Jomolhari Base Camp Trek: The Path of the Snow Goddess

12-day trek to Mount Jomolhari’s sacred base, combining Himalayan trails, remote villages, and stunning mountain views.

Overview

Embark on a classic high-altitude trek with Karmaia Adventures to the sacred base of Mount Jomolhari (7,326m), Bhutan’s second-highest peak and a revered dwelling place of the goddess Jomo. This 12-day journey is designed for trekkers seeking an authentic Himalayan adventure beyond the cultural circuit. The trek begins in the Paro Valley, ascending through pristine forests, remote yak-herder settlements, and across high mountain passes to reach the breathtaking amphitheater of Jangothang, with direct, towering views of Jomolhari’s majestic western face. Blending a moderate to challenging trek with cultural sightseeing, this journey offers a profound connection to Bhutan’s pristine landscapes and ancient mountain traditions.

 

  • Location: Paro, Jomolhari Trek, Thimphu
  • Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
  • Difficulty: Challenging (strenuous multi-day high-altitude trek; suitable for experienced hikers)
  • Max Elevation: Yale La Pass (4,930 m)
  • Best Season: Spring (Apr–early Jun) and Autumn (late Sep–Nov)

Duration

12 Days

Location

Western Bhutan

Difficulty

Challenging

Altitude

4930 m

Best Season

Spring, Autumn

Route

Dive into our curated travel styles and find the perfect adventure that speaks to your heart.

route image

What to Expect

  • Physical Challenge: Strenuous seven-day trek (5–8 hrs/day) with steep climbs, long descents, and frequent elevation changes of 500m+. Requires excellent fitness.
  • Accommodation: Standard hotels in Paro/Thimphu; full-service camping during the trek with twin tents, dining tent, and basic facilities (no showers, simple toilet tent).
  • Food: All meals included. Hotels/restaurants in cities; on trek, camp cook prepares Bhutanese, Indian, and western meals. Dietary needs possible with advance notice.
  • Weather & Conditions: Mountain weather varies. Expect warm days, cold nights, and possible wind, rain, or snow. Proper gear—layers, waterproofs, poles, warm sleeping bag—is necessary.

Trip Highlights

  • Stand at the Foot of a Goddess: Spend two nights at Jangothang Base Camp (4,080m) with a close, stunning view of Mount Jomolhari (7,326m).

  • Conquer High Himalayan Passes: Cross Nyilila Pass (~4,870m) and Yale La Pass (~4,930m), both offering wide, breathtaking mountain panoramas.

  • Experience Remote Mountain Culture: Trek through quiet valleys, meet nomadic yak herders, and visit the historic Lingshi Dzong.

  • Wildlife & Wilderness: Walk through Jigme Dorji National Park with chances to see blue sheep, musk deer, and Himalayan birdlife.

  • Cultural Bookends: Begin and finish with Bhutan’s iconic experiences, including Tiger’s Nest Monastery and cultural time in Thimphu.

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrive in Paro; transfer to hotel. Visit Paro Dzong and National Museum. Evening stroll in Paro town.
  • Day 2: Full-day hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang). Lunch at viewpoint. Evening leisure in Paro.
  • Day 3: Drive to Shana; trek through forests and rivers to Thangthangkha. Overnight camp.
  • Day 4: Trek Thangthangkha to Jangothang via alpine meadows and villages. Spectacular views of Mt. Jomolhari. Overnight camp.
  • Day 5: Rest/acclimatization day at Jangothang with optional short hikes and wildlife spotting.
  • Day 6: Trek Jangothang to Lingshi via Nyilila Pass (4,870m). Descend past yak herder camps. Overnight camp.
  • Day 7: Lingshi halt with optional hike to Tshokha Lake. Spot blue sheep and musk deer.
  • Day 8: Trek Lingshi to Sharithang through forests and pastures. Overnight camp.
  • Day 9: Trek Sharithang to Shodu via Yale La Pass (~4,930m). Amazing mountain views. Overnight camp.
  • Day 10: Trek Shodu to Barshong; drive to Thimphu valley. Overnight hotel stay.
  • Day 11: Thimphu sightseeing: National Library, Traditional Medicine Institute, Memorial Stupa, Arts & Crafts School, Textile & Folk Heritage Museum, Buddha Point. Evening drive to Paro.
  • Day 12: Departure from Paro Airport.

Itinerary

Dive into our curated travel styles and find the perfect adventure that speaks to your heart.

1

Day

ARRIVE PARO AIRPORT BY DRUKAIR

You will be met by our guide on arrival and transferred to your hotel to settle in. After lunch visit the Paro Dzong and the National Museum. The evening ends with a walk through Paro main shopping district. Overnight stay at hotel.

2

Day

EXCURSION OF SIGHTSEEING TO TAKTSANG MONASTERY

Taktsang Monastery / Tigers Nest, the most spectacular monastery and probably the most photographed one in Bhutan, in a way a symbol of Bhutan. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery hence it is called “Tiger`s Nest”. The excursion to monastery`s view point takes about 5 hours for round trip. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria, followed by a short walk back. Evening stroll Paro town for leisure.
Overnight stay at hotel.

3

Day

PARO TO THANGTHANGKHA VIA SHANA

(Distance: 13.6 miles / 22 km Duration: 6-8 hours)

Early morning drive from hotel to Shana. 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. This route was formerly used by Bhutanese people as a trading route to Tibet. We cross several traditional wooden bridges finally arriving Thanthangka. Camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter. From this campsite for the first time-in case of good weather the Mount Jomolhari may be seen.

4

Day

THANGTHANGKHA – JANGOTHANG

(Distance 19km, five to six hours, 480m ascent, camp altitude 4,080m)
This morning the trek continues up the Paro Chhu valley which widens into patches of alpine meadow and scanty growths of forest. Cross an army outpost along the way and enjoy a spectacular view of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. Yaks and the herder’s homes become a regular feature of the landscape. Passing the villages Soe, Takethang and Dangochang 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 Chomolhari.

5

Day

REST DAY AT JANGOTHANG

The day in Jangothang provides plenty of possibilities for day hikes with great views on 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 acclimatisation. Trek up to Tosoh or hike around the area. There are good short hiking trails in three directions. Jumolhari and it’s subsidiary mountain chains lie directly west, Jichu Drake to the north and a number of unclimbed peaks to the east.

6

Day

JANGOTHANG – LINGSHI

(Distance 18km, six to seven hours, 840m ascent, 870m descent, camp altitude 4,010m)
After 15 min. from the camp the trail climbs rapidly for about half an hour and then becomes a gradual ascend to the Nyilila pass at 4,870m. While on the climb enjoy the sourrrounding. You might see herds of blue sheep grazing on the slopes of the mountains. From the pass you will have spectacular views of Mt. Jomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsherimgang, all of them rising above 7,000m. On the way down to the camp you will pass by some of the yak herder’s tent, made from yak wool, where the herders take shelter while on the move to various pastures for their yaks. As you come down into the Lingshi basin, you get a wonderful view of Lingshi Dzong on a clear day. Tserimgang and its glaciers rise up at the north end of the valley. The campsite is next to a stone hut you reach just before Lingshi Dzong.

7

Day

LINGSHI HALT

One day halt at Lingshi to make an excursion to Tshokha (Lake). Rare animals like Blue Sheep and musk deer are seen at Tshokha. Hike takes about 4-5 hours.

8

Day

LINGSHI – SHARITHANG

(Distance 4km, 2 hours, 290m ascent, 640m descent, camp altitude 3,000m)
The trail descends down to the Thimphu Chhu river valley, through dense forests of rhododendron, birch, conifer, maples and bamboos and then ascends to pasture lands. The camp is in a meadow.

9

Day

SHARITHANG – SHODU

(Distance 9km Elevation: Ascent 940m, Descent 920m; Camp altitude around 4,080m)
This long and strenuous day involves crossing the high Yale La Pass (approx. 4,930m / 4,990m), which offers spectacular views of Mount Jomolhari, Tserim Gang, and Masagang on a clear day. The trail is well-marked and a main route for locals. After the pass, it's a steep downhill trek to the campsite at Shodu, often located near a stone shelter or meadow.

10

Day

SHODU – BARSHONG

(Distance: Approximately 16 km. Duration: 5-6 hours. Elevation: Ascent 250m, Descent 670m)

The trail follows the Thimphu Chhu through rhododendron forests, past beautiful waterfalls along the way. The valley narrows till the path takes to the slopes and gradually ascends to the ruins of Barshong Dzong. From Dzong , pick up by the vehicle and drive to Thimphu Town through Dodena. , you will exit the Jigme Dorji National Park and reach to Thimphu valley.

11

Day

THIMPHU SIGHSEEINGS AND AFTERNOON DRIVE TO PARO

Morning Thimphu sightseeings that includes: National Library, Traditional Medicine Institute, memorial stupa , Arts & Crafts School, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, Buddha point. Evening transfer to Paro.

12

Day

DEPARTURE

Transfer to airport for onwards departure and upon arrival you will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel.

Book A Trip

Unlock your next adventure! Explore and create memories with us.

Pack Smart, Climb Strong

Not sure what to bring?
Our quick guide covers all the mountain essentials.

Explore our curated routes or reach out for a custom plan — your Himalayan adventure starts here.

You may also like

11 Days

Langtang Valley Trek

14 Days

Everest Base Camp Trek

18 Days

Mera Peak Climb

17 Days

Lobuche Peak Climb