 360-degree panorama from the pass is absolutely spectacular, with peaks stretching endlessly in all directions. After photos and a rest, begin the long descent into the Lingshi valley. The trail drops steeply at first, then gradually eases as you enter a beautiful valley dotted with yak herder camps. In the distance, you'll spot the impressive Lingshi Dzong perched on a ridge. This remote fortress was built in the 17th century to defend against Tibetan invasions. Arrive at Lingshi camp (4,010m) in the late afternoon. The village of Lingshi is one of the highest permanently inhabited settlements in Bhutan. If time and energy permit, take a short walk to visit the dzong or interact with local villagers. The people here maintain a traditional lifestyle, herding yaks and living in stone houses. Tonight, rest well after your challenging day.
Day 7: Lingshi - Shodu
Another spectacular high-altitude day awaits as you cross the Yeli La pass at 4,930 meters—the highest point of the entire trek. Wake early to crisp mountain air and prepare for another challenging but rewarding day. The trail climbs gradually from Lingshi, following a side valley upstream. You'll pass through areas of alpine meadow where yaks graze in summer, and cross several small streams. The final ascent to Yeli La is steep and can be exhausting in the thin air, but the reward is immense. From the prayer flag-draped summit, you're treated to one of the most spectacular panoramas in the Himalayas. To the west, Jomolhari and Jichu Drake dominate the skyline. To the north, the massive Tserim Kang (6,789m) rises like a white pyramid. To the east, Masang Gang (7,194m) towers over the landscape—one of Bhutan's highest unclimbed peaks. Spend time at the pass soaking in these incredible views and catching your breath. The descent from Yeli La is long but gradual, dropping into a different valley system. The landscape changes as you lose altitude, with more vegetation appearing. After about 7-8 hours of trekking, reach Shodu camp (4,100m), situated in a beautiful high valley. Tonight, you're truly in the heart of the Himalayas, surrounded by some of the world's highest peaks. The sense of remoteness and wilderness here is profound.
Day 8: Shodu - Barshong
Today marks a transition as you begin descending from the high alpine zone back toward the tree line. The trail follows the Thimphu Chhu (river) downstream, gradually losing altitude. After days above 4,000 meters, you'll notice the air becoming richer in oxygen, and breathing becomes easier. The landscape transforms dramatically as you descend—the barren alpine terrain gives way to rhododendron bushes, then juniper, and finally dense forests of fir, hemlock, and birch. The trail can be muddy and slippery in places, especially after rain, so watch your footing. Cross several side streams on log bridges, and navigate through sections of forest where moss hangs from the trees, creating an almost mystical atmosphere. After about 6 hours of trekking, reach the ruins of Barshong Dzong (3,600m). This ancient fortress, now in ruins, once guarded the route to Thimphu. Explore the atmospheric ruins and imagine the monks and soldiers who once lived here. Your camp is set up near the dzong, beside the rushing river. The sound of water and the shelter of the forest create a very different atmosphere from the high mountain camps. Tonight, enjoy the relative warmth of the lower altitude and perhaps spot some of the forest birds that inhabit this zone. You're now only one day away from completing your incredible Himalayan trek.
Day 9: Barshong - Dolam Kencho - Thimphu
Your final trekking day begins with mixed emotions—excitement to complete this incredible journey, but also sadness that it's ending. After breakfast, continue descending through beautiful mixed forests. The trail follows the Thimphu Chhu closely, crossing it several times on sturdy bridges. You'll pass through small clearings where yak herders have their summer camps, and might encounter locals collecting medicinal herbs or mushrooms from the forest. The vegetation becomes lusher as you descend, with ferns, wildflowers, and even some agricultural terraces appearing. After about 4-5 hours of trekking, reach the road head at Dolam Kencho (2,600m). Here, your support vehicle awaits to drive you to Thimphu. As you load into the vehicle, take a moment to thank your trekking crew—the guides, cook, and horsemen who made this adventure possible. The drive to Thimphu takes about 1.5 hours, winding through beautiful valleys and offering your first glimpses of modern Bhutan after days in the wilderness. Check into your hotel in Thimphu and enjoy the luxury of a hot shower, clean clothes, and a soft bed. In the evening, celebrate your achievement with a special dinner, perhaps at one of Thimphu's fine restaurants. Share stories and photos with your fellow trekkers, reliving the highlights of your Jomolhari adventure. You've just completed one of the classic treks of the Himalayas!
Day 10: Departure
Your final morning in Bhutan begins with a leisurely breakfast at your Thimphu hotel. If your flight is in the afternoon, you might have time for some last-minute shopping in Thimphu's craft markets, where you can find traditional textiles, handicrafts, and souvenirs to remember your journey. Your guide will help you find authentic items and navigate the bargaining process. When it's time, drive to Paro International Airport (about 1.5 hours). The road winds through the valleys you've come to know, offering final views of terraced fields, traditional farmhouses, and the ever-present prayer flags. At the airport, bid farewell to your guide and support team. As your aircraft takes off, enjoy one last aerial view of the Himalayan peaks you've trekked among—Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and the countless other mountains that have been your companions. You depart Bhutan not just with photos and souvenirs, but with memories of an extraordinary adventure, the warmth of Bhutanese hospitality, and perhaps a changed perspective on life. The mountains will call you back. Tashi Delek!
Ready to Book?
Contact us for a personalized quote.