Jomolhari Base Camp Trek

Click to Enlarge

Duration: 12 Days

Trip Grade:

Jomolhari Base Camp trek is one of the most amazing trails into the rural highland of Bhutan. Views of this sacred mountain revered by the populace, the trek traverses two high passes and through encampments of yak herders.  Enroute trekkers will enjoy trails through forests, alpine meadows, glacial rivers and observe a nomadic culture that continues to exist today and small farming households making it one of the most enjoyable of treks in this magnificent Bhutan Himalayas.

Day 1 : Arrive Paro 2200m

Arrive at Paro international airport, Bhutan.  Transfer to hotel to refresh and check-in.  Meet and orient with Trek Guide for a briefing on the next days schedule.  To get acclimatized there will be a short tour to Kyichu Lhagang one of the sacred sites for a glimpse of Buddhism practices and a walk in Paro town.

Return to hotel for an equipment check in case anyone should require additional gear.  Enjoy a nice Bhutanese dinner.

Overnight Hotel.

Day 2 : Paro tours : Taktsang monastery 3100m and National Museum

Paro, a beautifull valley with homes set among terraced paddy fields and orchards. It is a unique combination of the rural and urban dwellings.  Visits will include :

Take an early hike to Taktsang “Tiger’s Nest” monastery built by Guru Rimpoche as legends have it who flew on the back of mythical tigress.  This incredible structure seems to float on clouds amidst the craggy sides of a hill.  Option to walk to the top or enjoy views from a mid way point to take in the sublime views.

Ta Dzong National Museum and then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong which has a long and fascinating history from where you can walk further down to a traditional cantilever bridge.

This evening you will need to repack, leaving behind things you will not require on the trek for safe storage with our local partner.

Overnight Hotel

Day 3 : Drive past Drukgyel Dzong 2580m to Shana 2860m, begin trek to Thongo Zampa 3250m, 11kms, walk approx 4hrs

A short drive of approx 20 minutes up the Paro valley to Drukyel Dzong, originally built as a fortress in 1647 to guard against Tibetans invaders.. Continue drive to Shana (1-1.5h drive) from where the trek commences. The scenic drive passes through farming villages with fields of rice, wheat, barley, mustard, potato, and radish as well as herds of cows. There are good examples of Bhutanese two storey, timber and stone houses to be seen here. Also first views of Mount Jomolhari's summit 7314m at the head of the valley.

Start trek and break for lunch at a suitable spot on the first day which will likely be a packed lunch. In the beginning section the trail is wide and flat as it meanders steadily through lightly forested fields, in recent years these have been the site of ongoing large-scale projects to bring electricity to isolated villages up the valley.

Overnight camp Thongo Zampa.

Day 4 : Trek to Soi Thangthangkha 3700m, approx 4hrs

Today the trek trail is inside Jigme Dorje National Park, the largest protected area in the country 4350 sq kms which extends beyond Laya to Lunana in the east and all the territory to the south. A protected wilderness, the park management based at Gasa has to handle the needs of lowland farmers and semi-nomadic yak herders. There exists great variety of plants and animals at both high and low altitudes. The lush forests of oaks, maple, birch, larch pine and allders make way for rhododendron and pines as the trek progresses higher.  Many camp stops are not settlements but merely clearings beside a water source which are suitable camping.

Overnight camping.

Day 5 : Trek to Jomolhari Base Camp, "Jangothang" 4100m, 12kms, walk approx 5hrs

Continue trekking ascending to camp at the base of Jomolhari, a stunning alpine setting. Jichu Drake 6794m rises to the right, with a fine, elegant ridge running down toward the pass that will be crossed next day.  Camp in the vicinity of yak herders from the Paro Valley, who, like their counterparts in Southern Tibet, live in woven yak wool tents throughout the summer months. By now the trail is above treeline and the landscape is low tundra of juniper and rhododendron setosum; look out for blue sheeps in the higher rocky outcrops.

Overnight camping.

Day 6 : At Jomolhari Base Camp, "Jangothang", rest and exploration

A splendid day for rest and acclimatisation. Take a side trip up the small valley towards Jomolhari for a dramatic view towards the glacier and imposing face of this 7000m mountain. Or option to make a scenic excursion up to Sopu lake set adjacent to Nye La pass, both are excellent photo ops. Mountains in Bhutan are not allowed for climbing as these are believed to be holy abode of deities.

Overnight camping.

Day 7 : Cross Nyile la 4850m, approx 18kms, walk approx 8hrs to Lingshi

The trail begins with ascent over rolling slopes of grassland and small brush to the Nyile La 4850 metres. It is relatively a long day and the route's first Himalayan pass and advisable to take it slowly especially on the final steep path just below the pass where grasses give way to scree and sand. Views enroute to Jichu Drake are magnificent. From the Nyile La it is a steep descent through dwarf rhododendron shrub towards Lingshi village. In the distance are first sights of Lingshi Dzong built to protect this and the other outlying villages of Bhutan from periodic raids from Tibet. Before reaching the village and the Dzong, turn off descending to cross a stream, after a short stiff climb and then a descent into the quiet valley and camp by a stream.

Overnight camping.

Day 8 : Cross Yale la 4950m, trek to Shodu 3950m, walk approx 8hrs

Today is the most difficult day so an early start is necessary. Start trek and ascend gradually through the valley until the stiff climb to Yale La pass at 4950 metres - the highest point of the trek. The final push to the top of the pass is hard work though rewarding! There are panoramic views of Jomolhari 7314m, Jichu Drake 6794m and Tshrim Gang are breathtaking. After the pass it is a long descent to the camp at Shodu.

Overnight camping.

Day 9 : To Barshong 3700m, walk approx 7 – 8 hrs

The path now follows the Thimchu River descending through rhododendron, Juniper and pine forests.  Views of the cliff facing rocks and water falls are splendid. The trail gradually ascends after 3 to 4 hours to the ruins of Barshong Dzong and our camp for the night.

Overnight camping.

Day 10 : Complete trek at Dolam Kencho, walk approx 5 – 6 hrs, transfer to Thimphu approx 2hrs.

The trail descends for a while joining the Thimchu river and gradually up and down through thick bamboo and pine forests. Walk for approximately 2 hours to reach the old campsite at Domshesha before continuing for another 3-4 hours to Dolam Kencho and the roadhead where vehicle will be awaiting for transfer to Thimphu, capital of the country.

Time permitting, visit the Tashichho Dzong.  The left baggages in Paro would have been transferred and available at the hotel in Thimphu. Enjoy a nice hot shower and a soft bed in as many days and a pleasant evening at dinner.

Overnight Hotel.

Day 11 : In Thimphu, transfer to Paro approx 2hrs

Enjoy sightseeing in the city as there are many interesting places to visit :

Takin enclosure to see the country’s national animal; a uniquely endangered animal. 

Buddha Point the largest statue of the Buddha in Bhutan, it has good views of Thimphu valley. It contains holy Buddhist scriptures, images and a library. If one enjoys walking, take a hike from here towards Debsi along a biking trail for about 30 minutes. Hike back to the road.

Simply Bhutan, an interactive 'living' museum developed for and by the youth of Bhutan through the Bhutan Youth Development Fund.

National Textile Museum which offers an in-depth look into the many weaving techniques and styles of local dress and textiles from different areas.  Weavers are usually at their looms giving visitors opportunity to see traditional methods at work.

Jungshi Traditional Paper factory to see the process of using traditional method to make this strong and durable paper.  It uses the bark of two tree species, the Daphne tree and Dhekap tree in the manufacture of traditional paper.

Transfer to Paro for overnight. 

Overnight Hotel

Day 12 : Paro departure.

It is time to reluctantly bid goodbye after an amazing trek experience in the Bhutan Himalayas, transfer to airport for departure.

KINDLY NOTE : of 26 June 2022, a new tourism tariff will replace the current one and rates for all trips are on request basis at this time of post.

Bhutan's Paro International Airport is connected by Druk Air and Bhutan Air flights from Bangkok, Kolkata, Delhi, Kathmandu and Singapore.

Hotels : Standard Tourist Accommodation are in the 3* and 3* plus categories with upgrades on payment of supplementary cost in locations where available.

Local Trip Leaders : all tours are lead by our experienced and knowledgeable Bhutan Trek Leaders to give you an insight from a local perspective and accompany the group from arrival to departure.

Visa : on confirmation and full tour payment; visas will be processed.  

Pre & Post Tour assistance : those who plan  to make pre or post tours to Nepal, India or Tibet TAR can do so, please enquire to make arrangements. Nepal and India are just a little over 1 hour flight connected daily.   

Exit Options : those who do not wish to fly can exit by land to Darjeeling and Sikkim, India.

Book and enjoy Jomolhari Base Camp trek to areas little seen by visitors!

Bhutan's Paro International Airport is connected by Druk Air and Bhutan Air flights from Bangkok, Kolkata, Delhi, Kathmandu and Singapore.

Hotels : Standard Tourist Accommodation are in the 3* and 3* plus categories with upgrades on payment of supplementary cost in locations where available.

Local Trip Leaders : all tours are lead by our experienced and knowledgeable Bhutan Trek Leaders to give you an insight from a local perspective and accompany the group from arrival to departure.

Visa : on confirmation and full tour payment; visas will be processed.  

Pre & Post Tour assistance : those who plan  to make pre or post tours to Nepal, India or Tibet TAR can do so, please enquire to make arrangements. Nepal and India are just a little over 1 hour flight connected daily.   

Exit Options : those who do not wish to fly can exit by land to Darjeeling and Sikkim, India.

You may also like this

Black Mountain

Duration: 11 Days

Trip Grade:

Black Mountain also known as Gangtey trek is a short and equally interesting trek.  The trail goes through the highest mid hills of the...

» Read More

Laya Lingshi

Duration: 19 Days

Trip Grade:

This is a very interesting extension of the Chomolhari trek to higher northern area of Lingshi Dzong.  This trail goes to the remote and cha...

» Read More

Snowman Lunana

Duration: 25 Days

Trip Grade:

Lunana Snowman Trek   This 21 days trek is a sure test of endurance and meant only for those who have had rigorous trekking experiences.&...

» Read More