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Jomolhari Lollipop Trek – 8 Days
5/5 based on 37 reviews
Trip Duration
8 Days
Group Sizes
2 to 25 People
Difficulty
Moderate
Max. Altitude
4890m
Activities
Meals
Accommodation
The Jomolhari Lollipop Trek is a rewarding camping adventure that takes you through the beautiful mountain landscapes of western Bhutan. It is a well-planned circular route that blends peaceful forests, open alpine valleys, traditional villages and great Himalayan views. It will take you to some of the well-known cultural spots, along the clear mountain rivers and you will witness beautiful scenery of Mount Jomolhari along the way.
It is a trek for those who wish to enjoy Bhutan’s scenic landscape, yet stay outside the hustle of the urban areas for a few days. The trek is a blend of adventure and sightseeing, giving trekkers a memorable introduction to the mountains, culture and way of life in Bhutan.
Bhutan Jomolhari Trek starts in Paro city, where you will see some culturally important places of the country before the trek. Among the many highlights are Kyichu Lhakhang, the historic Rinpung Dzong and the renowned Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which perches precariously on a cliff at (3,120 m / 10,236 ft).
The path from Paro follows the beautiful Paro Chhu Valley through pine, fir and rhododendron forests. The landscape unfolds as you ascend to wide open high altitude meadows, where yaks graze under snow-clad mountains.
The Jomolhari Lollipop Trek route is carefully designed to allow the trekkers to acclimatize themselves to the high altitude without any hazards. The trek starts at Jangothang (4,080 m / 13,386 ft) and has a dedicated acclimatization day before crossing the highest point of the trek, Bonte La Pass at (4,890 m / 16,043 ft).
The route will pass through picturesque campsites surrounded by mountains and freshly prepared meals will be served by the trekking crew. The trail is also very popular and it offers great photography opportunities of glaciers, rivers, animals and serene countryside of northern Bhutan.
Overall, the Jomolhari Lollipop Trek is a wonderful adventure for those seeking a medium to challenging trek through nature, culture and adventure. Every day is a different show with peace in the forests, rivers and wide open spaces with views of the Himalayas along high mountain passes. The evenings are spent in relaxing campsites with fresh mountain air.
Whether you take this trip to photograph, experience the local culture, or just to trek one of Bhutan’s best hikes, this trip will provide you with a rewarding experience from beginning to end. At Mega Treks, we offer you experienced guides, reliable staff and careful planning so that you can have a safe, comfortable and memorable adventure.
This trek starts at the main gateway to Bhutan, Paro and then continues to the Jomolhari Pass. Once you’ve met your guide, you’ll have some time to visit some of the important cultural sites of the town before you begin your trek. Typical itineraries cover the historic Rinpung Dzong, the traditional cantilever bridge across the Paro Chhu River and the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery (3,120 m / 10,236 ft). The visits provide an excellent introduction to the history, culture and beautiful landscapes of Bhutan.
Following sightseeing in Paro, you will travel to the base of the trek, Gunitsawa (2,890 m / 9,482 ft). This is where the trekking group makes the last-minute decisions and preparations for the trek to the mountains. The path from Gunitsawa goes through the tranquil Paro Chhu Valley, through the forests, the rivers and across the alpine terrain, which is an exciting and memorable trekking experience in Bhutan.
Welcome to Bhutan. Once you reach Paro International Airport, you will be met by our team and transferred to your hotel. If you are coming into Bhutan from the land of Phuentsholing, you can drive to Paro for about 5 hours. The programme for the day will depend on your arrival time.
We will visit Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) after settling in. It is a historic fortress, one of Bhutan’s best examples of traditional architecture and a part of the movie Little Buddha. The quiet environment and exquisite craftsmanship make for a good first impression.
Then we will cross the traditional cantilever bridge across the Pa Chhu River by walking. Time to enjoy Paro town, visit the local Khaja Throm market, small shops or relax in a café. If you are interested, you can go to a local music club in the evening and then go back to the hotel.
Following breakfast, we start our tour at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s ancient and revered temples. It was constructed in the 7th Century and is still a significant site of religious worship and a quiet beginning to the day.
We then trek up to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery – Taktsang Monastery. The monastery is perched majestically at the height of (3,120m / 10,236 ft) and is the most revered religious site in Bhutan. We come back to have lunch after seeing the views and visiting the monastery.
After lunch, we drive to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong and then ride the road to the village of Gunitsawa in the afternoon. There is an optional visit to Lhadi Gompa before the campsite, if time permits. Tonight’s camp is just above the military camp at 2/890 m / 9482 ft.
Today is the starting day of the trek. After breakfast, we head out of Gunitsawa and along the bank of the Paro Chhu River. The walk runs through lovely forests where there are pine, fir and rhododendron trees.
There are a number of short uphill and downhill stretches as we slowly work our way up. There are opportunities to see birds, yaks and views of the mountain along the way. Today’s walk is long, but enjoyable because of the peace of the forest and the flowing river.
At the end of this walk, we arrive at a large chorten (religious monument) with a left turn on the path. We reach the campsite in Thangthangkha (3,300 m / 11,844 ft) around an hour later. Depending on the weather, you can have your first wonderful view of Mount Jomolhari over the valley.
Sometimes it is possible to see a clear view of Mount Jomolhari in the morning and then go further into the mountains. As the path follows the Paro Chhu through open meadows and scattered forest, the valley widens.
En route, we traverse an army checkpoint and then the small towns of Soe, Takethang and Dangochang. As we ascend further, yaks grazing on the hills and traditional stone houses become common.
By afternoon, we reach Jangothang at (4,080 m / 13,386 ft). This is a famed campsite for its exceptional location right under Mount Jomolhari. The ruins of an old fort nearby add to the beauty of the surroundings, making this one of the best trekking camps in Bhutan.
Today is dedicated to getting used to the altitude, which is an essential aspect of trekking safely at high altitude. Following breakfast, we go on a gentle walk up above the campsite as the body adapts, with the benefit of fantastic views of the mountains.
The viewpoint boasts terrific panoramic views of Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. Local glaciers, alpine valleys and grazing yaks may also be observed depending on the weather. The hike is a gradual ascent and then a descent to camp.
The remainder of the afternoon is available for free. One can sit back, take pictures, go on excursions or just enjoy the peaceful Mountain atmosphere. A good rest today will ready you for the higher passes to come.
One of the toughest and most satisfying days of the journey. This starts with a very steep climb over the campsite and then onto a more gentle track by stunning alpine lakes. The scenery of Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake is even more stunning.
The route then climbs to Bonte La Pass (4,890 m / 16,043 ft), where the track ends. The pass is graced with prayer flags and on sunny days, the mountain views around the pass are truly epic. Depending on the season, there could still be snow.
Once over the pass, we head down a steep valley to Soi Yaksa and then to our camp at Chore or Dhumzo at (3,800 m / 12,467 ft).
The last day of trekking starts after breakfast. The path passes through a few forests and valleys and then reaches the well-known path along the Pa Chhu River. The walk is a bit less hard than on previous days and is still quite long.
At Gunitsawa, we bid farewell to our trekking partners who have accompanied us on our trek. Then we head back to Paro, where we can rest in comfortable lodgings and enjoy a hot meal.
The rest of the day is spent relaxing. You can visit the town of Paro, have coffee at a local coffee shop, do some shopping for souvenirs and at the end of the day, trek in the traditional hot stone bath of Bhutan (this is an optional activity).
Following breakfast, we set off from Paro towards Thimphu (if timing permits). Our first visit is to Tachog Lhakhang, where the famous engineer and saint Thangtong Gyalpo built an Iron Chain Bridge across the Paro Chhu River.
We head back to Buddha Dordenma (2,650 m / 8,694 ft. It is a huge Buddha head that overlooks the valley. From here, we have wonderful views as we explore the main street, Norzin Lam and the local handicraft market.
Depending on the time, we visit the administrative and religious center of Bhutan, Tashichho Dzong. Depending on the flight/travel plan, we then drive back to Paro Airport for your flight or onwards.
You can cutomize this trip as per your requirements if met the proper guidelines.
The best time to do the Jomolhari Lollipop Trek is in the spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November). The weather is generally stable in these months and the mountains are clear and the days are comfortable. In Spring, rhododendron forests are in bloom and in Autumn, the air is crisp and visibility is excellent. There are good trails for both seasons and camping is more comfortable.
The weather conditions on the Jomolhari Trek Bhutan are quite enjoyable during the daytime, but can get really cold in the morning and evening as you climb higher. Temperatures may drop below freezing after sunset in October and November, at Jangothang (4080 m / 13386 ft). Clothing should be worn to keep warm at all times of the year.
Although the main attractions on the Jomolhari Lollipop Trek are the mountains, the trail tends to become muddy during the summer monsoon and it is often overcast with clouds. For experienced trekkers, trekking during the winter is possible, but heavy snowfalls around Bonte La Pass (4,890 m / 16,043 ft) may impact the route.
This trek is known as the Jomolhari Lollipop Trek, which is about 62 kilometers in length and spans over a few days of trekking. Despite its moderate length, the steepness of the climbs, the high mountain passes and the high elevation camps make for a more challenging trip than is indicated by the distance.
The Jomolhari Trek Bhutan starts from Gunitsawa (2,890 m / 9,482 ft) and slowly ascends through forest, open valleys and alpine meadows. The summit of the trek is at Bonte La Pass (4,890m / 16,043 ft) and then on to lower camps. Slowly ramping up the elevation will allow your body to acclimate.
The Jomolhari Lollipop Trek also involves an acclimatization day in Jangothang (4,080 m / 13,386 ft). This is a planned rest day to allow the body to adapt to the high-altitude environment and ready you for crossing the highest pass safely with the glorious Himalayan scenery.
The Jomolhari Lollipop Trek is a medium–difficult trek. The trails are mostly well marked, but some days are long walks; the heights involved and steep sections demand fitness and some prior experience of walking on them. Staying for multiple nights at the camp also makes it more difficult.
Altitude sickness is one of the biggest concerns for the Jomolhari Trek Bhutan, as the trek goes above 4,000 m (13,123 ft) and reaches Bonte La Pass at 4,890 m (16,043 ft). A few trekkers might suffer from headaches, fatigue, loss of appetite, or trouble sleeping. The risk is reduced by walking at a steady pace, drinking lots of water and following the guidance given.
The Jomolhari Lollipop Trek is specifically designed with an acclimatization day to be able to adjust to the higher elevation before you walk higher. Mega Treks plans the day’s program carefully to ensure safe ascent as well as a pleasant trekking experience, where possible.
The Jomolhari Lollipop Trek involves walking between 5 and 8 hours each day. Some days are shorter and have gentle ascents; some days are longer and there are harder climbs. If you’re enjoying the journey, it helps to take rest breaks, eat and take photos.
The Jomolhari Trek Bhutan is the shortest trekking day between the Thangthangkha and Jangothang, with a distance of about 10 kilometers in 5-6 hours of hiking. The longest day will be the walk from Gunitsawa to Thangthangkha, covering 16 km or 7-8 hrs in forests and river valleys.
In addition to the hikes, the Jomolhari Lollipop trek itinerary incorporates a trek around Jangothang (4,080 m / 13,386 ft). This day is not as active as the trekking days but is a key day for acclimatisation to the higher altitudes and for crossing Bonte La Pass.
This trek is the Jomolhari Lollipop Trek, which is a fully supported camping trek. The tents are pitched every evening by the support crew and a dining tent serves as a cosy spot for dinner and a relaxing evening after a day on the trail. Paro is used as a staging point for hotels at the end and beginning of the trek.
Freshly prepared meals are served along the way on the Jomolhari Trek Bhutan. Typically, rice, noodles, vegetables, soups, potatoes, eggs, chicken and seasonal fruits (when available) are served at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hot tea, coffee and boiled drinking water are available each day to keep you hydrated.
The Jomolhari Lollipop Trek itinerary passes through remote mountain areas where shops and restaurants are not available. For the long days of walking, packing a few favorite snacks may be a good idea to have some extra energy. With the help of experienced trekking staff, Mega Treks prepares nutritious meals, keeping you comfortable during the entire trek.
The Jomolhari Lollipop Trek is a short trek from Jomolhari, with longer trails. It’s a circular path around the mountain where you can view beautiful vistas, high passes and traditional villages without being in the wild for several weeks. It is suitable for the trekker who has limited time.
The Jomolhari Trek Bhutan can also be enhanced into longer adventures like the Jomolhari Loop Trek and the Snowman Trek. These hikes extend into the further reaches of the northern region of Bhutan and involve further hiking days, high altitude and more experience.
If you have followed the Jomolhari Lollipop Trek itinerary and still wish to have some additional sightseeing days in Paro or Thimphu before or after the trek, your guide may suggest it. This cultural tour enables you to delve into the monasteries, forts and local customs of Bhutan while enjoying your mountain adventure.
The Jomolhari Lollipop Trek is not simple, but with proper preparations, it can be done by some beginners. For healthy, physically active and willing parties who train before the trip, this trek may be a great first high-altitude camping experience.
The Jomolhari Trek Bhutan reaches elevations above 4,000 m / 13,123 ft and crosses Bonte La Pass (4,890 m / 16,043 ft). Due to the elevation and many walks throughout the day, it is advisable for beginners to learn about the difficulties and situations carefully and to follow their guide’s instructions throughout the walk.
The Jomolhari Lollipop Trek is also an acclimatization day hiking trek, allowing your body time to adapt before you start to climb up in elevation. To make the trek more comfortable and enjoyable, Mega Treks advises you to do some walking, hiking, or other endurance exercises for several weeks leading up to your departure.
With proper preparation, you can enjoy your adventure on the Jomolhari Lollipop Trek with more confidence. Training should start at least 6-8 weeks before travel. Walking, hiking, cycling, jogging, or stair climbing regularly will increase your endurance and will make long walking days more manageable.
The Jomolhari Trek Bhutan involves a lot of walking with a light day pack for several days. Pack animals carry the camp equipment with you, but it is important to be able to walk up to eight hours on uneven ground, with a lot of uphill and downhill.
Before starting the Jomolhari Lollipop Trek itinerary, make sure your trekking boots are well broken in and your clothing is suitable for changing mountain weather. This is because the temperatures can go below freezing at camps above (4,000 m / 13,123 ft) and the warmest layer in your clothing, waterproof clothing, gloves and a good sleeping bag are crucial.
The Jomolhari Lollipop Trek is in the remote areas of the mountains where the availability of electricity and Internet is highly limited. After you’ve left Paro, you should plan to have several days of limited mobile and/or Wi-Fi connectivity. This way you can enjoy the secluded mountain atmosphere to the fullest.
Typically, the campsites do not have charging stations on the Jomolhari Trek Bhutan. A fully charged power bank or small solar charger is strongly recommended to ensure your cell phone, camera, or GPS device is not only charged but also ready for the trek.
During the Jomolhari Lollipop Trek, there are numerous great opportunities for shooting photos around Jangothang (4080 m / 13386 ft) and Bonte La Pass (4890 m / 16043 ft). Remember to bring extra batteries and memory cards as cold conditions may drain batteries faster than normal.
There are several official permits that you need to obtain before you enter Bhutan and start trekking on the Jomolhari Lollipop Trek. For international visitors, independent trekking is not allowed as it is to be organised by a licensed tour operator in Bhutan.
Typically, the necessary paperwork for the Jomolhari Trek Bhutan consists of permits for trekking in Bhutan and a tourist visa from the Bhutanese government. These permits ensure the protection of the environment and provide responsible tourism opportunities in the country’s protected mountain areas.
In the case of the Jomolhari Lollipop Trek itinerary, you will be responsible for getting all necessary permits as part of your trip planning when booking with Mega Treks. Just need to submit the necessary passport information and travel documentation in advance to ensure you’re prepared for your trip to Bhutan.
The starting point of the Jomolhari Lollipop trek is in Paro, where Bhutan’s international airport is located. The majority of travelers arrive by air; however, visitors traveling from India are able to cross the border at Phuentsholing and then continue on by road to Paro. Comfortable transportation by private vehicle is arranged between the airport and the hotel and also from the hotel to the starting point of the trek.
In the Jomolhari Trek Bhutan, transportation will only be required before and after the trek. After arriving at Gunitsawa, the adventure goes on as you walk through valleys, forests and high mountain landscapes. After a few days of camping, a vehicle will take you back to Paro, the final destination.
The Jomolhari Lollipop Trek itinerary covers all the ground transfers for the trek. Mega Treks also provides the necessary and skilled driving in local vehicles to ensure you have a smooth journey, where you won’t have to worry about travel arrangements.
The Jomolhari Lollipop Trek is considered a remote trek and therefore travel insurance is highly recommended for the trek, as medical facilities are scarce in the mountains. The right policy provides peace of mind and can cover such events as may occur along the way.
The following types of insurance are required for the Jomolhari Trek Bhutan trip: Emergency Medical (Helicopter evacuation if available), Trip Cancellation and coverage for trekking above 4,890 m / 16,043 ft. Always, when buying a policy, make sure high altitude trekking is covered.
The Jomolhari Lollipop Trek is well planned to mitigate all unnecessary risks, but as per the nature of the mountains and the condition of the people, emergencies may occur at any time. Mega Treks strongly advocates for having a comprehensive tour insurance arranged before coming to Bhutan, which enables you to travel confidently throughout your tour in Bhutan.
The Jomolhari Lollipop Trek is a rewarding trek that blends together beautiful mountain landscape, tranquil forests, the culture of Bhutan and traditional villages. Every day has a new landscape – rivers, alpine meadows, high mountain passes with prayer flags in colors. You will also enjoy the warm hospitality of the local trekking crew that will accompany you on the trek.
For the Bhutan Jomolhari Trek, the camp stays will be in remote valleys and the presence of Himalayan peaks. Among the highlights are the visit to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery, the beautiful campsite at Jangothang (4080 m / 13386 ft) and crossing Bonte La Pass (4890 m / 16043 ft) with a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. Yaks, blue sheep and various birds can also be spotted on the trail.
The Jomolhari Lollipop Trek itinerary is more than just a walk up the mountain. It is an opportunity to enjoy a well-organised camping trek, to see Bhutan’s peaceful landscapes and traditional lifestyle and to experience Bhutan’s unique culture. Mega Treks is partnered with local guides and support staff who have been there and done that to ensure a safe, fun and memorable trekking experience from start to finish.
Typically, the journey has four mountain campsites, including one night in Jangothang for proper acclimatization before crossing over the pass.
No.The weather is unpredictable, but the best and closest views are generally from Thangthangkha, Jangothang and other hiking spots nearby.
There are some campsites with basic permanent toilet facilities with simple amenities and temporary camping toilets are provided.
Yes. The trekking staff boil or treat the water with some other method before it is distributed throughout the camping trip.
Sightings of blue sheep, marmots, yaks, Himalayan birds and other mountain wildlife are possible, but always subject to natural conditions.
Yes. Camping equipment and duffel bags are packed and carried by pack animals, so the trekkers can take only a light daypack for the walk.
Yes. On the way are opportunities for great photography: snow-covered peaks, glaciers, monasteries, rivers, forests and traditional villages.
Warm clothing is needed at higher camps as the nights are often below freezing temperatures in spring and autumn.
Power bank charging facilities are very few and there is no provision for charging camera batteries, so please bring extra power banks and camera batteries.
Generally, shower facilities are not available at the mountain campsites and the trekker should prepare for basic camping conditions throughout the trek.
The trek winds through forests, alpine meadows, rocky areas, river valleys and passes through mountain passes, some of which are steep and others are gentle.
Yes. There are a few bridges to cross over mountain rivers on the hike, providing interesting and scenic aspects of the walking trail.
Yes. The hike goes through small villages where you will see the traditional life of Bhutan’s mountain people and the yak herding community.
Light snow can be found on the pass during early spring and late autumn, depending on the time of year.
They are optional, but trekking poles give you added stability and your knees will ease when you’re climbing uphill and/or descending downhill.
This trek is not as crowded as a lot of the routes in the Himalayas and is generally very quiet.
Yes. Most of the common dietary needs and vegetarian (on request) needs can be catered for before leaving.
Tip for good service – appreciated, but always done at your discretion.
Yes. Dress appropriately, seek permission before taking pictures of people in the area and observe religious facilities and local customs.
It is a rewarding experience for the Himalayan trekking experience due to its circular route, close sighting of Mount Jomolhari, cultural sights and peaceful camping.
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