Jomolhari Mountain Festival Tour Bhutan

The Jumolhari Mountain Festival is an exquisitely themed two-day event celebrated at the base of Mt. Jumolhari, by communities located along one of the most scenic trekking routes in Bhutan. This Festival is a community-based initiative aimed at promoting and raising awareness of the conservation of the snow leopard and also celebrates the highlander’s life and unique culture. The communities of Soe Yaksa and Soe Yutoed, located along the Jumolhari trek, in collaboration with Jigme Dorji National Park and the Nature Recreation and Eco-tourism Division with support from the Snow Leopard Conservancy and Bhutan Foundation bring together this festival as a community based initiative towards the conservation of snow leopard, to create awareness on the importance of conservation, engage and build on the perception and attitude to create harmony between the endangered cat and the people, provide a platform to bring in opportunities for sustainable livelihood, and promote their culture.

  • 1
    Day 1: Arrive Paro (Bhutan) by Flight & drive to Thimphu (55km, approx. 1.1/2-hour drive)

    • On arrival at Paro International Airport, received by our representative after immigration formalities & baggage collection and then transfer to Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu. En-route photo stop at Tamchog temple viewpoint & Chuzom, the confluence of Paro & Thimphu rivers.
    • On arrival in Thimphu check into the hotel.
    • Later visit King’s Memorial Stupa.
    • Evening an exploratory walk around Thimphu city centre.
    • Overnight in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m).

  • 2
    Day 2: Thimphu

    • Full day exploration of Thimphu valley includes visit to, Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Museum, Institute of Zorig Chusum or Arts & Crafts School, Takin Preserve, Thimphu Post office, Buddha Dordenma and Trashichhoedzong, the beautiful medieval fortress / monastery.
    • Overnight in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m).

  • 3
    Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha (75km, approx. 2.1/2-hour drive)

    • After breakfast, drive to Punakha, the ancient capital town of Bhutan. En-route take a short stop at Dochula pass (3,080m) enjoying stunning mountain views at the backdrop of picturesque Druk Wangyel Chortens (stupa).
    • On arrival in Punakha, check into the hotel.
    • Afternoon visit historic Punakha Dzong (fortress cum monastery) and a short walking excursion (about 30 min round trip walk) to Chimi Lhakhang or ‘Fertility Temple’.
    • Overnight in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m).

  • 4
    Day 4: Punakha – Paro (125km, approx. 4-hour drive) 

    • Morning after breakfast, drive to Paro via Dochula pass.
    • Afternoon visit to Ta Dzong (National Museum) & Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) or ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’. 
    • Evening an exploratory walk around Paro city centre.
    • Overnight in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).

  • 5
    Day 5: Paro – Shana – Soi Thangthangkha, 19km, approx. 8 / 9-hour Trek

    • After breakfast, drive for about 2-hour through farm road to Shana from where the trek commences, ascending through river valleys and beautiful pine and rhododendron forests. Then turn north towards Mount. Jomolhari which can be seen from the top of the valley.
    • Overnight Camp (Altitude 3,680m).

  • 6
    Day 6: Soi Thangthangkha – Jangothang (Jomolhari Base Camp), 15km, approx. 6-hour Trek

    • After breakfast, continue following Paro Chhu river as the valley begins to widen opening into a magnificent area surrounded by high ridges and snow-capped peaks. In this area, yaks and their herder’s homes become a regular feature of the fascinating landscape traversing through villages of Soe, Takethang and Dangochang. 
    • Overnight in camp at a spectacular site with mesmerising view of Mount. Jomolhari (Altitude 4,080m).

  • 7
    Day 7: Jangothang (Jomolhari Mountain Festival)

    • Full day witness, enjoy and participate in Jomolhari Mountain Festival.  This festivals entails various unique local activities and experiences comprising of songs and dances by local communities of Soe, Yaksa, Lingshi and Nubri villages, performance by school students focusing on conservation of Snow Leopard, horse racing, musical chair, tug of war etc. Travellers get opportunity to experience the culture of Jomolhari communities, taste local delicacies, procure handicrafts souvenirs, participate in traditional games (Khuru & shot put) or embark on scenic hikes where blue sheep can be seen and even get evidence of mysterious cat, Snow Leopard. 
    • Overnight at camp in Jongothang (Altitude 4,080m).

     

  • 8
    Day 8: Jangothang – Soi Yaksa, 16 km, approx. 7-hour trek

    • Today’s trek begins with a steep hike to Tshophu lake and gradually climbs up to Bhonte La pass (4,890m). Around this region, we often see blue sheep, fat marmots and migrating Himalayan bird species as well as magnificent views of Mount. Jichu Drake and Tserim Kang along the side of Mount. Jomolhari. After the pass, it is sharp descent to small yak-herding village of Soi Yaksa.
    • Overnight camp at Soi Yaksa (Altitude 3,800m).  

  • 9
    Day 9: Soi Yaksa – Thongbu Shong, 11 km, approx. 5-hour trek

    • The trek starts with gentle uphill climb to the top of eastern ridge of Soi Yaksa valley. From here, one can enjoy an incredible view of the amphitheatre of mountains to the north and to the west. Cross Takhungla (4,520m) and descend to camp site in a wide grassy pasture.
    • Overnight camp at Thongbu Shong (Altitude 4,180m). 

  • 10
    Day 10: Thongbu Shong – Shana - Paro, 13 km, approx. 5-hour trek

    • After a short, steep climb out of camp, leave the remote mountain area by following the ridge to Thombu La (4,380m). From this vantage point, we get a glimpse of Paro valley to the south and amazing mountain views all around. Start sharp descent arriving at Shana where you’ll be picked up by our vehicle and driven to Paro valley.
    • Overnight at the hotel in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).

  • 11
    Day 11: Paro 

    • After breakfast, walking excursion (approx. 5-hour round trip walk) to Taktsang monastery or ‘Tiger Nest’. 
    • Afternoon visit Kyichu & Dungtse temples.
    • Overnight in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).

  • 12
    Day 12: Depart Paro (Bhutan)

    • Morning transfer to Paro International Airport for flight to onward destination. 

Jomolhari Mountain Festival Tour Bhutan

Description

The Jumolhari Mountain Festival is an exquisitely themed two-day event celebrated at the base of Mt. Jumolhari, by communities located along one of the most scenic trekking routes in Bhutan. This Festival is a community-based initiative aimed at promoting and raising awareness of the conservation of the snow leopard and also celebrates the highlander’s life and unique culture. The communities of Soe Yaksa and Soe Yutoed, located along the Jumolhari trek, in collaboration with Jigme Dorji National Park and the Nature Recreation and Eco-tourism Division with support from the Snow Leopard Conservancy and Bhutan Foundation bring together this festival as a community based initiative towards the conservation of snow leopard, to create awareness on the importance of conservation, engage and build on the perception and attitude to create harmony between the endangered cat and the people, provide a platform to bring in opportunities for sustainable livelihood, and promote their culture.

Location Map

Tour Timeline

  • 1
    Day 1: Arrive Paro (Bhutan) by Flight & drive to Thimphu (55km, approx. 1.1/2-hour drive)

    • On arrival at Paro International Airport, received by our representative after immigration formalities & baggage collection and then transfer to Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu. En-route photo stop at Tamchog temple viewpoint & Chuzom, the confluence of Paro & Thimphu rivers.
    • On arrival in Thimphu check into the hotel.
    • Later visit King’s Memorial Stupa.
    • Evening an exploratory walk around Thimphu city centre.
    • Overnight in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m).

  • 2
    Day 2: Thimphu

    • Full day exploration of Thimphu valley includes visit to, Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Museum, Institute of Zorig Chusum or Arts & Crafts School, Takin Preserve, Thimphu Post office, Buddha Dordenma and Trashichhoedzong, the beautiful medieval fortress / monastery.
    • Overnight in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m).

  • 3
    Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha (75km, approx. 2.1/2-hour drive)

    • After breakfast, drive to Punakha, the ancient capital town of Bhutan. En-route take a short stop at Dochula pass (3,080m) enjoying stunning mountain views at the backdrop of picturesque Druk Wangyel Chortens (stupa).
    • On arrival in Punakha, check into the hotel.
    • Afternoon visit historic Punakha Dzong (fortress cum monastery) and a short walking excursion (about 30 min round trip walk) to Chimi Lhakhang or ‘Fertility Temple’.
    • Overnight in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m).

  • 4
    Day 4: Punakha – Paro (125km, approx. 4-hour drive) 

    • Morning after breakfast, drive to Paro via Dochula pass.
    • Afternoon visit to Ta Dzong (National Museum) & Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) or ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’. 
    • Evening an exploratory walk around Paro city centre.
    • Overnight in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).

  • 5
    Day 5: Paro – Shana – Soi Thangthangkha, 19km, approx. 8 / 9-hour Trek

    • After breakfast, drive for about 2-hour through farm road to Shana from where the trek commences, ascending through river valleys and beautiful pine and rhododendron forests. Then turn north towards Mount. Jomolhari which can be seen from the top of the valley.
    • Overnight Camp (Altitude 3,680m).

  • 6
    Day 6: Soi Thangthangkha – Jangothang (Jomolhari Base Camp), 15km, approx. 6-hour Trek

    • After breakfast, continue following Paro Chhu river as the valley begins to widen opening into a magnificent area surrounded by high ridges and snow-capped peaks. In this area, yaks and their herder’s homes become a regular feature of the fascinating landscape traversing through villages of Soe, Takethang and Dangochang. 
    • Overnight in camp at a spectacular site with mesmerising view of Mount. Jomolhari (Altitude 4,080m).

  • 7
    Day 7: Jangothang (Jomolhari Mountain Festival)

    • Full day witness, enjoy and participate in Jomolhari Mountain Festival.  This festivals entails various unique local activities and experiences comprising of songs and dances by local communities of Soe, Yaksa, Lingshi and Nubri villages, performance by school students focusing on conservation of Snow Leopard, horse racing, musical chair, tug of war etc. Travellers get opportunity to experience the culture of Jomolhari communities, taste local delicacies, procure handicrafts souvenirs, participate in traditional games (Khuru & shot put) or embark on scenic hikes where blue sheep can be seen and even get evidence of mysterious cat, Snow Leopard. 
    • Overnight at camp in Jongothang (Altitude 4,080m).

     

  • 8
    Day 8: Jangothang – Soi Yaksa, 16 km, approx. 7-hour trek

    • Today’s trek begins with a steep hike to Tshophu lake and gradually climbs up to Bhonte La pass (4,890m). Around this region, we often see blue sheep, fat marmots and migrating Himalayan bird species as well as magnificent views of Mount. Jichu Drake and Tserim Kang along the side of Mount. Jomolhari. After the pass, it is sharp descent to small yak-herding village of Soi Yaksa.
    • Overnight camp at Soi Yaksa (Altitude 3,800m).  

  • 9
    Day 9: Soi Yaksa – Thongbu Shong, 11 km, approx. 5-hour trek

    • The trek starts with gentle uphill climb to the top of eastern ridge of Soi Yaksa valley. From here, one can enjoy an incredible view of the amphitheatre of mountains to the north and to the west. Cross Takhungla (4,520m) and descend to camp site in a wide grassy pasture.
    • Overnight camp at Thongbu Shong (Altitude 4,180m). 

  • 10
    Day 10: Thongbu Shong – Shana - Paro, 13 km, approx. 5-hour trek

    • After a short, steep climb out of camp, leave the remote mountain area by following the ridge to Thombu La (4,380m). From this vantage point, we get a glimpse of Paro valley to the south and amazing mountain views all around. Start sharp descent arriving at Shana where you’ll be picked up by our vehicle and driven to Paro valley.
    • Overnight at the hotel in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).

  • 11
    Day 11: Paro 

    • After breakfast, walking excursion (approx. 5-hour round trip walk) to Taktsang monastery or ‘Tiger Nest’. 
    • Afternoon visit Kyichu & Dungtse temples.
    • Overnight in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).

  • 12
    Day 12: Depart Paro (Bhutan)

    • Morning transfer to Paro International Airport for flight to onward destination.