Culture / Bhutan

Jomolhari Trek with Mountain Festival

15 days

Challenging

Inquire

Discover Bhutan’s soul on the Jomolhari trek, with stunning landscapes, and experience the vibrant Mountain Festival.

Overview

15 days Total Duration

Paro Trip Start Point

Paro Trip Finish Point

4,820m / 15,813ft (Yeli La Pass) Highest Point

Challenging Difficulty Level

The Jomolhari trek is a stunning high-altitude journey tailored for seasoned trekkers, with a pace designed for ample acclimatization. This particular departure coincides with the Jomolhari Mountain Festival, offering a rare chance to immerse in the culture of the nomads of Lingzhi. The festival celebrates the region’s unique heritage and the elusive snow leopard, featuring folk songs, dances, and traditional sports like archery and yak riding, performed by locals, park staff, and schoolchildren. Visitors can also enjoy local delicacies and handicrafts, making this a unique cultural experience. The trek begins with a visit to the iconic Tiger’s Nest monastery, followed by an 8-night journey through the breathtaking mountains of northern Bhutan. Along the way, trekkers will experience Bhutan’s rich culture, natural beauty, and way of life, culminating in the capital city of Thimphu. The itinerary focuses on maximum exploration with minimal driving, ensuring an immersive experience that connects travelers deeply with the soul of Bhutan.

Highlights

	Jomolhari Mountain Festival: Experience the unique cultural celebration of the nomads of Lingzhi, featuring folk songs, dances, archery, yak riding, and local handicrafts.
	Tiger’s Nest Monastery: Begin your trek with a visit to the iconic Tiger’s Nest, perched high above the Paro Valley.
	8-Night High-Altitude Trek: Embark on an 8-night journey through the stunning mountains of northern Bhutan, with a focus on acclimatization and exploration.
	Cultural and Natural Immersion: Discover Bhutan’s rich culture, natural beauty, and traditional way of life throughout the trek.
	Minimal Driving, Maximum Exploration: Enjoy a trek with minimal driving, allowing for in-depth exploration and a profound connection with Bhutan.

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

JanFebMarAprMayJun

JulAugSepOctNovDec

Spring lasts from March to mid-April. As the snow melts, the temperature becomes milder. The clarity is on point, and you can witness the grandeur of the snow-capped mountains. It is one of the best times to visit Bhutan and also to trek in the high elevations. The blooming rhododendrons add charm to the trails.

Paro: 2°C/35.6°F (min) to 23.5°C/74.3°F (max), Thimpu: 4°C/39.2°F (min) to 24.5°C/76°F (max), Punakha: 10.4°C/50.7°F (min) to 29°C/84.2°F (max)

Summers start from mid-April onwards and last through early-September, bringing heavy rains, humidity, and dramatic clouds throughout the country. There are chances of floods, and flights could be affected during this time. There’s greenery all over the country, making the surrounding hills scenic with blooming wildflowers.

Paro: 14°C/57.2°F (min) to 26.8°C/80.2°F (max), Thimpu: 15°C/59°F (min) to 25.9°C/78.6°F (max), Punakha: 20°C/68°F (min) to 30.4°C/86.7°F (max)

The temperature becomes very pleasant with the start of autumn. The skies are bright, clear, and sunny, making it a perfect time to visit Bhutan and also for trekking. The mountains look simply breathtaking.

Paro: 1.4°C/34.5°F (min) to 23.4°C/74.1°F (max), Thimpu: 5°C/41°F (min) to 23.1°C/73.5°F (max), Punakha: 9.6°C/49.2°F (min) to 27.5°C/81.5°F (max)

Generally, the Eastern regions and areas above 3000 meters are affected by harsh snow conditions, and it is not advisable to trek during peak winter. However, the weather is much milder and tolerable in the Western and Central Bhutan (although it can get close to freezing point at times), and you can always opt for touring and short hikes.

Paro:-2.6°C/27°F (min) to 14.5°C/58°F (max), Thimpu: 5.8°C/21.5°F (min) to 13°C/55.4°F (max), Punakha: 4.3°C/39.7°F (min) to 19°C/66°F (max)

Group size	Price per person*
2 people	Inquire
4 people & above	Inquire

	6 hotels, 8 camping
	14 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 14 dinners
	Reserved vehicle

Valid until Dec 31st, 2024

Scroll to price details

Itinerary

Download Map

Day 1	Paro
Day 2	Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest)
Day 3	Shana - Thongsampa Camp (3,300m)
Day 4	Thongsampa - Thangthangka Camp (3,500m)
Day 5	Soi - Thangthangka - Jangothang (4,080m) for the Jomolhari Mountain Festival
Day 6	Jomolhari Mountain Festival. Rest and acclimatisation.
Day 7	Day Excursion to Tsophu lakes
Day 8	Jangothang– Lingzhi (4,000m)
Day 9	Lingzhi - Shodu (4,100m)
Day 10	Shodu- Barshong - Domshisa campsite (3,600m)
Day 11	Domshisa - Dolam Kencho - Thimphu
Day 12	Thimphu Sightseeing
Day 13	Thimphu - Punakha
Day 14	Punakha - Paro
Day 15	Paro - Kathmandu (Departure)

Day 1

Paro

Arrival, explore Paro and briefings 1 hrs

Your flight into Bhutan offers spectacular views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga, and Bhutan’s iconic Mt. Jomolhari. As you descend into Paro Valley, you'll be greeted by the serene landscape of forested hills, the Paro river, and the impressive Paro Dzong perched above the valley. If time allows, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest Buddhist temple in Bhutan, before ending the day with a welcome dinner and trip briefing.

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Day 2

Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest)

Hike to Taktsang Monastery (3,140m / 10,300ft)

After breakfast, drive to the trailhead for the iconic Taktshang Monastery, or "Tiger's Nest," perched nearly 1,000 meters above Paro Valley. The scenic hike takes about two hours to reach the viewpoint cafeteria, offering breathtaking views of the monastery, and an additional hour to reach the temple itself, where your guide will explain its cultural significance. After the hike, visit the ruins of Drugyal Dzong fortress, with views of Mt. Jomolhari on clear days, and explore Kyichu Lhakhang, Bhutan’s oldest Buddhist temple, before returning to your resort for the trek preparations.