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12 Days -
Phuentsholing, Thimphu, Punakha, Paro
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Itinerary Overview
12 Days
- Day 01: Arrive at Paro
- Day 02: Hike to Taktsang
- Day 03: Paro – Shana – Thangthankha
- Day 04: Thangthangkha – Jangothang
- Day 05: Jangothang – Lhingshi
- Day 06: Lingshi – Shodu
- Day 07: Shodu – Barshong
- Day 08: Barshong -Dolam Kencho (6 hours)
- Day 09: Dolam Kencho – Dodena (3 hours) – Thimphu
- Day 10: Thimphu – Paro
- Day 11: Dapart Paro
The Jomolhari Trek showcases Bhutan’s varied landscapes, taking you through dense pine forests, remote villages, and alpine meadows, eventually reaching high-altitude yak pastures. Key highlights include stunning views of Mt. Jomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake, along with an overnight camp at the base of Mt. Jomolhari. The trek is challenging, reaching elevations up to 15,114 feet, and demands excellent physical fitness.
Best season to trek: April–June and September–November.
Detailed Itinerary
Your journey begins with a scenic mountain flight offering stunning views of Himalayan peaks like Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Bhutan’s own Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake. Upon landing in Paro, you’ll be greeted by a company representative and transferred to your hotel. After lunch, explore Ta Dzong, once a 17th-century watchtower and now the National Museum, followed by a visit to the impressive Rinpung Dzong. You’ll also stop at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples. The day ends with a leisurely stroll through Paro’s main street and explore local cafes.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Paro
After breakfast, embark on a hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery. The trail is well-defined, and the uphill trek takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. For those unable to make the hike, horse rides can be arranged up to the cafeteria. The monastery, dramatically perched on a cliff face 900 meters above the valley, offers breathtaking views and holds deep spiritual significance. It is one of Bhutan’s most revered pilgrimage sites. After lunch, we will drive north through the valley to explore the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, located 18 kilometers from Paro town. This historic site marks the location where Bhutanese forces successfully defended their territory against several Tibetan invasions in the 1600s.
Overnight stay at a hotel or farmhouse at Paro
Day 03: Paro-Shana -Thangthangkha (17 kms, 5-6 hours)
After an early breakfast, the trek begins with a 2 hours drive to Shana. The trail follows the Paro river, passing through pine, oak, spruce, and rhododendron forests—though much of it has been cleared for power lines. After lunch by the river, the hike continues with gradual ascents before reaching the campsite at 3,750m.
Overnight at campsite.
Day 04: Thangthangkha – Jagothang (19 kms,7-8 hours)
After a steady ascent to an army camp, we follow a river above the tree line, enjoying impressive mountain views. Lunch is served at a yak herder’s camp before a short walk takes us to our campsite at Jangothang (4040m), offering stunning views of Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. Overnight at the campsite.
Day 05: Jagothang – Lingshi (18 kms, 7-8 hours)
The trail begins along a gentle stream before crossing to the right bank and ascending the first ridge, revealing stunning views of Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tserimgang. After crossing a flat valley, we climb to Nyele La Pass (4700m), then descend gradually with sweeping views of the mountains and Lingshi Dzong. Our day ends at the Lingshi campsite (4000m), where we spend the night.
Day 06: Lingshi – Shodu (22 kms, 8-9 hours)
The trail climbs up to the Yeli La Pass at an altitude of (4820m), offering views of Jomolhari, Tserimgang and Masanggang. A descent along a stream leads to our campsite at Shodu (4100m), set in a meadow with a chorten. Overnight at campsite.
Day 07: Shodu – Barshong (16 kms, 6-7 hours)
The trail follows the Thimphu Chhu, descending through rhododendron, Juniper and beautiful waterfalls along the way. The trail gradually ascends to the ruins of Barshong Dzong (3600m), where we will camp for the night.
Day 08: Barshong – Dolam Kencho (4-5 hours)
The trail descends through thick forests of rhododendron, birch, and conifers before a steep drop to the Thimphu Chu. Following the river’s left bank, we navigate ridges and gullies, then climb through forest of conifers. Overnight at the campsite.
Day 09: Dolam Kencho – Dodena (3 hours)-Thimphu
We climb steadily through forests of conifers and high-altitude broadleaf trees, reaching a pass at 3510m. A steep descent leads back to the Thimphu Chu, which we follow south to the road at Dodena (2600m). From there, we’re picked up and driven to Thimphu. Overnight stay at a hotel in Thimphu.
Continue exploring Thimphu with visits to the School for Arts and Crafts, the National Library, the Traditional Paper Factory, and the Folk Heritage Museum. In the afternoon, we will visit the Takin Preserve and Tashichhodzong, which houses government offices and the central monastic body. In the evening, explore the local market of Thimphu. Overnight stay at a hotel in Thimphu.
Our day begins with a drive to Paro, stopping en route at Semtokha Dzong—the first fortress built in Bhutan by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1627—and Tamchoe Lhakhang, a historic temple linked to the 14th-century master Thangtong Gyalpo. After lunch, experience rural Bhutanese life with a visit to a traditional farmhouse, followed by a relaxed stroll along Paro’s main street to explore local shops or unwind at a café. Overnight stay at a hotel in Paro.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Paro Airport for your departure flight.
Disclaimer: All Bhutan tours and treks are private and fully customizable. You can schedule on your preferred dates within the trekking season. You can tailor the itinerary to focus on your interests by clicking the ‘Tailor-Design this Tour’ tab.
What is included
- Bhutan Tourist Tariff, Royalty & Visa fees.
- All private excursions and transfers in superior air-conditioned vehicle.
- Local English speaking guide/tour leader.
- Experienced driver
- All entrance fees and permits.
- Double room on twin sharing basis in government approved 3 star hotels
- All three meals (does not cover water and other beverages ordered in hotels/restaurants)
- Bottled mineral water for the entire trip
- Afternoon tea and snacks
What is not included
- All personal expenses such as bars, beverages, laundry, telephone and tips.
- Health / Travel Insurance.
- Any other beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) including water ordered in restaurants and hotels