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11-Days Jomolhari Base Camp Trek

0
  • 11 Days
  • Hotel : 3 - 5 Star
  • Wifi Available
  • Comfortable Car
  • Tour Guide
  • Pickup: Airpot
Overview:

This trek takes you to the base camp of Mt. Jomolhari, one of Bhutan’s most sacred peaks. Experience breathtaking views, remote villages, and Bhutanese highland culture along the trail.

Tour Name: Jomolhari Base Camp Trek
Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights
Trek Distance: ~80 km Highest
Altitude: 4,930 meters
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
Destinations Covered: Paro, Jangothang (Jomolhari Base Camp), Thimphu

Departure & Return Location

Paro International Airport (Google Map)

Price Includes

  • The Bhutan SDF
  • All accommodations
  • Meals and mineral water
  • A licensed English-speaking guide
  • A driver and vehicle

Price Excludes

  • Air fare
  • A visa fee of US$40
  • Alcohol
  • Gifts/Souvenirs
  • Travel insurance and personal bills
  • Museums & Monument Fees
Highlights:

◦ Hike to Jangothang Base Camp with stunning views of Jomolhari
◦ Visit traditional yak herder villages
◦ Cross high mountain passes like Bhonte La and Takshung La
◦ Visit the remote Lingshi Dzong and Thangthangka valley
◦ Wildlife sightings, including blue sheep and Himalayan birds

Photos
Itinerary

Day 1Arrival in Paro

Activities:
▪ Arrive at Paro International Airport, receive a warm Bhutanese welcome.
▪ Visit Rinpung Dzong, a fortress that showcases traditional Bhutanese architecture.
▪ Explore the National Museum (Ta Dzong), housing artifacts that narrate Bhutan’s cultural history.
▪ Rest and prepare for the trek ahead.
◦ Overnight: Paro

Day 2Paro – Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang)

◦ Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
◦ Activities:
▪ Early morning hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang), perched on a cliff 900 meters above Paro Valley.
▪ Explore this revered pilgrimage site, known for its rich spiritual significance.
▪ Return to Paro and spend the evening finalizing preparations for the trek.
◦ Overnight: Paro

Day 3Paro to Shana (Trek Begins)

◦ Trek Distance: 17 km
◦ Altitude: 2,870 meters
◦ Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
◦ Activities:
▪ Drive to Drukgyel Dzong, the starting point of the trek.
▪ Trek through peaceful forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron along the Paro River.
▪ Pass through traditional Bhutanese farmhouses and hamlets as you ascend to Shana.
▪ Camp overnight near Shana village.
◦ Overnight: Camp at Shana

Day 4Shana to Soi Thangthangkha

◦ Trek Distance: 22 km
◦ Altitude: 3,610 meters
◦ Trek Duration: 7-8 hours
◦ Activities:
▪ Begin a challenging trek, steadily gaining altitude through thick forests and crossing several bridges over the river.
▪ Enjoy the scenic beauty of mountain streams and waterfalls as you climb towards
Soi Thangthangkha.
▪ If the weather is clear, catch a distant view of Mount Jomolhari.
▪ Set up camp in a picturesque meadow.
◦ Overnight: Camp at Soi Thangthangkha

Day 5Soi Thangthangkha to Jangothang (Jomolhari Base Camp)

◦ Trek Distance: 19 km
◦ Altitude: 4,080 meters
◦ Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
◦ Activities:
▪ Trek through open valleys, gradually gaining altitude, with spectacular views of snow-capped mountains.
▪ Pass yak herder settlements and cross several small streams.
▪ Arrive at Jangothang, the base camp for Mount Jomolhari. The towering peak of Jomolhari (7,314 meters) stands directly in front of you.
▪ Camp beneath the majestic view of the mountain.
◦ Overnight: Camp at Jangothang

Day 6Acclimatization Day at Jangothang

◦ Activities:
▪ Spend the day acclimatizing at Jomolhari Base Camp, allowing your body to adjust to the high altitude.
▪ Optional day hike to explore the surrounding areas, such as Jomolhari Glacier or
Tshophu Lakes.
▪ Enjoy panoramic views of Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tserim Kang.
◦ Overnight: Camp at Jangothang

Day 7Jangothang to Lingshi

◦ Trek Distance: 18 km
◦ Altitude: 4,010 meters
◦ Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
◦ Activities:
▪ Begin with a steep climb to Nyile La Pass (4,890 meters), offering breathtaking views of Jomolhari and Jichu Drake.
▪ Descend into the valley, passing yak herder camps, and continue towards the village of Lingshi.
▪ Visit Lingshi Dzong, which has guarded the border against Tibetan invasions.
▪ Set up camp in the Lingshi Valley.
◦ Overnight: Camp at Lingshi

Day 8Lingshi to Shodu

◦ Trek Distance: 22 km
◦ Altitude: 4,100 meters
◦ Trek Duration: 8-9 hours
◦ Activities:
▪ Trek through breathtaking landscapes and ascend to Yeli La Pass (4,930 meters), the highest point on the trek.
▪ Enjoy stunning views of Mount Jomolhari, Gangchhenta, and Tserim Kang.
▪ Descend to the camp at Shodu, located by a river.
◦ Overnight: Camp at Shodu

Day 9Shodu to Barshong

◦ Trek Distance: 16 km
◦ Altitude: 3,600 meters
◦ Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
◦ Activities:
▪ Follow the trail along the Thimphu River, descending through rhododendron forests.
▪ Pass by cliffs with beautiful waterfalls before reaching Barshong Dzong ruins.
▪ Camp near Barshong in a meadow.
◦ Overnight: Camp at Barshong

Day 10Barshong to Dolam Kencho – Drive to Thimphu

◦ Trek Distance: 15 km
◦ Altitude: 3,400 meters
◦ Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
◦ Activities:
▪ Descend gently through a lush forest of bamboo and conifer trees.
▪ Cross several small rivers and enjoy the scenic surroundings as you complete your trek.
▪ Arrive at Dolam Kencho where you’ll be picked up and driven to Thimphu.
▪ Rest and enjoy the evening exploring Thimphu.
◦ Overnight: Thimphu

Day 11Departure from Paro

◦ Activities:
▪ Transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure flight, ending your incredible journey through Bhutan’s stunning landscapes and cultural landmarks.

Map

FAQ

What is the weather like in Bhutan and when is the best time to visit?

Bhutan is a year-round destination. There are four seasons: summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), winter (December to February) and spring (March to May). But because of the range of altitudes in the country, and the influence of the north Indian monsoons, the climate is incredibly varied. 

In the south, the humid, subtropical climate is fairly consistent year-round, with temperatures between 15oC and 30oC. Central Bhutan, with its temperate forests, has a more seasonal climate, with warm summers and cool, dry winters. The northern regions are much colder during winter. Because of the high altitude, mountain peaks are snowy year-round and the lower reaches remain cool in summer. 

In summer, the Indian monsoon season runs from late June or July to late September, mostly affecting the southern regions. Most farming activities take place in the summer, when crops thrive in verdant landscapes.

Autumn, from late September or early October to late November, follows the rainy season. It is characterised by bright, sunny days and some early snowfall at higher elevations. It’s the season of feasts and festivals as farmers reap the fruits of their work.

From late November until March, the crisp, clear and sunny winter sets in, with frost throughout much of the country and snowfall common above elevations of 3,000 metres. The winter northeast monsoon brings gale-force winds at the highest altitudes through high mountain passes, giving Bhutan the name Drukyul, which means Land of the Thunder Dragon in Dzongkha (Bhutan’s national language). 

Bhutan’s generally dry spring starts in early March and lasts until mid-April. It is a botanist’s delight, with nature in full bloom. Summer weather commences in mid-April with occasional showers and continues to late June.

Do I need a visa to enter Bhutan?

Visitors of all nationalities, except those from India, require a visa before entering Bhutan. For all visitors, except those from Bangladesh and the Maldives, this visa must be applied for and approved in advance of travel. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives also require a visa, but this can be applied for and approved either in advance of travel or upon arrival in Bhutan. 

Visitors from India are able to apply for a permit but are required to hold an Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card. For Indian nationals under the age of 18, a passport or a birth certificate can be used to enter and they must be accompanied by a legal guardian.

Nationals from Switzerland and Thailand holding diplomatic or government-official passports are eligible for a visa at their port of entry.

How do I apply for a visa?

You can apply online for a visa here, or if you’re travelling with a tour operator, they may apply on your behalf. Read more about the visa here

Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives requiring a visa can apply either online before travelling or in person upon arrival in Bhutan.

Can I extend my visa while I’m in Bhutan?

Yes, provided the extension is applied for before the original visa or permit expires. 

Visitors can extend their stay via the online visa application portal, using the same log-in details that were used to process their original visa. 

The fees for processing your extension application, and daily SDF for the duration of your extended stay, will be payable via the same portal.

What is the SDF and how is it used?

The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s development. Since the kingdom first opened its doors in 1974, guests have played a critical role in our country’s growth.

The SDF is collected by the national exchequer and funds are allocated to various projects that create long-term, sustainable opportunities for the Bhutanese people, through free healthcare, education and training, upskilling the tourism and hospitality industry, improved infrastructure, environmental preservation and conservation, cultural preservation programmes and initiatives that support local businesses and economies. The SDF is also a vital means of maintaining the exceptional forest cover and carbon-neutrality for which our small nation is world-renowned and globally critical. The SDF also helps us to ensure that we can continue to offer guests tranquillity and an intimate experience.

How much is the SDF?

The SDF is USD 100 per night for adults from all countries except for India. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay USD 50 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.

The SDF for Indian nationals (showing a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card) is Nu. 1,200 (or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees) per person, per night. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay Nu./INR 600 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.

How much cash can I bring into Bhutan?

You may bring cash equivalent to US$10,000 into the country.

If I drive my own car into Bhutan, do I still need a guide?

Yes. A guide is required at all times for all guests who drive their own cars to Bhutan. It is highly recommended to pre-book guides before arriving at the borders. If you need help with arranging a guide, please contact our host services team here.

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