Jomolhari Trek

Jomolhari Trek

Walk to the foot of sacred Jomolhari (7,326 m), cross high passes and visit remote Lingshi Dzong on one of the Himalaya's great treks.

Duration
12 days · 11 nights
Route
Paro · Jangothang · Lingshi · Thimphu
Best season
Apr–May & late Sep–Nov
Level
Challenging
Max altitude
about 4,930 m (Yeli La)
Sample itinerary — draft for review

Jomolhari rises straight out of the valley at Jangothang, one of the most dramatic base camps in the Himalaya. This trek brings you face to face with it, then crosses the high passes to the hilltop dzong of Lingshi and down the Thimphu river valley.

You'll need good fitness and some previous trekking experience. A rest day at Jangothang helps you acclimatise before the highest crossings.

Highlights

  • Jangothang, base camp beneath Jomolhari
  • Crossing Nyile La and Yeli La
  • Lingshi Dzong on its lonely hilltop
  • Yak herders' camps and blue sheep on the slopes

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Arrive in Paro

    Meet your guide and crew; gear check.

    Paro valley
    Paro valley · Photo: Abhijit Kar Gupta from Kolkata, India, CC BY 2.0
  2. Day 2

    Acclimatisation: the Tiger's Nest

    Hike to Paro Taktsang.

    Paro Taktsang
    Paro Taktsang · Photo: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0
  3. Day 3

    Trek: Shana to Soi Thangthangkha

    Start below the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong and follow the Paro Chhu upstream through forest to camp in a meadow at about 3,600 m.

    Drukgyel Dzong
    Drukgyel Dzong · Photo: Christopher J Fynn, CC BY-SA 4.0
  4. Day 4

    Trek: to Jangothang

    Climb past yak herders' settlements to Jangothang (about 4,080 m), beneath the east face of Jomolhari.

    Jomolhari
    Jomolhari · Photo: Christopher Fynn, CC BY-SA 3.0
  5. Day 5

    Rest & explore at Jangothang

    An acclimatisation day, with optional walks toward the Tshophu lakes and glaciers.

    Jomolhari
    Jomolhari · Photo: L Shyamal, CC BY-SA 3.0
  6. Day 6

    Trek: over Nyile La to Lingshi

    Cross Nyile La (about 4,870 m) and descend to camp near Lingshi Dzong.

    Jigme Dorji National Park
    Jigme Dorji National Park · Photo: A. J. T. Johnsingh, WWF-India and NCF, CC BY-SA 4.0
  7. Day 7

    Trek: over Yeli La to Shodu

    Visit Lingshi Dzong, then cross Yeli La, the highest point of the trek, with views back to Jomolhari and Jichu Drake.

    Jigme Dorji National Park
    Jigme Dorji National Park · Photo: A. J. T. Johnsingh, WWF-India and NCF, CC BY-SA 3.0
  8. Day 8

    Trek: Shodu to Barshong

    Follow the Thimphu Chhu past cliffs pocked with meditation caves.

  9. Day 9

    Trek: Barshong to Dolam Kencho

    Through forest, descending gently toward the valley.

    Jigme Dorji National Park
    Jigme Dorji National Park · Photo: Sabine Blankevoort, CC BY-SA 4.0
  10. Day 10

    Trek: to Dodena · drive to Thimphu

    Walk out to the road head at Dodena and drive into Thimphu for a hot stone bath.

    National Memorial Chorten
    National Memorial Chorten · Photo: Vinayaraj, CC BY-SA 4.0
  11. Day 11

    Thimphu

    A rest day in the capital, with gentle sightseeing.

    Tashichho Dzong
    Tashichho Dzong · Photo: Vinayaraj, CC BY-SA 4.0
  12. Day 12

    Depart

    Drive to Paro airport for your onward flight.

    Paro International Airport
    Paro International Airport · Photo: Vinayaraj, CC BY-SA 4.0
Signature Experiences

Included on this journey

The 108 chortens of Dochula pass, with the Himalaya beyond
Begin your journey

Make it yours.

Tell us your dates and wishes, and we'll tailor this journey around you.

  • Private & tailor-made
  • Licensed by Bhutan’s Department of Tourism
  • Every enquiry answered personally