Bhutan Jomolhari Trek

Jomolhari Trek
Trek to Jomolhari Base Camp — Bhutan's classic high-altitude journey past yak pastures, alpine lakes & the sacred peak's towering glaciers.

Trip specifications

Duration
10 days
Difficulty
Difficult
Max Altitude
4,800 m(15,748 ft)
Activity
Outdoor Adventure
Accommodation
3 Star Hotel- Comfort
Best Season
Oct-Nov/ Mar-Jun
Group Size
2-12
Transport
Private Car
Meals
All Inclusive

Trip highlights

The weather and best time to trek to Jomolhari are crucial factors to consider when planning this adventurous journey through Bhutan's breathtaking landscapes. The trek's high-altitude conditions mean that weather can significantly impact the trekking experience. Understanding the seasonal variations will help ensure a successful and enjoyable trek.

Spring (Late March to June)

Spring is one of the best times to embark on the Jomolhari Trek. During these months, the weather is generally clear and stable, with daytime temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). The valleys bloom with flowers, and the mountain views are exceptionally clear, making it an ideal time for photography enthusiasts.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is another perfect season for the Jomolhari Trek. Similar to spring, the weather is stable with minimal precipitation, and the skies are clear, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing at higher altitudes, but the days are comfortably cool for trekking.
   
Considerations for Timing:

The best time to trek largely depends on personal preferences and preparedness. Spring and autumn offer the most favorable conditions for most trekkers, with clear weather, moderate temperatures, and the best views of the Himalayan range.

Acclimatization

Regardless of the season, acclimatization to high altitudes is essential. Ensure your itinerary includes enough days to adjust to the elevation, especially if trekking to higher altitudes above 4,000 meters.

Local Festivals

Planning your trek around local festivals can enhance your experience. Festivals like Paro Tshechu in spring or Thimphu Tshechu in autumn offer a glimpse into Bhutanese culture and traditions, adding a unique cultural dimension to your trek.

While the Jomolhari Trek can be undertaken in various seasons, spring and autumn stand out as the best times to experience this magnificent journey. These seasons provide trekkers with the optimal balance of clear skies, moderate temperatures, and the natural beauty of Bhutan in full bloom or in the vibrant colors of autumn, making for an unforgettable trekking experience.

Trip overview

The Jomolhari Trek is a legendary high-altitude journey in Bhutan that begins in Paro Valley and gradually climbs through rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and remote yak herder camps, all set against a backdrop of prayer flags and glacial rivers. The trail's highlight is Jomolhari Base Camp, where trekkers are met with a dramatic, close-up view of Mount Jomolhari's snow-capped summit — a place of stark beauty and quiet reflection where most groups pause a day to acclimatize and take in the scale of the mountain.

Beyond the physical challenge, the trek is deeply cultural, weaving in visits to cliffside monasteries, encounters with local Bhutanese communities, and moments of shared pilgrimage along the way. With altitudes ranging from 2,280m to over 4,800m at passes like Nye La, the journey demands careful pacing and acclimatization, but rewards trekkers with a profound sense of achievement and connection to one of the Himalayas' most preserved landscapes.

Itinerary

Days
10
Highest point
4,700 m · Day 06
Acclimatisation
02 days
  1. Day 1:

    Arrival in Paro Internatioanal Airport and Transfer to Hotel

    Altitude
    2,200 m
    Time
    30 minutes

    Your flight into Paro treats you to breathtaking views of the snowcapped Himalayas, including Bhutan's own Jomolhari and Jichu Drake peaks — and if you're flying via Delhi or Kathmandu, you may even catch glimpses of Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga along the way.

    Upon landing at Paro Airport, our representative will be waiting to welcome you. For those arriving before noon, the afternoon opens up for exploration, starting with a visit to Kichu Lhakhang — one of Bhutan's oldest Buddhist temples, dating back to the 8th century and built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. As evening falls, take some time to wander through Paro town and soak in a slice of Bhutanese urban life before settling in for the night.

  2. Day 2:

    Acclimatisation

    Acclimatization Day- Hike to Taktshang Monastery

    Altitude
    3,120 m
    Time
    6 hours

    As a training you will take morning hike to Taktshang, better known as the Tiger's Nest, is invigorating from start to finish. Clinging to a rocky cliffside some 3,000 ft above the valley floor, this iconic monastery was founded by Guru Padmasambhava, the great Buddhist saint said to have flown to the site on the back of a tigress from Khengpajong in the Kurtoe region — where he meditated before going on to bring Buddhism to the Paro valley.

    Reaching the viewpoint makes for a satisfying half-day trek, rewarding you with sweeping views over the Paro valley below. After taking it all in, descend to the Taktshang cafeteria for a well-earned lunch. Back at the hotel, the rest of the day is free to wander through Paro town and its neighboring villages at your own pace. You'll spend the night once again in Paro.

  3. Day 3:

    Drive to Shana- and then Trek to Sio Thangkha (19 km, 6-7 hours)

    Altitude
    3,750 m
    Time
    7 hours

    After an early breakfast, we set off on the 2–3 hour drive to Shana, the starting point of the trek. From here, the trail follows the Pa Chhu river, weaving through pine, oak, and spruce forests as it climbs and descends along the valley. After crossing a bridge, the team pauses for a hot lunch before continuing along the riverbank through a stretch of rhododendron forest. A second river crossing brings you to the campsite for the night, set at an altitude of 3,750m.

  4. Day 4:

    Trek from Sio Thangkha to Jangothang (14 km, 4-5 hours)

    Altitude
    4,040 m
    Time
    5 hours

    The trail begins with a series of gentle climbs leading up to the Army camp. Beyond this point, the path follows the river above the tree line, opening up to stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Lunch is taken at a yak herder's camp along the way, before a short walk further into the valley brings you to Jangothang at 4,040m, where base camp is set up for the night. From here, the views of Mt. Jomolhari and Jichu Drake are simply splendid.

  5. Day 5:

    Acclimatisation

    Acclimatization day at Jangothang (Base Camp)

    Altitude
    4,040 m
    Time
    1 day

    To acclimatize for the following day’s highest climb on this trek, we rest and explore the nearby areas. Mountains and lakes offer exciting sites to explore.

  6. Day 6:

    Highest point

    Trek from Jangothang to Lingshi (18 km, 7-8 hours)

    Altitude
    4,700 m
    Time
    8 hours

    The trail follows the stream for about half an hour before crossing a bridge to the right, marking the start of the climb up to the first ridge. From here, the views are nothing short of breathtaking — Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tshering Gang all come into view. The path then levels out through the valley for a while before the climb toward Ngye La pass begins, cresting at an altitude of 4,700m.

    Once past the pass, the trail gradually descends toward Lingshi camp, with sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and Lingshi Dzong accompanying you the whole way down. Camp for the night is set at an elevation of 4,000m.

  7. Day 7:

    Trek from Lingshi to Shodu (22 km, 7-8 hours)

    Altitude
    4,100 m
    Time
    8 hours

    This is where the Laya–Gasa route breaks off from the Jhomolhari trek. The trail climbs up to a small chorten perched on a ridge above the camp, then turns south to follow the deep Mo Chhu valley. Winding through treeless terrain, the path climbs steadily above the Mo Chhu river before crossing it and pushing steeply upward for around two hours to reach Yeli La pass at 4,820m. On a clear day, the pass rewards you with views of Jhomolhari, Gangchen Ta, Tshering Gang, and Masang Gang.

    From here, the trail descends alongside a stream to a shelter, then continues further downstream to the camp at Shodu, set at 4,100m beside a meadow with its own chorten.

  8. Day 8:

    Trek from Shodu Camp to Barshong (16 km, 6-7 hours)

    Altitude
    3,600 m
    Time
    8 hours

    The route re-enters the tree line here, following the Wangchhu (Thimphu River) as the trail descends through forests of rhododendron, juniper, and alpine vegetation. Along a ridge, cascading waterfalls offer a striking view before a hot lunch is served riverside. After lunch, the trail leads to the ruins of Barshong Dzong, arriving at the camp set at 3,600m — marking the final night of the trek at Barshong.

  9. Day 9:

    Drive to Barshong to Thimphu/ Paro for overnight

    After breakfast, drive on a dirt road for 2 hours until you meet with your car on a better road. And drive to Paro for overnight.

  10. Day 10:

    Departure Day! Transfer to Airport

    Altitude
    2,200 m
    Time
    30 min

    Day 10 is the conclusion of your extraordinary journey through Bhutan. This day is dedicated to your departure, with a transfer arranged to Paro International Airport.

    Morning in Paro:
    Depending on your flight schedule, you might have some time in the morning to relax at your hotel, take a final stroll through Paro, or simply enjoy the serene environment of the valley one last time.

    Check-Out and Farewell:
    After checking out from your hotel, you'll be met by your guide and driver from Relax Getaways Pvt. Ltd. This is an opportunity to bid farewell to the team who have accompanied you throughout your Bhutanese adventure.

    Transfer to Paro International Airport:
    A comfortable and timely transfer will be arranged to Paro International Airport. The drive from your hotel to the airport is usually short, allowing for a stress-free conclusion to your trip.

    Reflecting on Your Journey:
    As you await your flight, reminisce about the past week’s experiences. From the spiritual hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery to the cultural insights of Thimphu and the natural beauty of Punakha, your journey through Bhutan has been filled with memorable moments.


    Your departure from Bhutan on Day 10 might signify the end of your Majestic Bhutan Tour, but the memories and experiences of this unique Himalayan kingdom will continue to resonate with you long after. As you head home, you carry with you a piece of Bhutan’s tranquility, culture, and natural beauty.

Altitude Profile

Elevation:
Day 06

Trek from Jangothang to Lingshi (18 km, 7-8 hours)

+660 m4,700 m
1,900 m2,950 m3,950 m5,000 mD01D02D03D04D05D06D07D08D09D10
Package Options

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Cost Details

Comfort

Included

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE

  • All ground transport in a private vehicle, including airport and hotel transfers

ACCOMMODATION DURING THE TRIP

  • Comfortable lodging throughout the trek

ACCOMMODATIONS DURING THE TREK

  • Accommodation in a tented camp during the trekking days

SIGHTSEEING FEES & VISA

  • All entrance fees to museums and monuments / A Bhutanese Tourist Visa fee

MEALS DURING THE TOUR AND TREK

  • Full board meals - standard breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea & snacks.

TRANSPORTATION

  • All ground transportation in a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary

GUIDE AND PORTERS

  • An experienced, helpful, and friendly English-speaking Guide.

PORTERS

  • Porter and pack animal services for trekking

STAFF SALARY AND ALLOWANCE

  • All Bhutanese staff & porter’s daily wages, salary, equipment, food & clothing.

GUIDE FOR THE TOUR AND TREK

  • Licensed English-speaking Bhutanese Professional tour and trekking guides.

GOVERNMENT TAXES

  • All government taxes and official expenses.

Not included

INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE

  • International flight airfare (from and to Paro).

INSURANCE POLICY

  • Travel Insurance (for trip cancellation, interruption, medical treatment, repatriation, etc.)

PERSONAL EXPENSES

  • Telephone Calls, Internet, laundry, soft drinks, beers, and any Alcoholic beverages.

FILMING

  • Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.

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Bhutan Jomolhari Trek
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