Snow Leopard Jomolhari Trek

Upon arrival, you will meet your guide. In the afternoon, embark on a brief exploration of the tranquil Paro valley. This tour includes a visit to Rinphung Dzong, a leisurely walk through the Farmer’s Market, a delightful stroll through the town’s charming streets, and, if time allows, a visit to Dumtseg Lhakhang temple to admire its ancient murals.

Embark on an eastward journey, traversing the spectacular Dochula Pass (3100m) as you make your way to the semi-tropical Punakha-Wangdue valley. Pause at Dochula Pass to savor the breathtaking mountain panorama before descending approximately 1700m (5,500ft) during a scenic two-hour drive to reach Punakha valley.

Following a lunch, the exploration continues with a visit to Wangdue Phrodrang, an immersive experience in Richengang village, and a leisurely stroll to Chimi Lhakhang temple—a tribute to Bhutan’s renowned Saint Drukpa Kuenley.

The ensuing day presents serene hiking experiences, including a journey to Khamsum Yuelley Chorten. Explore the remarkable Punakha Dzong, an architectural masterpiece gracefully nestled at the confluence of two rivers. Should there be no scheduled events, you might also enjoy further hiking opportunities.

Departing from Punakha, we retrace our steps along the scenic drive to Dochula Pass. This return journey offers another opportunity to admire Bhutan’s majestic snow-capped peaks, forming the natural border with the Tibetan Plateau.

After relishing the panoramic views at Dochula, we embark on a 2-hour gradual walk uphill to the Lungchuzekha Temple & Retreat center. The trail winds through lush vegetation of moss-covered birch, hemlock, and rhododendron trees, offering splendid vistas of peaks and valleys. Adopted by Wind Horse since 2011, our guides meticulously maintain this trail. A delightful picnic lunch awaits at the monastery (3550m).

Instead of returning to Dochula, we opt for a 1-hour gradual downhill path to another mountain-top retreat and the monastic center of Trashigang Goempa (3150m). There, we meet our vehicle and drive to Thimphu.

In Thimphu, our journey continues with a visit to the majestic Tashichho Dzong. Following that, we proceed to the bustling Farmer’s Market and take a leisurely stroll through the city center, passing Changlimithang grounds, where you’ll have the chance to witness an archery match.

Nestled in a valley at an altitude of 2,300m, Bhutan’s picturesque capital offers a wealth of experiences. On days without scheduled events, we embark on a full-day tour that encompasses Thimphu’s highlights.

Our itinerary includes a visit to the Giant Buddha statue, followed by a scenic walk lasting over an hour along a picturesque path that offers stunning views of Thimphu, concluding at Changangkha Temple.  After exploring this temple, we briefly pause at the Takin Preserve to catch a glimpse of Bhutan’s National animal.

Our journey continues with a visit to Zilukha Nunnery, the Institute of Zorigchusum (often referred to as the painting school), and the Textile Museum. As the day progresses, we take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant Craft Market streets. Towards evening, we pay homage to the memorial Chorten, a poignant and spiritual conclusion to our exploration.

From Thimphu, we will drive to Paro and continue north until we reach Drugyal Dzong. We will briefly stop to view the Drugyal Dzong fortress, which is currently being rebuilt. Following this, we will continue our journey for another hour or so along a dirt road, passing through farmlands adorned with traditional stone houses until we reach Shana Zam at an elevation of 2850 meters. Along the way, we will also be treated to our first views of the majestic summit of Jomolhari. (Total 3hrs drive)

Meet your trekking crew, including the horseman, cook, and assistants, and hand over your luggage for the trek. We will then commence our trek, which is expected to last between 3 to 4 hours. We will gradually ascend the valley, following the bends of the Pachu river as we venture deep into Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Park. Our destination for the day is a small clearing called Thongduzam, situated at an altitude of 3150 meters. Despite its brevity, today’s trek offers enchanting views and takes approximately 4 hours to complete.

Start trek  at 2850m, Camp Thongduzam at 3150m. Approx. 8km/3-4hrs trek.

Continue up following Paro river upstream, deep into the National Park, which is the largest protected area in the country with approx. 4300sqm km spanning in three climate zones ranging in elevation from 1400m to 7000m.  The thick forests of oaks, maple, birch, larch, alders and pine  make way for rhododendron, spruce and conifers and pines as we trek higher. The valley narrows as the trail leads higher, winding up and down, as we get closer to our camp , which is also another clearing in the forests.
Approx. 500m ascent / 50m descent. Camp at 3600m 10km/4-6 hours trek 

Continue following Paro river as the valley begins to widen, opening to a spectacular alpine area surrounded by high ridges and snow-capped peaks. A few yak-herding villages are based in this area. By now we are above the tree-line, with low tundra of juniper and rhododendron setosum, while blue sheep have also been spotted in the higher rocky outcrops. Due to altitude gain, the pace is typically slower. Our camp is below a ruined fortress with Mt. Jhomolhari in the backdrop, which now seem nearby.

Approx. 500 ascent/50m descent. Camp at 4080m. 14km/5-6hr trek

Jangothang is one of the most spectacular camping places in the entire Himalayas. You may wish to rest and enjoy views from your campsite or walk up the small valley towards Jomolhari that takes us to a dramatic viewpoint towards the glacier and imposing face of this 7000m mountain. Alternatively you rest or visit the nearby village.

The trek becomes more challenging from this point. The trail commences with a steep ascent to Tshopu lakes, followed by a gradual climb up to Bhonte La pass (4,890m). In this vicinity, frequent sightings of blue sheep, chubby marmots, and migrating Himalayan birds are common, accompanied by breathtaking vistas of Jichu Drake and Tserim Kang peaks, along the flank of Jhomolhari. After crossing the pass, the path leads to a steep descent downhill, ultimately reaching the quaint yak-herding village of Soi Yaksa. The day concludes with setting up camp near Dumzo.

Approx. 810m ascent/ 1090m Descent. Camp at 3800m. About 16km -7 hours trek
Bhonte La Pass 4890m (highest on this trek)

Our hike starts with a gentle uphill trail to the top of the eastern ridge of the Soi Yaksa valley. From here, enjoy an incredible view of the amphitheater of mountains to the north and to the west. Cross Takhungla (4,520m), and descend to our camp site in a wide grassy pastures by the valley.

Approx. 720m Ascent/ 340m descent. cross TakhungLa Pass at 4520m. Camp: 4180m. 12km/6hrs trek.

Ascending briefly but steeply from the campsite, we depart the remote mountain terrain and follow the ridge towards Thombu La (4,380m). From this elevated vantage, the Paro valley unfurls to the south, while mountain vistas surround us in every direction. As we initiate a steep descent, we rejoin the route leading back to Shana, where our trek initially commenced.

Ascend 200m to Thombu la ridge 4380m and descend to Shana at 2850 in 5-6hhrs trek

After bidding farewell to our trekking crew, we’ll meet our awaiting vehicle and embark on a scenic hour-long drive along the farm road, arriving at our comfortable hotel in Paro in the evening.

On your final day in Bhutan, embark on a hike to the iconic Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery—an essential and quintessential Bhutanese travel experience. Having explored numerous areas on foot throughout your journey, we aspire to take you beyond Taktsang. This includes visiting more remote monasteries further uphill, such as Zangdopelri and Ugyen Tshemo, along with a walk to the uncharted side of Taktsang that remains inaccessible from the main site. This comprehensive full-day hike promises an immersive adventure.

Upon returning to Paro, you’ll have the opportunity for a final leisurely stroll. As the day draws to a close, we gather for a farewell dinner and spend the night in Paro, marking the end of your unforgettable Bhutanese expedition.

After breakfast, transfer to Paro airport in time for your departure flight.

In case your flight is in the afternoon, we can make use of the morning hours by exploring more of the Paro valley.