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Jhomolhari Trek

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14 days, 13 nights
Availability : March - May and October - November
Bhutan
Min Age : 15+

The Jhomolhari trek traverses yak farms, ancient villages and high alpine meadows bursting with wild flowers. This journey will take you deep into the heart of Bhutan’s rich history and culture. Bhontela Pass at over 16,000 ft. is the highest point on this trek. At the pass, hang prayer flags with your Buddhist crew. And be prepared to be amazed while stepping back in time!

George Leigh Mallory, on the 1921 British Everest Expedition, described Chomolhari or Jhomolhari as “astounding and magnificent”. It is a sacred mountain revered by the Bhutanese. The Jhomolhari trek will allow you to experience rural Bhutan. The thick forests, the remote villages, the high pastures and interaction with Bhutan’s villagers are aspects only trekkers are able to experience.

The Jhomolhari trek is a camping trek where you will be sleeping in tents. Instead, if you want an active trip with hikes daily but would prefer NOT to sleep in tents, do check our Walking Bhutan program.

Highlights

  • Visit the cliff hanging Tiger’s Nest
  • Explore monasteries and palaces of Paro, Thimpu and Punakha
  • Trek to Jangothang for the best views of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake

WHY TREK WITH US?

All our Jhomolhari Treks are private treks for a minimum of two participants for a date of your choosing. We do NOT nickel-and-dime on services – all inclusions and exclusions are clearly listed in cost details. Some companies will advertise trips for very low prices but they have a lot of exclusions that is usually not clear. Most of our trekkers are either repeat clients or referrals. We have been in business for over 30 years and we employ only the most professional and friendly staff.

We are also proud to give back to our community through 3 Summits For Nepal managed by Crystal Mountain Treks staff. Contact us to learn more…

OverviewItineraryCostMapPhotosOptionsFAQReviews

The trip begins in Paro. Get introduced to Bhutan with handicrafts, costumes and ancient weapons in the National Museum near Paro. Hike to the legendary Taktshang Monastery, also called Tiger’s Nest, on a trail through pine trees festooned with Spanish moss and occasional fluttering prayer flags.

Trek to Jangothang, the highest camp on this trek at 13,400 ft, for awe-inspiring views of Mt. Chomolhari and Jichu Drake. After your return to Paro, continue to Thimpu and Punakha. The tranquil kingdom of Bhutan is often called the “last Shangri-La.” Come see why Bhutan is one of the most intriguing and unique of the world’s destinations.

It is also possible to start the trek in Paro and end in Thimpu following a circuitous trail through Lingshi, Shodu and Barshong. This will add another two days to the trip. Let us know if you wish to do this instead.

 

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Trip at a glance

Brief Itinerary

Day Description Overnight Altitude
Day 1 Arrival in Paro Paro 7,475 ft
Day 2 Paro: Tiger’s Nest hike Paro 7,475 ft
Day 3 Trek begin at Drukgyal Dzong. Trek to Shana Shana 9,350 ft
Day 4 Trek to Thangthangka
 Thangthangka 11,900 ft
Day 5 Trek to Jangothang Jangothang 13,400 ft
Day 6 Exploration day Jangothang 13,400 ft
Day 7 Trek to Chora Chora 12,400 ft
Day 8 Trek to Thombu Shong Thombu Shong 13,700 ft
Day 9 Trek to Shana Shana 9,350 ft
Day 10 Drive to Paro. Paro 7,475 ft
Day 11 Drive to Thimpu Thimpu 7,700 ft
Day 12 Drive to Punakha Punakha 4,430 ft
Day 13 Drive to Paro Paro 7,475 ft
Day 14 Final departure    
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Detailed Itinerary

Day 1Arrival in Paro

Depart early from Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. You will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel upon arrival in Bhutan, before 10 a.m. Rejuvenate with refreshments at the hotel.

Drive to nearby Ta-Dzong, where you’ll be introduced to Bhutan with a visit to the National Museum which houses art, handicrafts, costumes and ancient weapons displays. Stroll the streets of Paro in the evening.

Overnight at Hotel. (All meals)

Day 2Tiger's Nest hike

After breakfast, drive a short distance to the base of Taktshang Monastery. The trail to the monastery climbs through pine trees festooned with Spanish moss and occasional fluttering prayer flags. Hike at your own pace for about two to four hours.

Built in 1600s, the monastery clings to the edge of a sheer-rock cliff that plunges 2,952 feet into the valley below. It is believed that, in the 8th century, Guru Rimpoche, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tigress to subdue a demon. Guru Rimpoche is believed to have meditated here for three months. Packed lunch will be served.

Drive further up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, the fortress of the victorious Drukpas. From Drukgyel Dzong, the Tibet border is only a two-day hike away.

Overnight at Hotel. (All meals)

Day 3Drukgyal Dzong (8,400ft.) to Shana (9,350ft.)

Drive to Drukgyal Dzong. Begin trek. Trek through Chang Zampa and  Mitshi Zampa, both small villages. Climb gently through terraced fields before entering blue pine and fir forests. Be prepared for rock-hopping for the first two days of the trek to avoid the mud holes. Trek to Guntisawa where your permits will be checked before arriving at camp at Shana. Overnight Tents. (All meals)

10.5 miles, hiking time 4 to 6 hours approximately

Day 4Shana to Thangthangka (11,900ft.)

Today you enter the Jigme Dorji National Park. Trek through rhododendron and oak forests to a clearing with a stone hut. This is Shing Karap where lunch will be served. Today’s trek involves numerous short ups and downs. Thangthangka, today’s camp, is a meadow with great views of Chomolhari. Overnight Tents. (All meals)

13.6 miles, hiking time 7 to 8 hours approximately

Day 5Thangthangka to Jangothang (13,400ft.)

Today you will trek through meadows which serve as grazing grounds for yaks. These belong to the villagers from Soe who you may meet on the trail herding their yaks. Continue past the villages of Takethang and Dangochang to your camp at Jangothang. Overnight Tents. (All meals)

11.8 miles, hiking time 5 to 6 hours approximately

Day 6Exploration day

You have a few options for day hikes including a hike to the ridge at 15,600ft. for views of Jichu Drake and Chomolhari. Overnight Tents. (All meals)

Day 7Jangothang to Chora (12,400ft.)

Today’s challenge is the steep climb to Bhonte La pass (16,000ft.) before you descend over scree and switch backs to Paro Chuu (river) to camp at Chora Overnight Tents. (All meals)

9.9 miles, hiking time 6 to 7 hours approximately

Day 8Chora to Thombu Shong (13,700ft.)

Today hike over Takhung La pass (14,900ft.) to Thombu Shong. Overnight Tents. (All meals)

6.8 miles, hiking time 4 to 5 hours approximately

Day 9Thombu Shong to Shana (9,350ft.)

Hike over Thombu La pass (14,400 ft.) and then descend gradually at first and then steeply to Guntisawa or Shana. Overnight Tents. (All meals)

8 miles, hiking time 4 to 5 hours approximately

DAY 10 Shana to Drukgyal Dzong. Drive to Paro.

Drive back to Paro. The day is free to catch up on laundry or just wander the streets of Paro. Overnight Hotel. (All meals)

DAY 11 Paro to Thimpu

Depart Paro for Thimphu (two-hour drive) after breakfast. Thimphu, the Bhutanese capital (7,609 feet), is situated in a valley surrounded by terraced rice fields. The main street in Thimphu, Norzim Lam, is lined with shops. Visit Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Drive to Drubthop Lhakhang, the nunnery temple. Learn more about the culture through visits to the Bhutanese Indigenous Hospital and Traditional Painting School. Overnight at Hotel. (All meals)

DAY 12Thimpu to Punakha

Drive to Punakha after breakfast at the hotel. The road climbs steeply through a scenic forest of pine and cedar trees, to Dochula pass (10,000 feet). The pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges, on the descent to the fertile valley of Punakha (4,430 feet).

Before proceeding further to the town of Punakha, hike about 30 minutes to the Chimi Lhakhang (temple) on a small hilltop. The temple was dedicated to the great Yogi in the 14th century, known as Drukpa Kuenley, as well as the “Divine madman.” He dramatized Buddhist teachings using songs and outrageous sexual humor. Bold phallus symbols and paintings on the houses and temples are a result of his influence. It is believed that this temple blesses women who seek fertility.

After lunch, continue to Punakha Dzong (fortress) situated between the two rivers, Pho Chu and Mochu (male and female river). The fortress is now used as the winter seat of Je Khenpo (the spiritual head of Bhutan). The Dzong served as the capital seat of the Kingdom for more than 300 years. The intricate Buddhist paintings inside the monastery are spectacular. Overnight at hotel. (All meals)

DAY 13Punakha to Paro

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before making the return drive to the journey’s beginning in Paro (approximately five hours). Overnight at hotel. (All meals)

Day 14Final departure

Transfer to airport for flight home. (Breakfast)

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Detailed Cost Information

Per person Price – valid till Dec 31, 2023
2 persons: $ 5,420 USD per person
3 or more persons: $ 4,930 USD per person
Single Supplement: $ 650 USD

Prices above are based on the best 3 star accommodations available. Upgrades to 4 or 5 star accommodations would be upwards of US$500  depending on hotels selected. Please contact us for details of options available.

Extra – Airfare into Paro (subject to change):

Bangkok–Paro–Bangkok: USD 974.6 (Economy Class) and USD 1092 (Business Class).

Kathmandu–Paro–Kathmandu: USD 412.6 (Economy Class) and USD 476.6 (Business Class).

Kolkotta–Paro–Kolkotta: USD 412.6 (Economy Class) and USD 476.6 (Business Class).

Delhi–Paro–Delhi: USD 625.4 (Economy Class) and USD 778.4 (Business Class).

Price Includes

  • Expert pre-trip advice and detailed information
  • Meeting and assistance at airport and transfers to hotels
  • All in-country transportation
  • Meals as indicated on itinerary
  • Tours and excursions outlined on itinerary
  • Trekking with crew of English speaking guide, cook and pack animals
  • Bhutan Visa and Tourism Development Fee

Price Excludes

  • Your international airfare
  • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Travel insurance (Required)
  • Other expenses of a personal nature (soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, mineral water, laundry, phone calls, internet, battery charging, comfort food etc.)
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Trip Gallery
  • breakfast by the river
  • Bridge
  • Jichu Drake and lake
  • Jichu Drake looms over village
  • Meal at camp on trek in Bhutan
  • Mt. Jhomolhari
  • posing in front of Jitchu Drake
  • Resting below a chorten
Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

How do I get a Bhutan visa?

All International tourists wishing to enter Bhutan require a visa which must be pre-arranged through a license Bhutanese Tour Operator or one of their international partners. We will obtain a Bhutan permit for you prior to you trip begin date. You must carry this permit with you in person and present it prior to boarding the plane to Paro (either in Kathmandu, Delhi or Bangkok). You will be required to present it again at the immigration in Paro.

What is the food like on the trip?

Thimpu and Paro in Bhutan offers multiple culinary options. But they may limited in other regions of Bhutan. The most distinctive characteristic of Bhutanese cuisine is its spiciness. Chillies are an essential part of nearly every dish and are considered so important that most Bhutanese people would not enjoy a meal that is not spicy.

Rice forms staple Bhutanese diet. It is accompanied by one or two side dishes consisting of meat or vegetables. Pork, beef and chicken are consumed most often.

On the trek, in general, expect porridge (Oatmeal), toast, eggs (any style), muesli, hash browns, sausages etc for breakfast. And sandwich, pizzas, momos, noodles (dry and with soup), rolls, fried rice, Indian bread with vegetables etc for lunch and dinner. And expect dal-bhat (rice-lentils with vegetables and/or meat) at all the lodges.

When is the best time to do this trek?

There are two preferred seasons for the Chomolhari Trek: Spring (Late March through May) and Fall (October through November). Day time temperatures range in the 50’s and 60’s (10 to 15 Centigrade) while night-time temperatures are in the 30’s and 40’s (0 to 5 Centigrade). Expect night time temperatures of near or below Freezing near Jhomolhari. Expect some late-afternoon showers in the Spring which is the season for rhododendrons and magnolias. October is historically regarded as the best month to trek with clear skies and better views of the mountains.

How fit do I need to be do this trek?

Anyone who is reasonably fit and can hike 10-12 miles a day can sign up for the Jhomolhari trek. Allowing for optimal acclimatization is the key. Most of the trek involves ascents and descents. That said, the better shape you are in, the more you will enjoy the trek. It is advised that anyone with a pre-existing condition consult their doctor before signing up for a trek.

We rate the Jhomolhari Trek a 5 on a scale of 1 (easy) to 5 (challenging).

How should I prepare for the trek?

The more physically fit you are, the more you will enjoy the trip. There are three aspects to training for any trek. 1) Cardiovascular Training will make your body more efficient in using oxygen. Running, walking, swimming or biking, or any combination of these are great for cardiovascular conditioning. 2) Strength Training by either using free weights or machines at the gym will build hiking strength. Walking stairs, especially with a pack will simulate the hiking environment. We also recommend practicing squats. Trekkers will encounter low hanging obstacles to duck under, and many toilets are at ground level, which requires a low squat.
3) Endurance Training is where you build endurance in the months leading up to your trek, slowly increase your length of training sessions. By the time you are 2 weeks from the scheduled trek date you should be able to ascend 3,000 ft. in a 3-4 hour period.

In the end, the more your training simulates a trek, the better off you will be. So hiking 4-5 hours outdoors, uphill and downhill, about once or twice a week in addition to other cardio vascular training at the gym or at home will greatly benefit and prepare you for the trek.

What kind of gear do I need for the trek?

Layering is key. And it’s always recommended to trek with good branded gear. A good pair of hiking boots that’s been broken in is very important. Good top and bottom base layers, a mid layer (fleece or capilene), and an outer layer (Gore-tex or other material). If you tend to get cold quickly, bring a down parka especially for the evening at the lodge. On most days, you’d be hiking in a convertible hiking pant that can be converted into shorts and one or two top layers.

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