Bhutan: Jomolhari Trek — 12 Days, Paro to Thimphu

Jomolhari, 7316 m, stands on the border between Bhutan and Tibet and is considered a sacred summit. The trekking route does not climb the mountain: it runs through the valleys below its southern slopes and gives close views of the massif from the Jangothang camp and from neighbouring high points.

The walking part begins after the drive from Paro to Shana. Over two long days the group reaches Jangothang at 4050 m, where a rest day and an acclimatisation outing are built in. The route then crosses the Nyile La and the Yeli La, descends through Shodu and Barshong and finishes at the road to Thimphu. That structure makes it a linear route rather than a return along the same valley.

The difficulty comes from the combination of altitude, self-sufficient nights and long stages. The days to Jangothang and Lingshi reach 19–22 km, and both passes stand at around 4800 m. Technical equipment is not normally required, but snow, wind and precipitation can make the trail harder. The guide changes the pace and the tactics according to the actual conditions.

The acclimatisation day at Jangothang is integral to the programme. It is there not only for rest but to check how the body is responding before the first pass. Participants must report headache, nausea, loss of coordination and any other symptoms; reaching the passes is not guaranteed.

After the trek the cultural section shows how the religious and civic life of Bhutan is bound up with the dzongs, the monasteries and the crafts. The climb to Taktsang remains a full walking day rather than a formal excursion. Travellers who want a shorter route can compare this programme with the Druk Path, which is sold separately.

Day 1. Arrival in Paro.

A member of the team meets the group at the airport and arranges the transfer to the hotel. Mountain views on the approach depend on cloud cover and are not guaranteed. After checking in there is time to rest, meet the guide and check the kit for the tented section. Night at the hotel.

Day 2. Shana — first high camp, 3750 m.

After breakfast we drive on a dirt road to Shana and begin the walking part. The trail climbs the river valley with a succession of small ascents and descents. A stage of about 22 km and 8 hours sets the working pace at once, so the guide watches how everyone is feeling and how they are managing their reserves. Night in tents.

Day 3. Walk to Jangothang, 4050 m.

We continue up the Paro Chhu valley through alpine meadow and small settlements, register at the checkpoint and come out at the Jangothang camp. In clear weather Jomolhari and Jichu Drake are visible from here. The stage of about 19 km takes roughly 7 hours and brings the group to its first night above 4000 m. Night in tents.

Day 4. Acclimatisation at Jangothang.

We stay at camp and, at the guide’s decision, make an outing into the surrounding valleys or towards Tshophu lake. The altitude and the length are chosen according to how the group is feeling. The day is needed to adapt before the two passes, to dry kit and to recover from the long stages. Night in tents.

Day 5. Nyile La, 4830 m, and Lingshi.

We climb over moraine and possible snow to the Nyile La. The pass is usually open and windy ground; in clear weather Tsherim Gang is visible. We then descend to the camp near Lingshi Dzong. About 22 km and 8 hours make this day the first serious test of acclimatisation. Night in tents.

Day 6. Yeli La, 4820 m, and Shodu, 4100 m.

The trail runs through the Mo Chhu valley, crosses the river and climbs to the Yeli La. In clear weather Jomolhari and the neighbouring summits can be seen from the pass, but the panorama is not guaranteed. Beyond the high point we descend along a stream to the Shodu camp. Distance about 15 km, time about 8 hours. Night in tents.

Day 7. Shodu — Barshong, 3600 m.

We descend along the Thimphu river through rhododendron and juniper forest, then after lunch climb to the ruins of Barshong Dzong. Losing height helps recovery after the two passes, but a stage of about 18 km and 8 hours is still a full walking day. Night in tents.

Day 8. End of the trek and transfer to Thimphu.

We descend to the Thimchhu river, then walk through bamboo and pine forest to Dodena and Dolam Kencho, where transport meets the group. The walking part is about 10 km and 5 hours. In Thimphu we check into the hotel, collect the baggage left behind and recover from the self-sufficient section. Whether the dzong is visited depends on the time of arrival. Night at the hotel.

Day 9. Thimphu.

We explore the capital: the Buddha statue, the memorial chorten, the school of traditional arts, the paper works and the other sites available on the programme. The day gives cultural context after the mountain route and allows recovery at the same time. The actual set and order of visits depend on opening hours and official access. Night at the hotel.

Day 10. Paro and the Taktsang monastery.

After an early breakfast we drive to Paro and climb to the Taktsang monastery, set high above the valley. Several hours of walking after the trek call for something in reserve and for comfortable footwear. In the evening, on the confirmed programme, there is dinner at a farmhouse and a traditional hot stone bath. Night at the hotel.

Day 11. Cultural programme in Paro.

We visit Ta Dzong, Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang, then walk in Paro if time allows. The day closes the journey with the architecture, art and religious sites of the valley. Access to particular rooms and the order of the sites are set by local rules. Night at the hotel.

Day 12. End of the programme.

At the agreed time there is a transfer to Paro airport. Participants check in themselves. The departure time is calculated to allow for the airline’s rules and the necessary margin.

• An experienced Mountain Guide leader, for groups of 4 participants or more
• A local licensed guide
• Meeting and seeing off at Paro airport
• Hotel accommodation, twin occupancy, 3-star
• Three meals a day and snacks throughout the programme
• The government Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
• A visit to a farmhouse with dinner and a traditional hot stone bath
• Transport according to the programme
• Unlimited bottled water at any time during the journey and the trek
• Transport of baggage and camp equipment during the trek
• Assistance with obtaining the Bhutan visa
• Visa fees
• Entrance fees to the sites in the programme

• The international flight
• Insurance covering trekking
• Tips for the guide and the team
• Any deviation from the programme
• Any costs arising from a change to the programme
• Any personal additional expenses