Jumolhari Trek

It begins in Paro with an acclimatization hike to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery, a sacred cliffside site associated with Guru Rinpoche. The journey then transitions into the wilderness of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park, where the trail follows river valleys through forests, alpine meadows, and remote highland settlements, offering insight into Bhutan's traditional lifestyle. As the trek progresses, you reach the stunning Jangothang campsite with breathtaking views of Mount Jumolhari and surrounding peaks, followed by a rest day for acclimatization. The route then becomes more adventurous, crossing Yeli La Pass at 4,820 meters before descending through lush forests and scenic valleys. The journey concludes at Dodena with a drive to Thimphu, providing a perfect balance of cultural exploration, natural beauty, and rewarding physical challenge.

ADVENTURE AWAITS

Trip Overview

Duration12 Days / 11 Nights

Next Dates14-25 October 2026

Physical RatingModerate-Challenging

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Tour Features

This tour features trekking through the high mountains with overnight stays in tents, combined with visits to key cultural sites and interactions with local communities.

Accommodation

You will stay in government-approved 3-star hotels or upgrade to 4-star or 5-star accommodations in the cities. During the trek, you will enjoy comfortable overnight stays in well-equipped tents.

Meals

Our trekking chefs prepare delicious meals in any setting, offering a variety of breakfast options, packed lunches with local and international choices, and dinners featuring soups, rice, meats, and fresh vegetables.

Transportation

For 1–2 travelers, transportation is provided in a comfortable 4WD SUV. Groups of 3–7 persons will travel in a Hyundai H-1 or Toyota Hiace, while groups of 8 or more will travel in a Toyota Coaster bus.

Prior Training

Prior trekking experience is beneficial, but if unavailable, prepare with regular training such as hiking with a 4–5 kg pack, running, stair climbing, cycling, or workouts to build fitness and endurance.

Customization

If this tour does not suit your preferences, we can customize it or create a different itinerary tailored to your interests and requirements.

Itinerary

As your flight approaches Bhutan, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including the sacred peaks of Jumolhari and Jichu Drake. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel. In the evening, you may explore Paro Town at your leisure. A stroll through the local market and interactions with the friendly residents will provide a delightful introduction to Bhutanese culture. Overnight stay in Paro.

7KM | 4-5 HOURS | 900M ASCENT Hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, Bhutan's most famous pilgrimage site, dramatically perched on a cliff at an altitude of 3,180 metres. Lunch will be served at the Cafeteria Restaurant, located halfway up the mountain. After exploring the monastery and enjoying its spectacular surroundings, hike back down to Paro. Overnight stay in Paro.

9KM | 4-5 HOURS | 250M ASCENT | CAMP ALT. 3110M In the morning, after breakfast, you will drive to the northern end of the Paro Valley, passing the historic Drukgyal Dzong. From there, continue for approximately another hour along a rough farm road until you reach Shana Zam (2,850m). Upon arrival, you will meet your trekking crew and enjoy a delicious lunch. The trek then begins with a gradual ascent up the valley, following the winding course of the Pa Chhu River into Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park. Tonight's camp will be at Shingkarap, situated at an altitude of 3,110m.

15KM | 6-7 HOURS | 560M ASCENT | CAMP ALT. 3670M The trail once again follows the Pa Chhu (Paro River), winding through beautiful forests of pine, oak, and spruce with a series of gentle ascents and descents. After crossing a bridge to the left bank of the river, you will stop for a hot lunch. The trek then continues along the river, gradually ascending through rhododendron forests before crossing the river once more and reaching the campsite. Overnight camp at Soi Thangthangkha (3,670m).

17KM | 4-5 HOURS | 370M ASCENT | CAMP ALT. 4040M This morning, the trek continues up the Paro Chhu Valley, which gradually opens into alpine meadows and sparse forests. Along the way, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of towering mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. In this region, yaks and the homes of yak herders become a familiar feature of the landscape. Passing through the villages of Sio, Takethang, and Dangochang adds to the charm of today's journey. Upon reaching Jangothang, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful campsites in the Himalayas, you will once again be treated to magnificent views of Mount Jumolhari and Jichu Drake.

The rest day in Jangothang offers excellent opportunities for day hikes, with breathtaking views of alpine lakes and snow-capped peaks, including Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. There is also a good chance of spotting blue sheep grazing on the upper slopes of the valley. Surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery, Jangothang provides the perfect setting for acclimatization.

18KM | 6-7 HOURS | 790M ASCENT | 820M DESCENT | CAMP ALT. 4010M The trail follows the stream for about half an hour before crossing a bridge to the right side. From there, you begin the ascent to the first ridge, which offers breathtaking views of Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tshering Gang. The route then continues into the valley on relatively flat terrain for a while before climbing steadily up to Neyle La Pass at an altitude of 4,830 meters. After crossing the pass, you descend gradually to Lingzhi camp, enjoying sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and the historic Lingzhi Dzong along the way.

19KM | 7-8 HOURS | 910M ASCENT | 842M DESCENT | CAMP ALT. 4100M The Laya–Gasa route branches off from the Jumolhari trek at this point. The trail ascends toward a small white chorten located on a ridge above the camp before turning south into the deep Mo Chhu valley. It continues along the west side of this largely treeless valley, gradually climbing a short distance above the Mo Chhu river. The path then crosses the river and makes a steep ascent of about two hours to Yaklay La Pass (4,942 m). From the pass, on a clear day, you can enjoy magnificent views of Jomolhari, Gangchen Ta, Tsherim Gang, and Masang Gang. From Yaklay La, the trail descends alongside a stream to a shelter, then continues further downstream to Shodu (4,100 m), a meadow campsite marked by a chorten.

16KM | 5-6 HOURS | 470M DESCENT At this point, the trail returns to the tree line and continues along the Thimphu River, descending through forests of rhododendron, juniper, and other alpine vegetation. The views of steep cliffs, rock formations, and cascading waterfalls along the way are truly impressive. A hot lunch will be served by the riverside. After lunch, the trail gradually ascends to the ruins of Barshong Dzong at 3,630 meters. You may then walk a short distance along a farm road until you meet your vehicle. From there, you will drive back to Thimphu.

Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass (3,150 meters), which offers magnificent Himalayan views on a clear day. En route, visit Chimi Lhakhang, the famous Temple of Fertility, after a short hike through scenic rice fields from Metshina Village. Continue to Punakha and visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong and the country's longest suspension bridge. Overnight stay in Punakha.

Drive back to Paro, where you will enjoy sightseeing at key cultural landmarks, including the National Museum, Rinpung Dzong, and Kyichu Lhakhang. Overnight stay in Paro.

In the morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight, where your guide and driver will bid you farewell.

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