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Jomolhari Base Camp Trek Bhutan

Jomolhari Base Camp Trek Overview

The Jomolhari Base Camp Trek is one of Bhutan’s most scenic and rewarding trekking experiences. The route begins in Paro and follows the Pa Chhu river valley through forests, yak pastures, highland settlements, and alpine landscapes before reaching Jangothang, the beautiful base camp area beneath Mount Jomolhari.

Unlike the longer Jomolhari-Laya trek, this itinerary returns from the Jomolhari region back toward Paro, making it a strong choice for travelers who want dramatic mountain scenery, high-altitude camping, and cultural sightseeing within a manageable two-week journey.

The tour begins with cultural sightseeing in Paro and the iconic Taktsang Monastery / Tiger’s Nest hike before the trek. After completing the trek, the journey continues to Thimphu, Punakha, and Phobjikha Valley, offering a balanced mix of trekking, monasteries, dzongs, rural valleys, and Bhutanese cultural heritage.

If you are comparing the Jomolhari Base Camp Trek with other Bhutan trekking routes, you may also like our Druk Path Trek or Dagala Trek itineraries. For planning details, see our Bhutan Visa & SDF and Bhutan Travel Cost guides.

This Jomolhari Base Camp Trek itinerary is ideal for travelers who want a high-altitude Bhutan trek with mountain scenery, cultural depth, and a manageable two-week travel plan.

Tour Highlights

Hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery / Tiger’s Nest
Trek through the scenic Jomolhari region
Camp at Jangothang, the base camp below Mount Jomolhari
Enjoy views of Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake on clear days
Walk through forests, river valleys, yak pastures, and alpine landscapes
Experience highland settlements and traditional yak herder culture
Explore cultural landmarks in Paro and Thimphu
Cross scenic Dochula Pass with its 108 memorial chortens
Visit the majestic Punakha Dzong
Discover the peaceful glacial valley of Phobjikha / Gangtey

For official Bhutan travel updates, entry rules, and visitor information, please refer to the Department of Tourism Bhutan.

Day 01 | Arrival in Paro and Cultural Introduction

Arrive at Paro International Airport, where your guide from Phuentshok Tours & Treks will welcome you. After completing arrival formalities, begin with a gentle introduction to Paro Valley, one of Bhutan’s most historic and beautiful regions.

Visit Rinpung Dzong, a fine example of Bhutanese fortress architecture, and the National Museum, housed in the old watchtower above the dzong. If time permits, take a relaxed walk through Paro town to explore local shops and cafés.

Overnight: Paro

Day 02 | Hike to Taktsang Monastery / Tiger’s Nest

After breakfast, hike to Taktsang Monastery, famously known as Tiger’s Nest. Perched dramatically on a cliffside above Paro Valley, this sacred monastery is one of Bhutan’s most iconic pilgrimage sites.

The hike usually takes around 4–5 hours round trip, depending on pace. The trail passes through pine forest, prayer flags, and beautiful viewpoints before reaching the monastery. After the hike, return to Paro and, if time allows, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples.

Overnight: Paro

Day 03 | Paro to Shana / Gunitsawa and Trek to Thongdu Zam

After breakfast, drive north from Paro toward the trekking start point near Shana / Gunitsawa. The road follows the Pa Chhu river through rural settlements, forested slopes, and traditional farm landscapes.

After meeting the trekking crew and completing the necessary arrangements, begin the trek with a gentle walk along the river valley. The trail passes through forest, small settlements, and open areas before reaching the first campsite.

Trek: Approx. 3–4 hours
Camp Altitude: Approx. 2,850m

Overnight: Thongdu Zam Camp

Day 04 | Trek from Thongdu Zam to Soi Thangthangkha

Today’s trail follows the Pa Chhu through a beautiful forested valley. The route gradually gains altitude as it passes through mixed forest, river crossings, and narrow sections of trail.

As you move deeper into the mountains, the landscape becomes wilder and more remote. On clear days, you may get your first distant glimpse of Mount Jomolhari before reaching the campsite at Soi Thangthangkha.

Trek: Approx. 6–7 hours
Camp Altitude: Approx. 3,610m

Overnight: Soi Thangthangkha Camp

Day 05 | Trek from Soi Thangthangkha to Jangothang

Continue trekking along the valley as the forest gradually gives way to open alpine landscapes. The trail passes yak herder settlements, highland pastures, and river meadows, with increasingly dramatic views of the surrounding peaks.

Arrive at Jangothang, the spectacular base camp area below Mount Jomolhari. This is one of the most beautiful campsites in Bhutan, with wide views of snow-capped mountains and open highland scenery.

Trek: Approx. 5–6 hours
Camp Altitude: Approx. 4,080m

Overnight: Jangothang Camp

Day 06 | Acclimatization and Exploration at Jangothang

Spend the day at Jangothang for acclimatization and exploration. Depending on weather and fitness, you may take a day hike toward nearby ridges, lakes, or viewpoints that offer excellent views of Mount Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and surrounding Himalayan peaks.

This day is important for adjusting to the altitude before crossing higher passes later in the trek. It also allows time to enjoy the dramatic landscape at a slower pace.

Walk: Approx. 3–5 hours, flexible
Highest Point: Approx. 4,500m, depending on side hike

Overnight: Jangothang Camp

Day 07 | Trek from Jangothang to Yaksa

After breakfast, leave Jangothang and continue into a quieter section of the Jomolhari region. The trail climbs gradually through open alpine terrain, yak pastures, and high mountain landscapes.

Depending on the route and conditions, the day may include crossing a high pass with excellent views of the surrounding peaks. Descend toward the Yaksa area, a beautiful remote valley with a strong sense of wilderness.

Trek: Approx. 6–7 hours
Highest Point: Approx. 4,890m
Camp Altitude: Approx. 3,800m

Overnight: Yaksa Camp

Day 08 | Trek from Yaksa to Thombu Shong

Today’s route continues through remote alpine landscapes, crossing ridges, pastures, and highland valleys. The trail offers a mix of ascents and descents, with opportunities for mountain views in clear weather.

Reach Thombu Shong, a scenic campsite surrounded by open mountain terrain. This is one of the more peaceful camps of the trek and provides a memorable final highland camping experience before descending toward the Paro side.

Trek: Approx. 5–6 hours
Camp Altitude: Approx. 4,180m

Overnight: Thombu Shong Camp

Day 09 | Trek from Thombu Shong to Shana / Gunitsawa and Drive to Paro

After breakfast, begin the final trekking day with a descent through highland terrain, forested sections, and river valleys. The landscape gradually changes as you return from the alpine zone toward the lower Paro Valley.

At the roadhead near Shana / Gunitsawa, meet your vehicle and drive back to Paro. After several days in the mountains, enjoy a comfortable hotel stay and a relaxed evening in town.

Trek: Approx. 5–6 hours
Drive: Approx. 1.5–2 hours

Overnight: Paro

Day 10 | Paro to Thimphu

After breakfast, drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city. The journey follows the Paro and Thimphu river valleys, passing traditional houses, farms, and small settlements.

In Thimphu, visit the Buddha Dordenma, a massive golden statue overlooking the valley, followed by the Memorial Chorten, where locals gather for prayer and circumambulation. Later, explore the town area or visit a local handicraft shop.

Overnight: Thimphu

Day 11 | Thimphu Cultural Sightseeing

Spend the day exploring Thimphu’s cultural landmarks. Visit the Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Museum, and National Institute for Zorig Chusum, where students train in Bhutan’s traditional arts and crafts.

Later, visit Tashichho Dzong, the impressive fortress-monastery that houses government offices and the central monastic body. Depending on the day, you may also explore the local market or visit a traditional paper-making workshop.

Overnight: Thimphu

Day 12 | Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass

After breakfast, drive to Punakha across Dochula Pass, marked by 108 memorial chortens and panoramic Himalayan views on clear days. Continue descending into the warmer Punakha Valley, known for its rice fields, rivers, and historic landmarks.

Visit Chimi Lhakhang, reached by a gentle walk through fields and village homes. Later, explore the magnificent Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. The dzong is one of Bhutan’s most beautiful and historically important landmarks.

Overnight: Punakha

Day 13 | Punakha to Phobjikha Valley

After breakfast, drive to Phobjikha Valley, a wide glacial valley known for its natural beauty, traditional villages, and winter habitat of the endangered black-necked cranes.

Visit Gangtey Monastery, an important Nyingma monastery overlooking the valley. Later, enjoy a gentle walk along the Gangtey Nature Trail, passing through pine forest, meadows, village homes, and open valley views.

Overnight: Phobjikha

Day 14 | Phobjikha to Paro

After breakfast, begin the scenic return journey to Paro, driving back through Wangdue, Punakha, Dochula, and Thimphu. The long drive offers a final opportunity to enjoy Bhutan’s changing landscapes, from glacial valley to forested mountains and river valleys.

Arrive in Paro in the late afternoon or evening. The final night in Paro allows for a smoother and more relaxed departure the following day.

Overnight: Paro

Day 15 | Departure from Paro

After breakfast, complete your check-out formalities. Your guide and driver will be waiting to escort you on the scenic drive to Paro International Airport.

At Phuentshok Tours & Treks, every Bhutan Experiences™ journey is thoughtfully planned to make your trip smooth, personal, and well supported from arrival to departure. Our trekking tours combine Bhutan’s spectacular mountain landscapes with cultural experiences, allowing you to explore remote trails, traditional villages, ancient monasteries, and iconic landmarks along the way. Each journey is private and customizable, with accommodation, meals, transport, licensed guides, trekking support, permits, sightseeing, and essential travel arrangements carefully organized for you.

Below is a clear overview of what is typically included and excluded in our Bhutan trekking tour packages. Final details may vary depending on your itinerary, trekking route, hotel category, travel dates, group size, camping requirements, and personal travel preferences.

Includes

3-star hotel accommodation
Daily meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Licensed English-speaking guide
Private transport with driver
Airport transfers in Bhutan
Sightseeing as per itinerary
Bhutan visa arrangement support
Route permits where required
Bottled drinking water
Government Sustainable Development Fee
Standard trekking equipment and camp setup
Pack ponies to carry trekking equipment
Trekking support crew
Sleeping mat

Excludes

International airfare
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Alcoholic beverages
Spa and wellness services
Tips for guide and driver
Sleeping bag
Optional activities
Any services not mentioned

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