Bhutan Jomolhari Round Trek Itinerary, Cost & Difficulty

Q: How difficult is the Jomolhari Round Trek?

The Jomolhari Round Trek is considered a challenging trek due to high altitudes, steep mountain passes, and long trekking days. It is best suited for experienced trekkers with good fitness levels.

Q: How many days does the Jomolhari Round Trek take?

The trek usually takes around 12 to 16 days, including arrival, acclimatisation, trekking, and sightseeing in Bhutan.

Q: When is the best time for Jumolhari Round Trek?

The best time to Trek Jumolhari is during spring and Autumn season.

Q: What are the terms and conditions for Flights and Trek for Jumolhari Trek?

Tour Cancellation Policy 90% refund for the tour cancelled 45 days prior to arrival date, payment transfer charges will be charged 75% refund for the tour cancelled between 30 to 45 days prior to arrival date No refund for the tour cancelled less than 30 days of arrival date and for the change of itinerary Booking made for 4* and 5* hotels have to follow individual hotel’s cancellation policies. Flight Cancellation Policy : (Documentation charge USD 25/ ticket) 70% refund for cancellation made before 30 days prior to arrival date (Documentation charge USD 25 applicable) 30% refund for cancellation made between 15 to 30 days of travel date NO refund for cancellation made less than 15 days of travel date Documentation charge applicable for the change of dates, sectors etc (issued tickets only, USD30/ticket)

Q: What is the highest point of the trek?

The highest point of the trek is around 4,900 meters, and it crosses high mountain passes with breathtaking Himalayan views.

Q: Do I need a guide and permit for the trek?

Yes, all trekkers in Bhutan must travel through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator with a certified guide, trekking permits, and organised logistics.

This Jomolhari Round Trek is a classic 9-day trek starting from Drugyal Dzong (Paro) and ending at Dodena near Thimphu. The route goes through the two high passes from Jangothang. The Trek is strenuous and is very popular. The magnificent view of Mount Jumolhari (7314 M) from Jangothang makes the trail more dynamic. The highest point is 4115 Meters. You may also come across snow leopards around this route, which makes the trek more adventurous. The view of Jumolhari mountain (7314 M) from Jangothang is spectacular.

Highlight for Jomolhari Round Trek:

Trek Duration: 7 to 15 days (Trek with Cultural Tour).
Highlights of the Jomolhari Round Trek: exploring high altitude lakes, blue sheep and Yak along the trekking routes
Jomolhari Round Trek Route: Thimphu, Paro, Shana, Jangothang and Punakha with Tiger Nest Hike.
Experience Type: Cultural immersion, photography, trekking to high-altitude lakes and a view of Jumolhari Mountain at close range.
Best Time to Book: At least a month or two before the trek begins.
Best Season to Trek: Spring and autumn are the best seasons to trek in Bhutan.
Total Trek Distance: 90-120 KM
Maximum Altitude: 4800M at Jangothang Base Camp
Difficulty: Moderate, but good fitness is required.

Jumolhari Round Trek Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrival at Paro airport
Day 2 Tiger Nest Hike
Day 3 Start of the Trek from Paro to Shana
Day 4 Shana to Thathangka
Day 5 Thathangka to Jangothang
Day 6 Jangothang Base Camp
Day 7 Jangothang to Lingshi
Day 8 Lingshi to Shodu
Day 9 Shodu to Barshong
Day 10, Barshong to Dolamkencho
Day 11 Dolamkencho to Dodena and to Thimphu
Day 12 Thimphu Sightseeing
Day 13: Thimphu to Paro for Tiger Nest Hike
Day 14 Drop to Airport

Jomolhari Round Trek cost

Solo Trekkers cost USD 6140
2 Pax Group Cost USD 5500 Per Person
3 to 4 Pax Group Cost USD 5000 Per Person

All our trek costs include a daily SDF of USD 100 per person, a one-time visa fee of USD 40 per person, trekking equipment, accommodation, a guide, transport, and meals.

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Jumolhari Round Trip Highlights

Jomolhari Round Trek is a classic 9-day trek starting from Drugyal Dzong
The highest point is 4115 Meters
We may also come across snow leopards around this route.
Camp at the base of mighty Jumolhari Mountain
Explore the scenic trekking trail of Western Bhutan

Day 1 :

Arrival at Paro Airport -2300M Altitude

Upon arrival at Paro airport, you will be received by our representative from Excursion to Himalayas. Check into the hotel. Evening at Leisure for acclamatisation. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 2 :

Paro sightseeing includes 6th Century Temples and Museam. Altitude 2300M.

Today we spend our time roaming around Paro town. This will help acclimate to the weather before actually beginning the trek. Visit the airport view and enjoy the landing of Bhutan flights from different destinations.

After lunch, visit the Ta Dzong (national Museam), an ancient watchtower dating back to 1657. Drive back to the hotel—dinner and overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 3 :

Paro – Shana. (Start of Jomolhari Bhutan Trekking) .Distance 14 KM | Walking Time 5/6 Hours. Altitude 2820M.

Our trek to Shana starts at Drukgyal Dzong, following the Paro River. The river passes through the cultivated fields and tiny, picturesque villages. The forests are alive with numerous birds and brightly coloured butterflies. Overnight at the camp in Shana. .This route is also the start of the Yaksa Trek.

Day 4 :

Shana – Thangthangka. Walking Distance 21 KM | Walking Time 7/8 Hours | Camping Altitude 3610M

The trail follows the river through a heavily forested area. We come across a few isolated farmhouses. The trail winds up and down along the drainage. We pass a junction en route, where another path leads north to Tremo La (Tibet). The camp will be pitched near the meadow with a stone shelter. (Altitude 3610 m; Distance 21 Km; Time 7 – 8 hours.)

Day 5 :

Thangthangka – Jangothang | Walking Distance 15 KM | Walking Time 5/6 Hours | Camping Altitude 4115M

In the morning, after passing a small army post, the trail slowly leaves the forest line. It gradually climbs into a beautiful valley, passing Tegethang. It's a winter home for the yak herdsmen.

Lunch will be served in one of these huts. Lots of yaks will be seen today before we arrive at the Mt.Jhomolhari base camp at 4,115 m. The camp offers a view of the High Mountains, and visible nearby are the ruins of an old fortress.

The Fortress was used as an ancient watch tower against the Tibetan invasions. (Altitude 4,115 m; Distance 15 Km; Time 5 – 6 hours.)

Day 6 :

Jangothang Relax Day | Camping Altitude 4080 M Above Sea Level

Rest day at Jangothang. Relax and refresh yourself and enjoy the splendid view all around the area.

Day 7 :

Jangothang – Lingshi. Distance 18 KM | Walking Time 7/8 Hours | Camping at 4000M

The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right. The climb up to the first ridge with a breathtaking view of Jumolhari, Jichu Drakey, and Tsrim Ghang.

Then walk towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until a climb to the Nyeley la pass at an altitude of 4,700 meters.

After the pass, it’s a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the panoramic view of the peaks and Lingshi dzong. (Camp altitude is 4000 meters. Walking time 7-8 hours.)

Day 8 :

Lingshi – Shodu. Distance 15 KM | Walking Time 5/6 Hours | Camping Altitude 3800M

Lingshi to Shodu takes about 8 8-hour walk. The trail today climbs to Yalila Pass at 4820 m. We can view the impressive views of Mount Jumolhari, Tserim gang, and Masagang.

The glorious mountain peaks of Bhutan. (Gang means Mountains.)

Day 9 :

Shodu – Barshong. Walking Distance 12KM | Walking Time5/6 Hours | Camping Altitude 3600M

This is the place where one comes back to the tree line. The path follows the Thimphu River, descending through rhododendron, juniper, and other alpine forests. The view of the cliff-facing rocks and waterfalls is stunning. The riverside will serve hot lunch.

After lunch, the trail gradually ascends to the ruins of the Barshong dzong, reaching the camp at an altitude of 3600 meters.

Day 10 :

Barshong – Dolamkencho. Trek Distance 10 KM | Time Taken 4/5 Hours | Camping Altitude 3600M

The road descends through the alpine forests, and we once again join the Thimphu River. Climb up to Dolamkencho camp at an altitude of 3600 meters. (Walking time 4-5 hours.)

Day 11 :

Dolamkencho – Dodena – Thimphu. (End of Trek) and drive to Thimphu 1 Hour drive | 2400M Altitude

The path descends through bamboo forests all the way to Dolamkencho, again joining the Thimphu River. Arrive at Dodena, where you will be picked up by the vehicle.

Drive to Thimphu (15 km). Dinner will be served overnight in the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 12 :

Thimphu sightseeing. Altitude 2400M

After the Bhutan Trekking, now is the time for cultural sights.

Visit the National Library, stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts.

Explore Painting School, where traditional art is still kept alive through the art and painting of Thangkas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls).

Other highlights include a visit to the Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the national government, and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan). Overnight in the Hotel.

Day 13 :

Thimphu- Paro Taktsang/ Tiger’s Nest Hike. Distance 15 KM | Hiking Time 3 Hours | 900M above Paro valley

Today is a very special day. Today you shall hike the secret temple at Paro. The hike takes 3 hours through the pinewood forest. The Tiger Nest temple is one of the most popular sights in Bhutan. The monastery is 500 years old. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters down into the valley.

Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in 747 AD, flew here on the back of a flying tigress.

Visit the Rimpung Dzong (literal meaning “Heap of Jewels”), the centre of civil and religious authority in the valley, built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Overnight in the hotel at Paro.

Day 14 :

Departure to Paro International Airport

Breakfast in the hotel then drives to the airport for a flight to your onward destination.

Tashi Delek! Best wishes!