Jomolhari Loop Trek

 

The Jomolhari loop trek is Bhutan’s most famous, highlighting the great diversity that the Bhutanese landscape has to offer. Enjoy fabulous views of snow-capped mountains, walk through thick pine forests and alpine meadows that lead to the high pastures where yaks graze. 

Our carefully planned eight night Jomolhari trek and tour introduces you to Bhutan’s stunning natural environment, ancient Buddhist temples, well preserved unique traditions and friendly & hospitable local people.  

 

US$3,945*

8 NIGHT TOUR WITH 5-NIGHT TREK
DEPARTS: paro, bhutan

Maximum elevation: 4,890 m
Level of difficulty: Medium to hard
Availability: March - May & September - November
Minimum group size: 2 people

* Price based on twin-share accommodation. Single-room supplement available subject to availability. Please note that groups of two people will also need to pay a two-person supplement.
Find out approximate trip price in your own currency here

On the trek the support team was well organised and camps were always set up ahead of us arriving with tea waiting. The tents were comfortable and we were nice and warm. The food was good - hot lunches in tiffin boxes, hot dinners, plenty of tea. We would happily recommend Beyond the Clouds.
— Jennifer and Raoul, NZ

TRIP EXCLUSIONS

  • International airfare to Bhutan. (This can be arranged for you. Please contact us for details)

  • Stopover hotel if needed

  • Comprehensive travel insurance.

  • Additional activities (e.g. massage, hot stone bath and some spa activities)

  • Alcoholic or soft drinks

  • Laundry

  • Tips for trekking porters

Trip Inclusions

  • Transport by private mini bus

  • All meals, mineral water, tea and coffee

  • 3 nights accommodation in handpicked hotels

  • 5 night fully serviced camping trek

  • Bhutan visa, Bhutan government tourism royalties and local taxes

  • English-speaking Bhutanese guide

  • All entrance fees at monasteries and museums

ITINERARY

 

DAY 1

Arrive in Paro, Bhutan: You will be met at the airport by your guide. Travel to your hotel just outside Paro. Explore the charming town centre and stroll across the picturesque wooden Nyamai Zam Bridge. As time allows, visit the formidable Rinpung dzong (fortress) of Paro, the national museum and the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang temple, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan.
Overnight: Paro
Altitude: 2,195 m

DAY 2

Paro, Tiger's Nest excursion: An unforgettable hike to the iconic Taktshang Gomba (Tiger’s Nest Monastery). The 3-4 hour hike takes you through blue pine forests, passing water-powered prayer wheels and reaches 3,120 metres altitude. This is a good acclimatisation hike before the start of your trek.
Overnight: Paro
Altitude: 2,195 m

DAY 3

Trek from Paro to Thongtong Zampa: Depart after breakfast in your hotel. Drive to Sharna Zampa (2 hours) where the Jomolhari trail begins. The unpaved road follows the Paro river through beautiful meadow and rice field scenery. Look back to see the strategically placed Drukgyel Dzong, the ancient watchtower of the Paro Valley. Process your permits at the Gunitsawa army gate before continuing on to Sharna Zampa. Continue driving for around 20 minutes on a track until you reach the starting point of the trek where your trekking crew await you. The trail follows the river for some time and takes you through mixed forest of pine and oak. Stop for a cup of tea after about an hour and then walk for another hour to the lunch stop that will be set up for you. After lunch, the trail gradually ascends above the river until you reach your camp for the night.
Driving time: 2 hrs
Walking time: 4 hrs
Overnight: Thongtong Zampa Camp
Altitude: 3,700 m

DAY 4 

Trek from Thongtong Zampa to Jangothang via Thangthangkha: The first part of the walk today is a gradual ascent, crossing lots of streams and taking in beautiful scenery. The trail continues to ascend slowly up the Paro Chhu valley, which widens into patches of alpine meadow and scanty growths of forest. You will cross an army checkpoint along the way and enjoy a spectacular view of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. In this area yaks and their herder’s homes become a regular feature of the landscape.  You will pass the villages of Soe, Takethang and Dangochang.

After going uphill through the river valley, the valley finally narrows gradually to a path, which descends to a meadow at Thangthangkha, where you’ll stop for lunch and rest. From here, if weather permits, you will have the first great view of Mt. Jomolhari.  This is one of the most beautiful campsites of the Himalayas.  
Walking time: 6 hrs
Overnight: Jangothang Camp
Altitude: 4,080 m

DAY 5 

Trek rest day - Jangothang: This rest day in Jangothang provides plenty of possibilities for day hikes with great views of lakes and snow-capped mountains such as Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. There are good chances to spot some blue sheep on the upper slopes of the valley. Jangothang is a perfect environment for your acclimatisation. There are good short hiking trails in three directions: Jomolhari and its subsidiary mountain chains lay directly west, Jichu Drake to the north and there are a number of unclimbed peaks to the east.
Overnight: Jangothang Camp
Altitude: 4,080 m

DAY 6

Trek from Jangothang to Soi Yaksa via Bhonte La: The trail leads to a final settlement before dropping to meet the Paro Chhu. After passing the lake of Tsophu, you will climb steeply toward the Bhonte La pass at 4,890 m, the highest point of the trek. Keep your eyes peeled on the way up for blue sheep and marmots in the rocks. From the pass there are stunning views of Jichu Drake and the skyline of the Bhutan Himalayas along the Tibetan border.  

On the other side of the pass, you’ll meet the Dhumzo Chhu river, which you follow downstream to the village of Soi Yaksa. Set up camp just outside the village.
Walking time: 6-7 hrs
Overnight: Soi Yaksa Camp
Altitude: 3,800 m

DAY 7

Trek from Soi Yaksa – Thongbu: This morning, a steady uphill climb leads out of the valley. Continue gradually up to cross the Takhung La pass (4,520 m), from where you can see Kangchenjunga – the third highest mountain in the world – on a clear day. Finally descend to Thongbu, a small “village” consisting of three yak herder huts, and your next campsite next to them.
Walking time: 4-5 hrs
Overnight: Thongbu Camp
Altitude: 4,180 m

DAY 8

Trek from Thongbu – Paro via Sharna Zampa: The final day of the trek is either flat or downhill so easy to walk today. Enjoy your last glimpse of Jomolhari as you cross the Thombu La pass (4,380 m). Once you retrace your steps to Sharna Zampa again, your vehicle will be waiting to drive you back to Paro.
Walking time: 6-7 hrs
Overnight: Paro
Altitude: 2,195 m

DAY 9

Depart Paro

 

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