Trip Mode:In Hotels with local lodge and camping on treks
Areas of TrekInner Bhutan around town and cities to Mt. Jhumolhari base camp
People and CultureBhutanese known as Dukpa of Tibetan origin with Buddhism religion and its own fascinating culture.
Mode of transportFlight and drive with treks includes tour at places of interest.
Highlights of Jomolhari Trekking
“Cultural and heritage tour with adventurous trekking to Mt. Jomolhari base camp. Tour of heritage sites of Thimpu and Paro with famous Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger Nest’. Fascinating views of great dramatic landscapes and high snow-capped peak range. Enjoy perfect tranquil environment away from main towns and villages for some days. Adventure towards Bhutan’s highest mountain range on least walking trails. Explore pristine surrounding covered with enchanting forest of pines and rhododendron. Crossing high Yali-La Pass at 4,820 m with magnificent panorama of mountain range.”
Trip Overview
Jomolhari Trek around the mystical country of Bhutan, known as the land of Thundering or Peaceful Dragon with the local name as ‘Druk.’ It is located in North East Asia, where the great Himalayan range starts from Afghanistan, Pakistan to Myanmar, including Bhutan. This makes Bhutan one of the most interesting places to visit for once in your lifetime experience.
Like other normal tours and treks within Bhutan, we provide quite different than other companies' packages. Here interested travelers can join in for more than week walks and stay for less than two weeks by enjoying a marvelous time in Bhutan. It leads you to explore Bhutan's amazing culture of old heritage and trekking to complete wilderness in the land of elusive Snow-Leopard and Blue Sheep, often seen on walks.
Jomolhari Trek with Cultural Tour is a great combination of adventure with a leisure tour guided by a native Bhutanese guide showing you the wonders of Bhutan, the only kingdom in the Himalayan region.
Starting our marvelous journey right from the capital Kathmandu in Nepal, with a scenic flight to land in the lovely city of Paro. Then the tour leads you to the famous landmark of Bhutan at ‘Tiger Nest,’ known as Taktsang Monastery, with other places of interest.
The adventure continues heading towards the inner North East of Bhutan, where our walk begins to reach the base of Jhumolhari, the highest peak of Bhutan. The mountain is at a height of 7,314 m, located within tranquil and remote areas of the country.
Trek leads over high passes and into enchanting woodland covered with tall rhododendron pines and fir tree lines, and camping on a nice green meadow around Yak grazing fields, ending our wonderful adventure walks with a drive to Thimphu city.
Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan, where an interesting tour leads you to historical and religious sites. Then after the completion of our marvelous Jomolhari Trek with Cultural Tour, taking a flight from Paro to Kathmandu. Also, the next day to your destinations, enjoy an overwhelming adventure and experience in Bhutan, the land of the Thundering Dragon.
Price & Availability
Itinerary of Jomolhari Trekking - 17 days
Day 01
Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
On arrival received by our staff and guide with transfer to your respective hotels in the hub of Kathmandu, after checking into your lovely rooms getting refreshed from jet-leg join in with other members on Bhutan Jomolhari Trek.
Our guide / leader will brief with information about the hotels-including detail of trekking regarding local lodge, camping and walks, view, history with local culture of Bhutan as well important do’s and don’ts while you are with us having enjoyable times.
Evening includes a nice dinner in a pleasant Nepalese restaurant with local cultural programs of all parts of the country to enlighten the environment along with your dinner.
Day 02
In Kathmandu with options for tour and Bhutan preparation.
A free day to prepare for upcoming treks to high Tibet country morning optional sightseeing tour at places of great interest, explore around Kathmandu world heritage sites for few hours and back at hotel.
Rest of the day free and trek preparation for Jomolhari Trek and Cultural Tour.
Day 03
Fly from Kathmandu to Paro 2,280 m and transfer to hotel.
As per flight time for Bhutan to land at Paro international airport transfer to Kathmandu airport where an hour scenic flight over Himalaya range of mountains makes landing at Paro airport.
After custom and visa formalities our native Bhutanese guide and drive receives you with warm welcome and transfer you to hotel within Paro city, with time for local walks around the street and market at Paro.
Day 04
In Paro with sightseeing tour.
Morning hike up to famous Taksang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), afternoon visit 17th centaury Ta-Dzong, later converted into the National Museum in 1967.
Day 05
Drive and trek to Shana 2,800 m. (17 km) – 06 hrs.
After breakfast, drive up to Drugyel Dzong where the road ends and the trek begins by following the Pa Chu River gently uphill through a narrowing valley and then with overnight in tented camp.
Day 06
Trek to Soi Thankthangka 3,600 m. (21 km) – 08 hrs.
Continue uphill through the river valley, as it narrows and closes in and trial winds up and down along the waterway, overnight camp on a nice green meadow with stone shelter built for travelers and trekkers.
Day 07
Trek to Jangothang 4,040 m (19 km) – 06 hrs.
Morning walk leads high up at Pa Chu River, past small army post, where valley widens facing views of high hill and ridges with snow-capped peaks that surrounds the top and then descend toward a vast grazing area for Yaks with some temporary shelters of Yak herders’ for overnight camping.
Day 08
At Jangothang for local hike.
At this nice spot where morning walks climb to Tsophu a great day-hike to reach at the junction of three directions.
Where you can enjoy grand glorious panorama of Mt. Jomolhari and its adjoining mountains located towards North West, Jichu Drake to the north, an unclimbed summits overlooking high hills and ridges to the east direction after a great time heading back to camp.
Day 09
Trek to Lingshi 4,150 m (19 km) – 06 hrs.
From here walk into wide Yak pastures as trail leads up and down the pass, encountering Nomad people and their Tents made from Yak Hair, the herders stays around, depending on the time of the year.
Walk offers great view of Lingshi Dzong as you come down into Lingshi basin close to
Tserim Gang and flowing glaciers to the north end of the valley.
Overnight camp in tents or in a stone shelter built for trekkers with fire pit and sleeping on a wooden floor.
Day 10
At Lingshi for local excursion up to 4,500 m (15 km) – 04 hrs.
A day excursion to Tshokha (lake) i.e. base camp for Jichu Drake, excursion with chances of spotting herd of Blue Sheep and Musk Deer and observe views of Mt. Jomolhari around scenic base camp.
Day 11
Trek to Shodu 3,963 m (22 km) – 08 hrs.
The trail ascends up to the Yalila Pass (4820 m.) the highest point of the adventure as the walk leads from the Mount Jomolhari. On a clear day, Tserim Kang and Masa-gang can be seen. Camp is in a stone shelter.
Day 12
Trek to Barshong 3,785 m (13 km) – 04 hrs.
Walk follows Thimphu Chu River through thick forest of Rhododendrons and water-falls as route leads within narrows that closes as trail winds up and down along the waterway. Ascending up to ruins of Barshong dzong, for overnight camp below of ruined Dzong (Fort) with a stone shelter.
Day 13
Trek to Dolam Kencho 3,628 m (11 km) – 04 hrs.
Trek descends reaching at Thimphu River following gradually through the forest of rhododendrons and ascending up to the pastureland for overnight camp in a meadow.
Day 14
Trek and drive to Thimphu 2,320 m – 05 hrs.
Adventure of last day walk continues with climb to a small pass where trail winds up and down along the waterway. Wild animals, such as the Languor, can be seen on reaching a small place and village at Dodina, where our transportation van or other vehicle takes for scenic ride to reach at Thimpu in the comfort of nice hotels.
Day 15
At Thimphu with sightseeing tour.
A full day sightseeing and shopping in Thimphu, wander around the town, visit the Handicraft Development Center, afternoon visit Memorial Chorten, Zilukha Nunnery.
Day 16
Morning drive to Paro airport and fly to respective destination or back to Kathmandu.
Morning depart from Thimphu with few hour drive to Paro airport for flight back to Kathmandu or to other connecting flights within Indian city like Delhi. If flying back to Kathmandu received by our staff for transfer back to your hotel with free afternoon at leisure.
Day 17
Depart Kathmandu for international departure homeward bound.
Finally all good times comes to an end after great memories and exciting experience on Jomolhari Trek and Cultural Tour of Bhutan, as per your flight time transfer to Kathmandu international airport for your flight home or to respective destinations.
If the provided schedule isn't suitable for you, we can create personalized travel arrangements.
April to May and September to November are considered the best trekking seasons.
April to May is one of the best times to trek to Jomolhari. The season offers clear views till afternoon when wildflowers are in bloom with fantastic views of mountains. The day gets pleasant with cooler mornings and nighttime.
September to November is another best time for Bhutan Jomolhari Trek. This season also offers clear views of peaks with short sunlight days, which can be cold in the morning and night.
Like all Himalaya regions except Tibet, Bhutan has four seasons (Spring- Summer-Autumn, and Winter), with Monsoon wet months from July to mid-September.
More information on Jomolhari/ Chomolhari Mountain Festival:
The festival celebrates the culture of the communities living near endangered snow leopards.
“A community-based initiative for the conservation of snow leopards”
Jomolhari Mountain Festival is an exquisitely themed two-day event celebrated at the base of Mt. Jomolhari by communities along one of Bhutan's most scenic trekking routes.
The festival celebrates the culture of the communities living together with the natural wonders that surround them: one in particular, the elusive yet elegant snow leopard! This endangered cat thrives in the region; several camera trap photos and definite signs have established the region as one of Bhutan's best snow leopard habitats.
The communities of Soe Yaksa and Soe Yutoed, located along the Jomolhari trek, in collaboration with Jigme Dorji National Park (JDNP) and the Nature Recreation and Ecotourism Division (NRED) – with support from the Snow Leopard Conservancy (SLC) and Bhutan Foundation – bring together this festival as a community-based initiative towards the conservation of snow leopard; to create awareness on the importance of conservation; engage and build on the perception and attitude to create harmony between this endangered cat and the people; provide a platform to bring in opportunities for sustainable livelihood, and promote their culture.
The festival includes snow leopard-themed folk songs and dances performed by the local people, JDNP staff, and the school children, traditional sports such as Khuru (darts), shot put, horse and yak riding, sampling of local delicacies and boutique handicrafts, and various picturesque guided hikes in and around Jomolhari. It also showcases various stalls set up by local and international agencies to educate and promote conservation among those participating in the festival.
The festival was initiated in 2013 and endorsed by the government as an annual event.
Jomolhari Trekking FAQs
How long does the trek take?
The Jomolhari Trek usually takes 8–12 days, depending on the chosen route and pace.
What is the highest point of the trek?
The highest point is Yale La Pass (4,950 m / 16,240 ft).
What kind of terrain will I be trekking on?
Expect a mix of forests, alpine meadows, river valleys, and high mountain passes with stunning Himalayan views.
Is acclimatization necessary for this trek?
Yes. The trek reaches high altitudes, so proper acclimatization is essential to prevent altitude sickness.
When is the best time to do the Jomolhari Trek?
The best seasons are spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) for clear skies and comfortable weather.
Do I need a special permit for this trek?
Yes. You need to book through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator, which arranges the visa and trekking permits.
How difficult is the Jomolhari Trek?
It’s a moderate to challenging trek, suitable for trekkers with good fitness and some high-altitude experience.
What wildlife can I expect to see?
You may spot blue sheep, yaks, Himalayan monal, marmots, and occasionally snow leopards in higher regions.
Unforgettable Jomolhari Trek with Outstanding Support
I feel so lucky to have found Eco Holidays Nepal for this Jomolhari Trekking. I want to thank our guide and Mr. Dhruba Dharel for helping and completing this trek. The views along the trek were fantastic, but not only that—the service they provided to the trekkers was excellent. Thanks to Eco Holidays Nepal and the whole team. Thank you!
YYuki4th Aug, 2025
A Life-Changing Jomolhari Trek – Thank You, Eco Holidays Nepal!
I want to thank Mr. Dharel for organizing and helping us with this trek—it was so amazing that I can never forget it in my lifetime. I also want to thank all the team members, along with our guide, who supported me throughout the trek. All the credit goes to Eco Holidays Nepal for helping us and completing our trek safely. I truly believe this Jomolhari Trekking was the best trek of my life.
CChenda Meas17th Jun, 2025
Jomolhari Trekking
I have done many treks in my life, but this Jomolhari trek with the Ecoholidays team was truly wonderful. I couldn’t imagine how stunning the views would be it was fantastic. What surprised me the most was the quality of service I received.
The support from the Ecoholidays team during the trek, like helping carry bottles and bags at times, was incredibly kind and thoughtful. Thanks a lot for everything!
