Jhomolhari Trek –
12 days
Summary
The Jhomolhari Trek is one of Bhutan’s classic high-altitude camping routes, leading from Paro deep into wild valleys beneath the sacred peak of Jhomolhari and back toward Thimphu. Over 12 days you combine iconic cultural highlights such as Tiger’s Nest and Thimphu’s monasteries with remote trails, yak pastures, high passes, and traditional villages like Lingshi and Shodu. With a dedicated acclimatization day at Jangothang base camp and full camping support, this journey offers a rewarding Himalayan adventure for fit trekkers seeking big mountain views, cultural encounters, and nights under a brilliant starry sky.
- Private trek and tour with a licensed English-speaking guide
- All airport, hotel, and trek transfers in a private HiAce (or similar) for 4–6 pax
- Accommodation on twin sharing in Paro & Thimphu: 3-star hotels. During trek: fully serviced tented camps. (Single room supplement at $ 60)
- Meals: breakfast & dinner at hotels, lunch in local restaurants or packed on trek
- All trekking logistics:
- Sleeping tents (2-person) with carpeted floor, mattress, pillow & tent light
- Dining tent with tables, chairs, crockery & lighting
- Kitchen tent with full kitchen set and staff
- Toilet tent and simple shower tent
- Hot water bags in camp (where needed)
- First aid box and basic medical kit on trek
- Sustainable development fee (SDF), currently USD 100 per person per night
- Bhutan visa fee (one-time USD 40)
- Entrance fees to monuments and museums
- Bottled drinking water during drive days and boiled/filtered water on trek
- Full support from trekking crew, including cook, assistants, and horse/pack animal handlers
• International flights
• Travel and medical insurance (mandatory for trekking)
• Personal expenses: alcoholic and soft drinks, snacks, laundry, phone/internet, spa, etc.
• Tips for guide, driver, and trekking staff
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Paro
- Pick up from Paro International Airport and transfer to hotel
- Check in, refresh, and start acclimatizing (2,280 m)
- Short walk in town (time permitting) and introduction to Bhutanese culture and trek briefing
Overnight at a hotel in Paro
Day 02: Paro – Tiger’s Nest Hike
Morning
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Drive to trailhead and hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang, 3,180 m), 4–5 hours round trip
- Visit the monastery complex and viewpoints
Afternoon / Evening
- Descend to the base and drive back to Paro
- Final trek briefing and gear check
Overnight at a hotel in Paro
Day 03: Paro – Shana (Sharna)
- Breakfast and drive to the Jhomolhari trek trailhead
- Begin trekking along the Paro Chhu through forest and farm fields (approx. 17 km, 5–6 hrs)
- Packed lunch en route and gradual gain in altitude
- Arrive at Shana campsite and relax
Overnight in camp at Shana
Day 04: Shana – Thangthangkha (3,750 m)
- Trek through mixed forest, crossing small bridges and following the river (approx. 21 km, 7–8 hrs)
- Picnic lunch along the trail
- Higher up, the valley narrows and views begin to open
- Reach Thangthangkha campsite; weather permitting, first distant views of Jhomolhari
Overnight in camp at Thangthangkha
Day 05: Thangthangkha – Jangothang (Base Camp, 4,050 m)
- Follow the widening valley through yak pastures and small settlements (approx. 19 km, 5–6 hrs)
- Packed lunch on the way
- Arrive at Jangothang, spectacularly set below Jhomolhari’s north face
- Easy strolls around camp for acclimatization and photography
Overnight in camp at Jangothang
Day 06: Jangothang – Acclimatization Day
- Rest day at base camp to adapt to the altitude
- Optional side hikes to view points or nearby lakes, with close-up mountain panoramas
- Time for photography, relaxation, and interaction with local yak herders (seasonal)
Overnight in camp at Jangothang
Day 07: Jangothang – Lingshi (4,890 m)
- Cross a high pass (e.g. Nyile La) with wide Himalayan views (approx. 21 km, 6–7 hrs)
- Descend through alpine meadows toward Lingshi valley
- Arrive at Lingshi village; if time allows, short walk to the dzong or viewpoints
Overnight in camp at Lingshi
Day 08: Lingshi – Shodu (4,950 m)
- Long but rewarding day over another high pass and through remote valleys (approx. 22 km, 7–8 hrs)
- Packed lunch on the trail with dramatic mountain scenery
- Descend to Shodu campsite near the river and cliffs
Overnight in camp at Shodu
Day 09: Shodu – Barshong (3,720 m)
- Trek down through rhododendron and mixed forest, following the river gorge (approx. 14 km, 4–5 hrs)
- Lunch en route
- Arrive at Barshong, a small settlement with ruins and meadows
Overnight in camp at Barshong
Day 10: Barshong – Dodina – Thimphu
- Final trekking day through forest and farmland to Dodina roadhead (approx. 22 km, 7–8 hrs)
- Celebrate the completion of the trek at Dodina
- Drive to Thimphu and check in at city hotel
- Dinner in Thimphu and free evening
Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu
Day 11: Thimphu – City Sightseeing
Morning
- Visit Buddha Dordenma viewpoint
- Explore Tashichho Dzong (government seat and monastic fortress)
Afternoon
- Visit the Postal Museum and/or Memorial Chorten
- Browse local craft and textile markets for souvenirs
Evening
- Dinner in a local restaurant; optional traditional cultural show (subject to availability)
Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu
Day 12: Thimphu – Paro Airport – Departure
- Breakfast and check out from hotel
- Drive to Paro International Airport
- Airport assistance and farewell before your onward flight
End of Jhomolhari Trek
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