12 Days Jomolhari Trekking & Mountain Festival Tour in Bhutan

Our guide and driver will receive you at Paro International Airport and then escort you on your first adventure in the Kingdom of Bhutan sometimes known as "The Last Shangri-La" to the outside world. You'll begin by visiting National Museum to get a glimpse into the rich cultural traditions and history of Bhutan, visit 17th-century Paro Rinpung Dzong which now serves as the office of governor and head clergy of the Paro district. From there, we walk to the beautiful traditional wooden cantilever bridge just below the Dzong. Later in the evening, visit an auspicious and one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang believed to have been built overnight by the Tibetan Kind Songtsen Gampo. We conclude the day exploring Paro town.

Dinner and overnight at Khangkhu Resort of Bhutan Mandala Resort

After an early breakfast, we hike to the iconic Paro Taktsang popularly known as Tiger's Nest. The round trip hike takes 4-5 hours but you can hike at your own pace. We recommend starting early. Oneway horse riding is available on your way up to the mid-point (Taktsang Cafeteria) for about USD20.

After lunch at Taktsang Cafeteria, we return to the base and drive to the capital city Thimphu. En route, visit Tamchog Lhakhang, the 15th-century private temple accessible after crossing the iron bridge built by the Tibetan scholar Thangtong Gyalpo to whom this temple is dedicated. Arriving in Thimphu, visit Changlimithang Archery Range and witness the archery game if the match is in progress. You will see archers showing off their Robin Hood skills dancing and singing each time the target is hit from a whopping distance of 145m. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan. The driving distance between Paro and Thimphu is 55km and takes 1.5 hours.

Driving distance 55km, Time 1.5 hours, Thimphu altitude 2334m, Paro altitude 2200m

Dinner and overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort of Hotel Amodhara

Today, you'll visit the tallest sitting Buddha statue located at Kuensel Phodrang overlooking Thimphu valley. Optionally, do a 2-hour leisurely hike from Kuensel Phodrang to Changangkha Lhakhang with a grand view of Thimphu valley. It is relatively a short hiking trail through sparsely populated pine trees offering a perfect opportunity for families and nature lovers to spend their leisure time. At the end of the hike, visit the 12th-century national treasure, Changangkha Lhakhang.

A traditional lunch will be served at the Folk Heritage Restaurant followed by a visit to the National Institute of Zorig Chusum where the 13 traditional arts & crafts of Bhutan are taught. We then visit the Authentic Craft Bazaar along the main Thimphu street and drive back to Paro for overnight.

Located above a quaint village amidst an apple orchard overlooking south Paro valley, this homestay is a perfect place to experience the life of an ordinary Bhutanese family. If this homestay is fully booked, similar accommodation will be provided or you can stay at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort. 

Driving distance between Thimphu and Paro is 55km and takes 1.5 hours.

Dinner and overnight at Paro Village View Homestay

Today after breakfast, we visit a 15th-century Dzongdrakha Temple perched on a cliff similar to Taktsang monastery but easily accessible. It is located just about 1km away from Paro Village Homestay. We offer prayers for our safe journey ahead and after lunch, drive to the starting point of the trek, Shana Zampa which will also be our first campsite. En route, visit Drukgyal Dzong built to commemorate the victory against the Tibetan-Mongol forces sometime in the 17th century. The trek used to start from Drukgyal Dzong but because of the road, trekkers prefer to drive up to the first campsite.

Distance: 17km | Time 90 min driving | Descent: 80m | Camp Altitude: 2,850m/9,350ft

Full-service outdoor camping at Shana

Today will be the longest day of the trek but very rewarding. After breakfast, we hit the trail which continues with lots of small ups and downs. After going uphill through the river valley, it finally narrows gradually to a mere path that 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.

Distance: 22km, Time 7-8 Hours, Ascent: 770m, Descent: 10m, Camp Altitude: 3,610m/11,845ft

Full-service outdoor camping at Thang Thangka

If you did not see Mt. Jomolhari the previous evening, you will still have a chance to get a great view early this morning. This morning the trek continues up the Paro Chhu valley which widens into patches of alpine meadow and scanty growths of forest. You will cross an army checkpoint along the way and enjoy a spectacular view of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. In this area yaks and their herder’s homes become a regular feature of the landscape. Passing the villages of Soe, Takethang and Dangochang is another asset on this day. After reaching Jangothang, one of the most beautiful campsites of the Himalayas, you will again have a spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari.

Distance: 19km, Time 5-6 Hours, Ascent: 480m, Camp Altitude: 4,080m/13,385ft

Full-service outdoor camping at Jomolhari Basecamp, Jangothang

Today and tomorrow will be the highlight of the trekking – witnessing the unique Jomolhari Mountain Festival which brings together members of communities in the area to celebrate their local culture and heritage, promote happiness while also creating awareness on the importance of conservation of elusive Snow Leopard with which the local people live in harmony. Hike 30 – 45mins back to Dangochang where the Jomolhari Mountain Festival takes place. On the first day of the festival, there will be several unique cultural programs such as songs and dances by the local communities. A school of fewer than 15 students will perform a play that focuses on the Snow Leopard Conservation, and a Snow Leopard dance by the Snow Leopard Conservation group. You can participate and watch local games like horse races, yak riding, Khuru (dart), shot put and tug of war. There will be stalls selling handicrafts and local delicacies. In the evening hike back to the Jangothang campsite for night halt.

Full-service outdoor camping at Jomolhari Basecamp, Jangothang

Today on the 2nd day of the festival, the program includes scenic hikes led by the locals to various sites around Mount Jomolhari such as twin lakes called Tsophu, the glaciers, and even though the habitat of the endangered Snow Leopard. You will definitely see the primary prey of Snow Leopard, blue sheep, and other wildlife along with these day hikes. In the afternoon, you can witness the cultural programs including traditional folk dances and participate in local games like Khuru (dart), shot put etc.

Full-service outdoor camping at Jomolhari Basecamp, Jangothang

The trail leads to the last settlement in the valley and drops to the Paro Chhu. Passing the lake of Tshophu (4,380m) you will climb up steeply to Bhonte La pass at 4,890 m, the highest point of this trek route. Reaching the Dhumzo Chhu river, you trek downstream passing the few houses of Soe Yaksa (Dhumzo) to arrive at your camp soon after. 

Distance: 16km, Time 6-7 Hours, Ascent: 810m, Descent: 1,090m, Camp Altitude: 3,800m/12,467ft

Full-service outdoor camping at Soe Yaksa

The trail climbs 100m over a ridge to drop to another stream then after crossing the Takhung La pass (4,520m) you descent to Thongbu Shong, three yak herder huts with your campsite next to them.

Distance: 11km, Time 4-5 Hours, Ascent: 720m, Descent: 340m, Camp Altitude: 4,180m/13,715ft

Full-service outdoor camping at Thongbu Shong

Crossing Thongbu La pass (4,380m), the steep descent continues down to the valley until you finally reach Gunitsawa village, where your driver will be waiting for you. This is the point where your trekking staff will bid you farewell. We will then drive to Paro.

Distance: 13km, Time 4-5 Hours, Ascent: 200m, Descent: 1650m, Paro Altitude: 2200m/7220ft

Dinner and overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandal Resort

After breakfast, depending on your flight departure time you will be transferred to the Paro International Airport for your onward journey