• Duration 11 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate

    The moderate grade includes a one-week to fifteen-day itinerary. It can reach up to 5000 meter altitude range, but the trails will be moderate (neither easy nor tough). High altitude may affect walking speed and distance. You need to have acclimatization over 3000 meters.

  • Country Bhutan

Embark on an 11-day adventurous and truly remarkable journey in Bhutan, the land of thunder dragons. Explore farmlands, blue pine forests, alpine pastures, beautiful villages, and lush valleys. Walk across high terrain to witness stunning views of sacred Mount Jomolhari and many other snow-capped peaks.

Away from the bustling cities of Paro and Thimphu, you will discover the wilderness side of Bhutan on this lifetime camping trek. Jomolhari trek is one of the most famous trekking programs in Bhutan. This trek combines excursions to Paro and Thimphu, two famous Bhutanese cities, with a journey across a vast Himalayan range.

Explore famous tourist sites such as Taktsang Lhakhang, Kyichu Lhakhang, Drukgyel Dzong, and several museums like the National Library, Arts & Crafts Scholl, Textile Museum, and Simply Bhutan Museum in cities. Once you start trekking, the bustle of the city fades away, and you will find yourself amidst tall mountains, vast pastures, and verdant valleys.

Enjoy nature, feel the rush of adrenaline while crossing high mountain passes, stop at ancient dzongs and monasteries on the way, and make memories to cherish forever with our team. Likewise, you will also get many chances to relish the warm hospitality of the locals during the trek.

Highlights

  • An adventurous and truly remarkable journey in Bhutan
  • Visit several tourist sites and museums in Paro and Thimphu
  • Explore farmlands, blue pine forests, and alpine pastures
  • Witness stunning views of sacred Mount Jomolhari and many other snow-capped peaks
  • Enjoy nature and feel the rush of adrenaline while crossing high mountain passes
  • Relish the warm hospitality of Bhutanese people and try their local delicacies
  • Trek close to the Bhutan-Tibet border and discover the untouched and unspoiled part of this beautiful country

Why should you choose the Jomolhari trek?

The Jomolhari trek is one of the best ways to enjoy Bhutan's incredible landscape. You will travel away from the tourist cities and explore untouched and unspoiled nature. The trek starts from Paro and takes you close to the highest peak in Bhutan, Mount Jomolhari.

The journey is adventurous and culturally uplifting. You will see breathtaking landscapes and snow-covered mountains. As the trek continues, you will also touch the Bhutan-Tibet border. In this part of the route, explore ancient forts built centuries ago by Bhutanese warriors to defend against the Tibetan army.

Likewise, the Jomolhari trek is a camping trek, so you will experience authentic trekking in the Himalayas. In between the campsites, pass by picturesque villages where you can see the lifestyle of the locals and their daily chores.

What is different between the Jomolhari trek, the Jomolhari Loop trek, and the Jomolhari Base Camp trek?

There are three treks around Mount Jomolhari: the Jomolhari trek, the Jomolhari Loop trek, and the Jomolhari Base Camp trek. The Jomolhari trek starts from Paro Valley and leads you to the base of Mt. Jomolhari via Jangothang Valley.

The Jomolhari Loop trek, also known as the Soi Yaksa trek, is a variation of the Jomolhari trek and extends to the remote Soi Yaksa village. The trek route is much more offbeat.

The Jomolhari Base Camp trek is a short trip that mainly focuses on taking you to the base camp of Mount Jomolhari. It is ideal for trekkers who do not want to commit to a long trek.

How do you train for the Jomolhari trek?

You have to be in good shape to enjoy the Jomolhari trek 11 days to the fullest. If you are trekking for the first time, we highly suggest you make sure you are ready to walk 6 to 7 hours a day on rugged mountainous terrain.

You can exercise and do cardio activities to improve your stamina, strength, and endurance. Uphill walking is also recommended. You can go on day hikes for that or walk on an incline on a treadmill.

Additionally, make sure you are mentally ready to go on a camping trek in a remote area.

Social etiquette

Travelers should wear modest clothes while visiting monasteries, dzongs, and tourist sites. They should also be mindful of their behavior and how they talk about the locals. Do not wear hats inside monasteries and dzongs. It is considered disrespectful.

Similarly, walk clockwise around stupas and prayer walls. Do not take pictures and videos inside temples. Make sure you ask permission first. Finally, do not touch paintings, murals, statues, etc, without permission.

Jomolhari trek route

The Jomolhari trek route is inside Jigme Dorji National Park, a gem of Himalayan flora and fauna. You will traverse deep valleys, meadows, and glaciers. The trail crosses two mountain passes: Nylie La Pass (4,820 m/15,813 ft) and Yeli Pass (4,930 m/16,174 ft).

Following our Jomolhari trek itinerary, you will take an acclimatization break at Jangothang and hike to Tsophu Lake. Lingshi (4,010 m/13,156 ft) and Shodu (4,080 m/13,386 ft) are the two highest campsites during the trek.

The trek ends at Dolamkencho (3,320 m/10,892 ft). From here, you will drive to Thimphu. Spend a night there and drive back to Paro the next day. Check out our Jomolhari trek map below.

What's a typical day like on the trail?

You will trek with a professional mountain guide, assistant guide, cook, and other crew members who will help with daily chores. Porters and horses/yaks will carry all the heavy equipment and supplies.

The crew will handle setting up tents and preparing meals at all campsites. You will be self-sufficient for the entire journey. Your day will start with a delicious tea and breakfast.

Enjoy the food with a view and get ready to leave for the next destination later. In between the trek, your crew will prepare a picnic lunch. Dinner will be served after sunset, and you will spend the night there.

Itinerary
Trip Plan
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Our representative will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. You will then get some rest and later visit tourist sites with your guide. Explore Ta Dzong and Rinpung Dzong. After a short tour, there will be a pre-trek briefing and a free evening.

  • Accommodation: Hotel

On this day, you will hike to Taktsang Lhakhang early in the morning. It will be a lovely scenic hike to the monastery. After the hike, visit a 7th-century monastery called Kyichu Lhakhang. From here, continue the tour to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Drive from Paro to Shana early in the morning. From Shana, you will start trekking. After several ups and downs, you will enter a river valley and follow a narrow trail. The trail descends to a meadow camp known as Thangthangkha. You will spend the night here.

  • Max Altitude: 3,750 m/12,303 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Duration: 30 minutes drive & 6-7 hours trek
  • Distance: 21 km/13 miles

Leaving Thangthangkha, you will trek through alpine meadows and pass by dense forests. The trail goes along the Pachu River and passes by the small settlements of Sio, Takethang, and Dangochang. On the way, discover the unique flora and fauna. Spend the night at the Jangothang Base Camp, enjoying stunning mountain views.

  • Max Altitude: 4,080 m/13,386 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Duration: 5-6 hours
  • Distance: 19 km/11.8 miles

On this day, you will take an acclimatization break. Early in the morning, hike to Tsophu Lake and explore the nearby areas. Enjoy stunning mountain views and landscapes, and spot different flowers and birds.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent

Leaving Jangothang, you will gradually ascend to Nylie La Pass. As you ascend, you can feel the cold and swift wind blowing into your pace. Upon reaching the top of the pass, you can see stunning views of Tshering Gang (6,789 m). The trail then descends to Lingshi campsite, where you will spend the night.

  • Max Altitude: 4,010 m/13,156 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Duration: 6-7 hours
  • Distance: 19 km/11.8 miles

From Lingshi, you will start by climbing a ridge. The trail soon crosses a river and ascends to Yeli La Pass. After the pass, you will mainly walk in a deserted area, enjoying breathtaking views of Jomolhari, Gangchen Ta, Tshering Gang, and Masangagng. Further, follow a narrow path and descend to the Shodu campsite.

  • Max Altitude: 4,080 m/13,386 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Duration: 8-9 hours
  • Distance: 22 km/13.6 miles

While trekking from Shodu to Barshong, you will again start to see the tree line. The trail goes along the Thimphu River and descends through juniper, rhododendron, and pine forests. On the way, enjoy beautiful views of waterfalls and huge rocks. The final walk involves an uphill walk to Barshong Dzong.

  • Max Altitude: 3,710 m/12,172 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Duration: 7-8 hours
  • Distance: 22 km/13.6 miles

Today is the last day of walking. From Barshong, you will trek for 15 to 20 minutes to reach the road point. Then, meet your driver and car and drive to Thimphu. The rest of the day is free in the city.

  • Max Altitude: 2,340 m/7,677 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 30 minutes trek & 2-3 hours trek
  • Distance: 500 m trek

Spend the morning exploring tourist sites like the National Library, Arts & Crafts Scholl, Textile Museum, and Simply Bhutan Museum. All these museums will give you great insights into Bhutanese texts, legends, manuscripts, art, textiles, culture, and traditions. After the tour, you will drive to Paro with your guide.

  • Max Altitude: 2,200 m/7,218 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 1.5 hour
  • Distance: 50 km/31 miles

You will depart from Paro today. According to your flight schedule, our team will drop you off at the international airport.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
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Cost Details
Included
  • Transport by private vehicle
  • Government levy/taxes & visa fee
  • Government approved 3-star hotels (In Cities) with Breakfast, Lunch Dinner..
  • An English speaking guide
  • Bottled water in vehicle (Cities).
  • Permits, entrance fees, & sightseeing
  • Sleeping tents, sleeping mats & pillows (Trekking).
  • Dinning tents, kitchen tent & toilet tent. (Trekking).
  • Tables, chairs, utensils, hot water bags. (Trekking).
  • Trekking chef & assistants. (Trekking).
  • Horses to carry trek equipments. (Trekking).
  • Food supplies. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. (Trekking).
Excluded
  • International Airfare.
  • Travel Insurance.
  • Laundry, Drinks & beverages, like bills of personal nature.
  • Tips.
  • Sleeping bag
Essential Information

Ideal seasons for the Jomolhari trek

The best time to do the Jomolhari trek is the spring and autumn seasons. It is a pleasant time of the year to trek in the Himalayas. The weather is stable, and the mountain views are clear.

There is less chance of precipitation, so you will thoroughly enjoy camping in nature. It is also peak trekking season, so you may see fellow trekkers on the way.

Accommodations and meals during the Jomolhari trek

It is a camping trek, so you will sleep in tents at different campsites along the trail. Our Jomolhari trek expedition is entirely supported by us. We will provide high-quality alpine tents for the group, including twin-sharing and single tents.

Likewise, we will also make dining and washroom tents at every campsite. The support crew will be responsible for making and packing the tents throughout the trip.

Similarly, our Jomolhari trek package includes three meals a day- breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We will customize the meals, combining Bhutanese and Western dishes to meet our guests' preferences. The crew will be equipped with ample fuel and incidents for the trip.

Jomolhari trek difficulty

The Jomolhari trek is more demanding than the Druk Path trek in Bhutan. In terms of elevation and terrain, it is similar to the famous Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal. However, the daily walking hours are longer on the Jomolhari trek than on the EBC trek.

Overall, the Jomolhari trek is challenging and recommended for trekkers with good fitness. You will travel at a high altitude during this trek, and 6 to 7 hours of uphill and downhill walking are required daily. The terrain is rugged and steep in many parts.

Likewise, the facilities during the trek are minimal, so you have to adjust a lot. You will also cross two high mountain passes, Nylie La Pass and Yeli Pass.

Altitude sickness and preventive measures

On this trek, you will reach almost 5,000 meters. The highest point is Yeli Pass, 4,930 meters (16,174 ft). Upon landing in Paro, 2,250 meters (7,382 ft), you will spend two nights exploring and acclimatizing.

The trek starts from Shana (2,850 m/9,350 ft), which can be reached in 30 minutes of driving from Paro. From Shana, you will gradually ascend to Shodu (4,080 m/13,386 ft), the highest point where you will spend the night.

As you can see, the Jomolhari trek involves substantial elevation gain, so there is also a high risk of altitude sickness. Following our itinerary will give you a great acclimatization opportunity.

Likewise, our team will monitor your health and provide first aid if you feel sick or uneasy while trekking. Keep yourself hydrated and get ample rest.

Travel Insurance

If you plan to do the Jomolhari trek, we highly recommend buying travel insurance covering medical bills and emergency helicopter evacuation. The insurance will save you a lot of money and help you get rescued on time in an unseen situation.

FAQs

The Jomolhari trek is moderately challenging. It involves high-altitude walking and steep ascents and descents. Trekkers with decent fitness and some past hiking experience can do the Jomolhari trek.

During the trek, you will climb two mountain passes- Nylie La Pass (4,830 m/15,846 ft) and Yeli Pass (4,930 m/16,174 ft). Both these passes are the highest points touched during the Jomolhari trek.

You will start the Jomolhari trek from Shana, which can be reached in 30 minutes of driving from Paro. Likewise, you also have an option to start the trek from Gunitsawa village.

The best time to do the Jomolhari trek is March to May and September to November. The weather and climate are fantastic in these months, which makes them ideal for trekking.

It depends on the trekker's fitness. The Jomolhari trek requires 6 to 7 hours of walking each day on rugged terrain and high altitude. Therefore, decent fitness is needed for a less stressful experience. Beginner trekkers can consider the Jomolhari trek, but they have to be well-prepared for the journey.

Our team will help you obtain a visa for Bhutan and the necessary permits for the Jomolhari trek. Once you book the trek, our team will ask you for the necessary documents and passport details. They will use these documents to apply for Bhutan's travel visa and Jomolhari trek permit.

Yes, trekking with a guide is necessary for the Jomolhari trek. Foreigners are also not allowed to travel to Bhutan without a guide. This is part of the government's policy to ensure the safety of travelers and the environment.

Jomolhari trek is a camping trek, so you will spend nights in alpine tents. We will provide tents for the trip. In Paro and Thimphu, you will spend nights in tourist standard hotels.

Porters will support you during the trek. They will carry your camping equipment and duffel bags.

On the Jomolhari trek, you may see animals like blue sheep, yak, red panda, and Himalayan griffon. This area also has rare wildlife like snow leopards and Himalayan black bears.

Like any high-altitude trek, the Jomolhari trek also carries risks of altitude sickness, fatigue, and injuries. However, you will be accompanied by a professional guide, so there is nothing to worry about. However, ensure you walk carefully and do not wander far away from your group.

Yes, you will have many opportunities to interact with local communities and visit monasteries during the trek. The trail passes several lovely Bhutanese villages where you can enjoy the locals' hospitality and company.

Yes, you will need travel insurance for the Jomolhari trek. It must cover emergency helicopter evacuation and medical bills. You can also include other coverages like trip cancellations, delayed baggage, loss/theft of personal belongings, etc, in your travel insurance.

Yes, you can combine the Jomolhari trek with other treks in Bhutan. For example, you can combine the Laya Gasa trek or Jomolhari Base Camp in your Jomolhari trek itinerary. We highly recommend talking to our team for more information.

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