OVERVIEW

Nothing in the world can prepare you for an astounding panorama that awaits you when you embark on a Jomolhari trek in Bhutan. Along this trek, you will come upon stretches of spectacular scenery, unending expanse of fields, green hills filled with flowers and quiet hamlets below snowcapped mountain peaks. This is one of Bhutan’s finest treks that offer spectacular views of 7,314m Jomolhari Mountain.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Flight to Paro – Thimphu

Arrive in Paro by Druk Air. You are met and taken to the capital Thimphu, Bhutan’s bucolic capital, nestled in a fertile valley at 2,300m. After lunch we will take a short tour to view some sights and get acquainted with Thimphu.

Day2: Thimphu. Halt & Sightseeing

A full day tour in Thimphu; around the city and the outskirts area. The popular destinations include Traditional School of Arts & Crafts, Indigenous Medicine Practice Center, Folk Heritage Museum, Buddha Dordenma, Memorial Chorten and more.

Day3: Drive to Punakha & Wangdue Phodrang

After further tour of Thimphu in the morning, we drive east to Punakha and Wangdue valley, which takes about 3 hours. En-route, we stop to take in the panoramic views from Dochula Pass (3,050m). In the evening, take a short walk to visit Chimi Lhakhang temple.

Day4: Punakha – Wangdue Phodrang. Sightseeing

In Punakha, we start a gradual hike through cultivated fields and little hamlets to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, a shrine built for the present King when he was a crown prince and for world peace. We will later descent downhill, following ancient riverside trails and walk back to Punakha Dzong via Sonagasa village. We will visit the impressive Punakha Dzong, an architectural masterpiece at the confluence of Pho Chu & Mo Chu rivers. Later in the evening, we drive to visit Wangdue Phodrang town and the fortress on a ridge.

Day5: Drive to Paro

We will retrace our drive back from Punakha recrossing Dochula for one more opportunity to view panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayan range. Lunch at Thimphu or in Paro depending on the hour of the day. In Paro. we will try to cover some sights as well and later stroll through the town area. This is also an opportunity to shop for any items you may need for the trek. Overnight in hotel.

Day6: Start of Trek to Shana (Approx. 17km, 5 hours, 360m ascent, 80m descent)
Early morning we drive to the ruins of the Drugyal dzong, where the trek starts. Trek today is mostly through villages and does not include high passes. Picnic lunch and overnight camping at Shana

Day7: Trek to Soi Thangthanka  (Approx. 22km, 7-8 hours, 770m ascent, 10m descent)

Today the trek is much longer and tougher. The trek leads into the Jigme Dorji National Park through the thick forest of oak, pine and uniper. At the camp site, you get the first glance of the Jomolhari peak. Camping at Soi Thangthanka amidst the woods.

Day 8: Trek to Jangothang (Approx. 12km, 5-6 hours, 480m ascent)

We come across few yak herders’ villages along the trail. Not a long day but because of the altitude the pace gets slower. Camp at Jangothang below a ruined fortress with the great Mt. Jomolhari seemingly nearby.

Day9: Rest Day & Exploration

Explore the base camp and indulge in photography. We can choose to walk towards the glaciers of Jomolhari or walk up the view point where you can grasp a better view of the majestic mountains of Jomolhari & Jitchu Drakey. Overnight in camp.

Day10: Trek across Bonte La to Yaksa (Approx. 16km, 7 hours, 810m ascent, 1090m descent)

The trails lead to the lake of Tshophu and descends into a hidden valley  and then the sudden steep climb to Bonte La pass at 4890m. Chances of spotting the Blue Sheep. Descend to the nomad village of Soi Yaksa. Overnight in camping.

Day11: Trek to Thongbu Shong (Approx. 11km, 5 hours, 720m ascent and 340 descent)

Gradually we make our way to the Takhung La pass at (4520m) and after a short descent we reach a wide and grassy Thongbushong valley. Overnight in camp at Thangbushong valley at 4180m.

Day12: Thongbu Shong – Shana (Approx. 13km, 5 hours, 200m ascent, 1650m descent.)

We trek first few hours along the ridge crossing Thombu La pass (4380m) offering spectacular views of the mountains and valleys. Then descend into the pine forest most of the afternoon leading to the campsite at Shana (2730).

Day13: Shana – Paro (Approx. 17km, 5hours, 80m ascent 360m descent)

Last day of the trek through Gunitsawa and Tsento village. Follow the Paro river and we reach back to Drugyal Dzong. Overnight in hotel.

Day 14: Paro – Halt (Excursion to Tigers Nest)

Half day excursion to the Tigers Nest Monastery and in the afternoon you can explore the town at you own leisure. Overnight in hotel.

Day 15: Paro – See Off

After breakfast we drive to the airport for your departure.

MINIMUM DAILY PACKAGE

The Royal Government of Bhutan sets minimum selling prices for packages to Bhutan. These must be paid in US dollars prior to arrival in Bhutan.

The minimum daily package applicable per tourist per night halt in Bhutan for tourists travelling in a group of 3 people or more is as follows:

     •  USD $200 per person per night for the months of January, February, June, July, August, and December.

     •  USD $250 per person per night for the months of March, April, May, September, October, and November.

The minimum daily package covers the following services;

     •  A minimum of 3 star accommodation (4 & 5 star may require an premium payment).

     •  All meals

     •  A licensed Bhutanese tour guide for the extent of your stay

     •  All internal ground transport 

     •  Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours

     •  USD 65 Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)

Surcharges

Tourists travelling in a group of two (2) persons or less shall be subject to a surcharge, in addition to the minimum daily package rates. These are as follows; 

      •  Single individual – US$ 40 per night  

      •  Group of 2 persons only – US$ 30 per person per night

The surcharge will not be applicable to representatives of foreign travel agents on business study or promotional visit duly approved and cleared by TCB.

Delayed Arrivals 

There is no charge for delays in arrival and departure because of weather conditions disrupting flights or road blocks. The tourist must however bear the cost of food, accommodation, transportation, and other services required.  It is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance prior to travel.

Cancellations

Individual tour operators has their own cancellation policy. Please discuss with your own service provider (tour operator) on the cancellation policy. 

Wire Transfer

Prior to your trip to Bhutan, you will be asked to wire the full payment for your holiday to the Tourism Council of Bhutan.

You must wire the tour payment calculated by your tour operator as well as USD 40 (one time visa fee) to the Bhutan National Bank through one of their certified international partners with the Bhutanese tour operator specified as the ultimate beneficiary.

VISA PROCESS

With the exception of visitors from India, Bangladesh and Maldives, all other visitors travelling to Bhutan need a visa. 

Indian, Bangladeshis and Maldivian nationals can obtain a permit at the port of entry on producing a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity (Indian nationals may also use their Voters Identity Card (VIC)).  

All other tourists must obtain a visa clearance prior the travel to Bhutan.  Visas are processed through an online system by your licensed Bhutanese tour operator directly or through a foreign travel agent.    

You are required to send the photo-page of your passport to your tour operator who will then apply for your visa.  The visa will be processed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) once the full payment of your holiday (including a USD $40 visa fee) has been wire transferred and received in the TCB bank account.  Once received, the visa clearance will be processed within 72 working hours.  

At your point of entry you will be required to show your visa clearance letter, the visa will then be stamped into your passport.  

Online Regional Permit System

In order to streamline and facilitate smooth visitation by tourists from Bangladesh, India and Maldives, the Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs and the Tourism Council of Bhutan have launched the Online Permit System. The system facilitates the online processing of permits for regional tourists through registered Bhutanese tour operators and TCB certified hotels. The facility is offered as an optional channel to process permits for visitors from the region and is applicable for entry from Paro and Phuntsholing. Visitors who use this facility will be able to obtain their permit clearances and route permits ahead of their arrival in Bhutan similar to international tourists. 

PAYMENT PROCESS

Payment System in Bhutan

Bhutan’s currency is the Ngultrum (Nu.) It is at par with the Indian rupee which is widely accepted in the country. ATMs are located within all main towns throughout Bhutan, where money can be withdrawn using a Visa or MasterCard. In addition, POS (Point of Sale) services are available nationwide, meaning visitors can pay by credit card at most hotels and handicrafts stores.

How to make the payment?

All payments shall be made in US dollars via bank wire transfer to the Tourism Council of Bhutan’s bank account at the Bhutan National Bank, with your tour operator shown as the ultimate beneficiary of the funds. Please note that it is not possible to make the payment by credit card as the payment has to be routed through the government account in order for your visa to be authorized and is not paid directly to us.

Wire Transfer: In order to make your payment, please request your bank to remit money to the bank as follows via wire transfer only. It takes 3 – 7 working days to get your money in Bhutan.

Standard Chartered Bank Ltd, New York, USA
Standard Chartered Bank Ltd.,
One Madison Avenue, New York,
NY 10010-3603
SWIFT Code: SCBLUS33
CHIPS ABA: 0256
FED ABA: 026002561
Beneficiary Bank Account : 358-202-171-9001 (USD A/C)
Beneficiary Bank : Bhutan National Bank
P.O Box 439, GPO Building, Chang Lam, Thimphu
Bhutan SWIFT Code: BNBTBTBT
Ultimate Beneficiary:

BOOK YOUR TOUR

Submit the form below and we will get back to you within 24 hours