Trek · 11 days, 10 nights · 7 days on trail

Jomolhari Trek: 11 Days to the Foot of a 7,326 m Peak

Bhutan’s most popular high trek: camp below Jomolhari at Jangothang, cross Nyile La and Yale La near 5,000 metres, pass Lingshi Dzong and walk out to Thimphu through forest and yak country.

7,326 m

Jomolhari

4,950 m

Yale La, about

Days on trail

Strenuous

Trek grade

Trip overview

Close to the big mountains, with yak herders for company

The Jomolhari trek follows the Paro Chhu north into Jigme Dorji National Park, to the camp at Jangothang, right below the east face of Jomolhari. The mountain rises to 7,326 metres on the border with Tibet and is sacred to Bhutanese as the home of the goddess Jomo. From there the route turns east over two high passes, Nyile La and Yale La, past the remote Lingshi Dzong and down through Shodu and Barshong to the road above Thimphu.

It is a serious trek: long days, cold nights and passes near 5,000 metres. Our version includes a full acclimatisation day at Jangothang, and the Tiger’s Nest before you start, so your body has time to adjust. A trek cook, crew and pack animals carry the camp, and your licensed trekking guide sets the pace. You walk through yak pastures, past herders’ stone houses, and with luck you see blue sheep, marmots or even takin, Bhutan’s national animal.

Highlights

What makes this trek special

Jomolhari

Camp below the 7,326 m east face of Bhutan's sacred mountain.

Two high passes

Nyile La and Yale La, both close to 5,000 metres.

Lingshi Dzong

A remote fortress above the Lingshi valley.

Wildlife

Blue sheep, marmots and, with luck, takin.

Yak herders

Stone houses and summer pastures on the high trail.

Jigme Dorji National Park

Bhutan's largest protected area of high mountains.

Itinerary at a glance

Eleven days, seven on trail

Distances and times are approximate and change with the trail. A spare day helps if weather closes a pass.

Day 1: Arrive in Paro

Land in Paro, gear check, Rinpung Dzong.

Day 2: Tiger's Nest

Acclimatisation hike to Paro Taktsang.

Day 3: Shana to Thangthangka

Drive to Shana, trek up the Paro Chhu to Thangthangka.

Day 4: To Jangothang

Climb past yak herders to Jangothang below Jomolhari.

Day 5: Rest at Jangothang

Acclimatisation day, optional hike to the Tshophu lakes.

Day 6: Over Nyile La to Lingshi

Cross Nyile La, descend to Lingshi.

Day 7: Over Yale La to Shodu

Lingshi Dzong, cross Yale La, camp at Shodu.

Day 8: Shodu to Barshong

Down the Thimphu Chhu past waterfalls and old meditation caves.

Day 9: Barshong to Dolam Kencho

Through rhododendron forest to Dolam Kencho.

Day 10: Out to Dodina, Thimphu

Walk out to Dodina, drive to Thimphu, hot shower.

Day 11: Fly out

Drive to Paro airport.

Day 1

Arrive in Paro

Your guide meets you at Paro airport. After lunch we check your trekking gear and visit Rinpung Dzong and the covered bridge. Paro sits at about 2,200 metres, a good height for the first night.

Day 2

Acclimatise on the Tiger's Nest hike

The hike to Paro Taktsang, at about 3,120 metres, is ideal acclimatisation and the best-known walk in Bhutan. The trail climbs through pine forest to a café viewpoint in about 1.5 hours and reaches the monastery after another hour. Back in Paro, the crew packs for tomorrow.

Day 3

Trek day 1: up the Paro Chhu

We drive past Drukgyel Dzong to the road end at Shana, at about 2,850 metres, where the pack animals are loaded. The trail follows the Paro Chhu upstream through forest of oak, rhododendron and fir, crossing side streams on wooden bridges. It is a long day of about 20 km with a gradual climb to the camp at Thangthangka, at about 3,600 metres, in a meadow below Jomolhari.

Day 4

Trek day 2: to Jangothang

The valley opens out above the tree line. We pass an army post and the stone houses of yak herders, and the snow face of Jomolhari grows ahead. The camp at Jangothang, at about 4,080 metres, sits beside the ruins of an old fortress with the mountain filling the sky. Walk slowly today: it is a big gain in height.

Day 5

Acclimatisation day at Jangothang

A rest day to let your body catch up before the high passes. Most guests take a morning hike towards the Tshophu lakes or up the ridge for views of Jomolhari and Jichu Drake, climbing high and sleeping low. In the afternoon, rest, read and drink plenty of water. You may see blue sheep on the slopes above camp.

Day 6

Trek day 4: over Nyile La

A steep climb takes you to Nyile La, at about 4,870 metres, the first high pass, with views back to Jomolhari and across to Tserim Kang. The descent to the Lingshi valley is long and stony. Lingshi Dzong stands on a hill above the valley, and the camp is near the village, at about 4,000 metres.

Day 7

Trek day 5: over Yale La

We visit Lingshi Dzong in the morning if it is open, then climb to Yale La, at about 4,950 metres, the highest point of the trek. On a clear day the view takes in the peaks along the northern border. A long descent follows to Shodu, at about 4,100 metres, where the camp sits in a meadow below limestone cliffs.

Day 8

Trek day 6: to Barshong

The trail follows the Thimphu Chhu downstream, back into forest, past waterfalls and cliffs with old meditation caves. It crosses the river several times. The camp at Barshong, at about 3,600 metres, is near the ruins of a small dzong.

Day 9

Trek day 7: to Dolam Kencho

A gentler day through rhododendron, birch and conifer forest, with a few climbs over side ridges. The camp at Dolam Kencho, at about 3,300 metres, is in a meadow used by herders in summer.

Day 10

Trek day 8: walk out to Thimphu

A short walk down through forest brings you to the road end at Dodina, at about 2,600 metres, near Cheri Goemba. The crew says goodbye here, and the car takes you to your hotel in Thimphu for a hot shower. In the evening there is time for a walk around the capital.

Day 11

Farewell to Bhutan

The drive from Thimphu to Paro airport takes about an hour. Morning flights are the most reliable, so we leave early.

Where you stay

Where you sleep

Hotels before and after, full-service camping on the trail.

Nights	Place	Where you stay	Why we chose it
1 to 2	Paro	3-star or 4-star hotel	Acclimatise before the trek
3 to 9	Trail camps	Two-person tents with mattresses, dining and toilet tents	Cook and crew set up each camp
10	Thimphu	3-star or 4-star hotel	Hot shower after the trek

We can add Thimphu and Punakha after the trek for a longer trip.

What the price covers

Included and not included

Included

Bhutan visa (USD 40) and the Sustainable Development Fee for every night
Hotels as listed, 3-star as standard, with 4-star and luxury upgrades on request
All meals in hotels and on the trek, cooked by our trek cook
A licensed trekking guide, plus a cook and camp crew
Pack animals for the luggage, tents, mattresses, dining and toilet tents
Trekking and park permits
Private car with driver for the road sections

Not included

International flights into and out of Paro (we can book them for you)
Travel insurance, which we strongly recommend
Sleeping bag and personal trekking gear (we can rent a sleeping bag)
Emergency evacuation costs, which your insurance should cover
Tips for the trek crew, guide and driver

Price on request

Tell us your budget and we will send our best price

We don’t publish one fixed price, because hotels, season and group size change the total a lot. Tell us your dates, who is travelling and the budget you have in mind. We will reply within 24 hours with our best price for this trek.

How we price

What decides the cost of this trip

Government fees

The SDF is USD 100 per adult per night until 31 August 2027, plus a USD 40 visa. These are fixed by the Government of Bhutan and paid through us.

Hotels you choose

Trek costs are shared by the group, so groups of three or more get much better value. The trek season also matters.

Season and dates

Spring and autumn are peak season. Winter and summer dates are often easier to price well.

Group size

Guide and car costs are shared, so the price per person drops for two, three or four travellers.

We send a written, itemised quote before you pay anything. No booking fees.

Good to know

Planning notes for the Jomolhari trek

Trekking seasons

The main trekking seasons are April to May and late September to November. Autumn has the clearest mountain views; spring brings rhododendrons but more cloud. High passes can close with early snow, so we keep a spare day in longer treks. Read our hiking guide for a feel of trail conditions.

Fitness and safety on trek

You walk six to eight hours on most trek days, often above 4,000 metres. Regular hiking in the months before makes a real difference. Your guide carries a first aid kit and watches for altitude sickness; the only cure for serious symptoms is to go down, and we always plan an escape route. Tell us about any heart, lung or knee problems when you book, and make sure your insurance covers trekking at altitude and evacuation.

What to bring on trek

Broken-in waterproof boots, a down jacket, thermal layers, a waterproof shell, a warm hat and gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, trekking poles and a four-season sleeping bag (we can rent one). Our crew carries tents, mattresses, the kitchen and all food. See our packing list for the basics.

Visa, SDF and guide rules

Every visitor except Indian nationals needs a visa, which costs USD 40 and is issued online before you fly. The Sustainable Development Fee is USD 100 per adult per night until 31 August 2027, with half rates for children aged 6 to 11. A Department of Tourism notice from April 2026 confirms that visitors travel with a licensed guide. We file the visa and pay the SDF for you. Read more in our Bhutan visa guide and SDF guide.

Flying into Paro

Only Drukair and Bhutan Airlines fly into Paro, mainly from Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, Kolkata and Singapore. Pilots land by sight between the ridges, so morning flights are the most reliable. We suggest a night in your hub city on the way in. Our flights to Bhutan page lists every route.

Jomolhari trek: questions

How much does the Jomolhari trek cost?

It depends on group size, hotel style and season. Tell us your budget and we will reply within 24 hours with our best price, including the SDF, visa, permits, crew, camping, meals and transport.

How hard is the Jomolhari trek?

Strenuous. Long days and two passes near 5,000 metres. You need good fitness and some hiking experience.

What is the best time for the Jomolhari trek?

April to May and late September to November. October usually has the clearest views.

Do I need a permit?

Yes. We arrange the trekking and park permits with your visa.

Is there an acclimatisation day?

Yes, at Jangothang, plus the Tiger’s Nest hike before the trek starts.

Can I see Jomolhari without the full trek?

Yes. A shorter out-and-back to Jangothang takes about six days. Ask us.

When should I book?

Four to six months ahead, especially for October.