BHUTANFor experienced, curious walkers
A challenging high-altitude trek for fit travellers comfortable with long walking days, remote camps and cold nights. Cultural curiosity matters as much as mountain ambition.
Private mountain festival journey · 13 days
Jomolhari Mountain Festival Trek 2027
10–22 October 2027. A highland celebration beneath Jomolhari, the Soi Yaksa trail, and a gentle return to Bhutan’s valley life.
- Duration
- 13 days / 12 nights
- Route
- Paro · Jomolhari · Thimphu · Punakha
- Style
- Private & handcrafted
- Travel dates
- 10–22 October 2027
The journey in one thought
A mountain gathering. A journey with room to linger.
Walk into Jomolhari country as highland communities gather to celebrate the life they share with these mountains. This private Jomolhari Mountain Festival trek combines the Soi Yaksa loop with two nights at Jangothang: time to settle at altitude, attend the festival on 14 October and enjoy the valley before continuing over Bonte La.
Begin with two nights in Paro and the climb to Tiger’s Nest. Follow river valleys towards Jangothang, then cross Bonte La and return through Soi Yaksa and Thombu Shong. After five nights under canvas, spa time, artisan encounters and two nights in Punakha bring a softer rhythm before your final Paro evening.
Thirteen days, thoughtfully balanced
Three Paro nights in total, five camping nights, two nights in Thimphu and two in Punakha. Six days on the mountain route include one festival and acclimatisation day.
A festival rooted in place
Community traditions, highland livelihoods and snow leopard conservation meet beneath Jomolhari. Attend at an unhurried pace, with your guide interpreting the local programme.
The story of the journey
Five experiences to carry home
High mountain paths lead to a community celebration, followed by small creative encounters, farmhouse hospitality and time to recover.
Jomolhari Mountain Festival & trek route
Follow the valley in. Take the Soi Yaksa trail home.
The festival takes place at Dangochang near Jangothang, beneath Jomolhari. This route keeps the same camp for two nights, with a festival and acclimatisation day on 14 October before continuing over Bonte La. It follows the Soi Yaksa loop, rather than continuing towards Lingshi.
Day by day
Thirteen days, from mountain celebration to valley calm.
10–22 October 2027. Two opening nights in Paro, five nights camping, two in Thimphu, two in Punakha and a final Paro night. Festival attendance stays flexible; walking days follow the demands of the trail.
Day01
10 October 2027 · Arrive in Paro
A gentle beginning in Paro.
Meet your Raven guide at the airport and settle into your valley stay. Keep the afternoon light: a stroll through Paro town, tea in a local café and time to rest after the flight. Share an unhurried welcome dinner and discuss the days ahead. Sightseeing remains optional today.
- Pace
- Easy arrival · short stroll
- Overnight
- Paro
Day02
11 October · Paro · Tiger’s Nest
A first climb, with time to breathe.
Begin early for the walk to Tiger’s Nest, taking a steady pace through pine forest and stopping for views along the way. Allow five to seven hours for the return hike and monastery visit. Return for a relaxed meal and rest, then meet your trekking team for a route briefing and equipment check. This hike introduces the altitude; it is not a substitute for acclimatisation on the trek.
- Pace
- Hike · approximately 5–7 hours
- Overnight
- Paro
Day03
12 October · Upper Paro → Thangthangkha
Follow the river into mountain country.
Drive through upper Paro towards the Sharna trailhead and meet the camp team. Follow the river through forest, crossing bridges as the valley narrows and opens again. This is a substantial first trekking day, with a picnic stop and a steady rhythm rather than a race to camp. Arrive at Thangthangkha for a hot meal and your first night under canvas.
- Pace
- ≈22 km · 7–8 hours, plus approach drive
- Overnight
- Thangthangkha camp · ≈3,610 m
Day04
13 October · Thangthangkha → Jangothang
Towards the mountain and its people.
Continue upstream as the forest gives way to open highland country. Pass small settlements and grazing land before reaching Jangothang, where Jomolhari rises above the valley when the weather clears. Settle into the same camp for two nights. Keep the afternoon gentle, with warm drinks, a short stroll if you feel well and time to rest.
- Pace
- ≈19 km · 5–7 hours
- Overnight
- Jangothang camp · ≈4,080 m
Day05
14 October · Jomolhari Mountain Festival
A celebration beneath Jomolhari.
Walk gently to nearby Dangochang for the festival on 14 October. Join the gathering of highland communities and discover the traditions and conservation work that connect people with this landscape. Your guide explains the local programme, which may include songs, dances, games and displays of highland life. Return to camp whenever you wish, balancing the celebration with rest at altitude before tomorrow’s crossing.
- Pace
- Gentle local walking · flexible festival visit
- Overnight
- Jangothang camp · second night
Day06
15 October · Jangothang → Bonte La → Soi Yaksa
Lakes, a high pass and a quieter valley.
Leave early for the ascent towards the Tshophu lakes and Bonte La, approximately 4,890 metres. This is the most demanding crossing of the journey, rewarded in clear weather by a wide mountain outlook. Descend carefully towards Soi Yaksa, also known in route descriptions as the Dhumzo area, and settle into camp. The day’s pace and route depend on trail conditions and acclimatisation.
- Pace
- ≈16 km · 6–8 hours · high point ≈4,890 m
- Overnight
- Soi Yaksa camp · ≈3,800 m
Day07
16 October · Soi Yaksa → Thombu Shong
Across the grazing country.
Walk through open highland terrain and climb towards Takhung La, approximately 4,520 metres. Take time for the changing views and the quieter character of this side of the loop. Descend towards Thombu Shong, a grazing area with your final mountain camp. Enjoy a warm supper and a last evening with the team beneath the October sky.
- Pace
- ≈11 km · 4–6 hours
- Overnight
- Thombu Shong camp · ≈4,180 m
Day08
17 October · Thombu Shong → Gunitsawa → Thimphu
From the trail to a warm welcome.
Cross Thombu La, approximately 4,380 metres, then make the long descent to Gunitsawa. Say farewell to the trekking crew and meet your chauffeur for the drive to Thimphu, with food and comfortable stops along the way. A spa treatment offers a welcome recovery if arrival time allows; otherwise we reserve it for tomorrow. Keep dinner simple and the evening free.
- Pace
- ≈13 km · 4–6 hours walking; ≈3–4 hours driving
- Overnight
- Thimphu
Day09
18 October · Thimphu
Make, taste and wander.
Begin with optional gentle yoga, then visit Choki Traditional Art School for a pre-arranged hands-on craft session suited to the school’s schedule. Enjoy a local lunch, browse the daily farmers’ market and wander through town with time for small shops and a café. Take your spa treatment today if preferred. Finish with a relaxed dinner at a restaurant chosen around your tastes.
- Pace
- Flexible creative day · yoga and recovery time
- Overnight
- Thimphu
Day10
19 October · Thimphu → Punakha
A monastery welcome and a family kitchen.
Drive over Dochula, pausing for the chortens and mountain views if skies are clear. After lunch in Punakha, visit Neyzergang for butter lamps and conversation when the monastic schedule allows. Tree planting is arranged only when conditions suit the chosen species and local aftercare is in place. At Aum Leki’s homestay, help prepare seasonal dishes, share dinner and settle into the warmth of a family home.
- Pace
- ≈2½–3 hours driving, plus stops and visits
- Overnight
- Punakha · Aum Leki homestay, subject to availability
Day11
20 October · Punakha Valley
River air and room to slow down.
Walk to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten in the cooler morning, allowing roughly one and a half to two hours for the return outing. Continue with a gentle guided Mo Chhu rafting trip when river conditions permit, followed by a riverside lunch. Settle into your countryside lodge and rest. Weather permitting, enjoy dinner under the stars; a contained bonfire is arranged only where the property allows it.
- Pace
- Valley hike and rafting · restful afternoon
- Overnight
- Punakha · countryside lodge
Day12
21 October · Punakha → Paro
A final valley evening, warmly shared.
Visit Punakha Dzong in the morning if access and timing allow, then drive to Paro with lunch and comfortable breaks en route. A short supervised archery and khuru session offers a playful introduction to Bhutan’s traditional games. Finish with a pre-arranged hot stone bath and a farewell meal. If the transfer runs late, favour the bath and dinner over extra activities.
- Pace
- ≈4–5 hours driving, plus stops
- Overnight
- Paro
Day13
22 October · Paro → Departure
Carry the mountains with you.
Enjoy breakfast as your flight time allows, then transfer privately to Paro International Airport. Your guide and chauffeur help with the farewell, bringing a journey of mountain paths, community celebration and valley hospitality to a gentle close.
- Pace
- Private airport transfer
- Overnight
- Departure
Why Raven designed it this way
Stay longer where the journey deserves it.
Two nights at Jangothang give the festival breathing room and avoid rushing straight over a high pass. One full day at the same camp supports acclimatisation, with gentle outings selected around how you feel. It does not remove the risks of altitude; your guide may adjust the trek when conditions or wellbeing require.
The return is deliberately softer. Two nights in Thimphu allow a proper recovery day; two in Punakha bring river time, farmhouse cooking and a monastery encounter. A final night in Paro keeps the airport transfer simple and leaves space for a warm farewell.
Where you may stay
Supported camps. Welcoming valley stays.
On the trek, a dedicated team manages tents, camp meals and pack-animal transport. In the valleys, choose locally rooted boutique stays or selected upgrades. The Punakha plan pairs one Aum Leki homestay night with one countryside lodge night, subject to availability and your comfort preferences.
- Paro · 3 nights total: two before the trek and one before departure, with time for Tiger’s Nest and a final hot stone bath.
- Mountains · 5 camp nights: Thangthangkha 1, Jangothang 2, Soi Yaksa 1 and Thombu Shong 1.
- Thimphu · 2 nights and Punakha · 2 nights: spa and craft encounters, followed by farmhouse hospitality and a restful valley stay.
Your private proposal confirms all twelve nights, room categories, camp equipment and meal arrangements. Mountain camps are remote and facilities are simple.
Read Raven’s approach to staysPractical clarity
What Raven takes care of
Your proposal itemises accommodation, the trekking team and equipment, meals, activities, permits, visa arrangements and the applicable Sustainable Development Fee. There is no festival-linked SDF waiver assumed for this journey.
Your private arrangements
- Private journey design, visa processing and applicable SDF as confirmed in your proposal
- Private airport transfers and road transport throughout the confirmed journey
- A licensed Raven guide and private chauffeur
- Twelve nights: five supported camps and seven nights in confirmed valley stays
- Meals, refreshments and farmhouse hospitality as specified
- Guided Jomolhari Mountain Festival attendance and confirmed cultural entrance fees
- Trek permits, camping arrangements, camp crew and pack-animal support as specified
- Confirmed yoga, spa, rafting, crafts, farmhouse cooking, hot stone bath and monastery arrangements
Not normally included
- International flights unless expressly included
- Travel insurance covering this trek’s altitude, medical treatment and emergency evacuation
- Alcohol, shopping, laundry and personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Hotel and room upgrades beyond the confirmed proposal
- Optional activities and treatments not specified as included
- Applicable card and bank-transfer charges
- Costs arising from unforeseen changes to flights or travel arrangements
Rest and personal choices
Come down slowly. Return to yourself.
A Thimphu spa treatment and gentle yoga ease the change from camp life to town. In Punakha, enjoy a riverside lunch and a quiet evening after rafting. End in Paro with a traditional hot stone bath and farewell dinner. Treatments, rafting and private activities are reserved in advance and adjusted to your comfort and local conditions.
Questions before you travel
Your mountain journey, explained.
Practical answers about the festival, the Soi Yaksa route, altitude, camping and your private arrangements.
When and where is the Jomolhari Mountain Festival in 2027?
The published tentative dates are 14–15 October 2027, at Dangochang near Jangothang beneath Jomolhari. Our proposed journey runs from 10–22 October, reaching Jangothang on 13 October. Raven reconfirms the festival dates and programme with local organisers before travel.
How difficult is the Soi Yaksa festival trek?
This is a challenging high-altitude trek, with five moving stages totalling approximately 81 km plus local festival walks. Several days take six to eight hours, and Bonte La reaches approximately 4,890 metres. You should be comfortable with sustained uphill and downhill walking, uneven trails and remote camping.
How does the itinerary allow for acclimatisation?
Two nights in Paro include the Tiger’s Nest hike. On the trek, two nights at Jangothang allow one day of gentle activity and festival attendance before Bonte La. Altitude affects people differently and this schedule cannot guarantee acclimatisation. Discuss relevant health concerns with a qualified clinician before booking; your guide can shorten activities or change the route when needed.
How much time do we spend at the festival?
The plan includes the festival on 14 October, with two nights at Jangothang. Your guide arranges a flexible visit to nearby Dangochang, leaving time to rest and explore gently. You continue the trek on 15 October. Performances, games and conservation activities depend on the confirmed programme; wildlife sightings are never promised.
What are the camping arrangements and what should I pack?
A trekking crew handles camp setup, cooking and pack-animal transport; you carry a daypack. Bring broken-in walking boots, warm layers, waterproofs, sun protection and a headtorch. Nights at around 4,000 metres can be very cold in October, and higher passes can receive snow. Raven provides a detailed equipment list and confirms sleeping bags, mats and other supplied kit before departure.
Can we tailor the activities after the trek?
Yes. Yoga, crafts, rafting, monastery visits and farmhouse cooking are planned around your interests. Rafting depends on river conditions; tree planting requires suitable seasonal conditions and aftercare. Spa timing may move to the following day if the trek exit runs late. A homestay visit with a lodge overnight can replace the homestay night if preferred.
What is included and which insurance do we need?
Your private proposal confirms the SDF, visa, permits, trek support, accommodation, meals and reserved activities. No Jomolhari festival SDF waiver is assumed. Arrange travel insurance that explicitly covers trekking to approximately 4,900 metres, medical care and emergency evacuation. Flights, insurance, personal spending and unlisted extras are normally separate.
Your journey starts with a conversation
What would you like to discover in Bhutan?
Tell us about your trekking experience, preferred stays and what draws you to the Jomolhari Mountain Festival. We will shape your private October 2027 journey with thoughtful mountain support and a gentle return to the valleys.
Begin a private conversation