Hiking & Treks

Jomolhari Trek 11days

🕐 10N 11D📍 Paro, Thimphu

Overview

The adventure begins in Paro with a visit to Paro Dzong and the National Museum, followed by an acclimatization hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, before the trek proper sets off from Gunitsawa. Following the Paro Chhu river valley through forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron, the route climbs steadily above the treeline to Jangothang base camp — a spectacular setting beneath the towering presence of Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake (6,989m). After a rest day for acclimatization, the trek crosses two formidable high passes: Neyle La (4,830m) and Yaklay La (4,942m), both rewarding trekkers with sweeping views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks and a rare glimpse of Lingzhi Dzong, a centuries-old fortress once used as a defense post against Tibetan and Mongol incursions. The trail then descends through dramatic river valleys and alpine forest back to the treeline at Barshong, marking the end of the trekking portion of the journey. The final days shift from wilderness to culture, taking travelers through Thimphu — Bhutan’s capital, home to the National Memorial Chorten, the towering Buddha Dordenma statue, the Takin Preserve, Zilukha Nunnery, Postal Museum, and Tashichho Dzong

Experience Highlights

✓Tiger’s Nest Monastery
✓2. Mount Jomolhari (7,315m)- up-close views of this sacred peak from Jangothang base camp
✓3. High mountain passes – Neyle La (4,830m) and Yaklay La (4,942m), with sweeping Himalayan panoramas
✓4. Lingzhi Dzong – A centuries-old fortress once used to defend against invasions

Typically included

✓Licensed Bhutanese cultural guide (trek guide on trek days)
✓Private vehicle and driver for the published itinerary
✓DoT-certified hotels or registered village homestays (twin share unless stated)
✓Daily meals as specified in your confirmed itinerary
✓Monument and festival tickets listed in the itinerary
✓Bottled water in the vehicle and airport arrival assistance
✓Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for every night in Bhutan
✓Bhutan visa fee (US$40) or entry-permit processing

Not included

–International and Paro flights
–Travel insurance (required for treks)
–Drinks, laundry, tips, and personal expenses
–Optional activities and hotel upgrades

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, guests will be received by our representative and transferred to the hotel for check-in. Time permitting, an excursion to the National Museum and Paro Dzong may be undertaken. Overnight accommodation in Paro.

Day 2: Acclamatization- day hike to Taktsang

After breakfast, proceed on an acclimatization hike to Taktsang Monastery(3100m), popularly known as the Tiger’s Nest and regarded as the icon of Bhutan. The hike takes approximately four to five hours.

Day 3: Paro to Shingkarap

9KM | 4-5hours | 250M Ascent | 60M Descent | Camp Altitude: 3110M The day starts with a drive to Gunitsawa, the trek’s starting point, passing Drukgyal Dzong Fortress, apple orchards, and the villages of Tsento along the way. From there, it’s an easy trek on a gentle incline through conifer and rhododendron forest running alongside the Paro Chhu. After roughly five hours of steady hiking, crossing the river several times along the way, you’ll reach Shingkharap — an open, spacious area with a single house that serves as a rest-stop for traveling highlanders. A short walk further brings you to your campsite for the night, at an altitude of 3,110m.

Day 4: Shingkarap to Soi Thangkha

15 km | 5–6 hours | 650m ascent | Camp altitude: 3,670m The trail once again follows the Pachu River, rising and dipping through forests of pine, oak, and spruce. A hot lunch is served after crossing the bridge to the left side of the river. From there, the trail continues alongside the river, climbing through rhododendron forest, before crossing the bridge once more to reach the campsite at an altitude of 3,670m.

Day 5: Soi Thangkha to Jangothang Base Camp

17 km | 4–5 hours | 290m ascent | Camp altitude: 4,040m From this camp onward, the trek continues above the treeline, which in Bhutan sits at roughly 3,700 meters. The day starts with a gentle climb toward an army camp, after which the trail follows the river through open, above-treeline terrain, offering impressive views of the surrounding peaks. The path then crosses a muddy section before passing a mani wall and entering true yak-herding territory, where a hot lunch is served at a yak herder’s camp. After lunch, the trail passes the herding settlements of Soe and Takethang, crosses a wide plateau, and follows a streambed through Dangochang village before reaching the spectacular campsite at Jangothang (4,040m) — a spot known for its outstanding views of Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake.

Day 6: Jangothang Acclimatization

Today’s optional four-hour acclimatization hike heads north from camp, climbing an open, trail-less slope toward views of Mount Jichu Drake (6,989m), with the option to scramble higher to 4,895m for a stunning view of Mount Jomolhari. Watch for blue sheep, griffon vultures, golden eagles, and the rare blue poppy along the way. Below, Jangothang base sits as a grassy plain with a ruined fortress, dwarfed by Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. A shorter option is the two-hour hike to Tshophu Lakes (4,400m) toward Bongtela Pass. Given the risk of altitude sickness, a rest day here is strongly advised — whether hiking or relaxing at camp, it’s a memorable day either way.

Day 7: Jangothang to Lingzhi

18 km | 6–7 hours | 790m ascent | 820m descent | Camp altitude: 4,010m The trail traces the stream for about half an hour before crossing a bridge to the right side, then climbs to the first ridge, revealing breathtaking views of Jomolhari (7,314m), Jichu Drake (6,989m), and Tserim Gang (6,789m). From there, the route continues toward the valley on mostly flat ground, before climbing once more to Neyle La pass at 4,830m. Beyond the pass, the trail descends gradually to camp, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and Lingzhi Dzong. Time permitting, a detour to this small fortress — perched on a hilltop above Lingzhi village — is worthwhile; for centuries, it served as a resting point for Buddhist pilgrims and a defensive stronghold against Tibetan and Mongol invaders. Camp for the night is set at 4,010m.

Day 8: Lingzhi to Shodu

Day 9: Shodu to Barshong to Dodeyna

16km | 5-5hours | 470m descent At this stage, the trail returns to the treeline, following the Thimphu River as it descends through rhododendron, juniper, and mixed alpine forest. The cliff faces and cascading waterfalls along the way make for a stunning backdrop. A hot lunch is served riverside, after which the trail climbs gradually to the ruins of Barshong Dzong (3,630m), once used as a supply post for Lingzhi Dzong. From here, a short walk along the farm road leads to your waiting vehicle for the drive to Thimphu, arriving by late evening. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

Day 10: Explore Thimphu

Begin the day with a visit to the giant Buddha statue(Buddha Dordhenma), followed by the Takin Preserve and Zilukha Nunnery. Spend some time exploring the town before lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Postal Museum and Thimphu’s fortress (Tashichho Dzong). Overnight in Thimphu

Day 11: Departure

After breakfast, our representative will bid you farewell

Touring cost

Price includes the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) and the US$40 Bhutan visa fee. Trekking programmes require travel insurance that covers high-altitude evacuation before the trek starts. Visa & SDF