Bhutan14 days
Jomolhari Trek — 14 Days in Bhutan's High Passes
High-altitude trekking through the Jomolhari massif, from Paro to Punakha, crossing mountain passes
This 14-day trek traverses Bhutan's northwestern highlands, moving through river valleys and high-altitude pastures between Paro and Punakha. The route crosses Nyili La Pass and Yali La Pass, and approaches the Jomolhari massif, with opportunities to visit alpine lakes, ruined dzongs, and yak herding settlements. The first three days focus on acclimatization in Paro; the main trek spans eight days across high terrain; the final three days move through lower valleys and return through Thimphu and Punakha to Paro.
Best time to go: Apr - June Sept - Nov
Highlights
- Taktshang Monastery — cliffside temple accessible by trail from Paro for early acclimatization
- Chele La Pass — ridge-top crossing with views into the Phobjikha Valley and Kila Gompa nunnery
- Jomolhari Basecamp — multi-day camp beneath Mount Jomolhari, with access to Tsophu sacred lakes and views of Jichu Drake
- Nyili La Pass (4,680 m) — broad yak pasture crossing with views of Lingshi Dzong and Tserim Kang's glaciated ridges
- Yali La Pass (4,820 m) — high alpine pass with sightlines to Jomolhari, Tserim Gang, and Masa Gang on clear days
- Lingshi settlement — stone-built village in the upper Lingshi basin at 3,915 m, with opportunities to visit local school and observe yak herding practices
- Tsekha basecamp (4,500 m) — remote encampment with potential for wildlife viewing (blue sheep, musk deer) and access to Jichu Drake climbing routes
- Barshong Dzong ruins — abandoned fortress above the Thimphu Chu valley, accessed during descent on Day 10
- Rhododendron and pine forest transitions — mixed forest passages on Days 4 and 10 showing elevation-driven vegetation shifts
- Thimphu and Punakha — final days permit cultural visits to Bhutan's capital and second city after trekking conclusion
Day by day
1Arrival in ParoParo · Paro International Airport
Arrive at Paro International Airport. Transfer and settle in.
2Taktshang Monastery HikeTaktshang Monastery · Paro
Hike to Taktshang Monastery for acclimatization. Overnight in Paro.
3Chele La Pass and Kila GompaChele La Pass · Kila Gompa · Paro
Acclimatise on the trek across Chele La Pass, with views into Phobjikha Valley. Visit Kila Gompa nunnery. Return to Paro.
4Shana to Jomolhari Basecamp — River Valley AscentShana to Jomolhari Basecamp · Jomolhari Basecamp · Paro
Early departure from Paro with a drive along farm roads to Shana, where the trek begins. The trail ascends through the river valley following a stream northward. Pine and rhododendron forests dominate the lower sections; evidence of logging for power infrastructure to Jangothang and Lingshi is visible along the route. As elevation increases, the forest thins and views of Mount Jomolhari emerge from the valley head. Camp is situated at 3,680 m beneath the mountain's north face. Trek distance: 19 km, 8–9 hours.
5River Trail to Lingshi Basinriver · Lingshi basin · small military outpost · high pastures
Continue on a trail following the river northward as the valley widens. A small military outpost marks mid-route. At approximately 4,040 m, yak herds and herders become visible on high pastures. The valley opens into the Lingshi basin; camp is established at 3,915 m beneath the ruins of a fortress at the base of Jomolhari. Trek distance: 19 km, 5–6 hours.
6Jomolhari Basecamp — Rest and ExplorationTsophu · Jomolhari's approaches · Jichu Drake
A flexible day at basecamp. Options include a day hike to Tsophu (sacred alpine lakes) or routes toward Jomolhari's approaches, Jichu Drake to the north, or unnamed ridges and summits to the east, depending on weather, fitness, and group interest.
7Nyili La Pass and Descent to LingshiNyili La Pass · Lingshi basin · stone shelter at 3,915 m
The trail climbs gradually to Nyili La Pass (4,680 m) through broad yak pastures. On clear days, Lingshi Dzong is visible descending into the Lingshi basin. Tserim Kang and its glaciers appear to the north. Camp is positioned in a stone shelter at 3,915 m. Trek distance: 19 km, 7–8 hours.
8Tsekha Basecamp — Wildlife and Village TimeTsekha (Lahe) · Lingshi village · Lingshi Dzong · alpine terrain near Tsekha
A day excursion to Tsekha (Lahe) at approximately 4,500 m, the basecamp for Jichu Drake, with opportunities to observe blue sheep and musk deer in alpine terrain. Alternatively, a rest day to visit Lingshi village and visit the local school is available. Access to Lingshi Dzong depends on restoration status following earthquake damage. Return to camp at Lingshi.
9Yali La Pass to High CampYali La Pass · High Camp
The trail ascends to Yali La Pass (4,820 m), the trek's highest point. Mount Jomolhari, Tserim Gang, and Masa Gang are visible on clear days. Descent follows to a campsite at approximately 3,815 m. Trek distance: 22 km, 6–7 hours.
10Barshong Dzong and Descent to DomshisaBarshong Dzong · Domshisa · Thimphu Chu
The path follows the Thimphu Chu (river) downward through mixed pine and rhododendron forest interspersed with waterfalls. Elevation loss is steady as the valley widens. The route climbs briefly to the ruins of Barshong Dzong, then descends for approximately two hours through dense rhododendron forest before emerging into open pastureland at Domshisa (3,400 m), where camp is established. Trek distance: 17 km, 7–8 hours.
11Domshisa to Dodena — Farm Road and Trail ConclusionDomshisa · Dodena · farm road
From Domshisa, a one-hour climb leads to a mountain meadow and small pass. A newly constructed farm road then follows for approximately three hours on rough track until the original trail is rejoined just before trek's end. A final portion on trail reaches Dodena, where a vehicle collects the group for the drive to Thimphu. Trek distance: 9 km, 5 hours.
12Thimphu — Capital and Cultural SitesThimphu
Visit Thimphu's principal landmarks and markets. Overnight in Thimphu.
13Dochula Pass and Punakha DzongDochula Pass · Punakha Dzong · Punakha
Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass. Visit Punakha Dzong. Overnight in Punakha.
14Return to ParoParo
Drive to Paro. Overnight in Paro.
Where you go
- 1Paro town
- 2Paro International Airport
- 3Taktshang Monastery
- 4Paro
- 5Chele La Pass
- 6Paro
- 7Lingshi Basin
- 8Thimphu
- 9Dochula Pass
- 10Punakha Dzong
- 11Punakha
- 12Paro
Activities: TREKING