Jumolhari Trek Bhutan | Itinerary, Distance, Cost, Altitude & Route itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive Paro
Fly into Paro with breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga. On arrival, transfer to a local restaurant for lunch, followed by sightseeing:
➾ Rinpung Dzong – a 17th-century fortress housing monks and government offices.
➾ Kichu Monastery – one of Bhutan’s oldest temples.
➾ Drugyel Dzong ruins – built to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invasions. Evening stroll in Paro town. Overnight in Paro.
Day 2 – Acclimatization Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang)
A rewarding hike to Bhutan’s most iconic landmark, perched at 3,100 m on a cliffside. Hike through pine forests, prayer wheels, and viewpoints before reaching the monastery. Visit, return to the cafeteria for lunch, and descend. Evening free in Paro. Overnight at hotel.
Day 3 – Paro to Shingkarap (Trek Begins)
11 km | 4–5 hrs | 250 m ascent | Camp Alt: 3,110 m
Drive to Zangkipang, the trailhead. Trek gradually along the Paro Chhu River, through conifer and rhododendron forests, crossing streams until reaching Shingkarap, a wide meadow used by highland travelers. Overnight camp.
Day 4 – Shingkarap to Soi Thangkha
15 km | 5–6 hrs | 650 m ascent | Camp Alt: 3,750 m
Follow the river through pine, oak, and spruce forests. After lunch near a bridge, continue climbing through rhododendron forests to reach camp at 3,750 m.
Day 5 – Soi Thangkha to Jangothang Base Camp
17 km | 4–5 hrs | 290 m ascent | Camp Alt: 4,040 m
Ascend above the tree line to yak pastures, crossing muddy trails and mani walls. After passing Soe and Takethang villages, arrive at Jangothang Base Camp, with unparalleled views of Jumolhari and Jichu Drake.
Day 6 – Jangothang Acclimatization & Exploration
Spend the day acclimatizing. Options include:
➾ A half-day hike up to 4,895 m for views of Jumolhari.
➾ A shorter hike to the twin Tshophu Lakes.
Wildlife sightings may include blue sheep, golden eagles, and the rare blue poppy. Overnight at camp.
Day 7 – Jangothang to Lingshi
18 km | 6–7 hrs | 800 m ascent | 730 m descent | Camp Alt: 4,010 m
Climb steadily to Nyele La Pass (4,830 m) with breathtaking views of surrounding peaks. Descend gradually to camp near Lingshi Dzong, a historic fortress overlooking the valley. Overnight camp.
Day 8 – Lingshi to Shodu
19 km | 7–8 hrs | 940 m ascent | 920 m descent | Camp Alt: 4,100 m
The trail climbs the Mo Chhu Valley before ascending steeply to Yeli La Pass (4,942 m), one of the trek’s highest points. On clear days, the pass offers sweeping views of Jumolhari, Tsherim Gang, Gangchhenta, and Masang Gang. Descend to Shodu Meadow, where camp is set near a chorten.
Day 9 – Shodu to Dodena, Drive to Thimphu
16 km | 5–6 hrs | 450 m ascent | 950 m descent
Descend to the tree line, following the Thimphu River through forests of rhododendron and juniper. After a riverside lunch, continue via Barshong Dzong ruins, then follow a farm road to meet your vehicle for the drive to Thimphu. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10 – Thimphu to Punakha
Drive to Punakha via the scenic Dochula Pass (3,100 m), marked with 108 chortens. On a clear day, enjoy spectacular Himalayan views. Visit:
➾ Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple of the “Divine Madman.”
➾ Punakha Dzong, a masterpiece set at the confluence of two rivers. Overnight in Punakha.
Day 11 – Punakha to Paro via Thimphu
Return to Paro, stopping at Druk Wangyel Monastery at Dochula Pass and, if time permits, Thimphu’s Centenary Farmers Market. Evening free to explore Paro town. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12 – Depart Paro
Transfer to the airport for departure. Farewell to Bhutan!
