Trekking

Jhomolhari Base Camp Trek 9 days


9 Days

Trip Overview

Mount Jhomolhari (7,134 m) is Bhutan’s second highest peak situated on the northern border with Tibet. It’s as graceful as it’s nearby neighbour Jitchu Drake is striking.

The six days of trekking is only of moderate difficulty. The trek passes through forested valleys of rhododendron and blue pine into impressive mountain landscapes home to yak herders who may even invite you into their tents for tea!

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
  • Hike to Taktsang Monastery

  • Wonderful view of Drukgyel Dzong

  • Narrowing river valley

  • Wonderful views of high ridges and snow-capped peaks
Itineraty Outline
  • Day 1: Arrive in Paro.
  • Day 2: Day Excursion to Taktsang Monastery
  • Day 3: Trek begins: Paro – Shana
  • Day 4: Shana – Soi Thangthangkha
  • Day 5: Soi Thangthangkha – Jangothang
  • Day 6: Jangothang – Halt
  • Day 7: Jangothang – Shing Karap
  • Day 8: Shing Karap – Paro
  • Day 9: Depart
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Trip Facts

Activity

Trekking

Group Size

Any Number

Difficulty

Moderate

Max. Altitude

4,044 m

Trip Starts

Paro

Trip Ends

Paro

Season

  • January
  • February
  • March
  • April
  • May
  • June
  • July
  • August
  • September
  • October
  • November
  • December

Discover Bhutan

Pristine mountain lakes, imposing glaciers and some of the world’s most endangered species await you in the mountainous amphitheatre of the Himalayas. Let us give you a selection of some of the country’s finest treks.

    Tour Details

    Day 1: Arrive in Paro.

    The excitement of your journey has already begun on your flight with fabulous views of the Himalayan range. We’ll collect you from the airport and check you into your hotel. Depending on the arrival time of your flight, we can either visit Paro’s ancient Rinpung Dzong and Ta Dzong (the museum) or just have a stroll around the town of Paro.

    Day 2: Day Excursion to Taktsang Monastery

    Early morning hike to Taktsang Monastery. It takes about an hour and half to reach the view point but it is well worth trekking the extra 45 minutes to the monastery and looking at where Guru Rinpoche landed with his magic tigress to meditate. We’ll take lunch at the viewpoint restaurant.

    After reaching the valley again, we drive north to the end of Paro valley to visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong and weather permitting to get a spectacular view of Mount Jhomolhari. On the way back we’ll visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, an ancient 7th century monastery with fragrent orange tree in its courtyard.

    • Hotel
    Day 3: Trek begins: Paro – Shana

    Drive up to Drukgyel Dzong where the road ends and the trek begins, following the river gently uphill through a narrow agricultural valley passing by village houses. Camp is just beyond the army outpost of Gunitsawa.

    • Shana campsite at 2,890 m
    • 17 km and approximately 5 hours of walking
    Day 4: Shana – Soi Thangthangkha

    The day begins on uphill trails following narrowing river valley. The trek is mostly gentle uphill. Just before reaching camp at Thangthangka you get a great view of Mount Jhomolhari. We camp in a meadow with a stone shelter about 20 minutes after passing Thangthangka.

    • Soi Thangthangka camp at 3,575 m
    • Approximately 7 to 8 hours trekking
    Day 5: Soi Thangthangkha – Jangothang

    Today the valley begins to widen again and we begin to get wonderful views of high ridges and snow-capped peaks. You may see yak herders' winter homes here too. We camp beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mt. Jhomolhari.

    • Chomolhari Base Camp at 4,044 m
    • 19 km and approximately 5 hours walking
    Day 6: Jangothang – Halt

    Today we have chance to explore the surroundings. If you are feeling energetic then you can trek up to Tsophu. From this lake, Mt. Jhomolhari and its subsidiary are directly west, Mt. Jichu Drake is to the north and unclimbed summits and ridges dot the horizon to the east.

    Day 7: Jangothang – Shing Karap

    We begin our return journey today and follow the same trail down to Soi Thangthangkha heading back down towards Shana. Trail is mostly downhill the walking is pleasant and easy.

    We at a place called Shing Karap, a small meadow with a stone hut housing a local family.

    • Camp at Shing Karap at 3,100 m
    • Approximately 6 to 7 hours of trekking
    Day 8: Shing Karap – Paro

    We follow the same trail down towards Shana which takes about one hour, cross the Pa Chhu, and go past the military checkpoint of Gunitsawa. Soon we’ll be able to see Drukgyel Dzong where the road to Paro begins.

    • A final 6 hours of trekking
    • Return to the comforts of the hotel in Paro
    Day 9: Depart

    Early in the morning we’ll bring you to the airport for your onward flight.

    Cost includes
    • Accomodation on twin sharing
    • All transfers and sightseeing as on itinerary
    • Three meals a day
    • English speaking local tour guide
    • Sightseeing admission fees
    • Bhutan visa fee
    Cost does not includes
    • Internal and international airfare costs (airfare is separately quoted)
    • Expenses of personal nature such as drinks, tip, laundry, phone, etc.
    • Extra expenses due to nature and unforeseen events.
    • Travel Insurance

    Inquiry form

    meet our experts
    Abhinaya Man Singh Shrestha (Abhi)
    Chief Operating Officer – Nepal
    +977-01-4422617, +977-01-4422618
    Pema Nidup (Pema)
    Operations Manager – Bhutan
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    Palpasa Shrestha
    Operations Co-ordinator
    Robin Lal Shrestha
    Operations Co-ordinator
    • We used Rural Heritage Bhutan on our most recent trip in April 2019 to organize a trek in the Langtang Valley and were so happy with the level of service they gave our group. The experienced staff add so much value to a trek, showing you secret spots along the trail, introducing you to cultural life in the mountains, and spotting elusive wildlife you might normally miss!

      Craig Allen, Mountain Travel Nepal
    • Eight days is just enough time to venture eastwards to the spiritual heart of Bhutan, to the valleys of Bumtang. This suggested itinerary also includes all of the most popular destinations in Bhutan and gives you the chance be a little adventurous with a rafting trip in Punakha and picturesque hiking in Bumtang.

      Jonathan Doe, Mountaineer
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