Overview
The Jumolhari Trek is Bhutan’s most popular trekking route, leading adventurers to the base of Mount Jumolhari, a sacred peak on the border with Tibet, China. Along the way, trekkers pass through breathtaking landscapes, encountering diverse wildlife and unique plant life. This journey offers an unforgettable experience, with changing terrains and stunning natural beauty at every turn. The most rewarding moment comes upon reaching Jangothang Base Camp, where the majestic Mount Jumolhari stands tall, offering a spectacular and awe-inspiring view.
Included/Excluded
- The Bhutan SDF
- All accommodations
- Meals and mineral water
- A licensed English-speaking guide
- A driver and vehicle
- Air fare
- A visa fee of US$40
- Alcohol
- Gifts/Souvenirs
- Travel insurance and personal bills
- Museums & Monument Fees
Tour Plan
Day 1: Arrival in Paro (2250m)
Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon! Upon arrival at Paro Airport, our guide will greet you and take you to a restaurant for lunch. After lunch, you will visit Rimpung Dzong, a 17th-century fortress that serves as both a religious and administrative center in the Paro Valley. From there, you can enjoy a short walk down to the road, crossing a traditional wooden bridge. Next, you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples. In the evening, you can explore Paro town at your own pace. Overnight stay at a hotel in Paro.
Day 2 : Acclimatization hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)
After breakfast, begin a 6 km hike to the famous Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. Perched at 3,180m, this sacred site offers a great opportunity to acclimatize for the upcoming trek. The monastery holds deep spiritual significance, as legend says Guru Rinpoche arrived here in the 8th century, flying on the back of a tigress to meditate. After exploring the monastery and soaking in the breathtaking views, hike back down to Paro. Overnight stay at a hotel in Paro.
Day 3: Drugyal Dzong to Shana (Trek starts)
Trek to Gunitsawa Village (2850m)
The trek begins at the ruins of Drugyal Dzong (2300m) with an easy downhill walk on a wide trail. As you move forward, the path gently climbs through rice terraces and millet fields, passing by apple orchards and forests. The valley soon opens up, leading to Gunitsawa Village, where you will pass an army post. The campsite is located across the river, not far from the village, at an altitude of 2850m. The total distance is 17 km, taking about 5-6 hours, with a 300m ascent. Overnight at camp.
Day 4: Shana to Sio Thangthangkha
Trek to the Camp at 3750m
Today’s trek covers 21 km and takes 6-7 hours, with a 900m ascent, leading you to a campsite at 3750m. The trail involves a series of small ups and downs as you continue uphill through the river valley. As you move forward, the valley narrows and the path becomes narrower. Eventually, the trail reaches a meadow, where you will set up camp. If the weather is clear, you will get your first stunning view of Mount Jumolhari from here.
Day 5: Sio Thangthangkha to Jangothang
Trek to Jangothang (4050m)
The trek today covers 19 km and takes about 4-5 hours, with a 300m ascent, leading you to a campsite at 4050m. The trail follows the Paro Chhu Valley, which widens into alpine meadows with sparse forest. Along the way, you will pass an army checkpoint and enjoy stunning views of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. As you move on, you’ll see yaks and their herders' homes, which are common in the area. You will also pass through the villages of Sio, Takethang, and Dangochang. Finally, you’ll reach Jangothang, one of the most beautiful campsites in the Himalayas, offering breathtaking views of Mount Jumolhari and Jichu Drake.
Day 6: Jangothang Halt
Rest Day in Jangothang
The rest day in Jangothang offers plenty of opportunities for day hikes, with amazing views of lakes and snow-capped mountains like Jumolhari and Jichu Drake. This is a great chance to spot blue sheep on the higher slopes of the valley. Jangothang is an ideal place for acclimatization, helping your body adjust to the altitude. You can also take a short trek to Tsophu Lake or explore the surrounding area.
Day 7: Jangothang to Lingshi
Trek to Lingshi Camp (4100m)
Today’s trek covers 19 km and takes 6-7 hours, with an 800m ascent and 730m descent, leading to a campsite at 4100m. The trail begins by following a stream for about 30 minutes before crossing a bridge to the right side. From there, the path climbs to the first ridge, offering stunning views of Jumolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tshering Gang. After enjoying the views, the trail flattens out for a short stretch before the climb to the Ngye La Pass, which sits at 4830m. After crossing the pass, the trail gently descends towards Lingshi Camp, where you can take in panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and the Lingshi Dzong.
Day 8: Lingshi to Shodu
Trek to Shodu Camp (4100m)
Today's trek covers 22 km, taking 8-9 hours, with an 940m ascent and 920m descent, leading to a campsite at 4100m. The Laya Gasa route diverges from the Jumolhari trek here. The path first climbs to a small white chorten on a ridge above the camp, then heads south down the Mo Chhu Valley. The trail stays on the west side of the valley, which is mostly treeless, and climbs steadily above the Mo Chhu River. After crossing the river, the path gets steeper, and you'll climb for about two hours to the Yeli La Pass at 4820m. On clear days, enjoy breathtaking views of Jumolhari, Gangchen Ta, Tsheringang, and Masangang. After the pass, the trail descends sharply to the Shodu campsite
Day 9: Shodu-Barshong-Domshisa
Trek to Domshisa Camp (3400m)
Today’s trek covers 23 km and takes 8-9 hours, with a 700m descent, leading to a campsite at 3400m. The trail brings you back to the tree line, following the Thimphu River as it descends through forests of rhododendron, juniper, and other alpine trees. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of rocky cliffs and waterfalls. Take a break by the river for some rest and a hot meal. After lunch, the trail climbs gradually to the ruins of Barshong Dzong, then continues to the Domshisa campsite, located by the river at 3400m. Overnight stay at the campsite.
Day 10: Domshisa to Thimphu (Trek ends)
Trek to Thimphu
Today’s trek covers 17 km and takes 5-6 hours, with a 1080m descent. The trail starts with a gentle descent through a dense forest of rhododendron, birch, and conifer trees. Afterward, the trail climbs briefly until you reach a dirt road. You’ll walk along this road for a while before being picked up. Along the way, you might spot Langur monkeys high in the trees. Dodena marks the exit point of Jigme Dorji National Park, opening up to the main road that leads to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. After some refreshments and a shower, you can explore the town and enjoy a stroll. Don’t forget to pick up some souvenirs on the street to remember your incredible trip to Bhutan. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 11: Thimphu to Paro Departure
After breakfast or early in the morning, you will be driven to the airport for your departure. Have a safe journey, and thank you for visiting Bhutan!
Tour Map
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Frequently asked question
Itinerary is always flexible if you are travelling in a smaller group. You have a choice of eating in a different restaurant, however, the menu depends on the chef and usually it is a set menu but not necessarily the same menu every day.
It is in the tourism industry but it is not compulsory. It actually depends on the service rendered to you.
Yes, things that are not included in the tariff are all beverages, telecommunications, tips, laundry, massage and souvenir shopping.
Bhutan is well connected and every town has IDD services. Internet cafes are available almost everywhere. Cell phones can also be used but you need to get Bhutan prepaid SIM Card and recharge it. Recharge vouchers are available at every second shop in town.
You can exchange money in the banks as well as in the hotels were you are staying. Rates will be better in the banks plus US$ is acceptable in almost all of the shops in town.
It cannot be safer anywhere else in the world.
Bhutan is all season tourist destination for cultural tours. However the month of February, March, April, and September, October, November are considered the best time due to pleasant weather conditions. December and January are winter months and June, July and August, the rainy season. It is important to note that the climatic conditions during the winter months are not extreme. The average temperature would range from 10-17 degree Celsius during day time.
The money you have transferred will be with held by the Tourism Council of Bhutan till the day you depart. Travel Agents can only withdraw the money after your departure upon submitting your tour invoice. Therefore, your money is safe.
It is government rule that total tour payment must be remitted without which the government will not issue the visa.
Decide the number of days you want to spend in Bhutan according to your interest and budget.
Decide the date and the port of entry (You can fly into Bhutan from one of these cities; Bangkok, Katmandu, New Delhi, Calcutta and Dacca) into Bhutan.
Fill up the visa application form (You can download the visa application form here).
Remit the total tour payment (You can download the money transfer details here). It is government rule that total tour payment must be remitted without   which the government will not issue the visa.
Once we have confirmed dates, port of entry, dully filled visa application form, and money received, we will process your visa.
Except for travelers from India, Bangladesh and Maldives, all visitors to Bhutan are required to obtain visa approval prior to their arrival, which will be processed by us.
Tourism is not restricted but the minimum daily tariff is set by the government. It is also necessary that all tourists must come through a registered tour operator to plan your itinerary and process your visa. Tourist cannot come on their own unless they are invited guest.
Druk Air operates daily flight (once daily) from Bangkok (Thailand) and four flights a week from New Delhi, Kathmandu and Calcutta (India) and two flights a week from Dacca (Bangladesh). There are different flight schedules for the summer and the winter seasons. For Druk Air schedules click on Flights Details or you can also visit Druk Air web site at www.drukair.com.bt . You can also enter Bhutan via Bagdogra Airport, Siliguri (West Bengal) in India. It has regular flights from New Delhi (twice daily).
Bhutan is connected to the outside world through Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines), the national carrier which is the only airline operating flights in and out of the kingdom.