Jomolhari Loop Trek
The Jomolhari loop trek is Bhutan’s most famous, highlighting the great diversity that the Bhutanese landscape has to offer. Enjoy fabulous views of snow-capped mountains, walk through thick pine forests and alpine meadows that lead to the high pastures where yaks graze.
Our carefully planned eight night Jomolhari trek and tour introduces you to Bhutan’s stunning natural environment, ancient Buddhist temples, well preserved unique traditions and friendly & hospitable local people.
US$4,045*
8 NIGHT TOUR WITH 6-NIGHT TREK
DEPARTS: paro, bhutan
Maximum elevation: 4,890 m
Level of difficulty: Medium to hard
Availability: March - May & September - November
Minimum group size: 2 people
* Price based on twin-share accommodation. Single room/tent supplement available for US$45 per night, subject to availability.
Find out approximate trip price in your own currency here
“On the trek the support team was well organised and camps were always set up ahead of us arriving with tea waiting. The tents were comfortable and we were nice and warm. The food was good - hot lunches in tiffin boxes, hot dinners, plenty of tea. We would happily recommend Beyond the Clouds.”
TRIP EXCLUSIONS
International airfare to Bhutan. (This can be arranged for you. Please contact us for details)
Stopover hotel if needed
Comprehensive travel insurance.
Additional activities (e.g. massage, hot stone bath and some spa activities)
Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, specialty coffee, and cakes
Laundry
Tips for guide, trekking staff and driver
Trip Inclusions
Transport by private mini bus
All meals, mineral water, tea and coffee
2 nights accommodation in handpicked hotels
6 night fully serviced camping trek
Bhutan visa and Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US $100 per person per night included
Bhutan GST
English-speaking Bhutanese guide
All entrance fees at monasteries and museums
English, French or German-speaking Bhutanese guide
ITINERARY
DAY 1
Arrive in Paro, Bhutan: You will be met at Paro International Airport by your guide. Travel to your hotel just outside Paro. Explore the charming town centre and stroll across the picturesque wooden Nyamai Zam Bridge. As time allows, visit the formidable Rinpung dzong (fortress) of Paro, the national museum and the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang temple, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan.
Overnight: Paro
Altitude: 2,200 m
DAY 2
Paro to Sharna Zampa: Tiger's Nest excursion. An unforgettable hike to the iconic Taktshang Gomba (Tiger’s Nest Monastery). The 3-4 hour hike takes you through blue pine forests, passing water-powered prayer wheels and reaches 3,120 metres altitude. This is a good acclimatization hike to prepare you for tackling the trek in a couple of days. After lunch, back in Paro, drive to Sharna Zampa where we camp for the night so you start to acclimatise for your trek the next day.
Driving time: 2 hours
Walking time: 5 hours
Overnight: Sharna Zampa Camp
Altitude: 2,900 m
DAY 3
Trek from Sharna Zampa to Thangthangkha: Today is going to be a big day of hiking as the trail passes over lots of small ups and downs. After going uphill through the river valley, the valley finally narrows gradually to a path which descends to a meadow where a camp will be set up. From here, if weather permits, you will have the first great view of Mt. Jomolhari.
Walking time: 8-9 hours
Overnight: Thangthankgka Camp
Altitude: 3,610 m
DAY 4
Trek from Thangthangkha to Jangothang: You are now entering "yak country”. Yaks are utilized for pack animals as well as supplying cheese, milk, tea, meat and yak hair for weaving of huts, blankets, clothes, backpacks and hats. Burley and huge, the yak plays a significant role in Bhutanese history. Remote villages are dotted throughout this area. A stone and log bridge provides access to Jangothang. There are unparalleled views of snowy peaks from the eastern side of the valley.
Walking time: 5-6 hours
Overnight: Jangothang Camp
Altitude: 4,080 m
DAY 5
Trek rest day - Jangothang: This rest day in Jangothang provides plenty of possibilities for day hikes with great views of lakes and snow-capped mountains such as Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. There are good chances to spot some blue sheep on the upper slopes of the valley. Jangothang is a perfect environment for your acclimatisation. There are good short hiking trails in three directions: Jomolhari and its subsidiary mountain chains lay directly west, Jichu Drake to the north and there are a number of unclimbed peaks to the east.
Overnight: Jangothang Camp
Altitude: 4,080 m
DAY 6
Trek from Jangothang to Soi Yaksa via Bhonte La: The trail leads to a final settlement before dropping to meet the Paro Chhu. After passing the lake of Tsophu, you will climb steeply toward the Bhonte La pass at 4,890 m, the highest point of the trek. Keep your eyes peeled on the way up for blue sheep and marmots in the rocks. From the pass there are stunning views of Jichu Drake and the skyline of the Bhutan Himalayas along the Tibetan border.
On the other side of the pass, you’ll meet the Dhumzo Chhu river, which you follow downstream to the village of Soi Yaksa. Set up camp just outside the village.
Walking time: 6-7 hours
Overnight: Soi Yaksa Camp
Altitude: 3,800 m
DAY 7
Trek from Soi Yaksa – Thongbu: This morning, a steady uphill climb leads out of the valley. Continue gradually up to cross the Takhung La pass (4,520 m), from where you can see Kangchenjunga – the third highest mountain in the world – on a clear day. Finally descend to Thongbu, a small “village” consisting of three yak herder huts, and your next campsite next to them.
Walking time: 4-5 hours
Overnight: Thongbu Camp
Altitude: 4,180 m
DAY 8
Trek from Thongbu – Paro via Sharna Zampa: The final day of the trek is either flat or downhill so easy to walk today. Enjoy your last glimpse of Jomolhari as you cross the Thombu La pass (4,380 m). Once you retrace your steps to Sharna Zampa again, your vehicle will be waiting to drive you back to Paro.
Walking time: 6-7 hours
Overnight: Paro
Altitude: 2,200 m
DAY 9
Depart Paro
