Bhutan Majestic Jomolhari Basecamp Loop Trek

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 which 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.

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 Dordhenma Statue in the world located on a hilltop overlooking Thimphu valley.

Driving distance 55 km, Driving time 1.5 hours, Thimphu Altitude 2,334m/7,655ft

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 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 as 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 opens on working weekdays and on Saturdays from 10am-12pm.

After a sumptuous traditional lunch at Folk Heritage Restaurant 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, Driving time 1.5 hours

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 1.5-hour),
Camp Altitude 2,850m/9350ft

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

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

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.

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

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

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 an 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 2,200m/7,220ft

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.