Jomolhari Base Camp Trek

The flight into Paro is part of the adventure: on a clear day the Himalaya slides past the window before the plane banks between forested ridges and settles onto the valley floor. Your guide meets you outside the small terminal with a white kata scarf, the traditional Bhutanese welcome, and a private vehicle is waiting.

Spend an easy afternoon in Paro town, letting your body begin to adjust to the altitude. In the evening, your trek guide checks your equipment and explains the route up the Paro valley, the camps and how the trek team works.

Drive: airport to hotel, 10–30 minutes
Overnight: Paro

Paro Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest, clings to a cliff about 900 m above the valley floor. Legend says Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress in the 8th century to meditate in the cave around which the monastery was later built. The trail climbs steadily through blue pine and oak hung with prayer flags; most people take two to three hours to reach the top, and a cafeteria halfway up offers tea with a view straight across to the monastery. It is the best possible acclimatisation walk before the trek.

The final section drops down hundreds of steps to a waterfall and climbs again to the gate; bags and cameras are left in lockers before you enter the temples. After the descent and a late lunch, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, said to have been founded in the 7th century by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo, with its orange trees and turning prayer wheels. In the evening, pack your duffel bag for the pack animals.

Hike: about 5–6 hours return
Overnight: Paro

Drive up the valley past Drukgyel Dzong, the fortress that once guarded the route to Tibet, to the trailhead where the horses or yaks are loaded and permits are checked.

The trail follows the Paro Chhu upstream through farmland, pine and oak forest, with only a gentle gain in height — a good first day to find your rhythm. Camp is in a meadow at Shana, where the crew will have tea ready as you arrive.

Walk: about 5–6 hours
Overnight: Camp

A long day climbing gradually up the river valley through forest of oak, rhododendron and birch, crossing the river several times on wooden bridges. Lunch is usually a packed meal by the water.

The valley narrows and then opens into a meadow at Soi Thangthangkha, at about 3,600 m, where camp is pitched beneath the first views of the high peaks. Walk slowly and drink plenty — the altitude is starting to tell.

Walk: about 7–8 hours
Overnight: Camp

Leave the treeline behind and walk through yak pastures and past herders' settlements. The valley widens and the great east face of Jomolhari, rising above 7,000 m, comes into view.

Camp at Jangothang, a little above 4,000 m, beside the ruins of an old fortress, with the mountain directly above. Take the evening slowly and drink plenty of water.

Walk: about 5–6 hours
Overnight: Camp

A day for acclimatisation and for the mountain. Climb high and sleep low: an optional hike towards the twin Tshophu lakes, at about 4,400 m, gives views of Jomolhari and Jichu Drake, and you may see blue sheep on the slopes.

Alternatively, walk to the herders' houses near camp, or simply rest and watch the light move across the mountain. Your guide will check on everyone's health in the evening.

Optional hike: about 4–5 hours
Overnight: Camp

Retrace your steps down the valley with Jomolhari behind you. Walking downhill, and with thicker air, the day feels easier than the way up, and there is time to notice the details — flowers, birds and the herders' houses you passed on the way up.

Camp again at Soi Thangthangkha.

Walk: about 5–6 hours
Overnight: Camp

Walk out past Shana to the road, where your vehicle waits, and say goodbye to the horsemen and their animals.

Drive to Thimphu for a hot shower, a hotel bed and a celebratory dinner — you have walked to the foot of one of the most sacred mountains in Bhutan.

Walk: about 6–7 hours, then drive about 2½ hours
Overnight: Thimphu

A relaxed day in the capital: Buddha Dordenma on its ridge, the National Memorial Chorten, the takin preserve and the Institute for Zorig Chusum, where students learn the thirteen traditional arts.

In the afternoon, drive back to Paro, stopping at Chuzom where the two rivers meet.

Drive: Thimphu to Paro, about 1 hour
Overnight: Paro

A free day in Paro to rest after the trek, with your guide and vehicle available.

Perhaps a traditional hot-stone bath at a farmhouse, a visit to the market and the craft shops, or a gentle walk through the fields to a village temple — your guide is happy to suggest ideas to suit your energy.

At leisure
Overnight: Paro

Enjoy a last breakfast with the valley outside your window. Your guide and driver accompany you to Paro airport and help with check-in for your onward flight — the farewells are often warmer than travellers expect.

We hope Jomolhari stays with you — and if you want more, ask us about the longer treks of the high north.

Drive: hotel to Paro airport, 10–30 minutes