Overview
The Jomolhari Festival is a vibrant cultural celebration held annually in the picturesque Paro Valley, near the base of the sacred Mount Jomolhari. This unique festival showcases Bhutan’s rich heritage through traditional dance, music, and rituals, with locals dressed in colorful attire. It provides an opportunity to witness Bhutanese customs, as well as to honor the sacred mountain, which holds deep spiritual significance. Visitors can enjoy the mesmerizing folk performances, lively archery competitions, and traditional rituals dedicated to the mountain deity. The festival also offers a chance to engage with the local community and experience their warm hospitality. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Himalayas, the Jomolhari Festival is a must-see for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Bhutanese culture and spirituality.
Festival Highlights:
- Traditional Dances – Colorful Bhutanese dance performances.
- Sacred Rituals – Prayers and rituals honoring Mount Jomolhari.
- Folk Music – Live performances with traditional instruments.
- Archery Competitions – Exciting local archery contests.
- Local Cuisine – Taste authentic Bhutanese dishes.
- Cultural Exhibits – Handicrafts and local art displays.
Tour Plan
Day 1: Arrival in Paro
- Taa Dzong: Visit the National Museum of Bhutan housed in a former watchtower.
- Kichu Lhakhang: One of the oldest temples in Bhutan, dating back to the 7th century.
- Zurik Hike: A short hike to get your first glimpse of Bhutanese landscapes, offering great views of Paro Valley.
- Overnight in Paro ( 2250m )
Day 2: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
- Spend the day acclimatizing to the altitude with a trek to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery( Round trip duration: 5 hours)
- Altitude gain: 900m
- Enjoy panoramic views and learn about the significance of this sacred site.
- Overnight in Paro ( 2250m )
Day 3: Paro to Shana (2 hours drive) / Trek to Thangthangkha
Your trek begins with a drive to Shana, where the adventure really starts.
- Distance: 21 km
- Trekking duration: 7-8 hours
- Altitude gain: 770m
Camp altitude: 3500m
The trail ascends through dense forest and past remote villages, crossing several rivers. You’ll camp overnight at Thangthangkha, surrounded by the quiet beauty of the Bhutanese wilderness
Day 4: Thangthangkha to Jangothang (Jomolhari Base Camp)
- Distance: 12 km
- Trekking duration: 5-6 hours
- Altitude gain: 290m
- Camp altitude: 4100m
This is a spectacular day of trekking as you approach Jomolhari Base Camp. The route takes you through valleys, past yak herders' camps, and alongside the river, with breathtaking views of Mount Jomolhari (7314m) towering above. Your camp at Jangothang will offer a panoramic view of the mountain range.
Day 5: Acclimatization Day at Jangothang (Base Camp)
Take a well-earned rest at the base camp to allow your body to adjust to the altitude. You’ll also enjoy an acclimatization hike to Tsho Phu (Twin Lakes) and the Bonte La Pass.
- Altitude reached: 4450m – 5005m
The views are simply stunning, with Jomolhari towering above and other Himalayan peaks surrounding you. This hike will give you a deeper connection to the natural beauty of Bhutan.
Day 6: Jomolhari Mountain Festival ( 30- 40 Minutes hike )
The Jomolhari Mountain Festival is a two-day event held at the base of Mount Jomolhari in Bhutan. It celebrates the unique culture of the communities living together with the natural wonders that surround them, particularly the elusive snow leopard. Villagers from Soe, Lingzhi, Yaksa, and Nubri come together to participate in this festival
Festival :
- Hike to Dangojang for the second day of the festival.
- Participate in guided treks to notable sites in Soe, led by local guides.
- After lunch, enjoy cultural performances, including:
- Folk dances
- Traditional handicraft exhibitions by local communities
- Experience local hospitality through homestays, where visitors can:
- Savor home-cooked meals prepared from ingredients grown in local kitchen gardens.
- Hike back to Jangothang base camp in the evening.
Day 7: Jangothang to Lingshi
- Distance: 12 km
- Trekking duration: 4 hours
- Altitude gain: 840m
- Altitude descent: 870m
- Camp altitude: 4100m
Today's trek takes you through a dramatic landscape, descending into a valley before ascending towards Lingshi, a small village perched under the towering Jomolhari. This is a beautiful section of the trek, with sweeping vistas and the chance to interact with local yak herders.
Day 8: Lingshi to Shodu via Yale La (4920m)
- Distance: 22 km
- Trekking duration: 8-9 hours
- Altitude gain: 940m
- Altitude descent: 870m
- Camp altitude: 4080m
This is one of the most challenging yet rewarding days of the trek. You’ll cross Yale La Pass at 4920 meters, offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks. The descent towards Shodu will take you into a valley surrounded by steep cliffs and lush forests, where you will camp for the night.
Day 9: Shodu to Barshong (Trek ends)
- Distance: 16 km
- Trekking duration: 5-6 hours
- Altitude gain: 500m
- Altitude descent: 870m
Today marks the end of your trekking adventure. You will descend through dense forests and beautiful landscapes to Barshong. From here, you'll drive back to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, for an overnight stay and a chance to relax after the trek.
Day 10: Explore Thimphu
Spend the day exploring Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, and immersing yourself in its rich culture.
- Buddha Dordenma Statue: Visit the giant Buddha statue with sweeping views of the valley.
- Post Office: See the famous Bhutanese stamps and send postcards home.
- MothithangTakin Preserve: Learn about Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin.
- Farmers Market: Experience the local markets and Bhutanese way of life.
- Wangditse Hike: A short hike with scenic views of the Thimphu Valley.
- Thimphu Dzong: Visit the iconic Tashichho Dzong, the administrative and religious center of Thimphu.
Day 11: Thimphu to Punakha
Enjoy a scenic drive to Punakha, taking in the stunning Himalayan views along the way.
- Dochula Pass: Stop at the pass to take in the breathtaking views of the Eastern Himalayas.
- Punakha Dzong: Visit one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan, situated at the confluence of the Pho and Mo Rivers.
- Suspension Bridge: Walk across one of Bhutan’s longest suspension bridges, offering fantastic views.
- Wolakha Nunnery: Visit this serene nunnery, offering insight into Bhutan’s spiritual practices.
Day 12: Punakha to Paro
After a leisurely morning, begin your drive back to Paro, with stops along the way for sightseeing and lunch.
- Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten: Hike to this beautiful temple, offering panoramic views of the valley.
- Enjoy lunch in Punakha before continuing your journey.
- Lampelri: A traditional Bhutanese farmhouse where you can enjoy a relaxing hot stone bath and dinner. Experience Bhutanese hospitality and cuisine in a rural setting.
- In evening, authentic Bhutanese farewell dinner at a typical village home with local liquor called “Ara.”
- Hot stone bath ( Optional ). River rocks are heated and dunked into a large wooden tub with herbs. This type of bath is considered to have medicinal properties of healing.
- Overnight in Paro
Day 13: Depart from Paro International Airport
- Our representative will bid you farewell at the airport. TashiDelek!
Included
- Visa Fee
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
- Accommodation in 3-star hotels (before and after the trek)
- Camping equipment (tents- sleeping ,kitchen,shower, toilet, mattress, etc.)
- All meals during the trek
- Experienced trekking guide and support crew (cook, helpers, horsemen)
- Horses/ponies to carry luggage and trekking gear
- All necessary trekking permits
- Boiled drinking water during the trek
- First-aid kit for emergencies
- All applicable taxes and service charges
Excluded
- International airfare to/from Bhutan
- Travel Insurance
- Personal trekking gear (hiking boots, warm clothing, backpack, etc.)
- Alcoholic and specialty beverages
- Tips for guides, cooks, and horsemen
- Additional expenses due to unforeseen events (weather, flight cancellations, etc.)
Good to know
We currently offer two payment methods for tourists to transfer payments for Bhutan tours: Wire Transfer and Wise. However, both methods incur a wire transfer fee of $40 to $50, as Wise payments also require a final transfer to Bhutan via wire.
- More than 45 days before the tour: Free cancellation
- Within 30 days: 35% of the total cost
- Within 21 days: 50% of the total cost
- No-show in Bhutan: 100% of the total cost
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