JOMOLHARI SOI YAKSA TREK DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO
DAY 02: PARO
DAY 03: PARO – SHANA – SOIL THANGTHANGKHA (5-6 hrs)
DAY 04: SOIL THANGTHANGKHA – JANGOTHANG (7-8 hrs)
DAY 05: JANGOTHANG ACCLIMITISATION DAY
DAY 06: JANGOTHANG – SOE YAKSA VIA BHONTE LA (6-7 hrs)
DAY 07: SOE YAKSA – THOMBE (4-5 hrs)
DAY 08: THOMBE – SHANA – THIMPHU (4-5 hrs)
DAY 09: THIMPHU
DAY 10: THIMPHU – PHOBJIKHA VALLEY
DAY 11: PHOBJIKHA VALLEY
DAY 12: PHOBJIKHA VALLEY – PUNAKHA
DAY 13: PUNAKHA – PARO
DAY 14: DEPART PARO
DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. Our Bhutan Travel Bureau representative will meet you at Paro airport. After lunch enjoy afternoon sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to the National Museum, Ta Dzong. This museum houses many religious relics, works of art and handicrafts offering a great orientation into Bhutan’s historical and cultural past. Next, visit the Rimpong Dzong to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa, considered as the master of meditation by the Bhutanese and believed to have attained enlightenment in a lifetime. Dzong’s are large monasteries and district administrative centres, which were once strategic forts. Afterwards walk to the beautiful cantilever wooden bridge still in use. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
DAY 02: PARO
After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill takes you high above the Paro valley. The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. According to legend, great Guru Rimpoche and his consort mediated in a cave here for three months when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. After meditation, they manifested themselves in the forms of Guru Dorji Drolo and a tigress to subdue demons in the valley below. Nearby there is a teahouse where you can stop for lunch.
In the afternoon drive to the almost fully reconstructed Drukgyel Dzong. The original monument (destroyed by fire in 1951) was built by Shabdrung to commemorate his victory against invading Tibetans in 1644. In fine weather the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop. On the return drive to Paro, visit other sights in Paro valley. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
DAY 03: PARO – SHANA – SOIL THANGTHANGKHA (3750m)
17 km, 5-6 hours
After early breakfast from hotel, we will drive about 2 hours through farm road to Shana, where you will start your trek. We ascend through the river valley and beautiful pine and rhododendron forest. Sadly much of the forest has been cut to make way for electricity to be run to Jangothang and Lingzhi village- the sight of fallen trees is a reminder of the cost of progress.
The trail again follows the Pa Chu (Paro river), ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forest .After crossing a bridge to the left bank of the river, we stop for lunch. Then continue along the river, climbing upwards through Rhododendron forest, and crossing the river once more before reaching the campsite (3750m). Overnight at campsite.
DAY 04: SOIL THANGTHANGKHA – JANGOTHANG (4040m)
19km, 7-8 hours
The path ascends for a while until we reach the army camp. We then follow the river above the tree line, enjoying stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch is served at a yak herder’s camp. A short walk from here into the valley takes us to our campsite at Jangothang (4040m). From here the views of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake are Superb. Overnight at campsite.
DAY 05: JANGOTHANG ACCLIMITISATION DAY (4040m)
A rest day to allow for acclimatization following the altitude gains of the last two days. There are a number of good side trips from camp or you can recline in your tent and enjoy superb views from there!
DAY 06: JANGOTHANG – SOE YAKSA (3740m) VIA BHONTE LA (4890m)
16 km, 6-7 hours
A long but exciting day crossing our highest pass, the Bonte La. (4890m). We start steeply to reach the first of two-trout filled glacial lakes. In this remote setting we may catch a glimpse of blue sheep, marmots in the rocks and Himalayan birds frequenting their highest habitats.
From there, encounter a second lake before descending into a hidden valley ahead of embarking on a steep climb towards the Bonte La pass, standing tall at an elevation of 4,890 metres. From the pass there are stunning views of Jichu Drake and the skyline of the Bhutan Himalayas perched along the Tibetan border. We make steep descent into the Soi Yaksa Valley where the incumbent yak herding families have a reputation for producing quality yak wool cloth. It is a lovely setting for our camp (3,740m).
DAY 07: SOE YAKSA – THOMBE (4120m)
11 km, 4-5 hours
A steady uphill leads out of the valley. As we climb the view gradually widens until the summits of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake reappear on the distant horizon surrounded by their Himalayan acolytes. More great views as we cross the Thombu La (4550m) where on a clear day Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world can be spotted. We make our way down into a peaceful valley dotted with the huts of nomadic yak herders, offering an authentic glimpse into mountain life. Pause to embrace the stillness and reflect on the remarkable experiences this journey has given you.
DAY 08: THOMBE – SHANA – THIMPHU (2790m)
13 km, 4-5 hours
We climb out of the valley today and begin the return to civilisation. From our last high point on the ridge, we can see the Paro Valley in the distance before beginning our 1000+ metre descent to finally reach Shana, where our trek began. We hike back down the valley to the road head at Gunitsa, where we say farewell to our trekking team. Our transport waits for the short drive to Paro, and then to Thimphu. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 09: THIMPHU
Once a rustic village sitting in a broad, fertile river valley, Thimphu is today the nation’s bustling capital. Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, including a visit to the National Memorial Chorten depicting the Buddhist faith in the form of paintings and statues. This temple was first initiated by the Third King as a protection from the negative elements of modernization, and as a monument to world peace. The Royal Queen Mother completed it as a memorial stupa for the Third King who passed away in 1972. Continue on to 12th century Changangkha Temple, The National Library housing the collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century and Tashichhodzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. If your visit to Thimphu coincides with the weekend, you can walk through the Thimphu Market to see the variety of food of Bhutan, including basket upon basket of fiery chillies, fresh cheese and a variety of fresh greens. In addition, many stalls contain Bhutanese handicrafts and household items. (This market is open throughout week). Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 10: THIMPHU – PHOBJIKHA VALLEY
Transfer to Phobjikha Valley (5.5-6 hrs). Drive over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters) which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into balmy Punakha valley (about 3 hrs total driving time). The drive through the countryside affords a glimpse of everyday life in this most remote of Himalayan kingdoms. In the Dochu-La area there are vast Rhododendron forests that grow to tree size and bloom in late April/early May covering the mountains in a riot of glorious spring colour.
Lungchuzekha Hike: Starting at Dochula Pass (3100m), the trail gradually ascends through a forest of hemlock, birch, and rhododendron. It’s a well-marked path winding through ancient forests with towering trees. The total distance is around 4 km, and it takes approximately two hours with moderate effort to reach Lungchutse at 3560m. Here, you’ll discover a beautiful temple and several retreat houses. On clear days, Lungchutse offers panoramic views of most of Bhutan’s peaks. The return journey back to Dochula takes around 1+ hour.
Continue driving up a winding mountain road through oak and rhododendron forests, and over a high pass down into the wide and picturesque Phobjikha Valley. Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys, and chosen winter home of black necked cranes (November – March) migrating from the Tibetan plateau. The valley is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan. Overnight at your hotel in Phobjikha.
DAY 11: PHOBJIKHA VALLEY (Gangtey – Longtey village hike)
After an early breakfast, guests embark on the Longtey Hike. It is a 30-minute drive from Phobjikha to the starting point in Longtey village on the East-West highway. Start by walking downwards following the path to the right of the road. The path will lead through bush bamboo towards a small cluster of village houses. There are beautifully coloured rhododendron forests on both sides of the valley, and in the winter months, yaks graze in the area. Continue straight through the village upwards until you reach the start of mystifying old-growth rhododendron forest.
The last part through the forest is slightly steeper uphill until you reach the pass with impressive views of the Gangtey Goemba, the Shedra, the lodge and the rest of the valley down below. Before you continue the path as it slopes down the valley towards the idyllic Kumbu village. It is possible to get picked up from here, or you may continue down to the Shedra or all the way down to the valley.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Walking time: 4 – 5 hrs
DAY 12: PHOBJIKHA VALLEY – PUNAKHA
After breakfast drive to Punakha. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness” built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’ as predicted by the great Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava). It is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father Rivers) and is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move en masse from Thimphu to this warmer location. The three story main temple of the Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. It was here in 1907 that Bhutan’s first king was crowned. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha/ Wangduephodrang.
DAY 13: PUNAKHA – PARO
Khamsum Yulley to Punakha Dzong Hike: Enjoy a hike through the beautiful Punakha Valley, whilst combining visits to the beautiful Khamsum Chorten, the old hilltop temple Giligang and Punakha Dzong, with the opportunity to experience stunning views of the valleys on both the Mo Chhu and Po Chhu side. Giligang (“Gili” meaning cat and “gang” meaning hill) with its 300-year old temple is the best spot to enjoy your picnic lunch. From Giligang, the trail continuously descent downwards until you reach Changyul Bridge just before Punakha Dzong.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Distance: 10 km
Walking time: 3-4 hrs.
Afterwards drive back to Thimphu where you will have an opportunity to visit handicraft and souvenir stores. Afterwards proceed to Paro. Overnight at hotel in Paro.
DAY 14: DEPART PARO
Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination.
Tashi Delek!