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The journey
Take on one of Bhutan's most rewarding high-altitude adventures with this 12-day Jumolhari Yaktsa Trek, combining dramatic Himalayan scenery with rich cultural encounters. Begin in Paro with visits to the National Museum, Rinpung Dzong, and Kyichu Temple before setting off through pristine valleys, riverside trails, remote herders' country, and high mountain passes. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views of Mt. Chomolhari and Jichu Drake, explore the ruins of Barshong Dzong, and experience Bhutan's remote alpine landscapes. The journey concludes with time in Thimphu's key cultural sites and the unforgettable hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery.
At a glance
Day by day
Welcome to the Thunder Dragon. Your tour guide will meet you at Paro Airport. After checking in at your hotel, you will visit the National Museum, which houses lots of exquisite local artworks, Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong), which offers beautiful river views, and Kyichu Temple, a small temple with beautiful surroundings.
Today's hiking route is 17 kilometers long and takes about 6 hours, so you will get up early and transfer to Sharna Zampa, the starting point of the hike, for breakfast. You will trek through a military area, where you need to show your trek permit. We will apply for the permit before the trek.
Most sections of today's route follow the Paro Chuu River, which offers fascinating river views. The altitude rises from 2,810 meters to 3,610 meters when you arrive at Thangthangkha.
A series of giant peaks are visible during today's hike. You will have lunch in a herders' camp, and if other herders are there, you can talk with them.
The altitude ascends to 4,040 meters when you reach Jangothang, where you will have a superb view of Mount Chomolhari and Jichu Drake. Today's 19-kilometer trek takes about 6 hours.
As you know, you have been trekking on the plateau for nearly 40 kilometers in two days, so today is for rest. It is recommended to take short hikes around the campsite.
The beautiful lakes and mountains, along with the lovely sheep and yaks, will help you feel refreshed.
Restart the trek after one day's rest. You will climb to the 4,890-meter-high Nyilila Pass at the beginning of today's trek, and then descend to the Lingshi Basin, which lies at an altitude of 3,800 meters.
You will see herders' tents made from yaks' hair during the trek. These tents are moved to different pastures by herders during the grazing seasons. Continue on to Lingshi Dzong, where you will camp tonight. The snow-capped Mount Tserimgang offers a grand view during the final trekking section of the day. It takes around 6 hours to complete today's 18-kilometer trek.
Are you ready to take on the toughest section of this trek? You need to get up early to cross the Yale-La Pass, which stands 4,930 meters above sea level. After crossing the pass, you will begin to descend.
The view of Khedo Tsho Lake is the reward for your effort. Today's 22-kilometer trek ends at Shodu, which lies at an altitude of 4,080 meters. It may take up to 9 hours to complete.
Compared to yesterday's route, today's trek can be described as a sightseeing tour. You will continue descending to Barshong, which lies at an altitude of 3,700 meters.
The distance of today's trek is only 14 kilometers, which may take about 4 hours. When you reach the ruins of Barshong Dzong, you will have plenty of time to explore them.
You will trek along the Thimphu Chu River today. Just relax and admire the plants and the river along the way.
The altitude stays at around 3,600 meters during today's 15-kilometer trek. The trekking time is around 5 hours.
You will start today's trek descending from a valley above the Thimphu Chu River and finally end the trek in Dodena, where you will take a car ride to the city of Thimphu. The distance is only 8 kilometers.
In the morning, you will visit the National Memorial Chorten and the Textile Museum of Bhutan. After lunch, you will learn about local medicine at the National Institute of Traditional Medicine before driving to Paro.
Around 2.5 hours of hiking are needed to reach Taktsang Monastery, the most famous religious relic in Bhutan. It is possible to take a rest at the viewpoint terrace, which is located halfway along the hiking route.
Departure from Bhutan.
The route
The fine print
English-speaking local guide
Meals listed in the itinerary [Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner]
Accommodation in a 3-star hotel on a twin/double-sharing basis
All transportation within the country, including airport transfers
Entrance fees for museums and monuments
Bhutan SDF fee
Bhutan visa fee: USD 50 per person
Single room supplement charges
Personal expenses and travel insurance
Cost of any services not mentioned in the "Price Includes" section
International flights to and from Bhutan
Clothing and layers - Base layers: moisture-wicking thermal tops and bottoms.
Layers: warm fleece jacket and a heavy down jacket or parka.
Outer layers: waterproof and windproof jacket and pants (Gore-Tex recommended).
Trekking pants: quick-dry long trekking pants, including conservative long pants for cultural sites.
Headwear: sun hat, warm fleece hat, or balaclava.
Gloves: lightweight inner gloves and heavy wool or down outer mittens.
Socks: several pairs of wool or merino trekking socks.
Footwear - Trekking boots: waterproof, broken-in ankle-support hiking boots.
Camp shoes: lightweight sneakers, sandals, or flip-flops for evenings.
Gear and equipment - Sleeping bag: a sub-zero-rated sleeping bag, rated to -20°C for high-altitude camping.
Daypack: a 20- to 30-liter daypack with a rain cover to carry daily essentials.
Duffel bag: a waterproof duffel bag for your main gear carried by porters or horses, kept under 15 kg. Trekking poles: sturdy, adjustable poles for steep ascents and descents over passes.
Headlamp: with extra batteries, as cold weather drains batteries quickly. Health, safety, and personal items.
Water purification: water bottles and purification tablets.
Sun protection: high-UV sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm.
First aid and toiletries: personal medical kit, blister treatment, personal medications, and antibacterial hand gel. Travel insurance details: printed proof of mandatory emergency medical evacuation insurance covering altitudes over 5,000 meters.
The 12-day Jomolhari Trek (also spelled Jumolhari) is one of Bhutan's most celebrated and pristine high-altitude wilderness adventures. Circuiting the spectacular, sacred Mount Jomolhari (7,326 m) along the Bhutan-Tibet border, this trek offers an incredible combination of dramatic alpine scenery, ancient fortresses (dzongs), remote yak-herder communities, and vibrant Buddhist culture.
Trek grade: Moderate to challenging. It is well suited for seasoned hikers with good physical fitness who enjoy remote wilderness camping. Maximum altitude: reaches 4,890 m (16,043 ft) at the pass, and some variants cross the Yale-La Pass at 4,930 m. Physical demand: you will hike 4 to 6 hours daily over rugged terrain, steep ascents, and mountain passes.
Best season to visit:
Spring (March to May): Excellent visibility with mild weather. The valleys come alive as rhododendrons and wildflowers bloom.
Autumn (September to November): Offers the clearest mountain views, crisp air, and stable post-monsoon conditions.
Guided only: Independent trekking is forbidden. You must book your trip through a licensed operator.
SDF fee: All travelers must pay Bhutan's mandatory Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), which contributes directly to national health, education, and environmental programs.
Visa: Visas are processed in advance by your chosen operator once full payment is verified.
Accommodation: You will stay in 3-star hotels during your days in Paro and Thimphu. On the trail, you will sleep in high-quality wilderness camping tents.
Support crew: Your trek is fully serviced. An expert licensed guide, a camp cook, assistants, and pack animals (horses or yaks) handle all heavy lifting, equipment, and meals.
Food and water: Freshly prepared hot meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are served daily at camp. Safe mineral or boiled drinking water is supplied regularly.
Logistics
Your 12 days finish where they began, in Airport.
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