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.

Starting from Punakha, we retrace our route to Dochula, granting us an additional chance to admire Bhutan’s snowcapped peaks that form the natural boundary with the Tibetan Plateau. After relishing the panoramic views over tea at Dochula, we embark on a 2-hour ridge-top walk to the Lungchuzekha temple/retreat center (. This trail winds through lush vegetation of moss-covered birch, hemlock, and rhododendron trees, providing splendid vistas of peaks and valleys. Adopted by Wind Horse since 2009, 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 downhill path to another mountain-top retreat and the monastic center of Trashigang (3150m). There, we meet the vehicle and enjoy a brief 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 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 visiting the Giant Buddha statue, followed by a two-hour walk along a scenic path that unveils stunning views of Thimphu, culminating at Changangkha temple. After exploring this significant 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 drive to Paro and continue north till Drugyal Dzong (2hrs). Stop briefly to visit the ruins of Drugyal Dzong fortress. Then we drive for another 1.5 hour or so along the dirtroad, passing through farmlands with traditional stone houses to Shana Zam (2850m). We also gain our first views of the summit of Jomolhari.
Meet your trekking crew (horseman, cook & assistants), hand over your luggage for the trek. Begin our 3-4hr trek gradually walking up the valley, following Pachu river’s bends deep into Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Park to camp at in a small clearing called Thongduzam (3150m)

Approx. 500m Ascent/200m descent.

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)

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)

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) 

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. 11KM, 5 hours trek. 720m Ascent/ 340m Descent )

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.

After bidding farewell to our trekking crew, we meet the waiting vehicle and embark on a drive along the farm road to Paro. As the day progresses, we arrive in the evening to the welcoming comforts of your hotel in Paro.

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.