10-Day Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek
A ten-day moderate trekking framework near Thimphu, camping beside the high lakes of the Dagala range with a rest day among the lakes.
Trekking
13-Day Jomolhari Trek
A thirteen-day high-altitude trekking framework to the base of Jomolhari, with acclimatisation in Paro, a rest day at Jangothang and a loop over Bonte La.
- Duration
- 13 days
- Route
- Paro – Shana – Jangothang – Bonte La – Thombu La – Paro
- Best time
- April to May and October to early November; final trail dates depend on weather and local trekking advice.
- Activity
- Challenging high-altitude trekking and camping, reaching about 4,890 m.
The journey
This thirteen-day Jomolhari (Chomolhari) trek framework is one of Bhutan’s classic high-altitude treks. After acclimatisation days in Paro, the trail follows the Paro Chhu up to Jangothang, the camp below Mount Jomolhari, then loops back over high passes to the Paro valley. The highest point is Bonte La at about 4,890 m. It is for experienced trekkers who are fit for long days at altitude.
How hard is the Jomolhari trek?
It is a challenging trek. Some days involve seven to eight hours of walking, several camps are above 4,000 m, and the loop crosses three high passes. Previous multi-day trekking experience is strongly recommended, and you should seek medical advice about altitude before booking.
Acclimatisation and rest
The itinerary includes two acclimatisation hikes before the trek, including the Tiger’s Nest, a rest day at Jangothang and a buffer day in Paro after the trail. Weather or trail conditions may still require the route or timings to change.
When can you trek to Jomolhari?
The usual seasons are April to May and October to early November. The high passes are generally not trekked in winter. Final dates depend on weather and local trekking advice.
Agree the mountain route before booking
The final trek briefing sets out the daily stages and distances, approved campsites, supplied equipment, meals, pack animals and contingency plans, including what happens if a trekker is affected by altitude.
Your itinerary and quote
We tailor the hotels, meals, visits and walking pace to your group. Your written itinerary and quote identify the agreed services, government fees and applicable GST before you book. See our visa, SDF and tax guide for the current fee breakdown.
Send your dates, group size and interests to request your itinerary and quote.
Tour highlights
- Camp at Jangothang below Mount Jomolhari
- Crossing Bonte La at about 4,890 m
- Rest and acclimatisation day at base camp
- Two acclimatisation hikes before the trek
- Buffer day in Paro after the trail
Day by day
Day1Arrive in Paro
Meet your guide at Paro International Airport and keep the day light. Overnight in Paro.
Day2Paro
Visit Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang at an easy pace and review the trek with the team. Overnight in Paro.
Day3Tiger's Nest acclimatisation hike
Hike to Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest, as a first acclimatisation walk. Overnight in Paro.
Day4Second acclimatisation hike
Take a higher day walk, such as a ridge walk near Chele La, then return to Paro. Overnight in Paro.
Day5Drive to the trailhead and walk to Shana
Drive up the Paro valley past Drukgyel Dzong to the trailhead, with a permit check on the way, and walk to the first camp. Overnight camping.
Day6Shana to Thangthangka
A long day following the river through forest. The guide confirms pace and camp around conditions. Overnight camping.
Day7Thangthangka to Jangothang
Climb above the tree line to Jangothang, the base camp below Mount Jomolhari, at about 4,080 m. Overnight camping.
Day8Rest day at Jangothang
Rest, or take an optional walk towards nearby lakes or viewpoints to help acclimatisation. Overnight camping.
Day9Over Bonte La
Cross Bonte La, the highest point of the trek at about 4,890 m, and descend to camp. Overnight camping.
Day10Over Takhung La
Cross Takhung La and continue to the next high camp. Precise camps are confirmed in the route briefing. Overnight camping.
Day11Over Thombu La and back to Paro
Cross the final pass and make the long descent to the road, then drive to Paro. Overnight in Paro.
Day12Recovery day in Paro
Keep a free day for rest or a light visit. This day also gives some flexibility if the trek is delayed. Overnight in Paro.
Day13Departure
Transfer to Paro International Airport for your confirmed flight.
Good to know
Included
- Accommodation in the hotel category and room arrangement stated in your quote
- Private vehicle, driver and transfers listed in the confirmed itinerary
- English-speaking guide for the agreed programme
- Meals and attraction entry fees specifically listed in your quote
Excluded
- International and domestic flights unless expressly included in the quote
- Travel insurance, personal purchases, laundry and gratuities
- Optional activities and services outside the confirmed itinerary
- Visa fees and Sustainable Development Fee unless expressly included in the quote
Your questions
How hard is the Jomolhari trek?
It is a challenging high-altitude trek with long walking days, several camps above 4,000 m and three high passes.
What is the maximum altitude?
Bonte La, at about 4,890 m, is the highest point on this loop.
Do I need high-altitude experience?
Previous multi-day trekking experience is strongly recommended. Seek medical advice about altitude before booking.
When is the Jomolhari trek usually closed?
The high passes are generally not trekked in winter. The usual seasons are April to May and October to early November.
What happens if I am affected by altitude?
The guide monitors the group and can change the plan, including descending. Emergency arrangements are set out in the final trek briefing.
Can I trek in Bhutan without a guide?
No. Trekking in Bhutan must be arranged with a licensed guide, and the trekking team, camps and equipment are part of your confirmed itinerary.
Is the tour price available?
Price is on request. Your written quote sets out the travel dates, group size, rooms, hotels, meals, SDF, visa charges and applicable GST, with payment and cancellation terms.
Make it your journey
More journeys
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12-Day Druk Path Trek Journey
A twelve-day trekking framework with preparation time in Paro, a flexible seven-day trail window and a return through Thimphu.