Bhutan SoiYaksa Trek
10 Days
Per Person
Overview
This trek is another popular trekking which bids you with the beautiful scenery along with beautiful mountainous views of the highest and not yet scaled - Mount Jomlahari. This trek is also recognized by different names such as Jomolhari loop, Jomolhari trek II or simply Yaksa trek.
This trek is somewhat similar to Jomolhari trek where will be reaching Jomlahari base camp but in a shorter time as compared with the actual Jomlahari trek. It is graded as challenging trek, however, anyone being physically and mentally fit can attempt this with the help of our experienced Bhutanese guides. With trekking, we will be also touring several landmarks and experience thrilling adventure alongside explore the nomadic life of the yak herders and experience their lifestyles, culture, and traditions. Also, we will also be passing through various villages and get to spot several animals like blue sheep, Takin – the national animal of Bhutan, etc.
Our journey begins from a scenic flight to Paro and visiting several cultural heritage sites like Rinpung Dzong, KichuLhangkhang, and museums. Next, we will be hiking to the popular spot - Taktsang monastery. Next, we commence our trekking from Drugyal Dzong (Paro) to reach Shana. Following Parochu and heading through the diverse forest, we reach Siothangkha.
We then head towards Jagothang. Before reaching, we follow Parochu with the stunning view of the peaks. From Jagothang, we cross the river through a bridge and on the way, we stop to relish beautiful Tshophu Lake (4381 m). Ascending further, we will pass the Bonte La pass and reach Dhumzo River. As descending down, we reach Dhumzo and head to Thombushong. From here, we drive to Thimpu and the next day, we will be exploring Thimpu by visiting memorial chortens, zoo, museums and Tashicho Dzong. We wrap our journey here and depart to our destination.
Best season for this trek is in spring and fall. In spring (April-May), we trek through the beautiful blooming rhododendron forests as well as can observe different festivals celebrated. For more information about this trek, please feel free to contact or email us.
Below we list our detailed itinerary for Bhutan SoiYaksa Trek:
Detail Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival and sightseeing in Paro (2,250m/7,382ft)
During your flight near Bhutan you will be enjoying scenic view of the Himalayas including with the sacred peaks Jomolhari and the Jichu drake mountain. When you arrive at the Bhutan airport our representative of the Accent Himalaya will greet you and take you to the hotel. Today we will began our tour by visiting the Ringpung Dong constructed in 1646. After that we will visit the ancient temple of Bhutan Kichu Lhangkhang and explore the Tashi Dzong. After that we will explore the museum which showcases wide various paintings of Buddha. We will spend our night in Paro.
Day 02: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery then return to Paro
On the second day after the breakfast we will be hiking to the famous and most visited Taktsang monastery also called as Tiger nest monastery. We will be hiking approximately 4-5 hours as the monastery is situated at the precarious cliff at 3180 meter. It is in saying that the Buddhism spiritual master Guru Rimpoche had flown on the back of the tiger back to meditate into this cave which now stands as the Taktsang monastery which in English it means the Tiger nest monastery. We will have our lunch at the restaurants which is situated at midway up to the mountain. After exploring the monastery we will head down to the valley and drive to Paro. We will spend our night in Paro.
Day 03: Trek starts: Paro to Shana (2,870m/9,413ft): 17km, 5-6 hours
Today we will began our trek from the Drugyal Dzong which is at the altitude of 2580 meter. After trekking downhill we will ascend via rice and millet fields. After that we will heading through the apple forests. After a few while hours trekking we will reach at army post at Gunitsawa which is at the altitude of 2810 meter. We will be trekking further and then we will reach at our campsite. We will be spending our night in camp.?
Day 04: Shana to SioThangkha (3,750m/12,300ft): 20km, 6-7 hours
Today our path follows Paro River and after a few ascend and descend via oak, spruce and pine forests. After crossing bridge and then we will have our lunch and after having our lunch we will trek alongside the river and then ascend via lush rhododendron forest. Before reaching at the campsite we will be crossing the bridge for the last time. We will spend our night in camp.
Day 05: SioThangkha to Jangothang (4,040m/13,251ft): 19km, 5-6 hours
After ascending for a while we will reach at army camp. We will be trekking further following the Paro River enjoying striking view snowcapped peaks.we will be having our lunch at the yak herder’s camp. We will be hiking through the valley and then we will reach at Jangothang camp. From the camp we will get the stunning view of mount Jomolhari and the Jichu drake peaks. We will spend our night in camp.
Day 06: Jangothang to Dhumzo (3,800m/12,464 ft.) via Bonte La pass: 16 km, 6 - 7 hours
Today we will be heading to north to the former settlement to a gorge and then we will descend down to the Paro River and cross the wood bridge. After that we will be hiking to Tshophu Lake which is at 4380 meter. Then we will be crossing the pass and descend down Dhumzo river. After a few hours hiking we will reach at our campsite. We will spend dour night in camp.
Day 07: Dhumzo to ThombuShong (4,180m/13,710ft): 11km, 4-5 hours
Today we will be ascending approximately 100 meter above the ridge and then we will be dropping from other stream. Then we will cross river and head to the high hills through a small valley prior on a ridge. After a short descend we will reach at Thombu shong village with rare yak herders. We will spend our night in camp.
Day 08: ThombuShong to Thimphu (2,320m/7,610ft): Trek ends: 13km, 4-5 hours
Today we will ascend to the valley and cross the Thombu la pass which is at 4380 meter and slowly descend down around 4000 meter. After a few hours trekking we will descend and head down to the ridge and then we will reach at helipad on Gunitsawa. Here our vehicle will be waiting for us and then we will drive to Thimpu. In the evening we will wander the Thimpu streets. We will spend our night in Thimpu.
Day 09: Sightseeing in Thimphu
Early morning we will be visiting the Memorial chorten which was constructed in the memory of the late third king who ruled from 1952- 72. After that we will be visiting the nunnery temple, zoo, traditional medicine center, museum, traditional painting school, Tashi dzong and paper factory. As some of the landmarks are usually closed during the weekends on Saturday and Sunday. So instead of that we will be exploring the Thimpu market. We will spend our night in Thimpu.
Day 10: Final Departure
Today our Soi yaksa trek finally comes to an end. We will depart in the morning as the Druk Air departs in morning to avoid harsh weather condition. So, after the breakfast we will head early morning to the airport.
