Jomolhari trek Trek Highlights

Reach Jomolhari Base Camp (4,080m) beneath the sacred 7,314m Mount Jomolhari
Cross Yale La Pass (4,950m) – highest point of the Jomolhari Trek Bhutan
Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (3,100m) for spiritual acclimatization
Camp beside yak herders in Jigme Dorji National Park (4,350 sq km)
Spot blue sheep, rhododendrons in bloom, and glacial lakes
Visit ancient Lingshi Dzong & ruined Barshong Dzong
End with Thimphu city exploration & Tashichho Dzong

Jomolhari Trek Overview

Nestled in the folds of the Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan has remained in self-imposed isolation for centuries, opening up to the world at a glacial pace. This unique nation of roughly 700,000 people—about the size of Switzerland—boasts pristine ecology, rich Buddhist heritage, and a commitment to Gross National Happiness. For adventure seekers, the Jomolhari Trek stands out as one of Bhutan’s premier high-altitude journeys, combining the iconic Jomolhari Base Camp Trek with stunning views of sacred peaks like Mount Jomolhari (7,314m). Whether you’re searching for a Jomolhari Trek map, detailed Jomolhari Trek itinerary, or Jomolhari Trek cost estimates, this SEO-optimized guide covers everything for your Bhutan Jomolhari Trek adventure.

Key Stats
Duration	12 days (9 trekking)
Max Altitude	4,950m (Yale La)
Distance	150–180 km
Difficulty	Moderate–Hard
Best Season	Apr–May & Sep–Oct
Start/End	Paro / Thimphu
Permits	Included via licensed operator

Perfect for trekkers seeking Jomolhari Trek map routes with cultural depth.

Short itinerary for jomolhari trek

Day 1: Arrive Paro (2,200m) – Ta Dzong & Rinpung Dzong

Day 2: Tiger’s Nest Hike (3,100m) – Acclimatization

Day 3: Paro → Shana (2,850m) – Trek starts

Day 4: Shana → Sio Thangthangkha (3,600m) – Enter national park

Day 5: → Jangothang (Jomolhari Base Camp, 4,080m) – Iconic views

Day 6: Rest Day (4,080m) – Glacier side trip

Day 7: → Lingshi (4,000m) – Nyile La (4,850m)

Day 8: → Shodu (3,950m) – Yale La (4,950m)

Day 9: → Barshong (3,600m) – Dzong ruins

Day 10: → Dolam Kencho (3,320m) – Forest trail

Day 11: → Dodena → Thimphu (2,300m) – Trek ends

Day 12: Depart Paro – Farewell Bhutan

▶️Need help booking your trip? Watch our step-by-step video guide.

Inclusion in the Jomolhari Trek

Accommodation on Double/ Twin Room as per below mentioned hotels
Breakfast & dinner at the hotel & lunch at the local restaurants
Camp site during Trekking
All transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary
Trekking & normal English speaking accompanying guide
Daily Government Royalties and Taxes ($100 per person per night) for US Passport holder
Bhutan visa fee ($40 for one time)
A bottle of water per day per person
Sleeping Bag

Facilities for Normal Trek

First Aid box(Medicine)
Sleeping tent (2 man tent) with carpet floor, mattress, pillow and room light.
Dining Tent with dining set and light
Kitchen Tent with kitchen set and light
Hot water bag with cover
Toilet tent with toilet pot
Shower Tent with bag and tent
Apron for cook and staff

Price Excludes

Insurance of any kind / medical expenses
Beverages (alcoholic / non – alcoholic)
Expenses of personal nature (like tipping, laundry, Telephone/fax calls, camera/video fees etc)
Airfare and Airport Taxes

Jomolhari trek Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Paro – Gateway to Jomolhari Trek Bhutan

Your Jomolhari Trek Bhutan begins with a breathtaking flight over the Himalayas, offering jaw-dropping views of Mount Jomolhari (7,314m) and Jichu Drake. Upon landing in Paro, your guide welcomes you and transfers you to your hotel. In the afternoon, explore:

Ta Dzong – Bhutan’s National Museum in a former watchtower, showcasing ancient armor, thangkas, and a meditative “Field of Buddhas.”
Rinpung Dzong – “Fortress of the Heap of Jewels,” with intricate Buddhist murals and a rich history.

Evening: Stroll through Paro town, soak in local life, and rest.

Overnight: Khangkhu Resort, Paro (2,200m)

Day 2: Hike to Tiger's Nest – Acclimatization for Jomolhari Trek

After breakfast, hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) – Bhutan’s most iconic site perched at 3,100m. Legend says Guru Rinpoche flew here on a tigress in the 8th century to meditate.

Ascent: ~900m | 4–5 hrs round trip
Lunch: Halfway cafeteria with panoramic views
Purpose: Perfect acclimatization for the Jomolhari Trek itinerary

Return to Paro in the afternoon.

Overnight: Khangkhu Resort, Paro

Day 3: Paro to Shana – Official Jomolhari Trek Start

Drive to Drukgyel Dzong (1647), a historic fortress, then continue to Shana – the Jomolhari Trek trailhead. Pass through lush farmlands of rice, wheat, and mustard, with traditional two-story Bhutanese homes. Catch your first glimpse of Jomolhari’s summit.

Trail: Wide, flat, through pine forests
Lunch: Packed picnic en route
Highlight: Government electrification project in remote villages

Camp: Shana (2,850m)

Day 4: Shana to Sio Thangthangkha – Enter Jigme Dorji National Park

Enter Jigme Dorji National Park (4,350 sq km) – Bhutan’s largest protected area.

Flora: Oak, maple, birch, pine, and blooming rhododendrons (April–May)
Fauna: Home to blue sheep, takin, and snow leopards
Campsite: Clearing used by yak herders and electrification crews

Camp: Sio Thangthangkha (3,600m)

Day 5: Sio Thangthangkha to Jangothang – Jomolhari Base Camp Trek Climax

Ascend to Jangothang, the heart of the Jomolhari Base Camp Trek.

Views: Jomolhari (7,314m) and Jichu Drake (6,794m) dominate the skyline
Landscape: Above treeline – alpine tundra, juniper, dwarf rhododendron
Locals: Summer yak herder camps with woven tents

Camp: Jangothang – Jomolhari Base Camp (4,080m)

Day 6: Acclimatization Day at Jomolhari Base Camp

Rest day to prevent altitude sickness. Optional side trips:

Jomolhari Glacier Viewpoint – dramatic close-up of the 7,000m face
Sopu Lake – serene alpine lake near Nye La Pass

Fun fact: Jichu Drake was first climbed in 1988 by Doug Scott – a rare feat in Bhutan. Camp: Jangothang (4,080m)

Day 7: Jangothang to Lingshi via Nyile La Pass

Cross Nyile La (4,850m) – your first high pass.

Ascent: Rolling grasslands → steep scree
Descent: Through dwarf rhododendrons to Lingshi
Sight: Lingshi Dzong – built to defend against Tibetan raids

Camp: Streamside near Lingshi (4,000m)

Day 8: Lingshi to Shodu – Yale La, the Highest Point of Jomolhari Trek

The toughest day of the Jomolhari Trek Bhutan.

Yale La Pass (4,950m) – highest point of the trip
360° Views: Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, Tshrim Gang
Descent: Long, steep drop to camp

Camp: Shodu (3,950m)

Day 9: Shodu to Barshong – Return to Treeline

Re-enter forested zones along the Thimphu Chhu.

Trail: Rhododendron, juniper, waterfalls, cliff views
Lunch: Hot meal by the river
History: Ruins of Barshong Dzong – former supply base for Lingshi

Camp: Barshong (3,600m)

Day 10: Barshong to Dolam Kencho – Final Forest Push

Descend through pine and rhododendron forests, rejoin Wang Chhu River.

Distance: 15 km
Time: 4–6 hours
Elevation: +290m / –640m

Camp: Dolam Kencho (3,320m)

Day 11: Dolam Kencho to Dodena – Jomolhari Trek Ends, Thimphu Awaits

Final descent through bamboo and pine forests to the roadhead at Dodena.

Drive: To Thimphu (1 hr)
Optional: Visit Tashichho Dzong (if time permits)
Luggage: Collected from Paro and delivered to your hotel

Overnight: Thimphu (2,300m)

Day 12: Depart Paro – End of Jomolhari Trek Bhutan

Transfer to Paro International Airport. Bid farewell to the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
Your Jomolhari Trek itinerary is complete – memories for a lifetime.

Jomolhari Trek Photos

Jomolhari Trek Map

👕 Clothing Essentials for Jomolhari Trek Bhutan

Base Layers: Moisture-wicking thermal tops & leggings (merino wool preferred)
Insulation: Fleece mid-layer + lightweight down jacket (600+ fill) for -5°C nights
Outer Shell: Gore-Tex waterproof jacket & pants (monsoon-ready)
Trekking Wear: Quick-dry hiking pants, zip-off convertibles, long-sleeve UV shirt
Accessories: Wool beanie, sun hat with chin strap, liner + waterproof gloves, 3 pairs merino socks

🥾 Essential Gear for Jomolhari Base Camp Trek

Footwear: Broken-in 4-season waterproof boots (ankle support), camp sandals
Backpack: 30–40L daypack (personal items), duffel bag for porters/horses
Sleeping: 4-season sleeping bag (-10°C comfort, can be rented in Paro or Kathmandu)
Navigation: Adjustable trekking poles (must for Yale La descent)
Safety: LED headlamp + spare batteries, personal first aid, diamox for altitude

☀️ Protection & Personal Care on Jomolhari Trek

Sun Protection: Polarized sunglasses (UV 400), SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm
Hydration: 2L reusable bottle + purification tablets (streams only)
Personal: Biodegradable wipes, quick-dry towel, prescription meds, camera, 20,000mAh power bank
Money: Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) cash – no ATMs after Paro

💡 Packing Tip: Pack under 12kg (porter limit). Use dry bags – sudden Himalayan rain possible.

Why Choose Nepal Adventure Trail for Your Jomolhari Trek Bhutan?

🏆 Proven Excellence

20+ years operating Jomolhari Trek Bhutan from Nepal
98% customer satisfaction across Nepal & Bhutan packages
Licensed by Nepal Government & partnered with TCB Bhutan
Member of Nepal Mountaineering Association & ABTO Bhutan

👨‍🏫 Expert Local Guides

Government-certified trekking guides for both Nepal & Bhutan
Extensive knowledge of the Jomolhari Himalayas and Bhutanese culture
First aid and altitude sickness trained
Fluent English and cultural interpreters (Dzongkha speakers in Bhutan)

🛡️ Safety & Support

Comprehensive emergency procedures across Nepal-Bhutan border
24/7 support during your Jomolhari Base Camp Trek
Helicopter evacuation arrangements (Nepal & Bhutan)
Regular health monitoring with pulse oximeter

🌱 Responsible Tourism

Support local mountain communities in Nepal & Bhutan
Environmental conservation practices (Jigme Dorji National Park)
Fair porter treatment standards (12kg limit, full insurance)
Carbon offset programs are available

🗓️ Best Time for Your Jomolhari Trek Bhutan (from Nepal)

🌸 Spring (March–May) – Most Popular

Perfect for: Rhododendron blooms, moderate temperatures
Weather: Warm days (15-20°C), cool nights (5-10°C)
Visibility: Excellent Jomolhari sunrise from Jangothang
Highlights: Blue poppy in bloom, yak herders active
Crowds: Busy but manageable

🍂 Autumn (Sept–Nov) – Best Weather

Perfect for: Crystal clear mountain views, stable weather
Weather: Ideal temperatures, minimal rain
Visibility: Outstanding Jomolhari Himalayas panoramas
Highlights: Post-monsoon clarity, comfortable trekking
Crowds: Peak season – book early!

❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb) – Peaceful

Perfect for: Solitude, snow-capped peaks, clear skies
Weather: Cold nights (-5°C), sunny days (10-15°C)
Challenges: Possible snow above 2,500m
Highlights: Fewer crowds, crisp mountain air
Best for: Experienced trekkers

🌧️ Monsoon (June–Aug) – Least Recommended

Challenges: Heavy rain, leeches, cloudy mountain views
Advantages: Lush green landscapes, wildflowers
Note: Only for adventurous trekkers

📞 Start Your Nepal-to-Bhutan Jomolhari Adventure Today!

📩 Contact Nepal Adventure Trail:

Website: nepaladventuretrail.com/bhutan-tours
Email: info@nepaladventuretrail.com
WhatsApp: +977-9851410929 (24/7 support)

🔗 Explore More Nepal-to-Bhutan Adventures

Similar Himalayan Treks from Nepal:

Jomolhari Base Camp Trek – 12 days (fly from Kathmandu)
Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 14 days
Mardi Himal Trek – 8 days

Jomolhari Trek Bhutan: Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Jomolhari Trek cost in 2026?

$2,500–$4,000 USD for the full 12-day Jomolhari Trek itinerary (all-inclusive except flights). Includes:

Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF: $100–200/day)
Licensed guide, cook, porters/horses
All meals, tents, permits, national park fees
Hotels in Paro & Thimphu

Is the Jomolhari Base Camp Trek difficult?

Moderate to strenuous. Rated 7/10 for fitness. Key challenges:

Max altitude: 4,950m (Yale La Pass)
Daily walking: 5–8 hours
Requires prior hiking experience & good cardio
Acclimatization day at Jangothang helps

When is the best time to do the Jomolhari Trek Bhutan?

April–May (spring) or September–October (autumn):

Spring: Rhododendrons in full bloom, warmer
Autumn: Crystal-clear Jomolhari views, post-monsoon
Avoid June–August (monsoon) & December–February (snow)

Do I need a guide for the Jomolhari Trek?

Yes – mandatory. Bhutan law requires:

Booking through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator
English-speaking guide + support crew
No solo trekking allowed

Can I extend the Jomolhari Trek to Laya or Gasa?

Yes – Jomolhari Laya Gasa Trek adds 7–10 days:

Visit remote Laya village (high-altitude nomads)
Relax in Gasa hot springs
Total: 18–22 days

Where can I download a Jomolhari Trek map?

Get a detailed Jomolhari Trek map (PDF) from your operator. Key points:

Trail: Paro → Shana → Jangothang → Lingshi → Dodena
Passes: Nyile La (4,850m), Yale La (4,950m)
Use apps like Maps.me or Gaia GPS (offline)

What should I pack for the Jomolhari Base Camp Trek?

Layering is essential (–5°C to 20°C):

Waterproof jacket/pants (Gore-Tex)
Down jacket, fleece, thermals
4-season boots, gaiters, trekking poles
Sleeping bag (-10°C), headlamp, sunglasses

Jomolhari Trek Bhutan: 12-Day Itinerary, Cost, Map & Base Camp Guide

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