Best trails in Jigme Dorji National Park

The trail begins in temperate forests of fir, birch, and rhododendron before ascending into a severe alpine environment. Above the tree line, the route is a high-altitude tundra of rock, grasses, and alpine scrub. This is the habitat of blue sheep (bharal) and the elusive snow leopard. The path is fully exposed to volatile weather, and snow can fall on the high passes at any time of the year. Avalanche risk is present on steep slopes, particularly in the early and late season.

This 5-day trekking loop offers a concise experience of the remote northwestern region of Bhutan. The route starts with the passage from Shana to Thangthanka Campsite (Day 1). You continue toward the base of Mount Jomolhari on Day 2, reaching the essential acclimatization point at Jomolhari Base Camp (Jangothang). In these high valleys, you will encounter the scattered homes of nomadic yak herders. Day 3 involves traversing the Bonte-La Pass and descending toward Soe Yaksa, followed by the...