Bhutan Majestic Jomolhari Basecamp Loop Trekking Tour
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💎 Why we love it ?
Jomolhari Loop Trek is the most popular trekking route in Bhutan. The actual trekking is only 7 days. The first 3 days are spent acclimatizing with immersive cultural experiences in Thimphu & Paro. The highlight of this 7-Day trek is the spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari from Jomolhari Basecamp (Jangothang) and interacting with semi-nomadic yak herders. Trekkers who want to avoid high passes and high altitude can choose an easier version of the Jomolhari Loop by retracing their steps from Jangothang while still having the majestic impressions of Mount Jomolhari.
🏁 Tour Itinerary: Bhutan Majestic Jomolhari Basecamp Loop Trekking Tour
Day 1: Arrive Paro International Airport – Sightseeing Paro valley (2200m)
Arrive Paro International airport by either of only two airlines operating in and out of Bhutan; Drukair, the national flag carrier, or Bhutan Airlines, a private airline that was started in 2011. Our guide and driver will receive you and then you’ll be on the way to your first adventure in the Kingdom of Bhutan.
You’ll begin by first visiting the auspicious 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to subdue the spirit of the demoness who was obstructing the propagation of Buddhism in the region. You’ll also visit the National Museum of Bhutan housed in the 16th-century watchtower to get insight into the history and the rich cultural traditions of Bhutan.
After lunch, drive 30mins to the viewpoint on a hilltop where Sangchoekhor Buddhist College is located, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and a beautiful view of the Paro valley and then drive back to Paro town for a leisure stroll around the town.
🏚️ Accommodation: Overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort.
Day 2: Hike to Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) / Transfer to the capital city Thimphu (2334m)
After early breakfast at the hotel, drive to Ramthangka, the base of the Taktsang monastery. Taktsang monastery is built on the face of an 800-meter rock cliff. The round-trip hike normally takes about 4-5 hours to reach the monastery from the road head. The trail takes you through the ancient pilgrimage route shaded by pine trees.
After lunch at the Taktsang Cafeteria, descend back to the base and drive to the capital city Thimphu, home to about 115,000 residents. It is the only capital city in the world without traffic lights and commercial billboards. Arriving in Thimphu, you’ll visit one of the largest sitting Buddha statues in the world located on a hilltop overlooking Thimphu valley.
Distance from Paro to Thimphu 55 km
Time 1.5 hours
Thimphu Altitude 2,334m/7,655ft
🏚️ Accommodation: Overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel Amodhara.
Day 3: Thimphu / Transfer back to Paro (2200m)
Today we explore Thimphu city and visit some of the popular attractions in the capital. Later in the afternoon, transfer back to Paro for an overnight stay. Begin the day by visiting the National Memorial Chorten built-in memory of the Late Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk who passed away in 1972. People from all walks of life come here to pray and circumambulate clockwise. In the heart of the town is the Bhutan Postal Museum if you are interested in the philatelic and stamp collection. His Majesty the King graciously granted several rare collections of philatelic and communications products giving additional insights into the history of Bhutan’s philatelic and communications systems. You can also have stamps printed with your own photo.
Visit the National Library & Archives of Bhutan considered a national treasure and a fundamental source of Bhutanese history, religion, medicine, arts, and culture. Located nearby is the National Institute of Zorig Chusum where 13 traditional arts & crafts of Bhutan are taught. You’ll have an opportunity to see the students getting hands-on training. Both National Library and Institute or Zorig Chusum open on working weekdays and on Saturdays from 10 am-12 pm.
After a sumptuous traditional lunch at Folk Heritage Museum or at a similar restaurant, drive by the Changlimithang Archery Range to witness the game of archery if the match is in progress. You’ll see archers dancing and singing each time the target is hit from a whopping distance of 145m. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan.
Transfer to Paro for overnight stay.
Distance from Thimphu to Paro 55 km
Time 1.5 hours
Paro Altitude 2,195m/7,200ft
🏚️ Accommodation: Overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort.
Day 4: [Trek Begins] Paro Drukgyal Dzong / Sharna Zampa (2850m)
After breakfast, we drive towards the Drukgyal Dzong from where the trek begins. If you are interested, we could spend about 30mins visiting the Drukgyal Dzong, a 17th century ruined fortress which is undergoing complete renovation since 2016 and is expected to take few years to bring to its former glory.
The trek begins from Drukgyal Dzong with a short walk downhill and then ascends gently through the beautiful terraced rice fields leading to apple orchards and pine forests. We reach the village of Gunitsawa and pass the army post. At the army check post your trekking permit will be checked and endorsed. We cross the Sharna Zampa and soon reach our campsite on the meadows surrounded by trees.
Alternatively, we can drive to the village of Gunitsawa where the road ends and hike for 1 hour until we reach the campsite.
Distance 17 km
Time 5-6 hours (if driving 1-hour)
Descent 80m
Camp Altitude 2,850m/9350ft
🏚️ Accommodation: Campsite.
Day 5: Sharna Zampa / Thangthangka (3610m)
On this long day, the trail continues with lots of small ups and downs. After going uphill through the river valley the valley finally narrows gradually to a mere path that descends to a meadow where a camp will be set up. From here, if weather permits, you will have the first great view of Mt. Jomolhari.
Distance 22km
Time 7-8 hours
Ascent 770m
Descent 10m
Camp Altitude 3,610m/11,845ft
🏚️ Accommodation: Campsite.
Day 6: Thangthangka / Jomolhari Base Camp, Jangothang (4080m)
If you did not see Mt. Jomolhari the previous evening, you will still have a chance to get a great view early this morning. This morning the trek continues up the Paro Chhu valley which widens into patches of alpine meadow and scanty growths of forest. You will cross an army checkpoint along the way and enjoy a spectacular view of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. In this area yaks and their herder’s homes become a regular feature of the landscape. Passing the villages Soe, Takethang, and Dangochang is another asset on this day. After reaching Jangothang, one of the most beautiful campsites of the Himalayas, you will again have a spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari.
Distance 19km
Time 5-6 hours
Ascent 480m
Camp Altitude 4,080m/13,385ft
🏚️ Accommodation: Campsite.
Day 7: Halt at Jangothang to rest and explore the pristine area
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. 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 a number of unclimbed peaks to the east.
🏚️ Accommodation: Campsite.
Day 8: Jangothang / Soe Yaksa (3800m)
The trail leads to the last settlement in the valley and drops to the Paro Chhu. Passing the lake of Tshophu (4,380m) you will climb up steeply to Bontey 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 Yaksa (Dhumzo) to arrive at your camp soon after. Overnight at a campsite.
Distance 16km
Time 6-7 hours
Ascent 810m
Descent 1,090m
Campsite Altitude 3,800m/12,467ft
🏚️ Accommodation: Campsite.
Day 9: Soe Yaktsa / Thongbu Shong (4180m)
The trail climbs 100m over a ridge to drop to another stream then after crossing the Takhung La pass (4,520m) you descent to Thongbu Shong, three yak herder huts with your campsite next to them. Overnight at a campsite.
Distance 11km
Time 4-5 hours
Ascent 720m
Descent 340m
Campsite Altitude 4,180m/13,715ft
🏚️ Accommodation: Campsite.
Day 10: [Trek Ends] Thongbu Shong / Gunitsawa Village / Paro
Crossing Thongbu La pass (4,380m) you will finally reach Gunitsawa village where your driver will be waiting for you. This is the point where your trekking staff will bid you farewell. We will then drive to Paro. Reaching Paro, you have an option to visit the village farmhouse for authentic home-cooked local cuisine for dinner, and for those interested can soak in the therapeutic and revitalizing hot stone bath for an additional fee of about USD15 per person.
Distance 13km
Time 4-5 hours
Ascent 200m
Descent 650m
Gunitsawa Altitude 2,850m/9,350ft
Paro Altitude 2,195m/7,200ft
🏚️ Accommodation: Overnight at Khangkhu Resort of Bhutan Mandala Resort.
Day 11: Transfer to Paro International Airport for Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward journey depending on your departure time. Your guide will assist you to complete all exit formalities before you check in.
2 reviews for Bhutan Majestic Jomolhari Basecamp Loop Trekking Tour
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Terms & Conditions
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation for up to 30 days prior to departure date
- 20% will be charged if cancelled 16-29 days prior to departure date
- 30% will be charged if cancelled 08-15 days prior to departure date
- 50% will be charged if cancelled 03-07 days prior to departure date
- No refund will be available if No Show or cancelled 0-02 days prior to departure date
Flights
The flight tends to get fully booked months ahead especially during the peak season. We highly recommend you book flights a few months ahead of your departure date. We can help with the arrangement of flights to and from Bhutan. There are only two airlines operating in and out of Bhutan:
- Drukair, the national flag carrier of Bhutan (www.drukair.com.bt) operates from and to these cities/International Airports: Bangkok, Bagdogra, Bodhgaya, Dhaka, Delhi, Guwahati, Kathmandu, Kolkata, Singapore.
- Bhutan Airlines, a private airline introduced in 2011 (www.bhutanairlines.bt) operates from and to these cities/International Airport: Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu
Other Important Information
- Airport pick-up and drop-off time will be coordinated depending on your flight timings
- For the purpose of processing a visa, you must send us a clear passport copy of all the participants after you book the tour. A whole biodata page including the machine-readable zone must be seen clearly. It can be either scanned or just a mobile photo shot as long as it is clear and legible. Passports should have a validity of at least SIX MONTHS from the day you depart from Bhutan.
- You’ll receive a copy of your approved e-Visa Clearance letter in PDF format within 3-4 business days from the day the visa application is submitted. You MUST print a copy of this letter and present it at the check-in counter of the airline flying into Bhutan. Without the proof of an e-Visa Clearance letter, you may be denied boarding the flight to Bhutan. The actual visa will be stamped on your passport on arrival at the Paro International Airport.
- Child(ren) below 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult
- All participants between the age of 13 – 18 years old must send us a valid copy of the Student Photo ID Card/document after booking the tour.
- All our tour guides speak very fluent English. Guides speaking other major languages (Chinese, Japanese, French & German) can be arranged at an additional fee of $120 per day.
- You must let us know prior to your arrival if you have any dietary restrictions/preference.
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From: $3,425.00
David –
We, a family of four, really had a wonderful time in Bhutan. Our guide and driver were really caring towards all our needs and adjustment in the itinerary. Hiking through some of the most natural and rural parts or Bhutan was amazing with untouched environment and friendly people. We also experienced a snowfall during our time there. Thanks to Bhutan Acorn who planned and made all the arrangement seamlessly right from the start till the end!
IBS –
Our guide was very knowledgeable all round (culture, history, buddhism etc.) and also knew many good walks and hikes wherever we went. He also had a very pleasant personality and got along well with adults and kids alike.