Yak with Jomolhari mountain

Trekking

Jumolhari Trek

Overview

Journey style
Trekking
Route
Wangdue Phodrang · Paro · Punakha · Thimphu
Flexibility
Private and fully customisable

The Jumolhari trek is a challenging trek in Bhutan that takes you from Paro to Thimphu, following the route of the highlanders.The trek offers the perfect opportunity to get insight into the life of highlanders. The trial is popular among botanists for its high-altitude wildflowers and plants. You’ll follow the Paro Chhu River for the first two nights until you reach Jangothang basecamp, which offers the breathtaking views of Mt. Jumolhari, the “Goddess of the Mountains”.

This trek can be done in reverse from Thimphu to Paro and can be further customized.

During the trek, the tour highlights the following:

  • Excursion to Tiger’s Nest monastery
  • The view of Lingzhi Dzong fortress
  • The trek offers astonishing view of towering Himalayan peaks
  • Explore Thimphu and Punakha valleys
  • Discover different species of plants and flowers including (Blue Poppy- Bhutan’s National flower)
  • Stop at Dochula Pass to admire the monuments and the beautiful valley view below

While on trek the following are included

Highlights

  • Seasons: Spring (Apr–Jun) & Autumn (Sep–Nov)
  • Camp site Fees
  • Two person tents
  • All meals (Veg/Non-Veg as per your preferences)
  • Eating utensils
  • Foam mattresses
  • Dining & toilet tents
  • Pack Ponies to transport equipment

Price includes

  • A minimum of 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars can be upgraded at an additional fee)
  • All meals / Tea & snacks
  • All internal transport (excluding Domestic flights)
  • Sightseeing with entrance fees
  • An experienced English speaking tour leader
  • Bottled water in the vehicle
  • Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), government fees & visa fee

Price excludes

  • Flights
  • Travel & Health Insurance
  • Additional personal expenses such as souvenirs, meals, snacks, alcohol, laundry, tips, and gratuities for the tour leader and staff.

The Sustainable Development Fee, visa and permits are all included — see how the Bhutan visa & permits process works.

Day by day

Itinerary

Day 01 Arrive in Paro

Elevation: 2200m / 7218ft

Paro sightseeing

Attractions

- Paro Dzong

- Ta Dzong (national Museum)

- Explore in Paro Town

Overnight at Hotel in Paro

Day 02 Paro Taktsang Hike & acclimatization

Driving Duration: 15km/ 30 Minutes
Elevation: 3120m / 10236ft at the monastery

Day Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Approx. 5-6 hrs round trip)

The hike up to the Taktsang Monastery gives us the opportunity to acclimatize to the country’s altitude and prepares us for the trek the next day.

Attractions
– Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
– Explore at Paro Town

Overnight at the hotel in Paro

Day 03 Paro to Shana – Trek starts from Shana - Soi Thangthangkha

Driving Duration: 31 km / 1 to 1.5 hrs from Paro to Shana.
Walking Distance: (20km, 8 hours) ~770m Ascent
Elevation: 3750 meters (12303ft)

Attractions:
- Drugyal Dzong
- The trail follows Pachhu (Paro River), ascending through pine, oak, spruce, and Rhododendron forests

Overnight camp at Thangthangkha

Day 04 Soi Thangthangkha to Jangothang

Walking Distance: (19km, 6-7 hours) ~470m Ascent
Elevation: 4050m/ 13287ft

Today's trail follows the Paro Chhu upstream as the trees give way to open alpine country. As the altitude nears 4,000m a few villages appear, including Dangojang, about 30 minutes before camp. Views of Jichu Drake (6989m) and the ice-covered east face of Jhomolhari (7,326m) gradually come into sight.

Overnight camp at Jangothang

Day 05 Jangothang Halt

Elevation: 4050m/ 13287ft

A rest day at Jomolhari base camp for acclimatisation — most people feel the altitude here, and it is recommended that all trekkers halt. The classic excursion is to the twin Tshophu Lakes on the way to Bongtela Pass. You are likely to spot rare blue sheep, Himalayan rhubarb, griffon vultures, golden eagles, and the remarkable blue poppy. If you do not wish to hike then simply relax in camp — either way it will be a memorable day.

Overnight camp at Jangothang

Day 06 Jangothang to Lingshi

Walking Distance: (18km, 7- 8 hrs) 800m Ascent, 730m Descent
Elevation: 4010m/ 13156ft

Attractions:
- view of Jhomolhari (7,326m), Jichu Drake (6989m) and Tsherim Gang (6789m)
- You will be climbing to the Ngye La pass at an altitude of 4,830m/16040ft
- Enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding peaks and Lingshi Dzong

Overnight camp at Lingshi

Day 07 Lingshi to Shodu

Walking Distance: (22km, 8-9 hours) 940m Ascent, 920m Descent
Elevation: 4100m/ 13451ft

From the Yeli La pass(4820m), you can be able to see Jhomolhari, Gangchen Ta, Tsherim Gang and Masang Gang if the weather is clear

Overnight camp at Shodu

Day 08 Shodu to Barshong

Walking Distance: (16km, 6-7 hours) 250m Ascent, 670m Descent
Elevation: 3400m/ 11155ft

The trail follows Thimphu River, descending through rhododendron, juniper, and other alpine forests. The stunning view of the cliff facing rocks and waterfalls. The trail ascends 130m to the Barshong Dzong ruins

Overnight at the camp in Barshong

Day 09 Barshong to Dodena (drive on to Thimphu)

Walking Distance: (~9km, 2-3 hours) mostly descent — the final trekking leg
Driving Duration: 13 km / 30 to 45 min from the Dodena road head
Elevation: 2350m/ 7710ft

Attractions:
- Cheri Monastery
- Tango Buddhist University College
- Astrology learning Centre (Pangri Zampa Monastery)
- Explore Thimphu Town

Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu

Day 10 Thimphu Sightseeing

Elevation: 2350m/ 7710ft

Attractions:
– Buddha Point (Siddhartha Gautama in seated position)
– Takin Preservation Center
– Hand Made Paper Factory
– Centenary Farmers Markets
– Authentic Bhutanese Crafts street

Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu

Day 11 Thimphu to Punakha

Driving Duration: 74 km / 2 to 2.5 hrs
Elevation: 1,250m / 4,100ft

Drive to Punakha and sightseeing in Punakha

Attractions:
- Dochula Pass (108 stupa)
- Chhimi Lhakhang Temple
- Punakha Dzong (Palace of Great Happiness)
- Suspension Bridge
- Optional: Rafting on Mo chhu River if you interested (Extra cost)

Overnight at Hotel in Punakha

Day 12 Punakha to Paro

Driving Duration: 115 km / 3.5 to 4 hrs
Elevation: 2200m / 7218ft

Attractions:
- En-route Simtokha Dzong
- Visit Kyichu Temple
- Explore Paro Town

Overnight at the hotel in Paro

Day 13 Departure

Elevation: 2,200m / 7,218ft

After having breakfast, time to check out from the hotel. Leave Bhutan behind you carrying only the good memories and experiences as you are accompanied by the representative to the airport for departure.

Like the look of this itinerary? Every departure is customisable.

Enquire about this tour

Where you'll go

Bumthang Chhukha Dagana Gasa Haa Lhuentse Mongar Paro Pemagatshel Punakha Samdrup Jongkhar Samtse Sarpang Thimphu Trashigang Trashi Yangtse Trongsa Tsirang Wangdue Phodrang Zhemgang
Districts on this tour: Wangdue Phodrang · Paro · Punakha · Thimphu

In pictures

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Jumolhari Trek?

It is a 13-day, 12-night trip with seven days on the trail. The trekking seasons are spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) — the route crosses passes up to 4,820 m that hold snow through winter, and the summer monsoon is best avoided.

Which places does this tour visit?

The itinerary covers Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, following the Jumolhari trekking route used by the highlanders.

How difficult is the Jumolhari Trek?

This is a challenging trek that takes you from Paro to Thimphu along the route of the highlanders, crossing the Nyile La (4,830 m) and Yeli La (4,820 m) passes with nights at Jomolhari base camp (4,050 m), so a good level of fitness and some prior trekking experience are recommended.

How much does this tour cost?

The price ranges from USD 4,150 to USD 5,100 per person, depending on group size, season and hotel choices.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a minimum of 3-star accommodation (4 and 5 star can be upgraded at an additional fee), all meals with tea and snacks, all internal transport (excluding domestic flights), sightseeing with entrance fees, an experienced English-speaking tour leader, bottled water in the vehicle, and the Sustainable Development Fee, government fees and visa fee.

Is camping equipment provided on the trek?

Yes. The trek includes two-person tents, foam mattresses, dining and toilet tents, all meals (vegetarian or non-vegetarian as you prefer), eating utensils, camp-site fees and pack ponies to transport equipment.

What is not included?

Flights, travel and health insurance, and additional personal expenses such as souvenirs, meals, snacks, alcohol, laundry, tips and gratuities for the tour leader and staff are not included.

Do I need a visa and what is the SDF?

All visitors except nationals of India do need a Bhutan visa clearance, which we arrange. The visa fee is USD 40 per person, per tour, and the Sustainable Development Fee is USD 100 per person, per night (INR 1,200 for travellers from India). Bangladeshi nationals also need the clearance but are exempt from the visa fee and pay an SDF of USD 15 per night. Both are already included in this tour's price.

Enquiry

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Trip length
  • Licensed local operator — Thimphu
  • Visa, permits & SDF handled for you
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