Article Published On - 14-01-2026
This incredible trek showcases Bhutan’s incredible natural beauty, taking you through dense pine forests, charming villages, and picturesque alpine meadows before reaching high-altitude grazing grounds of yak herders. Along the way are stunning views of snow-capped peaks like Mt. Jomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake; camping at Mt. Jomolhari provides an exceptional camping experience; however the challenging route reaches an elevation of 15,114 ft demanding high levels of fitness from trekkers; additionally there’s time to explore both cultural attractions in Paro and Thimphu both before and after undertaking this spectacular journey.
The Jomolhari Trek begins in Paro, and its highest camp can be found at an elevation of 13,448ft/4100m. As one travels along this path, one can admire breathtaking views of Jomolhari’s double peaks, neighboring Jichu Drake and Tsheringang mountains, as well as other mountain vistas that rival those seen from a Druk flight. This trek traverses Lingzhi, reaching heights of up to 16,236ft/4,950m before concluding near Thimphu. Considered moderate to challenging difficulty, it starts near Paro valley at Drukgyel Dzong before proceeding up to Shanna Zampa at 9,348ft/2,850m on its initial leg. The next day is dedicated to an intensive trek to Thang Thangka (11,808ft/4100m), passing through a beautiful alpine meadow dominated by Jomolhari Peak. At 19km long and covering an altitude difference of 9,448ft/4100m, Jangothang (13,448ft/4,100m) offers stunning panoramic views and camping facilities that can only be reached after crossing a river and passing through settlements. Subsequent days are typically spent at this camp, acclimatizing and taking in the breathtaking sights of Jomolhari and Jichu Drakye. Short treks offer opportunities to discover additional viewpoints with stunning panoramas. Travel from Jangothang to Lingzhi for those seeking greater adventure, taking in breathtaking vistas of Jomolhari, Jichu Drakye, and Tserim Kang along the way. Though remote, this area is exceptionally picturesque as you traverse a vast glacial valley filled with moraines before climbing over a windy pass to reach Chha Shi Thang (13,153ft/4,010m). From here, the path leading to Jichu Drakye begins; from here, the Jomolhari Trek begins; traverse Yeli La (16,236ft/4950m) before ascending another two days via Dolom Kencho to reach Dodina, which stands across Cheri Gompa itself.
Journeying to Paro is known for offering breathtaking views of some of the tallest mountains on earth. When arriving at the airport in Paro, our representative from Bhutan Travel Bureau will greet you warmly. Begin your afternoon of sightseeing in Paro after lunch by visiting the National Museum, Ta Dzong. Here, explore Bhutan’s rich historical and cultural heritage through religious artifacts, artwork, handicrafts, and more at this museum’s collection of religious items, artworks, and handicrafts on display. As you visit Rimpong Dzong, admire a painting depicting Milarepa – revered by Bhutanese as an adept meditation master who achieved enlightenment during his lifetime – an artifact from this former fort, which now serves both monasteries and administrative hubs for districts. Conclude your day by strolling down towards the picturesque cantilever wooden bridge still in use, before heading back to Paro for the night.
After breakfast, set out on an unforgettable trek up to Taktsang Monastery (known as Tiger’s Nest). This moderately challenging 1.5 to 2-hour ascent provides stunning views of Paro Valley below. The monastery, perched precariously 900 meters above the valley floor, is both an engineering feat and a testament to the region’s rich history. Legend tells of Guru Rimpoche and his consort meditating in a nearby cave for three months to introduce Buddhism into Bhutan in the 8th century. After exploring, stop for lunch at one of Bhutan’s teahouses before moving on. After lunch, visit the rebuilt Drukgyel Dzong, first built by Shabdrung to commemorate his victory over Tibetans in 1644. If the skies clear up enough, Mount Jomolhari serves as an inspiring backdrop. Your day concludes with a return drive back to Paro with stops at other local attractions along the way; spend your night at your hotel in Paro.
The journey starts from Drukgyel Dzong at 2580m and includes an initial descent on a broad path before gradually ascending through rice terraces, millet fields, and apple orchards before eventually encountering wooded areas and apple orchards along our journey to Gunitsawa military outpost at 2810m, the final checkpoint before Tibet. Following Sharma Zampa at 2870m with its lush meadows dotted with trees offering ideal camping spots before retiring for the night at our campsite.
Our journey along the Paro River continues along its banks, climbing and descending through forests of pine needles, oak leaves, and spruce. At lunch time, we cross a bridge over the river before continuing along it to an uphill Rhododendron Forest and crossing back over again before arriving at our campsite at 3750 meters for the night.
As we trek upwards towards a military camp, we walk along a river above the forest boundary while admiring stunning vistas of nearby mountains. Lunch will be provided at a yak herder settlement before taking a short stroll further into the valley until reaching Jangothang (4040m), offering spectacular views of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake peaks, where we will spend our final night camping out.
We begin our walk by following a serene stream for 30 minutes before crossing over a bridge to the right side. From there, we climb an initial ridge, admiring spectacular vistas of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tserimgang before traversing through an exceptionally peaceful valley towards Nyele-la Pass (4700m). Ascending slowly, we take in expansive views of Chomolhari Dzong before arriving at our camping spot at Lingshi (4000m). There we will spend the night.
This path heads east along a ridge and past a small white stupa on top. After reaching Mo Chu valley, we will head south into it via Mo Chu valley, where it stays on its western side above a river for two hours until crossing into Yeli-La (4820m), from which there are great views of Chomolhari, Gangchenta, Tserimgang, and Masagang on a clear day. After crossing over, steeply ascend Yeli-La for another two hours until we reach Yeli-La (4820m), from where we descend along a stream to a rock shelter in a cliff before continuing downstream toward Shodu (4100m), where we camp under an archway above an adjacent meadow with stupa for overnight stay.
As we make our way along the Thimphu Chu River, our trek takes us through breathtaking scenes of rhododendron, juniper, and mixed alpine forests – truly picturesque views are everywhere we turn! After taking a warm lunch by the riverbank, we pause briefly before beginning a gentle ascent uphill towards Barshong Dzong at an elevation of 3600 meters for ancient ruins and our campsite for the night, offering an idyllic spot to rest our eyes after such an activity.
The path slowly winds its way downhill through a thick forest filled with Rhododendrons, Birches, and conifers before sharply descending to reach Thimphu Chu. We follow its left bank across valleys where small streams flow into it from valley ridges; finally passing beneath an enormous cliff above Thimphu Chu and winding our way around until reaching a grassy area where we set up camp at an altitude of 3600m for overnight stays at this campsite.
This scenic route winds its way along a side valley above Thimphu chu, gradually climbing through dense forest of conifers and high-altitude deciduous trees before reaching an elevation of 3510 meters at an elevated mountain pass. After reaching this mountain pass, we descend sharply back towards the river at Dodena (2600 meters), where our Bhutan Travel Bureau transportation waits for transfer back to Thimphu by vehicle, where our overnight stay will be at one of the hotels located here.
Discover Thimphu’s cultural heritage by visiting the National Memorial Chorten, a sacred monument adorned with vibrant paintings and statues that illustrate Buddhist principles. Originally designed by the Third King to protect his people against modernization, this temple was later completed by his wife’s successor as a memorial tribute for their late husband, who passed away in 1972. Noteworthy attractions in Thimphu include the historic Changangkha Temple, Drubthob monastery and Zilukha nunnery; School of Arts and Crafts where students learn traditional Bhutanese art; National Library containing ancient scriptures dating back to 8th century; Folk Heritage Museum featuring replica of traditional Bhutanese farmhouse; Folk Heritage Museum with replica of traditional farmhouse; Folk Heritage Museum which features replica of traditional Bhutanese farmhouse – these will all add up to make your visit unforgettable! Finally, head back towards Paro and spend your night in your hotel room.
Before heading out to the airport for your flight to your next destination, enjoy breakfast at your hotel before having a smooth journey ahead. Thank you, and be safe.
Take the plane to Paro International Airport, with connections available from Kathmandu, Delhi, and Bangkok. Driving time from Paro to Shana (trailhead) should take approximately 1 1/2 hours. Trek concludes near Punakha or returns to Paro, depending on your route of choice.
The ideal time for this trek is April-June & Sep-Nov.
Director & Founder
With over 12 years of experience in the Himalayas, Preetam has summited multiple 6000 - 7000 meter peaks and led more than 200 expeditions across iconic routes like Bali Pass, Buran Ghati, Rupin Pass, Pin Bhabha, Stok Kangri, and Black Peak. His deep mountain experience and leadership make him a trusted name in Himalayan trekking. Write to him at: preetam@trekupindia.com
