Jomolhari Base Camp

9 Days

It is a 7-days Trek from Paro to Jumolhari base camp at Jangothang, returning via the same route or by an alternative trail to Paro. The view of Jumolhari Mountain (7314 M) from Jangothang is spectacular. This Trek also affords an excellent opportunity to see Yaks. The Trek is very popular. The highest point is 4115 Meters. This challenging yet rewarding trek offers encounters with local yak herders, visits to remote villages, and an immersive cultural experience. As you reach the base camp, surrounded by towering peaks, the unparalleled beauty of Bhutan unfolds. Ideal for adventure seekers, the Jomolhari Base Camp Trek promises an unforgettable exploration of Bhutan’s natural wonders and cultural heritage.

Overview

It is a 7-day Trek from Paro to Jomolhari base camp at Jangothang, returning via the same route or by an alternative trail to Paro. The view of Mt Jumolhari mountain (7314 M) from Jangothang is spectacular. This Trek also affords an excellent opportunity to see Yaks. The Trek is very popular. The highest point is 4115 Meters.

On the Bhutanese side is a Jomolhari Temple, toward the south side of the mountain about a half-day’s journey from the army outpost between Thangthangkha and Jangothang at an altitude of 4150 meters. Religious practitioners and pilgrims visiting Mt. Jomolhari stay at this temple. There are several other sacred sites near Jomolhari Temple, including the meditation caves of Milarepa and Gyalwa Lorena. Within an hour’s walk up from the temple at an altitude of  4450 meters is Tseringma Lhatso, the “spirit lake” of Tsheringma.

Trek Highlights

  • Witness the mighty Jomolhari Mountains.
  • Classic and most popular medium to hard level trek.
  • Three almost five thousand meters high passes, Bonte La Pass (4,850 m), Nyilila Pass, and Yale La Pass (4,990 m).
  • Jaw-dropping views of majestic Mount Jomolhari and other solemn mountain peaks.
  • Two amazing nights at the spectacular Jangothang Campsite.
  • A splendid trip to brown trout-filled Tshophu Lakes.
  • Experience of trekking along the conifer and rhododendron flanked streams and in the primitive forests.
  • Experience local life in far isolated Lingshi village.

Itinerary

Arriving in Paro on our national carrier, Druk Air or Bhutan Airline sets the stage for a stunning introduction to the breathtaking beauty of our nation. In clear skies, you’ll be treated to awe-inspiring vistas of the world’s highest peaks before descending to the verdant, fertile Paro valley. Upon landing, your Bhutanese guide from Tour Bhutan will extend a warm welcome and then escort you on a brief drive to your hotel.

Our trek to Shana starts at Drukgyal Dzong following the Paro river and we pass cultivated fields and tiny picturesque villages. The forests are alive with numerous birds and brightly colored butterflies. Overnight at camp Shana. Altitude 2,820 m; Distance 14 Km; Time 5 – 6 hours.

The trail meanders alongside the river, cutting through a densely wooded terrain dotted with a handful of solitary farmhouses. As you continue, the path gradually narrows and becomes more secluded, winding its way up and down along the course of the drainage. Along the way, you’ll encounter a junction where an alternate route veers northward, leading over the Tremo La to Tibet.

Your campsite is nestled in a picturesque meadow, complete with a stone shelter, at an altitude of 3,610 meters. The day’s journey covers a distance of 21 kilometers and typically takes 7 to 8 hours to complete.

As the morning unfolds, you’ll pass a small army post and the trail will gradually lead you out of the forested area, opening up to a stunning valley. Along the way, you’ll come across Tegethang, which serves as a winter residence for yak herders.

You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy lunch in one of these huts. Expect to encounter numerous yaks during the day before reaching the Jhomolhari base camp, located at an altitude of 4,115 meters.

The base camp offers breathtaking views of towering mountains, and nearby, you’ll spot the remnants of an ancient fortress that once defended Bhutan against Tibetan incursions. This leg of the journey spans a distance of 15 kilometers and typically takes 5 to 6 hours to complete.

A rest day. A chance to walk up to the Jhomolhari glacier or to the Tsho Phu lakes in the opposite direction. There is a popular Jomolhari Mountain festival that takes place every year at Jangothang. This is very popular and locals from the nearby village join this beautiful festival.

In the morning, after passing a small army post, the trail gently departs from the forested area and gradually ascends into a picturesque valley. Along the way, you’ll traverse Tegethang, which serves as the winter residence for yak herders.

Lunch will be served in one of these huts, providing a unique cultural experience. Throughout the day, you’ll encounter numerous yaks as you make your way to the Jhomolhari base camp, situated at an altitude of 4,115 meters.

At the base camp, you’ll be treated to awe-inspiring vistas of towering mountains, and nearby, you’ll spot the remnants of an ancient fortress that once served as a protective stronghold guarding Bhutan against Tibetan invasions. This segment of the journey covers a distance of 15 kilometers and typically takes 5 to 6 hours to complete.

The trail follows the river through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses. It narrows and closes in and the trail winds up and down along the drainage. We pass a junction enroute, where another path leads north over the Tremo La to Tibet. Camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter. Altitude 3610 m; Distance 21 Km; Time 7 – 8 hours.

Our trek to Shana starts at Drukgyal Dzong following the Paro river and we pass cultivated fields and tiny picturesque villages. The forests are alive with numerous birds and brightly colored butterflies. Overnight at camp Shana. Altitude 2,820 m; Distance 14 Km; Time 5 – 6 hours

Today we drop you at the airport and our guide and driver will assist you to reach the port.

Inclusion / Exclusion

Inclusion

  • All meals
  • Airport Pick and Drop
  • Professional trekking Guide
  • All Camping Equipment's
  • All accommodation.
  • Visa Fees
  • Kitchen and Dining Tent
  • Toilet Tent with Hot water Shower

Exclusion

  • Airfare
  • Insurance
  • Alcoholic beverage
  • Anything not mentioned in the tour.
  • Insurance Premiums
  • Tips for Guide, Driver, Porter and Service personal.
  • Emergency Pick up.

FAQS

Why Book this Trek with Us?

  • 24/7 Customer Service
  • Flexible tour itinerary
  • Value for the Money.
  • Gauranteed Bhutan Visa
  • Hand Picked Hotels

What are the things to carry during the trek?

  • Duffel Bag
  • Day Pack (30-45 L)
  • Sleeping Bag (-10 to 20F/-23C to 30C)
  • Air Mattress
  • Down Jacket
  • Trekking Boots
  • Running Shoes or Lighter Shoes (optional)
  • Crocs (evenings + washing)
  • Hiking Sandals (or Crocs – river crossings)
  • Trekking Pants (2-3)
  • T-Shirts (2-3)
  • Long-sleeve Trekking Shirts (2-3)
  • Trekking Jacket
  • Wind + Waterproof Jacket + Pants
  • Fleece or Thermal Top + Bottom (evenings)
  • Lightweight Long Underwear (sleeping + layering)
  • Socks (4-6)
  • Gloves (lighter + heavier for passes)
  • Wool Hat
  • Baseball Cap or Wide-brimmed Hat
  • Camp Towel
  • Trekking Poles (optional, recommended)
  • Down Booties (optional, recommended)
  • Sunglasses (+ extra pair)
  • Water Bottles | Nalgenes (2-3)
  • Bladder (optional, recommended)
  • Toiletries, Sunscreen with SPF, Lip Balm with SPF
  • Watch (or alarm)
  • Extra Batteries
  • Battery Chargers
  • Head Lamp
  • Yak Trax or Micro Spikes (for treks with icy passes)
  • Small Water Filter or Steripen (optional, to carry in daypack)
  • Camp Washing Bowl (optional, collapsible for clothes)
  • Laundry Detergent or Bio-degradable Clothes Soap
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Small Solar Panel (optional, recommended for iPods, iPhones, camera batteries, Kindles)
  • Book(s)
  • Zip-Lock Plastic Bags (extra protection for electronics, and toiletries)
  • Soft Toilet Paper | Tissues (we supply toilet paper but you will want something softer for blowing your nose)
  • Baby-Wipes | Wet-Wipes (for personal cleaning)
  • Handi-Wipes, J-Cloth, or Chux (optional – quick clean, fast drying)
  • Rehydration | Electrolytes
  • Snacks!
  • Personal Medical Supplies

What is the weather and climate condition during Jomolhari Trek?

  • Autumn Weather: During the month of September to November, Bhutan experiences autumn/fall. The average temperature ranges somewhere between 10 degrees and 23 degrees Celsius across the country. It is that time of the year when the rain starts to go away and the weather becomes bright once again giving the trekkers the best of Bhutan Himalayas.
  • Spring Weather: Spring comes to the country with the first days of March. The level of temperature increases sharply and it is much warmer here at the beginning of March. The average temperature during the month is about 6 °C (43 °F) during the daytime and about 0 °C (32 °F) at night. Still in the south plains of the country, the hot and wet weather stays.In mountainous areas, the cold weather will stay until the end of the spring. The average temperatures in May are about 12-16 °C (53-61 °F) during the daytime.  Precipitations in form of snow still occur in the north part of Bhutan and it is rainy enough in the south side.

What causes mountain sickness during the trek?

Acute mountain sickness is caused by reduced air pressure and lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. The faster you climb to a high altitude, the more likely you will get acute mountain sickness. The best way to prevent altitude illness is to ascend gradually.

How to prevent mountain sickness?

  • Acclimatization: It’s remarkable how well we can adapt to altitude if we give our bodies time to do so. Your heart rate and breathing will speed up, and your blood will develop higher-than-normal amounts of red blood cells. The rest of your cells slowly change too, so that they use oxygen more efficiently.
  • If you give yourself at least two days to reach an 8,000- to 10,000-foot elevation and then limit daily ascents to 1,000 feet, your body will have a better chance to adapt. Note, too, that it’s your sleeping altitude that’s key: You can climb higher in a given day as long as you come back down to a snoozing elevation that’s within this limit.
  • Everyone adapts at a different rate: You might be able to acclimatize more quickly than the above rule of thumb, or less quickly. Age, gender, race—even your level of fitness—don’t correlate conclusively with faster or slower adaptation rates. Take your time and listen to your body.

What is the flight cancellation policy?

  • 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)

What are the tour cancellation policies?

  • 10% deposit – refunded if canceled outside 60 days of arrival date.
  • 90% balance – forfeited if canceled within 30 days of arrival date.
  • No refunds on prepayments of the entire program (i.e. including tax, service charge, and any relevant daily government taxes), will be extended if canceled within 30 days of arrival date.
  • No refunds will be extended on early departures for any reason whatsoever.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Jomolhari Base Camp
From $2,280
/ Adult

Trek Info

  • 5005M
  • May, June, September, October, November
  • Paro