Jomolhari Trek Bhutan: A Complete Guide to the Ultimate Himalayan Adventure

Shrouded in mists and covered by emerald forests, the mountainous trails of Bhutan offer some of the best trekking experiences in the world. With more than seventy percent of its landmass covered by forests, this small Himalayan nation is a vibrant biodiversity hotspot. In alignment with their Buddhist beliefs, the Bhutanese protect all forms of life, including forests, animals, insects, and birds. The mountains and lakes are regarded as protective guardians and abodes of sacred deities and thus are protected from defilement. The raw and unfiltered beauty of nature can be Best experienced while walking along the Jomolhari trail in Bhutan.

The Jomolhari Trek is one of the country’s popular treks that takes one close to the sacred mountain of Jomolhari, or Chomolhari, the second-highest mountain in Bhutan. The trail, which lies along the Bhutan-Tibet border, takes you close to 7000-meter Himalayan mountains and across high mountain passes. The trail follows an ancient route believed to have been taken by Drukpa Kuenley, or the Divine Madman (the patron saint of the kingdom of Bhutan), when he entered Bhutan from Tibet. Located within the Jigme Dorji National Park, the largest protected area in Bhutan, the Jomolhari Trek lets you experience diverse landscapes, flora, and fauna in less than two weeks.

The Jomolhari Trek can be called the ultimate Himalayan adventure as it takes you close to 5000 meters within three days of taking to the trail. The trail traverses some of the remotest human settlements in Bhutan, alpine valleys, windswept mountain passes, glaciers and stunning mountain lakes. Within two days of trekking, you reach the Jangothang Base Camp, which lies at the base of Mount Chomolhari (7326 m). Known as the Bride of Kanchenjunga, Mount Chomolhari is regarded as the abode of female guardian deities who protect the surrounding valleys and villages. Grandiose views of Mount Chomolhari, Jichu Drake (6662 m), and Tserim Kang (6532 m) can be enjoyed from the trail.

Jomolhari Trek Route

There are two trails to Jomolhari Base Camp. The Jomolhari Loop is a shorter route that commences and ends in Paro. The longer route takes you from Paro to Thimphu via the mountain passes of Nyeli La and Yeli La.

The Jomolhari Loop only takes about four or five days to complete. The trek starts from the village of Sharna in Paro and follows a loop that crosses Jangothang or Jomolhari Base Camp, Soi Yaksha, Bhonte La, and Thongbu before returning to Sharna in Paro again.

The longer Jomolhari trekking route takes about eleven or twelve days to complete (including stays in Paro and Thimphu). The trek begins from Sharna in Paro Valley and follows the Paro Chhu River to the base camp of Jomolhari or Jangothang. The path then ascends the high passes of Nyeli La and Yeli La and finally ends at Domshisa in Thimphu.

Outline Itinerary of Jomolhari Trek – 11 Days

• Day 1: Arrival at Paro (2,235m/7,331ft) – Transfer to Hotel
• Day 2: Sightseeing and Acclimatization Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (3,180m/10,433ft) - 5 to 6 hours hike
• Day 3: Drive from Paro to Zangkey Pang and trek to Shingkharab (3,100m/ 10,168ft) – 1 hour drive & 5 to 6 hours (14 km) trek
• Day 4: Trek from Shingkharab to Sio Thangthangkha (3,750m/12,303ft) - 5 to 6 hours (14km) trek
• Day 5: Trek from Sio Thangthangkha to Jangothang (4,050m/13,287ft) - 5 to 6 hours (19km) trek
• Day 6: Acclimatize at Jangothang

• Day 7: Trek from Jangothang to Lingshi (4,100m/13,451ft) - 6 to 7 hours (19km) trek

• Day 8: Trek from Lingshi to Shodu (4,100m/13,451ft) - 8 to 9 hours (22km) trek

• Day 9: Trek from Shodu to Barshong (3,600m/11,810ft) - 7 to 8 hours (22km) trek

• Day 10: Short Trek from Barshong & Drive to Paro - 30 minutes (about 3 km) trek & 3 to 4 hours (90 km) driv

• Day 11: Final Departure

Please note, these itineraries will be longer if one adds, overnight stays, and sightseeing tours in the cities (Paro and Thimphu).

How difficult is the Jomolhari Trek?

The Jomolhari trek is a Himalayan trek of moderate difficulty. Each day, you will be walking for 5-6 hours on hilly terrain. The ascent up the high mountain passes can be strenuous.

Best Time to Do the Jomolhari Trek

If you are planning to get on the Jomolhari trail, the best times to trek are from April to June and September to November. During these months, the weather usually remains calm and stable with clear skies and crystal-clear views of the mountains. However, one should be prepared for slight drizzles and occasional downpours during spring and the early part of autumn. During winter, the trail remains closed due to heavy snowfall. Trekking during summer is also not advisable, as there is incessant rainfall, which turns the trail muddy and slippery.

Notable Attractions En Route

The Jomolhari trekking trail is studded with pristine forests, mountain lakes, and views of sacred Himalayan mountains. Some of the notable attractions on the trail include the picturesque spruce, pine, and oak forests at the beginning of the trail; the Jangothang or Jomolhari Base Camp, from where one gets a close-up view of the east face of Mount Chomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tserinm Kang; stunning views of glaciers and glacial lakes while crossing Nyeli La Pass and Yele La Pass; isolated settlements surrounded by mountains; and ancient ruins of Lingshi Dzong and Barshong Dzong. An extra day at the base camp for acclimatization offers one the opportunity to hike to the Twin Lakes of Tsophu, where one can savor the heavenly beauty of the two lakes sitting beneath snow-covered mountains and sightings of Blue Sheep.

Wildlife on the trail

The Jomolhari trail lies within the Jigme Dorji National Park, which is known as the valley of snow leopards. Apart from the magnificent snow leopards, the trail is home to endangered animals like the blue sheep, yaks, Himalayan griffons, ravens, takins, and Himalayan barking deer.

Jomolhari Trek Cost

Depending on the size of your group, you can expect to pay anywhere between USD 4400 and USD 2970. The more people there are in a group, the less expensive it will be for each person to pay. For an organized solo trek, you can expect to pay USD 4900. If you choose luxury accommodations in the cities, the price may go up. The cost covers the Bhutan visa fee, SDF (some agencies may not include this fee in the total cost), meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), guide fee, transportation, and all logistics for the trek. more info about cost

Trekking in Bhutan can be very expensive due to the lack of boarding facilities on the trail. One has to carry camping equipment, rations to last for the whole trek, utensils, etc. These are carried by mules or horses and cost a lot. Since there are no shops or teahouses en route, everything has to be carried by mules and horses. Transportation costs, permits, trekking guide fees, camping gear, food, kitchen staff, horses and their human minders—the Jomolhari trek cost covers everything.

How much should I budget for personal spending?

Since there are hardly any shops or restaurants on the trail, you won’t be spending any money while trekking. All your needs (food and accommodation) that you will need during the trek are included in your trek cost. You will be spending your money only while staying at Paro and Thimphu. You should carry enough cash to spend on drinks, beverages, snacks, tips, and souvenirs.

You should also purchase travel insurance before you embark on your trip. Make sure your insurance policy offers coverage for high altitude rescue and evacuation.

Accommodation and Food on the Jomolhari Trek

Please note that there are no teahouses or lodges on the trail. You will be sleeping in tents. The company with whom you book your trek will provide everything that you will need during the trek. Kitchen staff, horses, and ponies will be part of your trekking team. In Paro and Thimphu, you will be accommodated at three-star hotels or luxury hotels (if you choose luxury accommodation). While trekking, the kitchen crew will serve you breakfast, lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea with snacks every day. You can expect traditional Bhutanese and Western dishes on the menu.

Electricity and Internet

There is very limited internet connectivity on the trail. The Jomolhari trekking trail stretches across a remote area devoid of mobile network or electricity. There is electricity at Jangothang or Jomolhari Base Camp but beyond the base camp there won’t be any electricity or internet connection on the trail.

A typical day on the trail

On the trail, your day will commence with a hot cup of tea served in your tent. Later, you will be provided with warm water to wash your face. Breakfast will be served around 7 or 8 AM (could be earlier if you have a long day of trekking) at the dining tent. Afterwards, you can pack your stuff and start your trek.

The crew will dismantle the camp and follow later. Following your guide, you will walk till the lunch stop. Since there are no teahouses on the trail, you will probably enjoy a picnic lunch on a grassy meadow, under the shade of a tree. You will continue your journey and head towards your camping spot after lunch. On the way, you will stop briefly for a tea break. After a long day of walking, you will finally arrive at the campsite. The local crew will have already set up camp and welcome you with a warm mug of tea or coffee. Enjoy the evening sitting outside the camp, watching the stars. Later, have your dinner at the dining tent and retire for the night.

How fit should you be to do the Jomolhari Trek?

Since this is a high-altitude trek, you need to be physically in top form to do this trek. You also need to have strong legs and endurance, as each day you will be walking for 4-5 hours on mountainous terrain. Your heart and lungs should be healthy enough to survive in a low-oxygen environment. If you plan to do the longer version of the Jomolhari Trek (from Paro to Thimphu), you will need to make several crossings over high mountain passes over 4000 meters, which can be physically tiring. Consulting your physician before embarking on this trip will ensure that it is safe for you.

How to prepare for the Jomolhari Trek?

You can start training for your trek at least three months before your trek. You can include intense cardio exercises like jogging, cycling, aerobics, swimming, etc., to build up your endurance. You can also build up your muscle strength by including weight lifting in your exercise routine. Squats, deadlifts, lunges, leg extensions and hamstring curls build up your leg muscles. Including Pilates in your workout regimen can stretch your body and protect your muscles from injury. Breathing exercises and relaxing techniques of yoga will also help you a great deal. You can try hiking on hilly terrain carrying a heavy backpack to prepare yourself.

Is it possible to do the Jomolhari trek independently, without booking it through an agency?

In Bhutan, independent trekking is not permitted. So, it is not possible to do the Jomolhari trek by yourself.  independently. One has to book the trek from a recognized trekking agency that will arrange for the permit and the rest of the logistics.

Which foreign currencies are accepted in Bhutan?

The local currency of Bhutan is the Ngultrum (NU), which has the same value as the Indian Rupee. Most shops, hotels, and restaurants in Bhutan accept payment in Indian rupees and US dollars. However, it’s advisable to exchange your money for local currency to get better bargains while shopping at local stores. You can exchange your money at the money exchange counter at the Paro International Airport, Royal Monetary Authority, or at the local banks. Please note that US banknotes of 100 and 500 denominations fetch better value than notes of smaller denominations while exchanging.

Jomolhari Trek Packing List

You should include the following items in your packing list for the Jomolhari trek.

• Large duffel bag
• A light daypack (30-40L)
• Waterproof rain gear
• Trekking Poles
• Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support
• Sun hat and woolen cap
• Buff or woolen muffler
• Gloves
• Moisture-wicking T-shirts
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Trekking pants
• Thermals
• Fleece Jacket
• Down jacket
• Quick-drying Towel, socks, undergarments
• Crocs or flip-flops
• Head Torch, Sunglasses
• Reusable water bottle
• Toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, sunscreen lotion, moisturizer, wet wipes, tissue paper, toilet paper roll, etc.)
• Essential medicines (Diamox, anti-diarrhea medicine, a course of antibiotics, cold medicine, Band-Aid, pain-relieving balm, etc.)
• Camera with extra batteries
• Your favorite snacks and a book for entertainment
• Ziploc bags
• Sleeping bag

How to reach Bhutan?

Paro International Airport, the only international airport in Bhutan, shares air connectivity with Kathmandu, New Delhi, Guwahati, Bagdogra, Gaya, Kolkata, Dhaka, Singapore, Dubai, and Bangkok. During peak tourist season, flights to Bengaluru, Mumbai, Vietnam, and Hong Kong are also operated. Bhutan only has two international airlines authorized to operate international flights: Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines. Due to the dangerous terrain, other international airlines are not allowed to fly into the country. Since only two airlines are operating international flights, you will have to book your tickets well in advance, especially if you are traveling during the peak tourist season.

The Indo-Bhutan land border entry points also serve as an entry point for tourists who wish to travel to Bhutan by road. The most popular land entry point in Bhutan is Phuentsholing in southern Bhutan, which lies close to the Indian state of West Bengal.

Conclusion

The Jomolhari Trek is ideal for those who wish to experience a high-altitude trek in Bhutan without spending too many days on the trail. There are two versions of the trek Jomolhari Loop and the longer Jomolhari trek. The Jomolhari Loop starts and ends in Paro, while the longer version of the Jomolhari Trek takes you from Paro through the base camp of Chomolhari and the high passes to Thimphu. Whichever route you choose, you can expect to experience the spectacular Himalayan landscape. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so why not go for it?