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.
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