HAPPINESS NEVER CEASE.
The Jomolhari Trek stands out as one of Bhutan’s most spectacular high-altitude adventures, offering trekkers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, pristine alpine meadows, and crystal-clear mountain streams. Over the course of this week-long journey, you will follow well-laid trails that wind through remote valleys and charming semi-nomadic villages, where locals tend to yaks and goats in traditional ways that have endured for centuries.
Known also as the Snow Leopard Trek or Soi Yaksa Trek, this trail is not only a feast for the eyes but also a wildlife haven. Himalayan Blue Sheep, marmots, and other native fauna are common sights along the route, and with a bit of luck, trekkers may even spot the elusive Himalayan Snow Leopard in its natural habitat..
The trek features comfortable campsites nestled in scenic valleys, perfect for resting while soaking in views of towering peaks and sweeping landscapes. The combination of rugged mountain scenery, cultural encounters, and wildlife spotting makes this trek both challenging and immensely rewarding. The best seasons to embark on this journey are during spring and autumn, when the skies are clear, the air crisp, and the landscapes at their most vibrant.
| Day | Activity & Valley | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Gateway to the Himalayas | Paro |
| Day 2 | Day 2: Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) | Paro |
| Day 3 | Day 3: Drukgyel Dzong – Shana (Start of Trek, 2,820m) | Paro |
| Day 4 | Day 4: Shana – Soi Thangthangka (3,750m) | Paro |
| Day 5 | Day 5: Soi Thangthangka – Jangothang Base Camp (4,050m) | Paro |
| Day 6 | Day 6: Jangothang – Acclimatization & Exploration | Paro |
| Day 7 | Day 7: Jangothang – Dhumzo Chhu / Chorapang (3,800m) | Paro |
| Day 8 | Day 8: Dhumzo Chhu – Thombu Shong (4,150m) | Paro |
| Day 9 | Day 9: Thombu Shong – Shana (End of Trek, 2,820m) | Paro |
| Day 10 | Day 10: Departure | Tour Ends |
Begin your journey at Bhutan’s sole international gateway, the picturesque Paro International Airport, set amidst the serene Paro Valley. As your flight descends, marvel at the awe-inspiring panorama of the Himalayas, where snow-capped peaks meet verdant valleys. Upon landing, you will be greeted warmly by our local guides, who will assist with your transfers and ensure a seamless start to your unforgettable Bhutanese adventure.
Today, you embark on a climb to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliff face 3,000 feet above the valley floor. The trail meanders through pine and rhododendron forests, crosses rushing streams, and passes small waterfalls, each step revealing wider and more majestic views of the valley below. As you approach the monastery, its golden roofs shine in the sunlight, and prayer flags sway gently in the breeze. The monastery’s legendary origin, where Guru Rimpoche flew on the back of a tiger, adds an element of mystical wonder. From the lookout points along the hike, the valley seems to stretch endlessly, a patchwork of rivers, forests, and terraced fields.
The trek officially begins from the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, an ancient fortress once guarding the valley from Tibetan invasions. The trail follows the river, passing tiny hamlets with traditional stone houses and golden roofs. Along the way, terraced fields glow in the sunlight, and farmers tend to their crops, giving a glimpse of Bhutanese rural life. Crossing wooden bridges and wandering through blue pine forests, you reach Shana, a peaceful campsite set against a backdrop of rolling hills and snow-dusted peaks. The serenity of the river flowing nearby, the whispering trees, and the distant mountain ridges create a magical first night under the stars.
Today’s trek is long but mesmerizing. You ascend through a valley lined with rhododendron, oak, and birch, eventually entering high alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers. Streams gurgle alongside the trail, and wooden bridges cross crystal-clear waters. As the valley narrows, Mount Jomolhari suddenly dominates the skyline, its snow-covered peak glowing in the afternoon sun. The campsite at Soi Thangthangka offers a wide clearing with uninterrupted views of the mountain—a perfect spot to witness the sunrise or sunset painting the peaks in gold and rose hues.
A short and leisurely trek today allows you to enjoy the high-altitude landscape in all its glory. Alpine meadows, dotted with grazing yaks, stretch alongside the river. Small villages and herders’ tents appear sporadically, and the occasional blue sheep or marmot adds life to the remote landscape. Arriving at Jangothang Base Camp, you are greeted by the imposing bulk of Mount Jomolhari and the twin peak of Jichu Drakey, their icy ridges reflecting sunlight like diamonds. The evening sky deepens into shades of violet and indigo, and the silence of the mountains is profound, broken only by distant birdcalls.
Today is dedicated to acclimatization, allowing your body to adjust to the high altitude. Gentle hikes lead to Tshophu Twin Lakes, serene alpine bodies of water mirroring the surrounding peaks. Wildflowers bloom along the trail, and the snow-capped mountains rise dramatically in every direction. Look closely, and you may spot blue sheep navigating the rocky slopes, or marmots whistling their warning calls. The cone-shaped Jichu Drakey dominates the horizon—a mountain so majestic that many say it rivals the Matterhorn. This day allows you to breathe, absorb, and truly connect with the wilderness.
A day of rugged beauty, the trail winds past yak herders’ tents, glacial streams, and small alpine lakes. You cross Bonte La Pass (4,890m), the trek’s highest point, where the panoramic vistas of Basingthang Peaks, Chatarake, and distant Kanchenjunga leave trekkers awestruck. Descending into the Soi Yaksa Valley, the scenery is dramatic—towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and hidden side valleys blanketed in snow. Dhumzo campsite sits amidst this grandeur, the air crisp and the sky impossibly blue.
The trail ascends through moss-draped rhododendron and oak forests, opening onto alpine meadows with ancient juniper trees. Cross Dhunge La (4,700m) and Tagulun La (4,540m) for unparalleled views of Jomolhari, Jichu Drakey, and distant Himalayan giants like Kanchenjunga and Makalu. Descend into the vibrant Thombu Shong valley, where stone huts, grazing yaks, and flowing streams create a quintessential high-altitude Bhutanese scene.
Descend through rhododendron forests and open meadows, crossing Thombu La (4,270m). The ridge walk offers spectacular aerial views of the valleys below. Returning to Shana, the trek concludes with reflections on the incredible landscapes, wildlife, and high-altitude wilderness you have traversed. The river gurgles softly, and the surrounding peaks seem to bid you farewell.
After breakfast, you are escorted to the airport for your onward journey. Take a final glance at the Himalayan panorama, the sparkling rivers, and the serene valleys you have come to know intimately. The memories of crisp mountain air, towering peaks, and the untouched beauty of Bhutan will stay with you forever.
All accommodations are certified by the Department of Tourism (DoT) and the Hotel Association of Bhutan (HAB), ensuring exceptional comfort, authenticity, and traditional Bhutanese hospitality blended with modern amenities.
Enjoy a seamless journey in a well-maintained, private sightseeing vehicle throughout your tour. Our team selects the most suitable vehicle based on your group size — ensuring comfort, reliability, and a smooth Bhutanese travel experience.
Accompanying you is a skilled and certified guide recognized by the Guide Association of Bhutan (GAB) and Department of Tourism (DoT). With deep cultural insights and warmth, they make your Bhutan journey enriching and unforgettable.
