Jhomolhari Ascent

Your guide meets you at Paro International Airport — one of the world's most dramatic approaches, threading between peaks with only a handful of pilots qualified to navigate the descent. The lodge is a 10-minute transfer away.

After checking in and acclimatising to the Himalayan air at 2,250 metres, an afternoon stroll through Paro town introduces you to the kingdom's gentle rhythms — the hum of prayer wheels, the flicker of butter lamps, and the quiet confidence of a culture that has protected itself for centuries.

A temple visit rounds out the day, easing you into the spiritual landscape that will define the journey ahead.

A full day exploring the Paro Valley on foot. The morning route winds through pine forests high above the lodge to the fortress-like monastery of Zurig Dzong, then traverses to Ta Dzong — home to the National Museum — with commanding views across the entire valley.

Descend to Rinpung Dzong, the Fortress on a Heap of Jewels, where the Monastic body and government offices of Paro are housed. Cross the Paro Chhu river via the traditional covered bridge Nyamai Zam, past the main archery ground and Ugyen Pelri Palace, and into Paro town.

In the afternoon, drive a few kilometres north to Kyichu Lhakhang — one of Bhutan's oldest and most revered temples, with its magical orange tree said to bear fruit year-round. Time permitting, continue to Drukgyel Dzong at the head of the valley, built in 1648 to commemorate Bhutanese victory over a Tibetan invasion. Your guide can also arrange an optional butter lamp ceremony at a nearby monastery — a Buddhist blessing of light over darkness — before you return to the lodge.

An early start avoids the midday sun on what is perhaps the most iconic hike in all of the Himalayas. The two-hour climb is steep but manageable — passing a cascading waterfall and ascending through pine forest until Taktsang Monastery appears, clinging impossibly to a sheer cliff face 3,000 metres above the valley floor.

According to legend, this is where Guru Rinpoche arrived on the back of a flying tigress in the 8th century, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan from Tibet. The monastery's interior is filled with beautiful murals, sacred relics, and an atmosphere of deep devotion. If time and stamina allow, your guide can lead you further uphill to visit remote temples above the main complex.

Lunch is either a prepared picnic on the trail or a hearty meal at the Taktsang cafeteria. Return to COMO Uma Paro for your final night before the trek — the swimming pool, steam room, or a restorative COMO Shambhala treatment are the perfect way to prepare for the days ahead.

An early drive stops at Drukgyel Dzong before continuing off-road along the Pa Chhu River past traditional farmhouses, rich farmlands, and the small settlements of Mitshi Zampa and Sangatang. The trek begins at Shana Zampa.

The journey enters Jigme Dorji National Park — the only park that contains Bhutan's national animal (the Takin) and national flower (the blue poppy). The park spans all three climate zones of Bhutan, from leafy forests to permanent ice fields. The trail winds through rhododendron and pine-clad valley, with rising mountain faces on either side — including Mt. Jhomolhari — towards the Thangthangkha meadow campsite.

Beyond the last army post, the trail passes a Mani wall of pebbles inscribed with prayer mantras and enters yak country. Witness the yak herder settlements of Soe and Takethang, where crops such as barley, potatoes and turnips flourish, and a chorten marks the final approach to the campsite at Jangothang.

After settling in, the trekking guide explains the following day's exploration of the hinterland around base camp. The rest of the day is yours to soak in the Himalayan panorama that surrounds you.

The set activity is a trek in yak herder territory, climbing the ridge to the north for views of Mt. Jichu Drakye (6,989m).

In the afternoon, you may go on a leisurely search for a rare sighting of blue sheep or the blue poppy, Bhutan's national flower. Alternatively, simply relax in camp surrounded by views of the snow-capped Mt. Jhomolhari — the day is yours to enjoy however you like.

The trail crosses the Pa Chhu River and climbs to the lake at Tshophu towards Bhonte La (4,890m) — the highest point of the trek. Here, we pause to take in the unforgettable views of Basingthang (5,500m) and Chatarake (Jo Drakey) at 5,570m.

We then arrive at the Dhumzo Chhu River and follow it downstream, past waterfalls, farmhouses and yak herder camps, on the way to our campsite at Soi Yaktsa.

The morning trail climbs 100m over a ridge before dropping towards a stream, eventually crossing the Takhung La pass (4,520m). Here we are rewarded with views of four mountains: Mt. Jhomolhari, Mt. Jichu Drake, Mt. Teri Kang, and Mt. Kanchenjunga. The sheer scale and clarity of the landscape makes this an unforgettable vantage point.

We then descend switchback trails into the wide, grassy Thombu Valley, which is usually bustling with yak herders and their families.

The trail crosses Thombu La pass (4,380m) and descends into a pine and juniper forest. Our vehicle awaits at Gunitsawa to take us back through the farmlands of upper Paro Valley to COMO Uma Paro.

Soothing treatments await your tired muscles and you can unwind across the resort grounds — the swimming pool, steam room, or a COMO Shambhala treatment are the perfect way to honour the completion of the trek.

We've curated a list of places to see and things to do in Thimphu — spend your day with what interests you. Options include the weekend markets (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays); the Buddha Dordenma, a 51.5m gilded bronze statue of Buddha Shakyamuni; Zorig Chusum (National Institute of 13 Arts and Crafts) where young Bhutanese learn traditional crafts; the Royal Takin Preserve, home of Bhutan's national animal; the National Memorial Chorten; Trashi Chhoe Dzong (open after 5pm); the Royal Textile Academy Museum; and the Folk Heritage Museum — a replica of a traditional Bhutanese house as it would have looked a century ago.

A 10-minute transfer to Paro International Airport, arranged to your flight schedule. As you take off, the valley narrows between the peaks — a final reminder of the rarefied world you have been privileged to explore.