11 Day Exciting Jomolhari Trek

Night View of Buddha Point

The view of Thimphu valley from the Buddha point is spectacular and beautiful,, especially at night.

Tashichho Dzong

Tashichho Dzong, meaning “Fortress of the Glorious Religion,” is one of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks. Located along the banks of the Wang Chhu River in Thimphu, it serves as the seat of Bhutan’s government and houses the Throne Room, the offices of His Majesty the King, and several key ministries. It’s also the summer residence of the central monastic body, led by the Je Khenpo. With its imposing whitewashed walls, golden spires, and ornately painted woodwork, Tashichho Dzong is a striking example of Bhutanese architecture. The surrounding gardens and courtyards offer a serene setting, especially when lit up in the evening. Visitors are welcome to explore certain areas of the dzong after office hours, making it not just a centre of political and religious life, but also a window into the living heritage of Bhutan.

Walk Around Thimphu Town

Strolling around Thimphu town offers a delightful blend of tradition and modern life in Bhutan’s capital. Start at Clock Tower Square, the lively heart of the city—adorned with carved wooden façades, prayer wheels, and water fountains—and a charming spot to linger while locals chat or browse the weekend market. From here, wander down Norzin Lam, Thimphu’s main street, where boutique shops, handicraft stores, and cafés invite you in. Along the way, admire traditional architecture—ornate wood carvings, colourful murals, and fluttering prayer flags—woven seamlessly into everyday life.

Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong)

Tashichho Dzong, often called the “Fortress of the Glorious Religion,” is one of Thimphu’s most iconic landmarks—and a must-visit for anyone wanting to understand the soul of Bhutan. First built in 1641 and later restored by the visionary Third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, this grand fortress sits majestically along the banks of the Wang Chhu River. By day, it functions as the seat of Bhutan’s government and religious affairs, housing key ministries, His Majesty’s office, and the central monastic body. By evening, it transforms into a serene and majestic sight, its golden roofs glowing against the backdrop of the setting sun. You can stroll through its beautifully maintained courtyards, admire traditional Bhutanese architecture, and get a rare glimpse into the harmonious blend of spiritual and administrative life.

Thimphu Tshechu Festival

Thimphu Tshechu is Bhutan’s largest and most festive Tshechu, held over three days in the courtyard of Tashichho Dzong each autumn (typically late September or early October) to honour Guru Rinpoche, the 8th‑century saint who introduced Tantric Buddhism to the Himalayas. The air buzzes with anticipation as local families gather in their colourful ghos and kiras, creating a vibrant, community spirit. The heart of the festival lies in the Cham dances—dramatic, masked performances by monks and lay dancers depicting legends of Guru Rinpoche, protective deities, and moral tales like the Dance of the Lords of the Cremation Grounds and Guru Tshengye (Eight Manifestations). The grand finale is the unfurling of a giant thangka scroll (thongdrel) on the final morning, offering spiritual merit to anyone fortunate enough to see it before sunrise.

Buddha Point

Towering above Thimphu Valley from the tranquil Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, the majestic Buddha Dordenma is a sight to behold. Standing at a staggering 51.5 metres, this golden statue is one of the largest seated Buddhas in the world—and it’s not just its size that impresses. Nestled inside are over 100,000 smaller Buddha statues, each crafted with the same devotion and detail. More than a monument, the Buddha Dordenma is a symbol of indestructibility and spiritual awakening, believed to bless the land with peace and harmony.

National Memorial Chorten

Immerse yourself in the spiritual rhythm of Thimphu with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, where locals—especially the elderly—gather daily to walk in prayerful circles, spinning prayer wheels and murmuring mantras in a peaceful flow of devotion. Built in 1974 to honour the beloved Third King, this white-washed stupa is a living sanctuary. Step inside and you’ll find vibrant murals, intricate mandalas, and detailed sculptures that beautifully illustrate Buddhist teachings. If you're seeking serenity or a glimpse into Bhutanese spiritual life, this is a place that quietly leaves a lasting impression.

Paro Town

Explore the main street of Paro town and check out if there's anything you will like to pick up as a souvenir!

Paro Valley

The beautiful valley is home to many of Bhutan's old monasteries and temples. The valley is also home to Mount Chomolhari (7,300 meters) situated at the northern end of the valley whose glacier water forms the Pachu flowing through the valley.

Kyichu Lhakhang

At 1,300 years old, this is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Like the Jambhay Lhakhang in Bumthang, it is one of 108 temples built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to subdue and vanquish an ogress that was obstructing the spread of Buddhism. Legend has it that all 108 temples were built in a single night. The Kyichhu temple’s name means “reservoir of peace”. Next to the temple is a museum dedicated to the late Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. You will see photographs and other personal artefacts belonging to the Rinpoche.

Paro Dzong (aka Rinpung Dzong)

Explore Rinpung Dzong, which the locals call the ‘fortress of a heap of jewels’. Built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the dzong stands on a hill above Paro Township. It is linked by a traditional cantilever bridge called the Nemi Zam over the Po Chhu. Walk up the stone paved path running alongside imposing outer walls. Once inside the Dzong, you will be welcomed by the monks, architecture and beautiful frescoes. This dzong is a highlight for art and history lovers.

Shana - Thangthangkha

[Distance 22 km, duration 6-8 hours depending on the condition of the trail, 770 m ascent, 10 m descent, camp altitude 3,610 m] The trail follows the river through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses. As we go up the valley becomes narrow, wilder and steeper. The trail winds up and down along the drainage. We pass a junction en route, where another path leads over the Tremo La to Tibet. Bhutanese people formerly used this route as a trading route to Tibet. We cross several traditional wooden bridges before finally arriving Thanthangka. Camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter. From this, we can see Mount Jomolhari for the first time if the weather permit.

Thangthangka - Jangothang

If you did not see Mount Jhomolhari last evening, you would have a great chance to get a great view this early morning. This morning, the trek continues up the Pachu valley that widens into patches of alpine meadow and meager growths of a forest. Cross an army outpost along the way and enjoy a spectacular view of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. Yaks and yak herder’s homes become a regular feature of the landscape. Passing the villages Soe, Takethang and Jangothang is another asset on this day. Reaching Jangothang, one of the most beautiful campsites of the Himalayas, you will again have a spectacular view of Mount Jhomolhari. [Overnight Camp – Jangothang 4,090 m]

Jangothang Halt

The rest day in Jangothang 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. You can also trek up to Tosoh or hike around the area. 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 some unclimbed peaks to the east.

Jangothang - Soi Yaksa (via Bonte La)

[Distance 16 km, six to seven hours, 810m ascent, 1,090 m descent, camp altitude 3,800 m] The trail leads to a last settlement in the valley and drops to the Paro Chhu. Passing the lake of Tshophu (4,380 m) you will climb 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 Yaktsa (Dhumzo) to arrive at your camp soon after.

Soi Yaksa - Thombu (via Takhung La Pass)

[Distance 11 km, duration 4-5 hours, 720 m ascent, 340 m descent, camp altitude 4,180 m] The trail climbs 100 m over a ridge to drop to another stream then. After crossing the Takhung La pass (4,520 m) you descent to Thombu Shong, three yak herder huts with your campsite next to them.

Thombu - Gunitsawa

[Distance 13 km, duration 4-5 hours, 200 m ascent, 1,650 m descent, camp altitude 2,850 m] Crossing Thombu La pass (4,380 m) you will finally reach Gunitsawa where you can be collected. Then we will drive to Paro for the night

Taktsang Monastery

Also known as the Tiger’s Nest, this monastery set dramatically on the cliffs of Paro Valley, is Bhutan’s most famous landmark. In fact, some tourists would even say that “A trip to Bhutan is not complete without climbing to Taktsang.” According to local folklore, the Guru Rinpoche flew to this location from Tibet on the back of a tigress (his consort Yeshey Tshogyal) and meditated in one of the caves, before emerging in eight manifestations. A hike up to Taktsang draws people with different interests. It fills those who are spiritually inclined with a sense of peace, while avid hikers feel a sense of achievement upon reaching the monastery. Take time to process the mental and physical sensations that wash over you during the uphill climb as you ascend more than two thousand feet from the valley floor to reach the monastery.

Hot Stone Bath

After the trekking we special arrange Bhutanese traditional hot stone bath for you to relax your muscles.The process of a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath is unique. It uses Menchu (medicinal water) which is nothing but fresh river water mixed with Artemisia leaves. The water is heated using river stones that are roasted on fire till they are glowing red. The temperature of the water can be increased by adding more heated stones into a wooden chamber via a chute. This chamber is connected to the main tub (also made of wood) which contains the water. The holes in the chamber allow the heat to be infused into the bath (so there is no danger of being burned by the hot stones) and the stones are said to release key minerals into the water which are believed to have medicinal benefits. One can soak in the water for about half and hour after a tiring day. **additional charges USD 25 per person