Cultural Tours · Classic Bhutan · Easy
Into the Cultural Heartland
- Paro
- Thimphu
- Punakha
- Phobjikha
- …
West to centre — from Paro across the Black Mountains to Trongsa and the ancient temples of Bumthang.
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Trekking · Adventure & Hiking
Jomolhari Trek
Eight days walking through yak pastures and high passes to the foot of Jomolhari, Bhutan's sacred peak on the Tibetan border.
- Duration
- 13 days · 12 nights
- Route
- Paro → Sharna Zampa → Jangothang → Lingshi …
- Activity level
- Strenuous · up to 4,930 m (Yeli La)
- Best time
- Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov
- From
- Price on requestQuoted for your dates and style
Overview
The Jomolhari trek is one of the great walks of the Himalaya. From the forests above Paro it follows the river north into yak country, camping beneath the sheer east face of Jomolhari before crossing two high passes to Lingshi and descending to Thimphu.
This is a serious trek with long days above 4,000 metres. In return you will see the high Himalaya at close quarters, meet herders who spend their summers in these pastures and experience a side of Bhutan very few visitors reach.
- Paro
- Sharna Zampa
- Jangothang
- Lingshi
- Shodu
- Barshong
- Thimphu
Highlights
- Camping at Jangothang beneath the east face of Jomolhari (7,326 m)
- Crossing Nyile La (4,870 m) and Yeli La (4,930 m)
- Lingshi Dzong, perched on a ridge in yak country
- Encounters with yak herders and their summer camps
- A rest day for acclimatisation and hikes to high lakes
Day by day
- Day01
Arrival in Paro Paro
Welcome and a gentle afternoon of sightseeing. Trek briefing and equipment check.
- Paro sightseeing
- Trek briefing
- Day02
Acclimatisation in Paro Paro
Hike to the Tiger's Nest to help your body adjust to altitude.
- Tiger's Nest hike
- Day03
Sharna Zampa to Thangthangkha Drukgyel → Sharna Zampa → Thangthangkha
Drive past Drukgyel Dzong to the trailhead and follow the Paro Chhu upstream through forest of oak, rhododendron and fern to a meadow camp.
- Trek day 1
- Day04
Thangthangkha to Jangothang Thangthangkha → Jangothang
Pass an army post and climb into yak country, with the first views of Jomolhari. Camp at Jangothang, beneath the mountain.
- Trek day 2
- Day05
Rest day at Jangothang Jangothang
Acclimatise with an optional hike towards the Tshophu lakes or up the ridge for views of Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. Or simply rest.
- Optional hike to Tshophu lakes
- Day06
Jangothang to Lingshi Jangothang → Nyile La → Lingshi
Climb to Nyile La at 4,870 m, with panoramic views, then descend into the Lingshi basin with Lingshi Dzong on its ridge.
- Trek day 3
- Day07
Lingshi to Shodu Lingshi → Yeli La → Shodu
The longest day: cross Yeli La, the highest point of the trek, with views of Jomolhari, Tserim Kang and Masang Gang, before descending to Shodu.
- Trek day 4
- Day08
Shodu to Barshong Shodu → Barshong
Follow the Thimphu Chhu down through rhododendron forest, passing meditation caves and waterfalls, to camp near the ruins of Barshong Dzong.
- Trek day 5
- Day09
Barshong to Dolam Kencho Barshong → Dolam Kencho
Descend through forest to the riverside meadows of Dolam Kencho.
- Trek day 6
- Day10
Dolam Kencho to Dodina, drive to Thimphu Dolam Kencho → Dodina → Thimphu
A short final walk to the road head at Dodina, where your vehicle waits. Celebrate in Thimphu with a hot shower and a good dinner.
- Trek day 7
- Return to Thimphu
- Day11
Thimphu Thimphu
A day of sightseeing in the capital: Buddha Dordenma, Tashichho Dzong and the craft schools.
- Thimphu sightseeing
- Day12
Thimphu to Paro Thimphu → Paro
Return to Paro with a relaxed afternoon and an optional hot stone bath.
- Optional hot stone bath
- Day13
Departure Paro
Transfer to Paro airport.
- Airport transfer
Staying, eating, travelling
- Accommodation
- Hotels in Paro and Thimphu; full camping service on the trek.
- Meals
- All meals included, with a dedicated camp cook on the trek.
- Transport
- Private vehicle; pack horses and yaks on the trek.
- Your guide
- Licensed trekking guide trained in wilderness first aid, cook and crew.
What is included
Included
- Bhutan visa processing and visa fee
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for each night in Bhutan
- Hotels and full camping equipment
- All meals in Bhutan
- Trekking guide, cook, crew, horses and yaks
- Trekking permits and entrance fees
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance with high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation cover (required)
- Sleeping bag (rental available)
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips for guide and crew
When to go & what you need
Best time to travel
April–June and late September–November. Snow can close the high passes outside these months.
- January
- February
- March
- April — recommended
- May — recommended
- June — recommended
- July
- August
- September — recommended
- October — recommended
- November — recommended
- December
Before you travel
- Passport valid for at least six months from arrival
- Insurance covering trekking to 5,000 m and helicopter evacuation
- Very good fitness and previous high-altitude trekking experience recommended
Along the way
Questions about this journey
How hard is the Jomolhari trek?
It is a demanding trek with long days and two passes near 5,000 metres. It suits fit, experienced hikers. A rest day at Jangothang helps acclimatisation.
Can the route be changed?
Yes — a shorter loop returns to Paro via Bonte La and Takhung La, and we can add extra rest days. Tell us your experience and we will advise.
Places on this route
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