JOMOLHARI Trek

DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO

Description: Arrive in Paro, where you will experience one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, offering breathtaking views of some of the highest peaks on Earth. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our guide at Paro airport. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon sightseeing tour in Paro, including a visit to the National Museum, Ta Dzong, which houses religious relics, works of art, and handicrafts, offering insights into Bhutan's cultural and historical past. Next, visit the Rimpong Dzong, where you can see the painting of the great saint Milarepa, regarded as a master of meditation in Bhutan. Afterward, take a walk across the beautiful cantilever wooden bridge still in use. Overnight stay at a hotel in Paro.

DAY 02: PARO

Description: Begin the day with a hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery, a journey of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill. The monastery, perched on a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor, offers a spectacular view. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche meditated in a cave here for three months during the 8th century, and after meditation, he manifested as Guru Dorji Drolo and a tigress to subdue demons in the valley. Stop for lunch at a nearby teahouse. In the afternoon, visit the almost fully reconstructed Drukgyel Dzong, originally built to commemorate Bhutan's victory over Tibetan invaders in 1644. On a clear day, enjoy the stunning backdrop of Mount Jomolhari (7314m). Continue exploring other sights in the Paro valley before returning to your hotel for the night.

DAY 03: PARO - SHANA

Distance: 17 km, 5-6 hours

Description: The trek begins from Drukgyel Dzong (2580m) with a short downhill walk on a wide trail. The path gradually climbs through rice terraces, millet fields, and apple orchards before entering forests. The valley widens as you approach the army post of Gunitsawa (2810m), the last stop before Tibet. Continue upward to Sharma Zampa (2870m) and camp in a meadow surrounded by trees. Overnight stay at the campsite.

DAY 04: SHANA - SOIL THANGTHANGKHA

Distance: 20 km, 7-8 hours

Description: Follow the Pa Chu (Paro River), ascending and descending through pine, oak, and spruce forests. After crossing a bridge to the left bank of the river, stop for lunch. Continue along the river, climbing through Rhododendron forests, crossing the river again before reaching the campsite at 3750m. Overnight stay at the campsite.

DAY 05: SOIL THANGTHANGKHA - JANGOTHANG

Distance: 19 km, 7-8 hours

Description: The path ascends until reaching an army camp, then follows the river above the tree line, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks. After a hot lunch at a yak herder’s camp, a short walk takes you to Jangothang (4040m), the campsite, with spectacular views of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake. Overnight stay at the campsite.

DAY 06: JANGOTHANG - LINGSHI

Distance: 18 km, 7-8 hours

Description: The trail follows a stream and crosses a bridge to the right bank, beginning the climb up the first ridge. Enjoy breathtaking views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tserimgang. The trail crosses a valley floor and climbs to Nyele-la Pass (4700m) before descending gradually with panoramic mountain views. Reach the campsite at Lingshi (4000m). Overnight stay at the campsite.

DAY 07: LINGSHI - SHODU

Distance: 22 km, 8-9 hours

Description: The trail climbs to a small chorten on a ridge above the camp and then turns south up the Mo Chu valley. Climb steadily along the valley, crossing the river and ascending steeply for two hours to Yeli-La (4820m), where you can see Chomolhari, Gangchenta, Tserimgang, and Masagang on a clear day. Descend alongside a stream to a rock shelter, and continue to Shodu (4100m), where you will camp in a meadow with a chorten. Overnight stay at the campsite.

DAY 08: SHODU - BARSHONG

Distance: 16 km, 6-7 hours

Description: Follow the Thimphu Chu, descending through Rhododendron, Juniper, and mixed alpine forests, with stunning views along the way. Stop at the riverside for a hot lunch before gradually climbing to the ruins of Barshong Dzong (3600m), near which you will camp for the night. Overnight stay at the campsite.

DAY 09: BARSHONG - DOLAM KENCHO

Distance: 15 km, 5-6 hours

Description: The trail descends gently through dense Rhododendron, Birch, and conifer forests before dropping steeply to meet the Thimphu Chu. The trail follows the river, climbing over ridges and descending into gullies. The final stretch of the trail climbs around a cliff face high above the river, leading to the pastureland where you will camp for the night at 3600m. Overnight stay at the campsite.

DAY 10: DOLAM KENCHO - DODENA/THIMPHU

Distance: 8 km, 3 hours

Description: The trail winds in and out of a side valley above the Thimphu Chu, making a long ascent through a forest of conifers and high-altitude broadleaf species to a pass at 3510m. From there, the trail descends steeply to the river, following it southward to the roadhead at Dodena (2600m). A transport vehicle will meet you here to drive to Thimphu. Overnight stay at a hotel in Thimphu.

DAY 11: THIMPHU - PARO

Description: Begin your sightseeing tour in Thimphu with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, which showcases the Buddhist faith through paintings and statues. The chorten was first initiated by the Third King as a protection against the negative effects of modernization. The Royal Queen Mother completed it as a memorial stupa for the Third King, who passed away in 1972. Other highlights include the 12th Century Changangkha Temple, Drubthob Monastery (housing the Zilukha nunnery), the School for Arts and Crafts, the National Library, and the Folk Heritage Museum. In the early evening, depart for Paro. Overnight stay at your hotel in Paro.

DAY 12: DEPART PARO

Description: After breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven to the airport for your onward flight.