Jomolhari Base Camp Trek

Trek Highlights

• Maximum altitude the trek takes you to: 4930 meters
• The Trek Difficulty: Medium
• Best Seasons for the trek: March to June & September to November
• Start of the trek: Gunitsawa village, Paro
• End of the Trek: Dodena, Thimphu

Note: It is highly recommended from our side to stay in Paro for two days to acclimatize before starting the trek.

Key points about the Jomolhari Trek:

Duration:

The trek takes around 7 to 9 days to complete. The trek depends upon your experience of trekking and the itinerary chosen. It is important to acclimatize after reaching Paro.

Scenic beauty:

The Jomolhari Trek offers stunning natural beauty throughout the trek. You will pass through different landscapes and topography. You will pass through lush valleys, alpine meadows, dense forests, and high mountain passes. The highlight of the trek is the breathtaking views of Mount Jomolhari.

Altitude and difficulty:

The Jomolhari Trek is considered a moderately challenging trek of Bhutan and the most popular trek recommended. The trek involves hiking at high altitudes with an average of 12 -15 km in a day. You will experience some steep ascents and descents. The highest point on the trek is the Nyile La Pass with an altitude of 4,890 meters (16,043 feet). Adequate acclimatization coming from low altitude is very important to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.

Cultural experience:

Along the trekking route of the Jomulhari trek, you will get a chance to visit remote villages of Bhutan. The very interesting aspect is interacting with the local communities and knowing the culture and traditions of Tibetan Buddhist culture. Bhutan has a very rich cultural heritage and traditions. You can witness traditional Bhutanese architecture, monasteries, and colorful prayer flags along the trek routes.

Permit requirement:

To trek in Bhutan, including the Jomolhari Trek, you need to obtain a trekking permit from the National Park and clearance from the Royal Bhutan Army since you will be towards the border of the Tibetan region. Trekking in Bhutan is regulated by the Royal Government of Bhutan, and it is mandatory to be accompanied by a licensed Bhutanese tour agency or tour operator and trekking guide. They will handle the permit process and make the necessary arrangements for your trek.

Weather and best time to go:

The best time to trek the Jomolhari Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer pleasant weather with clear blue skies. The weather in the high mountains can be unpredictable, and you may not know the conditions. It is very important to pack your gear and clothing accordingly with the advice of your tour agency.

Overall, the Jomolhari Trek is a remarkable adventure that combines spectacular landscapes, cultural exploration, and physical challenges while trekking. It allows you to see the natural beauty and experience unique Bhutan.

Trekking Routes

Jomolhari Trek I

The Jomulhari Trek I starts from Shana in Paro and ends up in the same place, Paro Shana. The total days of trekking are 7 days, excluding the cultural tour. The maximum elevation is 4890 m. The best season for the Jomulhari Trek is during April-June and September-November.

Jomolhari Trek II

Trek II starts from Shana in Paro and ends up in Thimphu, Dodena. The total of Trekking days are 7 Days eare during April-June andl tour. The maximum elevation is 4890 m. The best trekking season fodays, Jomulhari Treculturalng April-June, September-November.

Both versions of Treks come under moderate treks. It is considered the best trekking trail in Bhutan.

Facts about Jomulhari Trek

• Jomolhari Peak is a trek of Kanchenjunga.
• It is a trekking route to Termola into the Tibet region.
• The famous Lama Drukpa Kuenley or Divine Mad Man came to Bhutan from Tibet taking the same route.
• The income generated by the people of Soe and nearby villages was from hiring ponies for Bhutan Tour Agencies.
• Jomolhari is considered a sacred mountain of goddesses.

Jomulhari Trek Itinerary

Please find below the Jomulhari Trek Itinerary route for 12 days starting from Paro to Dodena, Thimphu. If you want to add more days you can travel further to Punakha, Wangdi, Phubjikha, Trongsa, and Bumthang. We can customize the trekking with the cultural tour in Bhutan.

Day One: Arrival at the Paro International Airport

On arrival at the Paro International Airport. You will be received by our team from Bhutan Himalayan Holidays. You will be driven to the hotel. Check-in Hotel and refreshments. After lunch, the first sightseeing for the Jomolhari trek itinerary starts with a visit to cultural sites like the National Museum of Bhutan, Rinpung Dzong, and exploring the mini-town of Paro. Dinner and overnight in Paro. 3-4 star category.

Day Two : Hike to Paro Taksang

Acclimatization hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro. Early morning Hike to Paro Taksang (Tiger’s Nest). Paro Taktsang or the Tiger’s Nest is a sacred place for Buddhists. It is perched on a cliff 900 meters above the Paro Valley. It takes – 2-3 hours to hike through the pine forests and beautiful rhododendron forest to reach. From the Taksang monastery, you can see the panoramic view of the Paro Valley. Overnight in Paro.

Day Three -(Paro – Thangthangkha)

11 km -4 Hours Hike-3250 meters maximum altitude

On the first day of the trek. After breakfast at the hotel drive to Shana. The drive to Shana passes through the Drugyel Dzong with Mount Jhomolhari(23,995/7315m). You can see swiss built suspension bridge at an elevation of 8150 feet/2485m).

The trek is continuous on the east side of the river. From Shana, you have to follow the Paro River to the campsite. If the weather permits, you can view Mount Jomolhari from the campsite. The Trekking trail takes you into Jigme Dorji National Park. You will lead a trail through Oak, Pine, and spruce forests. During the autumn season of the year, you can see colorful leaves. During the summer season, you can see different varieties of Rhododendron flowers blooming during May and June.

Day Four (Thangthangkha – Jangothang)

12 km -5 Hours Hike-4000 meters maximum altitude

After breakfast 2nd Day of Trek. The hike to the base of Jangothang is awesome. You will pass through the narrow valley and meet many yak herders on the way. Lunch will be served on the way. If you are lucky you can see Blue sheep on the mountainsides.

After three hours of trekking to Seo Gewog Center. It takes another 20 minutes of the hike to the Jomolhari Base Camp Jagothang. From the school area, you can see the spectacular view of Mount Jichu Drake and nearby peaks. As you reach the base camp on the left side you get a chance to sacred Mount Jomolhari.

The campsite for the night will be at a ruined fortress at the base of Mount Jomolhari with an elevation of 4080 meters.

Day Five ( Jangothang – Halt)

After breakfast. You will be given one day’s time to halt. Halt is meant for acclimatization. At the base camp at Jangothang, you can see old ruined fortresses beneath Mount Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tseringang. The base campsite is for trekkers from different tour agencies to meet and exchange views and talks, to acclimatize to go beyond the place Laya, Snowman route, and many more.

In the morning hours when you are having breakfast, you can see beautiful snow-capped Mount Jomulhari. It is the meet point for people doing snowmen trek, Gasa– Laya Trek, and many more. During the day, you can be engaged in hikes to the lake.

Day Six (Jangothang – Lingshi)

• Total Distance covered 16km
• The time is taken for trekking 6-7 hours
• Ascent Ascent 810 m, descent 1,090 m
• Camp Altitude at 3,800 m

After a day of acclimatization. After breakfast, you will resume the climb to Nyelila Pass and descend to the campsite. Today you will cover 18 kilometers and walk for about 7 hours.

Day Seven (Lingshi–Shodu)

Total distance covered 22km Time taken for trekkers 8-9 hours Ascent Ascent 940 m, descent 920 m Camp Altitude at an elevation of 4,080 m

After breakfast hike to Shodu. You will reach up to an elevation of 4820 meters at Yella Pass. This is the highest elevation you will be touching through Jomolhari Trek. If the weather is clear you will view Mount Tsherimgang and Mount Masagang.

Day Eight (Shodu–Barshong)

Total Distance for Day Eight 16km Time is taken for trekkers 5-6 hours Ascent Ascent 250 m, descent 670 m Camp Altitude at an elevation of 3,710 m

The trail to Barshong follows along the Thimphu River. The campsite pitched will be at an altitude of 3710 meters.

Day 9 (Barshong – Dolamkencho)

Total Distance covered 15km Total Time is taken 4-6 hours Ascent Ascent 290 m, descent 640 m Campsite Altitude at 3,320 m

After breakfast, you will gradually descend through the thick forests to Dolamkencho. The trail descends to the Wangchu River, through dense forests of rhododendron, birch, conifer, maples, and bamboo and then ascends to pasture lands. The camp is in a meadow.

Day Ten (Dolamkencho – Dodena)

Total Distance covered 8km Total Time is taken 3-4 hours Ascent Ascent 500 m, descent 930 m Camp Altitude at 2600 m

On the final day of trekking, you will be entering the Jigme Dorji National Park and exit through Dodena from which the trekkers will be driven to the hotel. Jomolhari trek itinerary day ten ends with a hot stone bath in Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu Hotel.

Day Eleven(Thimphu Sightseeing)

After breakfast, you will do cultural sightseeing in Thimphu which includes a visit to the largest Buddha Statue in the world, Thimphu Dzong (Fortress) which houses the Office of His Majesty the King of Bhutan. Other attractions include the Takin Preserve, Folk Heritage Museum, National Institutes of Arts and Crafts, and many more depending upon your interest and time. Overnight in Thimphu. Dinner in Hotel.

Day Twelve (Outbound journey)

After breakfast drive to Paro international airport for an outbound journey. Tasi Delek

Jomulhari Trek Cost

Jomolhari Trek cost includes all meals, camping equipment, trekking guide charges, Trekking cooks, horses used for carrying goods for the trekking period, and hotels in Bhutan(3-4 star category).

Trek cost for different group sizes is mentioned below:

(3 pax and above please e-mail tshewang.penjor@gmail.com for the best price)

Cost Includes:

• All Meals (Breakfast /Lunch/Dinner & Evening Tea) for 11 Nights 12 Days
• Accommodation Twin Sharing. Single Room Supplement Extra.
• All transportation within the country including airport transfers.
• English-speaking local guide and trekking guide.
• Sightseeing.
• Bottled water.

Tour Cost Excludes:

• Bhutan Flights
• Entrance fees for places of visit
• Insurance.
• Payments for services are provided on a personal basis.
• The cost incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest, etc.
• Personal expenses such as laundry, soft drinks, Camera Charges, Incidentals, Portage, Bellboy charges tips, or any other services.
• Bhutan Helicopter service for evacuating if problems arise. It cost on an hourly basis.

Trek Cost Includes:

• One guide.
• Cook and helpers
• Ponies and Yaks are required depending upon the conditions.
• Tents (Sleeping tent, mess tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, and shower tent).
• All meals.
• Mattresses and all other trekking equipment.

Note: For trekking, a load of 25 kg is allowed.

Payment & Cancellation Policy

• The approval of the Bhutan visa is on the full payment of the tour.
• Flight ticket payment is subject to the Ticketing Time Limit issued by the airlines

Tour Cancellation and Refund Policy

• 30 to 15 days before arrival – 20% of the total tour cost will be levied.
• 14 to 7 days before arrival – 50% of the tour cost will be levied.
• Less than a week before arrival – a 100% cancellation charge will be levied as a cancellation fee

Flight Ticket Cancellation and Refund Policy

Subject to the cancellation terms of the Airlines(Druk Air & Bhutan Airlines).

Rescheduling Tour Dates:

There are no extra charges for rescheduling your tour dates. However, the minimum daily tariff, hotel rates, and airline charges are subject to change depending on your new traveling dates.

What to bring for the Jomolhari Trek?

Before you travel to Bhutan for Trekking in Bhutan. Please check your items.

• Your carry bag to carry your valuable items like passport and travel documents. You cant process your passport in Bhutan immediately because only a few embassies are in Bhutan.
• Carry a water bottle with you always.
• Rain gears.
• Anti-insects repellent cream.
• 2 Sunglass/sun cap.
• Extra batteries and power bank if you use cameras for photography. Drone shots are not allowed only with a special permit.
• Flashlight with power banks.
• Chocolates and bars for your consumption while trekking.
• Trekking shoes.
• High altitude pills/prescription medications/medical kit-aspirin/burn cream/small bandage/cough drops/diamox.
• anti-bacterial gel for hand washing.
• Some books to read at campsites.
• Trekking poles
• Insulated drinking Mug
• Small towel
• lightweight toilet items.
• Your tour agency will provide you sleeping bag but if you want to use your own you can bring it along with you. negative 8-10 degrees Celsius.
• Mud guard.
• headlamp and normal led torch.
• Always ask for hot water bags for sleeping peacefully during winter.
• Carry a warm flee fleece jacket. During summer temperature is around 10-12 centigrade. During winter it will be extreme running minus.
• warm gloves/4 pair trekking socks/warm hat/2 long sleeve capilene shirts/2 trekking shirts(non-cotton is best)/trekking pants(zip off shorts are nice)
• Carry earplugs for sleeping during the night because of dogs around your campsite.
• Various size plastic bags to keep gear dry and separate.
• lightweight shoes.

The following equipment is provided

• Sleeping tent
• Dining tent
• Kitchen tent
• Toilet tent
• Bath tent
• Inflatable air mats or mattresses
• Trekking tables and chairs

Why Book with us for Trekking

• A full setup team comprising Cooks, Horse/pony riders, Guide, all managed all meals freshly prepared. Hot water for every morning and for taking a bath.
• Equipped with medical kit and altitude meter
• All entrance fees are included in the package