Jomolhari Trek

Highlights

• Jomolhari (7,326 m) and Jichu Drake from the meadows of Jangothang
• A rest day at base camp to explore the Tsophu lakes
• Crossing the Nyile La and Yale La passes
• Lingshi Dzong and the yak-herding villages of the far north-west
• Ending in Thimphu with a day to recover

Day-by-day itinerary

Every trip is private, so we can change the pace, add a rest day or swap a hotel. This is the route we recommend, and a starting point for yours.

1. Day1

   Arrive in Paro

   Meet your guide at Paro airport. Gentle sightseeing to begin acclimatising, and a gear check in the evening.

   Overnight in Paro

2. Day2

   Tiger's Nest acclimatisation hike

   The climb to Paro Taktsang, done before the trek to help you acclimatise.

   Walking 4–6 hours return · Overnight in Paro

3. Day3

   Drive to Gunitsawa, trek to Shana

   Drive up the valley past Drukgyel Dzong to the army post at Gunitsawa, then follow the river through farmland and forest to camp at Shana (about 2,850 m).

   Walking 5–6 hours · Camp

4. Day4

   Shana to Soi Thangthanka

   A long day climbing gradually up the river valley through oak, rhododendron and fir to a meadow camp at Thangthanka (about 3,610 m). If the cloud lifts, Jomolhari appears at the head of the valley.

   Walking 7–8 hours · Camp

5. Day5

   Thangthanka to Jangothang

   Above the tree line, past yak herders' settlements to Jangothang (about 4,080 m), the base camp beneath the east face of Jomolhari.

   Walking 5–6 hours · Camp

6. Day6

   Rest day at Jangothang

   A day to acclimatise. Walk up to the Tsophu lakes or a ridge above camp for views of Jomolhari, Jichu Drake and the peaks around them, or simply rest.

   Optional walking 3–5 hours · Camp

7. Day7

   Over Nyile La to Lingshi

   Climb to Nyile La (about 4,870 m), one of the highest points of the trek, then descend to camp near Lingshi (about 4,000 m), with Lingshi Dzong on its hill above the valley.

   Walking 6–7 hours · Camp

8. Day8

   Lingshi to Shodu over Yale La

   Visit Lingshi Dzong, then cross the Yale La pass (about 4,900 m). On clear days you can see Jomolhari, Tserim Gang and Masang Gang. Descend to Shodu.

   Walking 7–8 hours · Camp

9. Day9

   Shodu to Barshong

   Follow the Thimphu Chhu down through rhododendron forest, past the cliff-side Tshoka hermitage and waterfalls, to the ruined dzong at Barshong.

   Walking 5–6 hours · Camp

10. Day10

    Barshong to Dolam Kencho

    A gentler day of descent through forest to a meadow camp at Dolam Kencho (about 3,320 m).

    Walking about 5 hours · Camp

11. Day11

    Dolam Kencho to Dodina, drive to Thimphu

    A last morning on foot down to the road head at Dodina, where your vehicle waits. Hot showers and a proper bed in Thimphu.

    Walking about 3 hours, drive about 30 minutes · Overnight in Thimphu

12. Day12

    Thimphu, drive to Paro

    An easy morning in Thimphu, then drive to Paro for a farewell dinner.

    Drive about 1 hour · Overnight in Paro

13. Day13

    Depart Paro

    Transfer to the airport.

    Transfer about 15 minutes