11 Days Bhutan Majestic Jomolhari Loop Trek

On your arrival at Paro, the only International Airport in Bhutan, our guide and driver will receive and escort you on your first adventure into the ‘Kingdom of Thunder Dragon’. As it is considered auspicious, you'll begin by visiting one of the oldest temples in the Kingdom, Kyichu Lhakhang located just a few minutes drive from the main town of Paro. It is believed to have been built in 659 A.D. by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet in his mission to build 108 such temples across the Himalayan region to subdue the spirit of a demoness that was causing obstruction to the spread of Buddhism. we then visit National Museum and the Paro Rinpung Dzong.

Established in 1968, the National Museum of Bhutan is housed in the 17th-century watchtower called Paro Ta Dzong (Ta Dzong means “watchtower fortress”) built in 1649. It displays hundreds of ancient Bhutanese artifacts and artworks including traditional costumes, armour, weaponry and handcrafted implements for daily life. The collection at the National Museum preserves a snapshot of the rich cultural traditions of the country. After this, we will visit Paro Dzong.

Paro Rinpung Dzong (Rinpung Dzong means “fortress of the heap of jewels”) was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1646 and established as the administrative and monastic center of the western region. Today, the Dzong serves as the office of the governor of the Paro district and head of the district monk body in Paro. You'll spend some time appreciating the unique architecture and some of the sacred artefacts. From there, we take a short walk to the traditional wooden cantilever bridge built across the Paro river (Pa Chhu) just below the Dzong. Spend some leisure time around Paro town and drive to Paro Village View Homestay or overnight.

Dinner and overnight at Paro Village View Homestay.

Located at about 3.5km from the Paro International Airport, the Paro Village View Homestay is a perfect place to experience the life of an ordinary Bhutanese family. Amidst the apple orchard, this homestay offers a spectacular view of the Paro valley. Apart from comfortable accommodation and delicious home-cooked local cuisine, they also have an in-house traditional hot stone bath believed to have a therapeutic and revitalizing effect. If this homestay is fully booked, you’ll stay at Khangkhu Resort.

After breakfast, drive to Ramthangka, the base of the Taktsang monastery. Taktsang monastery known popularly as Tiger's Nest is located on the face of an 800-meter rock cliff. The round trip hike normally takes about 4-5 hours for most visitors but you can hike at your own pace. We recommend starting early to avoid the strong sun. The trail takes you through the ancient path mostly shaded by pine trees. One-way horse riding is available for about USD20 up to the midpoint (Taktsang View Point Cafeteria) but the journey is best enjoyed on foot. After lunch at the Taktsang Cafeteria, descend back to the base and drive to the capital city Thimphu.

Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan and is home to approximately 115,000 residents. This bustling little city is the main centre of commerce, religion and government in the country. It is the only capital city in the world without traffic lights and even commercial billboards. The total driving distance is 55km and takes about 1.5 hours.

Arriving in Thimphu, visit the magnificent 169 feet tall bronze statue of Lord Buddha located on a hilltop overlooking the Thimphu valley. It was built to celebrate the 60th birth anniversary of the Fourth King His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The giant Buddha statue houses more than 100,000 8-inch-tall Buddha statues of the same type. The construction began in 2006 and was completed in 2015 after almost 10 years. Leisure time to explore Thimphu town.

Dinner and overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel Amodhara.

After breakfast visit the National Memorial Chorten, a Buddhist Stupa built in 1974 in memory of the late Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who passed away in 1972. People from all walks of life come here to pray and circumambulate and it is a good opportunity for you to observe how Bhutanese people devote themselves to daily prayers and take refuge in the teachings of the Lord Buddha. From here we drive to visit the Bhutan Postal Museum located in the heart of the town.

Bhutan Postal Museum is located in the heart of the city in the same building as Bhutan National Bank so you can also exchange your money into local currency if you wish. The Postal Museum was opened in 2015 to exhibit the story of Bhutan’s progress and development of communications and the postal system in the country. If you are interested in philatelic products and stamp collection, they have a good collection of stamps, First Day Covers and stamp albums. The Postal Service in Bhutan was first launched in 1962 with the opening of a post office in Phuentsholing, a town in the south bordering India. You may want to print stamps with your own photo.

Visit the National Library of Bhutan established in 1967 for the preservation and promotion of the rich literary, cultural and religious heritage of Bhutan. The scriptures and document collection held in the library and archives is a national treasure and a fundamental source for Bhutanese history, religion, medicine, arts and culture. The library also has an extensive collection of manuscripts, xylographs and wooden printing blocks that were used for printing religious textbooks and scriptures.

Visit the National Institute of Zorig Chuzum where the thirteen Bhutanese traditional arts and crafts are taught. The thirteen arts and crafts are categorized as Shing Zo (woodwork), Dho Zo (stonework), Par Zo (carving), Lha Zo (painting), Jim Zo (sculpting), Lug Zo (casting), Shag Zo (woodturning), Gar Zo (blacksmith), Troe Zo (ornament making), Tsa Zo (bamboo work), De Zo (paper making), Tsem Zo (tailoring, embroidery and applique) and Thag Zo (weaving).

After a traditional lunch at the Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant, We drive by the Changlimithang Archery Range and witness the game of archery if the match is in progress. You will see archers dancing and singing each time they hit the target from a distance of 145 meters. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan. We then drive back to Paro for the night halt. Distance between Paro and Thimphu is 55km and takes 1.5 hours.

Dinner and overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, drive to Drukgyal Dzong which was originally built in the 17th century to commemorate the victory over Tibetan and Mongolian forces. Today it is undergoing total reconstruction and is expected to complete soon to its former glory. The trek used to start from Drukgyal Dzong but because of the road access, trekkers prefer to start driving up to the first campsite.

Distance 17 km Time 1 hour driving Camp Altitude 2,850m/9350ft

Full-service outdoor camping at Shana

On this long day, the trail continues with lots of small ups and downs. After going uphill through the river the valley finally narrows gradually to a mere path that descends to a meadow where a camp will be set up. From here, if weather permits, you will have the first great view of Mt. Jomolhari.

Distance 22km Time 7-8 hours Ascent 770m Descent 10m Camp Altitude 3,610m/11,845ft

Full-service outdoor camping at Thang Thangka

If you did not see Mt. Jomolhari the previous evening, you will still have a chance to get a great view early this morning. This morning the trek continues 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. Passing the villages Soe, Takethang and Dangochang is another asset on this day. After reaching Jangothang, one of the most beautiful campsites of the Himalayas, you will again have a spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari.

Distance 19km Time 5-6 hours Ascent 480m Camp Altitude 4,080m/13,385ft

Full-service outdoor camping at Jangothang

Today you will take a full day rest at Jangothang. The rest day 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 acclimatization. There are good short hiking trails in three directions. Jomolhari and its subsidiary mountain chains lie directly west, Jichu Drake to the north and there are a number of unclimbed peaks to the east.

Full-service outdoor camping at Jangothang (Jomolhari Base Camp), Altitude 4,080m/13,385ft

The trail leads to the last settlement in the valley and drops to the Paro Chhu. Passing the lake of Tshophu (4,380m) you will climb up steeply to Bhonte La pass at 4,890 m, the highest point of this trek route. Reaching the Dhumzo Chhu river, you trek downstream passing the few houses of Soi Yaksa (Dhumzo) to arrive at your camp soon after. 

Distance 16km Time 6-7 hours Ascent 810m Descent 10,90m Campsite Altitude 3,800m/12,467ft

Full-service outdoor camping at Soe Yaksa

The trail climbs 100m over a ridge to drop to another stream then after crossing the Takhung La pass (4,520m) you descent to Thombu Shong, three yak herder huts with your campsite next to them.

Distance 11km Time 4-5 hours Ascent 720m Descent 340m Campsite Altitude 4,180m/13,715ft

Full-service outdoor camping at Thongbu Shong

Crossing Thombu La pass (4,380m) you will finally reach Gunitsawa village (Zharna Zampa) where your driver will be waiting for you. This is the point where your trekking staff will bid you farewell. We will then drive to Paro for overnight stay.

Distance 13km Time 4-5 hours Ascent 200m Descent 650m Paro Altitude 2,850m/9,350ft

Dinner and overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort

After breakfast, you will be transferred Paro International Airport for your onward journey depending on your departure time. Your guide will assist you to complete all exit formalities before you check-in.