Jomolhari Trek in Bhutan – 12 Days

What will you get from the Jomolhari Trek in Bhutan?

The Jomolhari trek in Bhutan is one of the unmissable hiking adventures, moderate in nature, that most experienced hikers can engage in. The route proposed is such that you will feel like you are the first visitor here.

Raw Astounding Culture and Hospitality

You will pass monasteries, prayer flags, jungles, alpine lands, and small villages. You will meet yak herders who will greet you along and when you pass by their farm, you will often be invited for a cup of tea.

Magnificent Mountain Panorama

Almost the entire trail will reward you with the magical panorama of the pious Jomolhari Peak. Lying near Tibet, its base camp and the high Passes of Nyile and Yale La also grant your wish to see the vast and bare Tibetan landscape.

Rare Wildlife

This trek will also take you via the Jigme Dorji National Park, which covers over 4,300 square km. It is a sacred sanctuary for Bengal tigers, snow leopards, blue sheep, and Takin.

The chances of their encounter may be unlikely as they are pretty elusive, but it is not entirely absent.

Diverse Landscape

Starting from the scenic Paro flatland, the Jomolhari trek in Bhutan will eventually guide you through the thick, peaceful jungles of Bhutan, ultimately reaching the high grasslands and meadows of the alpine snowy land.

Moderate Hiking Trail

The walking route we have proposed is the old trade route, not much trodden, but in good condition except for the monsoon seasons.

Paro and Thimphu Attractions

Our Bhutan Jomolhari trek itinerary will also show you briefly the significant treasures in the form of Dzongs, monasteries, museums, and fortresses of Paro and Thimphu.

Upgrade Paro and Thimphu Hotel Stays

During our Jomolhari trek in Bhutan, we have set up four nights for you in Paro (3 nights) and Thimphu (1 night) at their well-regarded three-star hotels’ double rooms.

That said, we also like to inform you about our Upgrading Option, which you can use to enhance your nights at Paro and Thimphu to their gorgeous luxury four or five-star hotels located in very scenic locations.

You will get to experience the delicious luxury here that goes beyond the sophisticated designs and furnishings. From world-class utilities of parking, gym, spa, and massage, to round-the-clock staff service, from exclusive terraced rooms, and large gardens to private pools, you name it and the hotels have it.

For your enchanting evenings, they also have wet bars along with gourmet dining menus that will stimulate your flavor experience.

All these enhancements will cost you only a tiny extra amount and a thoughtful notification when reserving our Jomolhari trek in Bhutan.

When to go for the Jomolhari Trek in Bhutan?

The Jomolhari trek in Bhutan is more phenomenal and fruitful during the Bhutanese spring, which appears in March, April, and May. In regions above 4000 m, the nights are already warmed, thus enhancing the comfort of your camping experience. Skies are generally clear but you may occasionally find the mountain peaks veiled in fog and snow.

The Bhutanese autumn, happening in September, October, and November, is another stunning season for the Jomolhari trek in Bhutan. The consistent blue cloudless sky, the direst terrain, and clear weather are the rewards you will get this time.

Summer/Monsoon trekking in June, July, and August can be strenuous as the trekking routes are often slippery and muddy due to a lot of rainfall in the mountains.

The Bhutanese winter of December, January, and February brings the coldest mountain nights when temperatures even plummet below 0 degrees.

The day temperatures are pleasing, though with 20 degrees, accompanied by clear air, abundant sunshine, blue skies, and no rain. With the appropriate gear for the coldest nights, winter trekking in Bhutan can be exceptional.

Jomolhari Trek in Bhutan 12 Days Difficulty

The Jomolhari trek in Bhutan 12 days trip is a category III strenuous hiking journey around the Jomolhari peak of Bhutan. Although this trip is quite short and the number of walking days is limited, you should not underestimate it in terms of fitness.

In a relatively short time, you will climb to heights of around and above 4000 m, and there are a few pass crossings of between 4000 and 5000 m high.

Furthermore, the travel itself is quite intensive with 2 flights with quite long waiting times, and you get to process a lot of impressions. The trekking trail also takes place mostly in jungles, and once you are above 4000 m, you will encounter mountain ridges and high alpine zones.

During the trek, you will mainly be in the hinterland, away from civilization, with the highest altitude reaching nearly 5000 m. So your trekking equipment must be carefully planned; however, you won’t need any climbing gear. The trails are often old trade routes and are in good condition, generally, although they are off the beaten path.

The element of concern is the altitude of the course and basic comfort settings, with the many continuous nights to be spent in the tents. Thus, the Jomolhari trek in Bhutan demands strong motivation, a determination to complete the journey, endurance for long hours of walking, and a solid level of physical fitness.

Is the Bhutan Jomolhari Trek Itinerary suitable for beginner hikers?

The Jomolhari trek in Bhutan cannot be compared to hikes in other parts of the Himalayas, such as Nepal. In this trek, you will be walking trails that few have trodden before.

The villages that you will pass through on this trek are among the most remote ones that lack basic sleeping accommodations, which means you will need to camp overnight.

And then there is the high altitude that will quickly surpass 4000 m. New hikers are unaccustomed to such heights and the harsher, unpredictable conditions that prevail in the mountains.

Sudden changes and occurrences of hazards such as snowfall, avalanches, or strong winds can be too much to deal with on their first trekking trip. Altitude sickness is another concern that new hikers should be aware of.

Necessary medical care is often lacking in this part of Bhutan, and so minor accidents can also turn into serious consequences. Additionally, the walking stage each day is also long for the first timer, which can occasionally reach even 8 to 9 hours.

Therefore, for the Bhutan Jomolhari trek itinerary, we assume not only good health and fitness but also the experience of hiking in the mountains.

We thus suggest that first-time trekkers not attempt this trek in Bhutan until they have enough experience in high altitudes.

Health Restrictions for the Jomolhari Trek in Bhutan

As stated earlier, medical care is often lacking on the route of the Jomolhari trek in Bhutan. Plus, these are the remote mountain hiking trails that we are talking about.

Here, any minor injuries can lead to severe complications requiring rescue helicopters, which is much more expensive in Bhutan. So if you have heart, respiratory, or circulatory problems, we strongly advise you against participating in this trek.

If you have other issues, and even if you have not, we still advise you to consult a good physician and have them give you extensive consultation. Take a physical check-up and let your doctor determine whether the Jomolhari trek in Bhutan is suitable for you or not.

Altitude Sickness/ Acute Mountain Sickness, Prevention and Management

Altitude sickness or AMS is one of our major concerns in the Jomolhari trek in Bhutan. The threshold at which AMS can occur is 2500 meters, which we will already cross on the third day of our Bhutan Jomolhari trek itinerary.

On the following day, we will already be above 3700 m, and soon enough we will be sleeping above 4000 m. AMS is such a condition that cannot be foretold and which can be seen in anyone of any fitness, experience, and health.

So, seeing this, we have tried to manage the AMS to a certain extent by including a break at Paro and an upward hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery right after the day you land in Paro.

Plu,s the days preceding the approach to the base camp of Jomolhari and the high passes, we have thoughtfully designed the walking stage at a leisurely pace with sufficient time for breaks and rests in the afternoon.

However, minor symptoms of AMS may still appear, including fatigue, nausea, dizziness, decreased appetite, and shortness of breath. You can minimize these symptoms by slowing down, taking breaks, or possibly staying overnight.

It’s important to note that symptoms typically do not disappear entirely; the only effective remedy is to descend. To prevent AMS, maintain good physical condition, stay hydrated, and take regular rest breaks.

Take Daimox to aid in adaptation but refrain from it if you have kidney issues. You can also follow the Bhutanese lifestyle and use Sowa Rigpa to minimize AMS.

How to prepare oneself for the Bhutan Jomolhari Trek Itinerary?

Preparation for the difficult trails of the Jomolhari trek in Bhutan is not subject to physical only but also extends to mental and emotional preparation along with the logistics.

For the long hours up and down steep hikes for multiple days along the mountain terrain, it is better that you focus on endurance, strength, and altitude training.

Aerobic forms of exercise, such as walking, swimming, cycling, and running, are some helpful activities for enhancing your endurance. For strength training, focus on building your core muscles of legs and heart through sports such as football and volleyball.

Stair exercises will also help you overcome the strain of frequent ascents and descents. While pre-acclimating trips up to 3000 to 3500 m in your hometown mountains can be a good idea for altitude training.

And, on such a trip, make sure to carry a heavy backpack so you can get used to walking with it on your actual trek. And, do not forget to put together all the important gear needed to combat the cold nights under the tent.

Accommodation and Food Arrangements during the Jomolhari Trek in Bhutan 12 Days

Life Himalaya Trekking offers you high-quality three-star accommodation for three nights in Paro and one night in Thimphu. These are the government-verified hotels that see to all your comfort and utilities.

7 nights during the trek will occur in comfortable, robust, thick, and durable tents completely water and cold-resistant. At each campsite, primarily located by the river on clear grounds, you will have tents pitched in by our crew for your mess, toilet, shower, and sleep.

You will have a full board with breakfasts, lunches, and dinners throughout your Bhutan stay. At camps, hot and cold water, milk, and tea will always be available.

Breakfasts will usually contain eggs, toast, butter, jam with milk, coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Lunch will be prepared and carried by the helper in the lunchbox. Hot dinners will be prepared fresh in the cooking tent by our cook.

Travel Arrangements

The Paro back-and-forth international flights are not part of our Jomolhari trek in Bhutan, but we will be happy to help you choose the best flights if you like.

We also provide you with private, comfortable 4WD vehicles with an experienced driver and guide for your Paro and Thimphu tours, Dodena to Thimphu to Paro, and Paro to Shana travels.

On the hikes, you will have yaks and yak men to carry the hiking gear, tents, and food supplies. Please understand that these animals are purely for carrying the loads and not for riding.

How to reach Paro to begin the Jomolhari Trek in Bhutan?

To reach Paro, you can travel by land or buy flights to Bhutan. For those of you who like to skip the flying part can choose to go to Bhutan by journeying to West Bengal, India.

Then, you will have to follow the formalities and cross the Phuentsholing southern border. Or, you can also choose to cross the Bhutan border through Gelephu or Samdrup Jongkhar.

As for flights, Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines flights are available from Delhi, Bodh Gaya, Mumbai, Gauhati, Bagdogra, and Kolkata of India, Kathmandu, Nepal, Bangkok, Changi of Singapore, and Dhaka.

Is the Jomolhari Trek in Bhutan permissible for Independent Hikers?

Bhutan, in recent years, has implemented a few lenient rules regarding tourism in their country. Paro and Thimphu markets and shops can be explored alone, and you can also choose your accommodation and traveling mode, but to enter the monumental Dzongs and monasteries, you will still need a local licensed guide.

And when it comes to trekking actions in the Bhutanese mountains, then forget about independent adventure. You must order our Jomolhari Trek in Bhutan 12 days package or others from a certified travel agency like us.

After you buy the trekking package, the travel agency is the responsible entity for taking care of the rest of the travel logistics like visa, hiking permit, traveling, and sleeping to the accompaniment of a licensed travel and trek guide and driver.

Also note that your chosen travel agency, like Life Himalaya Trekking, will also include the daily SDF/Sustainable Development Fee in the total cost of the package.

100 US Dollars for each hiker and tourist will be charged by the government of Bhutan each day, while children from 6 to 11 get 50 percent leniency, and children under 6 get 100 percent leniency.

Visa and Permit Mandatory for the Jomolhari Trek in Bhutan

A Bhutan tourist visa, along with the trekking permit and national park entry permit for the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck are essential for the Jomolhari trek in Bhutan.

Kindly understand that a Bhutan tourist visa is mandatory, whether you select the overland entry route or the flight route to Bhutan. If you intend to visit only Paro and Thimphu marketplaces and not their cultural sites, then an independent application for a visa can be done.

But for the cultural excursion and trekking to Jomolhari Base Camp, you must book the Bhutan Jomolhari trek itinerary to get the Bhutan tourist Visa, which must be procured in advance through the travel agency and not on your own. Also, note that the Visa On Arrival at Paro Airport is not available like in Nepal.

We will manage your Bhutan travel visa and permits through our agency in Bhutan, for which your Jomolhari Trek in Bhutan must be booked through us.

Without a confirmed travel itinerary, your Bhutan travel visa cannot be issued. The Bhutanese Department of Immigration will grant a Visa authorization letter in your name, which we will receive from our Bhutan travel agency.

We will then provide you with your visa authorization letter with your other travel documents before departure. Without this letter, you will not be able to board Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines, nor can you enter Bhutan through any of its land borders.

Remember, you will have to present your passport and visa authorization letter twice: once at your airline counter when checking in and the second at Paro Airport or at the land border where your actual Bhutan tourist visa will be stamped in one of the empty pages of your passport.

This visa will remain valid for the entire duration of the Jomolhari trek in Bhutan. Please forward us the following personal documents so we can proceed with the management of your Bhutan tourist visa:

• Passport Digital copy: It must be legible, high resolution, and colored with a residual time of 6 months minimum after your departure date from Bhutan.
• Passport Photo: Also have a high resolution, very recent, not older than 6 months, with a white background and no borders.
• Travel Insurance copy: You also must present us with a clear, colored copy of your insurance.
• Application form: You can download the form from the Bhutan Immigration Department website, or we can also send you one.
• Fee: The Bhutan tourist visa fee for each tourist is US Dollars 40, already included in our Jomolhari Trek in Bhutan 12 days package.

Permits

As stated, the special hiking permit in the remote Jomolhari mountain trail, along with the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park Permit, will also be essential for our Jomolhari trek in Bhutan.

The Tourism Council of Bhutan, in association with the Immigration Department, is the responsible authoritative body for these permits. The procedure for procuring these permits will be overseen by our Bhutan travel agency once they have all your documents.

These permits will be gathered and safely kept by our Bhutanese guide and will be given to you once you are in Paro. Make sure to keep them in an easily reachable spot as the army checkpoints will verify them at various locations.

Mandatory Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for the Jomolhari trek in Bhutan is mandatory to purchase, which includes a helicopter rescue, which is not part of our Jomolhari trek in Bhutan 12 days trip package.

We do provide excellent local guides, porters, and helpers for the trip, but still, the location is not only remote but also bare of significant medical services.

With travel insurance in your hand, it reassures you that if something unfortunate happens on the trek, you will receive free medical treatment, heli rescue, and free transportation to neighboring nations such as Nepal or Thailand. It means you will have better medical care at no cost.

If any incident occurs, our guide will notify us, and we will contact your insurer as soon as possible. When you purchase travel insurance, ensure you have read all your rights, terms, and obligations, and also ensure heli rescue coverage to an altitude of 5000 m is included in your policy.