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Jomolhari Trek

An 11-day private trek from Paro to Thimphu by way of Jomolhari base camp, with eight days on foot, a rest day at Jangothang and two passes close to 4,900 metres.

  • Challenging
  • 11 days
  • High-altitude trek
  • Demanding

Highlights

  • Jomolhari base camp at Jangothang

  • Nyile La and Yeli La passes

  • Lingshi Dzong and yak-herding country

  • Supported camping with a cook and crew

Your route

  1. Paro Days 1–22 nights

    Drive about 2 hours

  2. Thimphu Day 101 night

    Drive about 2 hours

  3. Paro Day 11Fly home

Before choosing dates, see how the full trip cost works and what to expect for visa and entry.

Itinerary

  1. Day1ParoArrive in Paro

    Meet your guide at Paro airport. Check your trekking gear together and take an easy walk while your body starts adjusting to the altitude.

    Overnight Paro

  2. Day2ParoTiger's Nest acclimatisation hike

    Hike to Tiger's Nest, usually 4–6 hours return. It's a good fitness check and a useful climb before the trek.

    Overnight Paro

  3. Day3TrekInto the Paro Chhu valley to Shana

    Drive to the road head and walk up the river valley through farmland and forest to camp at Shana, around 2,850 metres.

    Overnight Trek

  4. Day4TrekShana to Thangthangkha

    A long day following the river through forest, climbing steadily to a meadow camp at around 3,600 metres with views of Jomolhari if it's clear.

    Overnight Trek

  5. Day5TrekThangthangkha to Jangothang

    Climb past yak herders' houses above the tree line to Jangothang, Jomolhari's base camp, at about 4,100 metres.

    Overnight Trek

  6. Day6TrekRest day at Jangothang

    A day to acclimatise. Walk up towards the glacial lakes or the ridge above camp for close views of Jomolhari and Jichu Drake, then rest.

    Overnight Trek

  7. Day7TrekOver Nyile La to Lingshi

    The hardest day: a long climb to Nyile La, about 4,900 metres, then down to Lingshi at around 4,000 metres, with its dzong on a hill above the valley.

    Overnight Trek

  8. Day8TrekLingshi to Shodu over Yeli La

    Cross Yeli La, close to 4,900 metres, with wide views back to the northern peaks, then descend to camp at Shodu.

    Overnight Trek

  9. Day9TrekShodu to Barshong

    Follow the Thimphu Chhu down through forest past waterfalls to camp near the ruins of Barshong Dzong, around 3,600 metres.

    Overnight Trek

  10. Day10ThimphuWalk out to the road and Thimphu

    A last morning on foot through forest to the road head, then drive to Thimphu for a hot shower and a hotel bed.

    Overnight Thimphu

  11. Day11ParoThimphu to Paro and home

    Drive about an hour to Paro airport for your onward flight.

    Departure day

Check availability

Select your start date

Total$6,900all-inclusive

No. of travellers2
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What's included

In the price

  • Hotels for 3 nights before and after the trek
  • Seven nights of supported camping with tents and sleeping mats
  • A licensed trekking guide, cook and camp crew
  • Pack horses for shared camp equipment
  • All meals and drinking water refills
  • Vehicle transfers to and from the trek
  • Visa, permits and Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)

Not in the price

  • International flights to Bhutan
  • Travel insurance covering trekking, altitude and helicopter evacuation
  • Personal sleeping bag, clothing and trekking equipment
  • Gratuities

Questions about this tour

How hard is the Jomolhari Trek?

It's demanding. Most days are 5–8 hours on foot, and the two passes are close to 4,900 metres. You should be comfortable walking several days in a row and ideally have done a multi-day hike before. If you haven't, the Druk Path is a good first trek.

How do you handle the altitude?

The trek climbs gradually from about 2,850 metres, with a full rest day at Jangothang before the first high pass. Your guide watches for signs of altitude sickness every day, and the plan is always to descend if someone isn't coping.

When is the best time to go?

April to May and September to November usually give the most settled weather. Summer brings monsoon rain and muddy trails, and from December snow can close the high passes.

Should I choose the Druk Path or the Jomolhari Trek?

The Druk Path is shorter, with five trekking days and lakes along a ridge. The Jomolhari Trek is longer and higher, with eight trekking days, close views of Jomolhari and two passes near 4,900 metres. It's also the first part of the Snowman Trek, so it's a good test if that's on your list.

Where you'll stay

These are examples of hotels we often use on this tour. We may book a different hotel of the same standard, depending on availability.

Showing
  • Paro · 2 nightsHotel Kaachi GrandIn Paro town, with rain showers, floor heating and balconies facing the mountains.4-star
  • Thimphu · 1 nightAriya HotelA modern hotel in the capital with a spa, restaurant and gym.4-star

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