Overview
The Jomolhari Trek 11 Days is also a breathtaking adventure that takes you through the stunning landscapes of Bhutan, a small Himalayan kingdom also known for its pristine natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. This trek is named after Mount Jomolhari, one of the most sacred and majestic peaks in Bhutan, standing at an impressive 7,314 meters.
The trek begins in Paro, where you will visit the iconic Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger’s Nest. Perched precariously on a cliffside, this monastery is a significant pilgrimage site and offers awe-inspiring views of the surrounding valleys. From there, your journey takes you through dense forests, charming villages, and across high mountain passes.
As you ascend, the landscape also transforms into a rugged alpine terrain, with cascading waterfalls, meandering rivers, and colorful rhododendron forests. The highlight of the trek is the breathtaking view of Mount Jomolhari, which dominates the skyline with its snow-capped peak and pristine glaciers.
The trail also passes through remote yak herder camps, providing an opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditional nomadic way of life. You can interact with friendly locals, learn about their unique culture, and witness the harmonious coexistence between humans and yaks.
The trek requires a moderate level of fitness and stamina, as you will be hiking for approximately eight days, covering a distance of around 70 kilometers. The highest point of the trek is the Nyile La pass at an altitude of 4,890 meters, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Camping under a starry sky and enjoying hot meals prepared by the trekking team adds to the overall experience. The nights are also peaceful and serene, surrounded by the grandeur of nature.
Conclusion and Summary
The Jomolhari Trek 11 Days is also a truly remarkable journey that combines adventure, spirituality, and natural beauty. It allows you to connect with Bhutan’s untouched wilderness, discover its hidden treasures, and create memories that will last a lifetime. It is an opportunity to embark on a transformative journey while exploring one of the world’s most enchanting destinations.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN PARO, BHUTAN
Elevation 2,280 m
Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Touching down at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide upon exiting the arrival hall. Today, we will take it easy to acclimatize to the altitude. Drive to Thimphu, check in to the hotel and let’s have your first taste of Bhutanese cuisine and some light sightseeing in Thimphu if possible.
DAY 2: PARO
Elevation 2,280 m
Drukgyal Dzong – A morning drive, north of Paro valley brings us to the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong. Built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan, the Dzong was destroyed by an accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate.Explore the ramparts and relive the memories of a glorious past.
Taktsang Monastery – A one hour hike to the cafeteria is also a vantage view whereby you can enjoy the stunning view of the monastery. Prayer flags adorn the cliff and this is also where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in the 8th century.
Kyichu Lhakhang – After a sumptuous local lunch, we will retrace our steps to visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.
DAY 3: PARO TO HAA VIA CHELELA
Elevation 3,575 m
Drive to Haa through Chele La (3,988 m). From the pass, you can see Paro valley on one side and then Haa valley on the other. You can also have a picnic at Chele La if you like to.
In Haa, some sightseeing and then going to katsho village and visiting the Katso Lhakhang. The valley of Haa was only opened to Tourist in 2002 and Haa is the least visited valley in Bhutan due to the lack of Tourist infrastructure. This has helped in keeping Haa the way it has always been, with Bhutanese families living their traditional and simple life.
There are no tourist standard hotels in Haa valley, so we return to Paro for the night.
DAY 4: PARO TO THANGTHANGKHA VIA SHANA
Elevation 4,044 m
Early morning drive from hotel to Shana. The trail follows the river through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses. As we go up the valley becomes narrow, wilder and steeper. The trail winds up and down along the drainage. We pass a junction en route, where another path leads over the Tremo La to Tibet. This route was formerly used by Bhutanese people as a trading route to Tibet. We cross several traditional wooden bridges finally arriving Thanthangka. Camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter. From this campsite for the first time-in case of good weather the Mount Jomolhari may be seen.
Distance: 13.6 miles / 22 km
Duration: 6-8 hours
DAY 5: THANGTHANGLHA TO JANGOTHANG
Elevation 4,010 m
The path ascends for a while until we reach the army camp. We then follow the river above the tree line, enjoying stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch is served at a yak herder’s camp. A short walk from here into the valley takes us to our campsite at Jangothang (4,040m). From here, the views of Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake are superb.
Distance: 10.5 miles / 17 km
Duration: 4-6 hour
DAY 6: JANGOTHANG TO LINGSHI
Elevation 4,080 m
The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right bank. We now start our climb up to the first ridge, enjoying breathtaking views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang. The trail then takes us across a fairly level valley floor, until the climb up to Nyele-la pass (4,700m). We descend gradually from the pass to our campsite at Lingshi (4,000m), enjoying a panoramic view of the mountain peaks and Lingshi Dzong as we walk.
DAY 7: LINGZHI TO SHODU
Elevation 3,575 m
First half of the trek is mostly through treeless valley until we start ascending to Yale-la pass at 4950 m. On clear day, we can see Mt. Jumolhari, Mt. Tsherimgang and Mt. Masagang. Nomads traveling between Lingshi and Thimphu use the Yale la so the trail is well marked. The descent from the pass joins the Jaradinthang Chhu which later becomes the Thimphu Chhu. At the altitude of 4150 m is a chorten (stupa) from where the trail takes an easterly direction following the river. The camp is at Shodu just after crossing the sandy slope.
DAY 8: SHODU TO BARSHONG
Elevation 3,720 m
250m ascent, 670m descent, camp altitude 3,710m Today’s trail winds up & down following the Thimphu Chhu through the limestone valley. Monks use the caves for meditation. Shabdrung is said to have mediated in these rocks when he fled from Tibet in the 17th century. We will have the good opportunity to view the giant rock faces and waterfalls. The trail gradually ascends 130m to Barshong Dzongs which lays ruins. Barshong is a small village with an inhabitant of half a dozen houses.
Distance: 8.7 miles / 14 km
Duration: 4-5 hours
DAY 9: BARSHONG TO DOLAM KENCHO
Elevation 3,290 m
There are several ups and downs and crossings of small streams. Reach a split in the trail, the one to the right descends to your campsite for tonight.
DAY 10: DOLAMKENCHO TO THIMPHU
Elevation 2,280 m
Today is an easy walk and with small ups and downs followed by a couple of short steep switchbacks to descend a vertical cliff before finally reaching the last stretch to Dodina. The trails descends through bamboo forests, following the mule trail high above the river and reach Dodina where your vehicle will meet you and drive you half an hour to Thimphu.,the modern capital of Bhutan. Thimphu has a population of about 98,500. The town is made up of just three lines of shops and is the only capital in the world without traffic lights.
Distance: 4.3 miles / 7 km
Duration: 3 hours
DAY 11: DEPART PARO
Elevation 2,280 m
Today we will bid fond farewell to this beautiful Himalayan country and take an early flight back to Singapore. We hope by now you would have made some friends and also kept many photos and beautiful memories of Bhutan! And we look forward to seeing you again in this beautiful land of endless Enchantments! Tashi Delek!