Jomolhari Trek

Trip Snapshot:

Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights
Region: Paro and Thimphu
Max Elevation: Nearly 5,000m (16,404 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous (Good physical fitness required)

The Challenge:
The Jomolhari Trek remains one of the most popular routes for anyone who loves to discover Bhutan’s diverse landscape, flora, and fauna. This 11-day expedition takes you through unspoiled pine and rhododendron forests, past scattered hamlets, and across lovely alpine meadows. You will climb to high pasturelands—the home of yak herders and their animals—before reaching altitudes of nearly 5,000 meters.

The Highlights:
The crowning glory of this journey is the incredible view of the great Mount Jomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake from the campsites. You will wake up to these towering peaks dominating the skyline, offering a spiritual and visual experience unlike any other.

The Conditions:
With elevation ranging from 2,500m to nearly 5,000m, this trek requires trekkers to have a good level of physical fitness. The best time for this trek is from late March to June and from September to November.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

DAY 01 Arrival in Paro

Arrive at Paro International Airport and transfer to your hotel. In the evening, explore Paro town and its local market. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 02 Paro Sightseeing

Visit Ta Dzong (National Museum), Rinpung Dzong, and the sacred Kyichu Lhakhang. Discover Bhutan’s rich history, culture, and spiritual heritage. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

DAY 03 Paro to Shana (17 km, 5–6 hours trekking)

Begin your trek from Drukgyel Dzong, passing through rice fields, apple orchards, and beautiful forests before reaching Shana for an overnight camp.

DAY 04 Shana to Soi Thangthangkha (20 km, 7–8 hours trekking)

Follow the Paro River through pine, oak, spruce, and rhododendron forests. Enjoy scenic mountain views before camping at Soi Thangthangkha (3,750 m).

DAY 05 Soi Thangthangkha to Jangothang (19 km, 7–8 hours trekking)

Trek beyond the tree line along the river, passing yak herder settlements and enjoying spectacular views of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake. Camp overnight at Jangothang (4,040 m).

DAY 06 Jangothang to Lingshi (18 km, 7–8 hours trekking)

Ascend to Nyele La Pass (4,700 m), enjoying breathtaking Himalayan scenery. Descend through the valley to Lingshi, with views of Lingshi Dzong. Camp overnight at 4,000 m.

DAY 07 Lingshi to Shodu (22 km, 8–9 hours trekking)

Trek through the Mo Chu Valley and climb to Yeli La Pass (4,820 m). Enjoy panoramic mountain views before descending to Shodu for an overnight camp at 4,100 m.

DAY 08 Shodu to Barshong (16 km, 6–7 hours trekking)

Follow the Thimphu River through rhododendron, juniper, and alpine forests. Enjoy views of waterfalls and rocky cliffs before camping near the ruins of Barshong Dzong (3,600 m).

DAY 09 Barshong to Dolam Kencho (15 km, 5–6 hours trekking)

Descend through dense forests and follow the Thimphu River across ridges and valleys. Reach Dolam Kencho (3,600 m) for an overnight camp.

DAY 10 Dolam Kencho to Dodena to Thimphu (8 km, 3 hours trekking)

Trek through beautiful forests to Dodena, where your vehicle will meet you for the drive to Thimphu. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 11 Thimphu Sightseeing and Drive to Paro

Explore Thimphu’s highlights, including the Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, National Library, Institute for Zorig Chusum, Traditional Medicine Institute (outside view), and Handicrafts Emporium. Drive to Paro in the evening for an overnight stay.

DAY 12 Departure from Paro

After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your Bhutan adventure.