SIGNATURE JOURNEY
Trekking Bhutan’s Jomolhari Basin
The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft.
Accommodations
The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised.
Expedition Staff
Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan.
The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft.
Accommodations
The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised.
Expedition Staff
Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan.
The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft.
Accommodations
The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised.
Expedition Staff
Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan.
The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft.
Accommodations
The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised.
Expedition Staff
Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan.
ACCOMMODATIONS
HEALTH & SAFETY
HEALTH & SAFETY
We are following strict national and international safety guidelines and protocols (Royal Government of Bhutan, WHO, and CDC (US) recommendations) to keep you, our staff, and the Bhutanese people safe. This includes new measures for maintaining personal health and hygiene, social distancing best practices, face covering requirements, cleaning, handwashing and more.
UPDATED BOOKING & CANCELLATION POLICY
UPDATED BOOKING & CANCELLATION POLICY
With global travel resuming, we have changed our booking and cancellation policies back to normal. Normal cancellation policies are now in effect and final trip payment is due (4 months/120 days before trip start date, whichever is earlier). Trip cancellation policies are outlined in our trip confirmation emails and available by request.
PEACE OF MIND
September 27 - October 13, 2024
US$9,590 per person (US$7,650 per person + US$1,740 Bhutanese government SDF fees & US$200 monument and entry fees)
US$9,390 per person (US$7,450 per person + US$1,740 Bhutanese government SDF fees & US$200 monument and entry fees)
US$9,190 per person (US$7,250 per person + US$1,740 Bhutanese government SDF fees & US$200 monument and entry fees)
October 23 - November 08, 2024
US$11,290 per person (US$7,650 per person + US$3,640 Bhutanese government SDF, monument and entry fees)
US$11,090 per person (US$7,450 per person + US$3,640 Bhutanese government SDF, monument and entry fees)
US$10,890 per person (US$7,250 per person + US$3,640 Bhutanese government SDF, monument and entry fees)
DATE
2 PEOPLE*
4 PEOPLE*
6 PEOPLE*
*When signing up together as part of the same group
Prices are per person based on double occupancy and DO NOT include international airfare to/from your destination or regional flights to Bhutan from Gateway Cities such as Bangkok or Delhi, and internal flights in the country during the expedition. We will arrange such regional flights for our guests and fares will be quoted at airline cost as a courtesy to our guests with no extra booking or reservation fees. Regional flights from Bangkok start from $980 per person & from $175 per person for internal domestic flights where a short-duration flight is included on your itinerary. Surcharges may apply to certain travel dates based upon international or local holidays, as well as local events and festivals.
Single Traveler supplements will be assessed in addition to our published trip price, and are available on request. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change.
If you'd like to travel with your own special group of friends or family on dates different from the ones shown above, this expedition can be arranged March through May & October through February.
TRAVEL SEASONS
US$9,590 per person (US$7,650 per person + US$1,740 Bhutanese government SDF fees & US$200 monument and entry fees)
US$9,390 per person (US$7,450 per person + US$1,740 Bhutanese government SDF fees & US$200 monument and entry fees)
US$9,190 per person (US$7,250 per person + US$1,740 Bhutanese government SDF fees & US$200 monument and entry fees)
US$11,290 per person (US$7,650 per person + US$3,640 Bhutanese government SDF, monument and entry fees)
US$11,090 per person (US$7,450 per person + US$3,640 Bhutanese government SDF, monument and entry fees)
US$10,890 per person (US$7,250 per person + US$3,640 Bhutanese government SDF, monument and entry fees)
October 23 - November 08, 2025
September 27 - October 13, 2025
DATE
2 PEOPLE*
4 PEOPLE*
6 PEOPLE*
*When signing up together as part of the same group
Prices are per person based on double occupancy and DO NOT include international airfare to/from your destination or regional flights to Bhutan from Gateway Cities such as Bangkok or Delhi, and internal flights in the country during the expedition. We will arrange such regional flights for our guests and fares will be quoted at airline cost as a courtesy to our guests with no extra booking or reservation fees. Regional flights from Bangkok start from $980 per person & from $175 per person for internal domestic flights where a short-duration flight is included on your itinerary. Surcharges may apply to certain travel dates based upon international or local holidays, as well as local events and festivals.
Single Traveler supplements will be assessed in addition to our published trip price, and are available on request. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change.
If you'd like to travel with your own special group of friends or family on dates different from the ones shown above, this expedition can be arranged March through May & October through February.
TRAVEL SEASONS
2024 Dates & Prices
2024 Dates & Prices
2025 Dates & Prices
2025 Dates & Prices
DATES & PRICES
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Flight and airfare costs to and from Bhutan, such as your international flights to a regional Gateway City (e.g., Bangkok or Delhi); roundtrip flights to Bhutan from the regional gateway cities (which will be arranged by us at cost) and internal airfare where applicable for domestic flights in the country (which will also be arranged by us at cost)
Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance
Alcoholic beverages
Gratuities
All ground transportation, visas for Bhutan and airport transfers
All Accommodations
All meals, including excursions to try well-known local restaurants
The expertise and services of your Bhutanese Trip Leaders, Guides & dedicated trip field staff
Courtesy booking services & arrangements for round-trip regional flights from gateway cities (such as Bangkok) to Bhutan & any internal domestic flights (airfare is additional).
Sightseeing, special events & receptions, visits, and entry fees
All environmental national parks & conservation fees and permits
All Trek Arrangements (if you signed up for a trek), including expedition-grade high altitude, sub-zero sleeping bags, community camping and commissary equipment (comfortable and roomy two-person tents, kitchen and dining tents, and other community equipment), camp, cook and support staff (we reccomend you bring your own fitted hiking poles and personal sleeping bag liners)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
ITINERARY
PRACTICAL DETAILS
| RECOMMENDED POSTS
TRIP PHOTOGALLERY
Trek into the lap of Bhutan’s mountain goddess, Mount Jomolhari, the kingdom's second highest peak. During this journey, we learn about snow leopard conservation, meet Bhutan’s nomadic yak herding communities and attend the annual Snow Leopard festival, proceeds from which go to preserve local nomadic culture and snow leopard habitat.
SHARE:
Hiking where Bhutan’s Snow Leopards & Blue Sheep Roam
DAY 1: BANGKOK/BHUTAN, PARO/THIMPHU
VIEW DAY BY DAY
Depart from Bangkok or another gateway city and arrive in Paro Valley. Settle into our comfortable lodge, with views of the terraced ricefields and mountains, followed by a short orientation and light touring.
Meals included: Lunch, dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Olathang or comparable
DAY 02: EXPLORE THIMPHU
Take a tour of the capital sights, including the beautiful white-washed memorial stupa, a monument to the kingdom's third monarch and the giant Buddha Dordenma, on a hill overlooking the capital, larger than Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Ariya Resort, The Thimphu City Hotel or comparable
DAY 03: PUNAKHA'S ANCIENT FORTRESS & A COUNTRY HIKE
Transfer to the former capital of Punakha, a low valley that plunges down from the 10,000 ft Dochu La pass to around 4,000 ft at valley floor. Visit the massive Punakha Dzong (fortress) and hike through terraced fields to the Khamsum pagoda, a high-point with wide views of the broad river valley.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Zhingkham Resort
DAY 04: TRANSFER TO GANGTEY-PHOBJIKHA, VALLEY OF THE CRANES
Take the morning drive winding up the Black Mountain Range to the high plain of Gangtey-Phobjikha, home of wintering (rare) Black-necked Cranes. After lunch, complete the beautiful valley loop hike along the nature trail, arriving back at the lodge in time for dinner and rest.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Dewachen Lodge, Gangtey Eco Lodge or comparable
DAY 05: RETURN TRANSFER TO PARO
Take the four-to-five-hour return drive to Paro, in time for a late lunch and an exploration of downtown Paro with an early dinner and rest for the morning hike to Tiger's Nest monastery.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Olathang Hotel
DAY 06: EARLY MORNING HIKE TO TIGER'S NEST
Take the early morning hike to spectacular Tiger's Nest monatery for special Buddhist blessings for the trek and your return trip home. Afternoon stroll through Paro market center and a round of traditional archery back at the lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Olathang Hotel or comparable
DAYS 07-08: SHANA/THANGTHANGKHA, JOMOLHARI ANCESTRAL CAMP
Days 7-8: We drive to Shana border control camp and begin the trek after a permit inspection. A long day of hiking back and forth along the headwaters of the Pa-chhu river brings us to Thangthangkha camp, by a white stupa at the confluence of two rushing streams, or by the camp host's stone hut. The next day, climb a steep trail to our caravan leader’s ancestral grazing grounds and temple hidden in the western shadow of the Jomolhari massif.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodations: Fully Supported Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Camps
DAYS 9-10: CAMP ACTIVITIES, MAIN BASECAMP
Explore the breathtaking high valley around camp, a place of cascading waterfalls and hidden meditation retreats. We may help our caravan leader with the construction of a stupa—revered as a symbols of supernatural protection for travelers passing through the wilderness. Next day, we descend to the main Jomolhari Basecamp where trekkers converge.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodations: Fully Supported Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Camps
DAYS 11-12: REST/BASECAMP EXPLORATION, FESTIVAL*
Today is a rest day around Jomolhari Basecamp. Join our annual ritual (smoke) offering to honor the sacred mountain spirits and the deity Jomolhari in particular. Explore surrounding ridges and slopes on easy to challenging hikes. Day 12 is our first attendance at the colorful Jomolhari Mountain Festival,** organized by nonprofit Bhutan Foundation to celebrate snow leopard conservation, indigenous customs and skills.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodations: Fully Supported Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Camps
*
** (festival is only included for October itineraries)
DAYS 13-14: FESTIVAL, HIKE SNOW LEOPARD TERRITORY/BHONTE-LA PASS/YAKSA CAMP
Attend the second day of the Snow Leopard Festival as events ramp up with folk dances, horse-races, yak dressage and traditional feats of strength. Or, take the challenging day-long excursion to the high ridges where locals say the Snow Leopards roam. See Blue Sheep, the Snow Leopard’s primary prey, grazing on the steep slopes. On Day 14, climb to Bhonte La, at 16,100ft, the highest pass of the trek. Descend into the beautiful cleft valley of Soe Yaksa through prime Snow Leopard and Blue Sheep habitat.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodations: Fully Supported Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Camps
DAY 15-16: THANGTHANGKHA, SHANA/PARO
Hike back to Soe Thangthathangka, exiting through Shana outpost to Paro. Depending on trekking speed, we have a final day, or evening, of rest in Paro.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Olathang or comparable
DAY 17: BANGKOK, THAILAND/DELHI, INDIA | DEPARTURE
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast (depending on your flight departure) before your transfer to the airport. Catch your flight to Bangkok or another gateway city from where you can continue your travel home or on to other destinations.
DAY 13: ATTEND A SECOND DAY OF FESTIVITIES OR HIKE IN SNOW LEOPARD & BLUE SHEEP TERRITORY
Attend the second day of the Snow Leopard Festival as the festivities ramp up with nomads staging folk dances, horse-races, yak dressage and traditional feats of strength. Or, take the challenging day-long exploration into the high ridges where Snow Leopards have been spotted, with sightings of Blue Sheep, their primary prey.
DAY 14: CLIMB TO BHONTE LA PASS (16,100 FT)
Trek to Soe Yaksa. Ascend the highest pass of the trek today at Bhonte La (approx. 16,100ft) to descend through prime Snow Leopard and Blue Sheep habitat into the beautiful cleft valley of Soe, Yaksa.
DAY 16: REST DAY IN PARO
A final day of rest and relaxtion in Paro Valley with light cultural touring.
DAY 15: RETURN HIKE OUT TO THANGTHANKHA CAMP
Complete the Jomolhari loop. We complete the remainder of the Jomolhari Trek back to Soe Thangthathangka, exiting back to Shana army outpost with a return to Paro by night.
DAY 17: RETURN FLIGHT TO BANGKOK OR ANOTHER GATEWAY CITY
On the final morning of our journey, enjoy a leisurely breakfast (depending on the time of your departing flight) before the return transfer back to the airport in time to catch our flight to Bangkok or another gateway city from where you can catch your return flight home or other travel destinations
Trek into the lap of Bhutan’s mountain goddess, Mount Jomolhari, the kingdom's second highest peak. During this journey, we learn about snow leopard conservation, meet Bhutan’s nomadic yak herding communities and attend the annual Snow Leopard festival, proceeds from which go to preserve local nomadic culture and snow leopard habitat. But first, a cross-country cultural exploration with day hikes help us to acclimate for the trek. We cover the highlights of western and central Bhutan, bringing us back to the Paro valley where we begin the trek. In the high valley of Soe, we work with a respected elder to complete a holy Buddhist stupa to bless and protect all travelers on the high passes, giving us a first-hand insight into an important spiritual custom of Bhutan's hardy highland people.
CUSTOM TRIPS
If this trip or schedule doesn't meet your needs, we also arrange private journeys throughout the year with flexible dates.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised.
EXPEDITION STAFF
Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan.
ABOUT TREKKING EXPEDITIONS
The activities on this trip are rated as moderate for the cultural portion of the journey and challenging for the trekking part of the trip. Trip members should be in good health and confident hiking mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or steps and stairs.
Physical activities include city walking tours, steep hiking to monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and strenuous hiking/trekking during the trek. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. This will help acclimate us for our trek which, following the cultural journey, will take us to much higher elevations, exceeding elevations of 4,937 m/16,200 feet or more.
Our cultural expeditions are bespoke itineraries designed for active travelers that combine guided excursions, cultural insights, art and customs, with distinguished accommodations featuring a traditional ambience. Our journeys are small group adventures of usually 8 to 12 travelers, with a maximum of 16 guests per group. Unlike most tour providers who think nothing of a single guide leading an entire busload of travelers, we maintain a maximum of 4 guests per Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions guide, not counting support staff. This ensures that our journeys feel more like a shared adventure with local friends than a tourist's jaunt through the countryside.
GETTING THERE
Fly from your home city to Bangkok, Singapore, New Delhi Kolkata, or Kathmandu (Main Gateway Cities)*
Overnight
Fly from Gateway City to Paro, Bhutan.
IMPORTANT: Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions makes round-trip flight arrangements from the Gateway City of your choice to Bhutan as a courtesy to our travelers. Airfare is not included in trip price.
For further details please email us contact us using the Reserve Online button on this page.
*Bangkok is the primary Gateway City and offers the most frequent and most reliable flights to Bhutan.
OUR TRAVEL EXTENSIONS
(with optional Bangkok Transit arrangements)
If you're thinking of traveling to some of the other interesting destinations in the region before or after Bhutan you may like to consider our travel extensions. That way you can spend less time juggling and coordinating multiple bookings and more time experiencing the magnificent World Heritage site of Angkor Wat, a peaceful Laotian sojourn, discovering Vietnam or experiencing India.
For further details, and to see past travel extensions, please visit our Regional Extensions page.
WHAT TRAVELERS ARE SAYING
“...a challenging and rewarding experience. Many thanks to Karma and his team of guides, horsemen, and camp chefs, and to my wonderful trekking companions for making it a trip of a lifetime.”
~ Mark Pearson, Boise, ID
ACCOMMODATIONS
High-end Lodges and Bhutan Himalaya Expedition Camps
12 people maximum
Group Travel| 17 Days
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Challenging; Strong Hiking Fitness & Endurance Required
Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN (248826)
TRIP TYPE
ACTIVE ● CULTURE
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