Itinerary12 Days
Adventure · Trekking · Strenuous
Jomolhari Trek
Mountain of the Goddess
Perhaps Bhutan's most popular and spectacular high-altitude trek. With altitude differences spanning 2,500m to 4,942m, this journey through Jigme Dorji National Park offers extraordinary landscapes, wildlife encounters, and the iconic view of Mt. Jomolhari towering above Jangothang basecamp.
Duration
12 Days
Max Altitude
4,942m
Difficulty
Strenuous
Route
Paro → Thimphu
Best Season
Mar–May · Sep–Nov
Day-by-Day Itinerary
01Arrival
Arrival at Paro International Airport
- Arrive at Paro International Airport — one of the world's most dramatic airport approaches
- Meet and greet by your oh! Bhutan guide and driver
- Transfer to your hotel in Paro and check in
- Orientation briefing on the trek, kit check, and welcome dinner
02Hike
Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang, 3,120m)
- After breakfast, hike to Bhutan's most iconic landmark — Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest)
- 4–5 hour round trip through pine forest with increasingly dramatic views
- The monastery clings to a cliffside at 3,120m above the Paro valley
- Optional lunch at the cafeteria with stunning monastery views
- Return to hotel in Paro — rest before the trek begins
03Hike
Chelela Pass & Kila Goenpa Hike
- Drive to Chelela Pass (3,988m) — Bhutan's highest motorable road
- Panoramic views of Mt. Jomolhari and Jichu Drake on a clear day
- Hike to Kila Goenpa (Kila Nunnery) — one of Bhutan's oldest nunneries
- Trail through rhododendron and blue pine forest
- Return to Paro — overnight before trek departure
04Start
Shana → Thangthangkha (3,550m)
- Drive to Drukgyel Dzong trailhead near Paro — trek begins
- Long day with small ups and downs through the Paro Chhu river valley
- Enter the Jigme Dorji National Park
- Valley gradually narrows to a meadow campsite at Thangthangkha
- First views of Mt. Jomolhari on a clear day
05Trek
Thangthangkha → Jangothang (4,100m)
- Morning views of Mt. Jomolhari from camp
- Trek up the Paro Chhu river valley through widening alpine meadows
- Pass an army outpost with views of high ridges and snow-capped peaks
- Pass traditional villages of Soe, Takethang, and Dangochang
- Arrive at Jangothang — one of the Himalayas' most dramatic campsites with spectacular Jomolhari views
06Halt
Halt at Jangothang — Acclimatisation Day
- Rest at Jangothang Base Camp (4,100m) to acclimatise before crossing Neylay La
- Optional hike to Tshophu Twin Lakes (4,380m)
- Optional walk toward the base of Mt. Jomolhari for closer views
- Explore the ruins of Jangothang fortress
07Pass
Jangothang → Charzhithang (3,950m) via Neylay La (4,877m)
- Rapid climb then gradual ascent to Neylay La pass (4,877m)
- Possible sightings of blue sheep grazing on the mountain slopes
- Panoramic views of Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tsheringmigang
- Pass traditional yak herder tents woven from yak wool
- Views of Lingzhi Dzong from the pass — descend to Charzhithang
08Explore
Charzhithang — Exploration Day
- Visit Gongyul — the ancient "Village of the Vulture Egg"
- Explore Jagay Dzong (Vulture Fort) — built in the 13th century when Lam Phajo Drukgom Zhipo arrived
- Village has been continuously inhabited since the 13th century
- Explore Lingzhi Dzong — a remote fortress overlooking the valley
- Rest and acclimatise at camp before the high-pass day ahead
09Pass
Charzhithang → Shodu via Yaklay La (4,942m)
- Climb to Yaklay La pass (4,942m) — the highest point of the trek
- Spectacular views of Jomolhari, Tsheringmigang, and Jichu Drake on a clear day
- Steep descent from the pass to the campsite at Shodu
10Trek
Shodu → Barshong (3,710m)
- Follow the Thimphu Chhu river through colorful rhododendron forests
- Beautiful waterfalls cascade along the route
- Valley narrows as the trail climbs through mixed forest
- Reach Barshong — camp near the ruins of the ancient Barshong Dzong
11Finish
Barshong → Dodena → Thimphu
- Descend through dense forests of rhododendron, birch, conifer, maples, and bamboo
- Ascend to pasture lands, then continue through forested areas and a small pass
- Possible sightings of Langur monkeys along the forest trail
- Exit Jigme Dorji National Park at Dodena — cross an impressive cantilever bridge
- Vehicle waits to transfer you to your hotel in Thimphu
- Check in to hotel in Thimphu — overnight stay included before departure
12Departure
Thimphu → Paro Airport / Phuentsholing
- Morning at leisure in Thimphu — optional city exploration or rest
- Transfer to Paro International Airport (approx. 1.5–2 hrs) or Phuentsholing border (approx. 4.5–5 hrs)
- Trek package concludes at your departure point
What's Included
Included
✓All meals during the trek
✓Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats)
✓Licensed & certified trekking guide
✓Trained cook and kitchen staff
✓Pack horses or mules for gear
✓All ground transport & transfers
✓Visa & SDF documentation handled
✓In-country medical cover
Not Included
✕International flights
✕Gratuities — tipping to guides & crew (recommended)
Guides are the backbone of every journey. They bring your experience to life — sharing stories, navigating the terrain, and giving their very best so your trip is safe, meaningful, and truly unforgettable.
✕Travel & medical evacuation insurance (strongly recommended)
✕Personal trekking gear & sleeping bag
✕Monument & park entry fees
✕Personal expenses & shopping
Route: Paro → Thangthangkha → Jangothang → Charzhithang → Shodu → Barshong → Dodena → Thimphu ·
Max altitude: 4,942m (Yaklay La) ·
Difficulty: Strenuous — good fitness and prior high-altitude trekking experience required ·
Best season: March–May & September–November
Ready to stand before the Mountain of the Goddess?
Contact us to book or customise this itinerary for your group.
hello@ohbhutan.com · +975 17637904 (WhatsApp)
