Snowy scenery trekking through Nye La | Gavin Turner

Horses passing through Nyile La | Gavin Turner

Drukyel Dzong, Paro Valley, Bhutan | Lachlan Gardiner

Trekking through Jangothang to the iconic Jichu Drake in Bhutan | Gavin Turner

The sacred Taktsang Monastery in Bhutan is also referred to as the Tiger's Nest monastery. | Richard I'Anson

Paro Valley Monastery, Bhutan | Lachlan Gardiner

Trekkers taking a breather before continuing through to Jangothang | Gavin Turner

Jomolhari Base Camp Trek

Name: Jomolhari Base Camp Trek
Brand: World Expeditions
SKU: COT
Rating: 4.68 (19 reviews)

A compact trek with big-mountain payoff

Bhutan



19 reviews

12 Days from

$6420 USD

Trip Code: COT

View dates to Book

Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Hotel Only Single Supplement

$110 USD

Tent Only Single Supplement

$260 USD

Single Supplement

$380 USD

Duration

12 Days

Activities

8 day trek

Accommodation

4 nights hotel
7 nights camping

Meals

11 Dinners
11 Lunches
11 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

5 / 10

Moderate

Carbon Footprint

39kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(424kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Trek to the sacred mountain of Jomolhari Trip highlights

High trails, remote camps, and unmatched mountain scenery, all in under two weeks
Two high passes - cross the Nyile La (4850m/15,912ft) and Yale Pass (4950m/16,240ft), challenging ascents with dramatic rewards and unforgettable views
Sleep in wild solitude beneath the sacred Jomolhari (7314m/23,996ft) with panoramic views of Jichu Drake and the Tibetan frontier
Take in the country’s spiritual and cultural highlights: Paro, Thimphu, Tiger’s Nest and Lingshi Dzong

Overview

If you’re after a short, high-altitude trek that delivers serious scenery, remote trails and a real sense of expedition, this route to Jomolhari Base Camp is one of the best in the Himalaya.

Setting out from the upper Paro Valley, the trail climbs steadily through forest and glacial rivers before opening to alpine meadows and yak herder country. You’ll camp beneath the sacred summit of Jomolhari (7314m/23,996ft), with time to explore the glacier or hike toward a remote alpine lake.

Two high passes Nyile La (4850m/15,912ft) and Yale La (4950m/16,240ft) - reward you with sweeping views of Jichu Drake and distant snow-capped ridges. From here, descend into quiet valleys and conifer forest before finishing in Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu.

With a full crew, expert guide, wilderness camps and support team, this is the kind of trek that rewards strong walkers with real solitude, high passes and some of the best mountain outlooks in Bhutan, all in under two weeks.

Itinerary

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After clearing customs and immigration at Paro International Airport, you will be met by your Bhutanese guide and transferred a short distance through the main street of Paro to our accommodation. The beautiful Paro Valley is one of Bhutan’s most picturesque regions, with traditional farmhouses scattered across cultivated fields and forested hills rising toward the surrounding mountains. Depending on our arrival time and trek preparations, we will begin exploring Paro and its important cultural landmarks. Highlights include a visit to the impressive Paro Rinpung Dzong, the fortress monastery that dominates the valley and is considered the architectural model for many of Bhutan’s other dzongs. Above the dzong stands Ta Dzong, the historic watchtower that now houses the National Museum of Bhutan. The museum contains a fascinating collection of ancient weapons, traditional costumes, priceless jewellery and exhibits showcasing Bhutan’s unique flora, fauna and cultural heritage. There may also be time to wander through the small town centre where local shops sell everyday goods alongside traditional handicrafts made from wood, textiles and metal. As we travel through the valley, you may notice Bhutan’s national sport of archery being practised on fields lined with willow trees, as well as traditional wooden bridges spanning the Paro River. Accommodation: Hotel in Paro

Meals: L,D

Today provides a memorable introduction to Bhutan’s landscapes and spiritual heritage. The Paro Valley is one of the most picturesque regions in the country, known for its colourful patchwork of cultivated fields producing crops such as asparagus, strawberries, grains and vegetables. Traditional Bhutanese farmhouses, ornately decorated and beautifully maintained, are scattered across the valley floor while forested hills rise toward distant Himalayan peaks. This morning we make a short drive to the trailhead for Taktsang Monastery, famously known as the Tiger’s Nest. Perched dramatically on a granite cliff high above the Paro Valley, this sacred site is one of Bhutan’s most important pilgrimage destinations. The trail climbs steadily through fragrant chir pine forest, taking around 1.5 hours to reach a teahouse that offers spectacular views of the monastery across the gorge. From here, a further short climb of around 30 minutes brings us to the monastery complex. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) flew to this location on the back of a tigress in the 8th century to subdue local spirits and establish Buddhism in the region. The monastery was later built around the cave where he meditated. After exploring the monastery and enjoying the breathtaking setting, we return to the valley. This evening you will repack your duffel bag, leaving behind any items not required on the trek for safe storage with our local partners. Accommodation: Hotel in Paro

Meals: B,L,D

It is a short drive of around 20 minutes up the Paro Valley to Drukyel Dzong, originally built in 1647 as a fortress to guard against Tibetan invasions into the Paro Valley. From here we continue driving to Shana (1–1.5 hrs), the starting point of our trek. Along the way we pass through fertile farming country, with fields of rice, wheat, barley, mustard, potatoes and radish, as well as grazing herds of cattle. Traditional Bhutanese two-storey houses built from timber and stone are scattered throughout the valley. On clear days we may also catch our first views of the summit of Jomolhari (7,314 m / 23,996 ft) rising at the head of the valley. At Shana we begin our trek, stopping for a packed lunch along the trail. The route is initially wide and relatively flat, following the valley floor and meandering through lightly forested countryside. In recent years this area has been the focus of a Bhutan Government project bringing electricity to remote villages further up the valley. By mid afternoon we reach our riverside campsite at Thongo Zampa, surrounded by forest and mountain scenery. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today we continue trekking into Jigme Dorji National Park, the largest protected area in Bhutan, covering more than 4,350 square kilometres. The park extends from the high Himalayan regions of Lunana in the north to the lower valleys in the south and supports a remarkable diversity of plant and animal life. While it remains an important wilderness area, park authorities must also balance the needs of local communities, including lowland farmers and semi-nomadic yak herders who depend on the land. The trail passes through dense forests of oak, maple, birch, larch, pine and alder. As we gradually gain altitude, these forests begin to give way to increasing numbers of rhododendrons and conifers. In spring and early summer, many species of rhododendron bloom across the hillsides, including rhododendron arboreum, as well as griffithianum and cinnabarinum at higher elevations. Many of the camps along this route are not permanent settlements, despite their place names. Instead, they are open clearings near water sources used as seasonal camps by yak herders and by workers involved in Bhutan’s ongoing rural electrification project, which aims to bring power to remote communities in the valley. By the afternoon we arrive at our campsite at Soi Thangthangkha, set in a wide alpine clearing surrounded by forested slopes. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today we continue our gradual ascent through the upper Paro Valley, following the river upstream toward the dramatic alpine landscapes beneath Mount Jomolhari. As the valley widens and we gain elevation, the forest begins to thin before giving way to open high-altitude terrain. Our destination is Jangothang (4,100 m / 13,451 ft), the base camp of Jomolhari, set within one of the most spectacular alpine environments in Bhutan. Towering above the valley is the magnificent Jomolhari (7,314 m / 23,996 ft), while the striking peak of Jichu Drake (6,794 m / 22,290 ft) rises prominently to the east, its elegant ridgeline stretching toward the high passes we will cross in the coming days. During the summer months this area is used by yak herders from the Paro Valley, who live in traditional woven yak-wool tents while grazing their herds across the surrounding alpine meadows. By this stage we are well above the treeline, and the landscape is characterised by hardy alpine vegetation including juniper and rhododendron setosum. Wildlife is also occasionally spotted in the area, including bharal (blue sheep) grazing on the rocky slopes above the valley. We establish our camp at Jangothang, where the expansive views of snow-covered peaks and sweeping alpine pastures create one of the most memorable campsites of the trek. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today is an important acclimatisation day at Jangothang, allowing time for rest while also exploring the surrounding alpine landscapes beneath Mount Jomolhari. There are several rewarding options for short walks in the area. One possibility is a scenic hike up a side valley toward the glacier beneath Jomolhari (7,314 m / 23,996 ft), where we gain impressive views of the mountain’s towering face and surrounding icefields. Another option is an excursion toward Sopu Lake, located near the Nye La Pass, offering beautiful views across the high alpine terrain and excellent photographic opportunities. This remote region has seen very little mountaineering activity compared with other parts of the Himalaya. One notable ascent was made by the British mountaineer Doug Scott, who successfully climbed Jichu Drake (6,794 m / 22,290 ft) in 1988 on his third attempt. The challenges he encountered highlighted how demanding climbing can be in this far eastern section of the Himalaya, where peaks are among the first to receive the influence of the summer monsoon. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing around camp and enjoying the dramatic mountain scenery. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today we cross our first high Himalayan pass, Nyile La (4,850 m / 15,912 ft). Leaving Jangothang, the trail climbs gradually across rolling alpine slopes dotted with grassland and low shrubs. The ascent is steady and sustained, so it is important to maintain a comfortable pace, particularly during the final section where the grassy terrain gives way to scree and sandy slopes near the pass. Along the way we enjoy magnificent views back toward the striking peaks of Jomolhari (7,314 m / 23,996 ft) and Jichu Drake (6,794 m / 22,290 ft). From the top of the pass, we leave these impressive mountains behind as we begin our descent into the remote Lingshi Valley. The trail drops steeply through slopes of dwarf rhododendron before opening into a broad valley where the impressive Lingshi Dzong becomes visible in the distance. This historic fortress was built to protect the surrounding settlements from occasional raids from Tibet in centuries past. Before reaching the village itself, we leave the main trail, crossing a small stream before a short climb and final descent into a peaceful side valley where we establish camp beside the river. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today is the most demanding day of the trek, so we begin early. The trail follows the valley before gradually climbing toward the high Yale La Pass (4,950 m / 16,240 ft), the highest point of the journey. The ascent becomes steeper in the final section and requires steady effort, but the rewards at the top are exceptional. From the pass we enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of some of Bhutan’s most impressive peaks, including Jomolhari (7,314 m / 23,996 ft), Jichu Drake (6,794 m / 22,290 ft) and Tshrim Gang rising across the surrounding Himalayan skyline. After taking time to appreciate the views, we begin a long descent into the remote Shodu Valley. The trail gradually drops through alpine terrain toward the river, eventually reaching our campsite at Shodu (3,950 m / 12,959 ft), set in a peaceful valley surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

We follow the Thimchu River, descending through forests of rhododendron, juniper and pine. The landscape is defined by steep cliff faces rising above the valley and waterfalls cascading down rocky slopes. After several hours alongside the river, the trail gradually climbs towards the historic ruins of Barshong Dzong, once an important defensive outpost in this remote region. We complete the trek at Barshong and transfer by road to Thimphu (2334m / 7656ft). Accommodation: Hotel in Thimphu

Meals: B,L,D

We begin the day exploring Thimphu, visiting the Textile Museum and Memorial Chorten to gain insight into Bhutan’s cultural and spiritual life. After lunch, we drive towards Punakha, ascending to Dochula Pass (3000m / 10000ft), where 108 stupas mark the high point of the road. From the pass, the route descends into the warmer Punakha Valley, where we visit Chimi Lhakhang, a temple associated with Bhutanese folklore. We continue to Punakha and transfer to our hotel. Accommodation: Hotel in Punakha

Meals: B,L,D

This morning you explore Punakha before driving west towards Thimphu, crossing the Dochula Pass (3000m / 10,000ft) where, on clear days, Himalayan peaks stretch across the horizon. Continuing to Bhutan’s capital, you visit the Buddha Dordenma and the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, offering insight into the country’s living artistic traditions. After lunch, the journey continues to Paro (2200m / 7,218ft), following the scenic Paro Chhu valley. The day concludes with time to relax before a farewell dinner marking your final evening in Bhutan. Accommodation: Hotel in Paro

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, we transfer to Paro International Airport for our onward flight. The journey concludes with a transfer through the Paro Valley. Bhutan’s landscapes and cultural experiences reflect the depth of the journey undertaken. Our guide and driver bid farewell as the trip comes to an end.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

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What's included?

Included

All meals during the trek: 11 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 11 dinners
The use of a World Expeditions trek pack including a quality sleeping bag, down or fibre fill jacket and insulated mat (valued at over US$500)
Bhutan Government visa and sustainability fees
All park entrance fees and trekking permits
Good quality accommodation in Paro on a twin share basis
Accommodation in fully serviced wilderness campsite
Private transportation
Airport transfers if arriving on Day 1 and Day 12
Expert English speaking local guide
Safety equipment including portable altitude chamber, group medical kit and satellite phone
Animals to carry up to 20kg of personal equipment
All group camping equipment
Sightseeing and entrance fees as listed
Souvenir World Expeditions kit bag

Not included

International flights
Travel insurance
Meals not listed as included
Personal expenses such as laundry, etc.
Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
Tips and gratuities
Any items not listed as included

Adventure Highlighted Video - Trek to the sacred mountain of Jomolhari

Bhutan Jomolhari (Chomholari) Trek | World Expeditions