Join our Soi Yaksa Trek package and enjoy trekking in one of the most biologically diverse environments in the world. This enchanting trek takes you to the base of Mount Jumolhari, one of the highest levels of Bhutan treks, the second highest unclimbed peak in the world. As you walk along the rugged trails, the hike becomes a walking meditation. This 10 days trek has proved to be one of the best treks for nature lovers offering stunning views of peaks and alpine pastureland. While trekking on part of his BBC Himalaya Adventure 2010, Michael Palin exclaimed, “Farewell big, monumental, Himalayan peaks!” The trek also offers an opportunity to visit remote villages neighboring with Tibet, and learn traditional lifestyles of nomadic yak-herders and highland farmers.
After an acclimatization hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, the trek starts from Drugyal Dzong. From there you will have a stunning view of 7513m Mount Jumolhari. The initial days of the trek follow the Paro Chhu valley to Jangothang. The remaining days of the trek pass through high pastureland and also through such exotic places like Tshophu Lake (4380 meters) and Takhung La (4520 m). En route relish the startling views of of Jichu Drake (6989m) and Tshrim Khang (6789m).
The flight into Paro on our national carrier, Druk Air, is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of our country. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks, give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. On arrival at Paro international airport, you will be received by our representative and will escort you to hotel. In the afternoon visit is Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. Below the museum is the Paro Rimpung Dzong, the centre of civil and religious authority in this valley. A short walk takes you to the base of the Dzong and across a traditional cantilevered, covered bridge. A short distance further is one of the innumerable archery grounds. (Archery is the national sport of Bhutan). If we are lucky, we may catch a match in action.
Right after the breakfast drive till the road point and then start walking. Taktsang Monastery, the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries. Taktsang means “Tiger’s Nest,” so named because Guru Rimpoche reportedly flew to the site of the monastery on the back of a flying tiger in the late centuries of the first millennium. The monastery is perched on a cliff nearly 3,000 ft above the Paro valley floor. This day hike is not only historically and culturally interesting, but also incredibly scenic! It takes about two hours to reach the cafeteria, which gives a breathtaking view of the Tiger’s Nest. If you still feel like hiking then you can take another hour to reach the temple. Then return back to hotel and free evening.
Altitude: 2,820m/3,580m (Total Alitude Gain: 760m), Duration 8 hours, Distance 16 Km. Level of Difficulty: Long but not difficult, Muddy and bumpy path.
After early breakfast drive to Shana, which takes around 2 hours then our longest trekking day began, taking eight hours to reach the campsite. The trail continues to follow the river gradually ascending through a mixed forest of blue pine and oak and, later in the afternoon, tall rhododendron trees, birch, fir and maple. Though the trail is rocky and bumpy path, it is not strenuous but in rainy conditions it can be quite muddy. There are several simple wooden bridges to cross and sometimes the river reaches right up to the trail. The lunch break comes after about 4 hours of walking through an ever-narrowing valley: Shing Karap or Thombuzam are popular stopping places at around 3,305m.
Several trails lead in other directions, such as the trail to Tremo la, which was the old salt-trading route to Tibet. Not long before reaching the campsite the trail leads you up a ridge with a chorten. Beyond, in the distance, at the end of the valley the Jhomolhari Mountain comes into view. Finally, after an 8 hours walk, you reach the campsite.
The camp site is located in spacious clearing and directly faces Mount Jhomolhari. The view of early morning sun striking the tip of Jhomolhari is breathtaking. Mount Jhomolhari, at 7326, is among the world’s highest mountains.
Altitude: 3580/4000m (Total Altitude Gain: 420m), Duration 4 hours, Distance 11 Km. Level of Difficulty: Short and easy.
The third day’s trek is a short one so it is possible to set off a little later and progress at a leisurely pace. When you reach the army outpost you are required to stop and register your entry permits issued by the army headquarters in Thimphu. This matter will be taken care of by your guide.
The Pachu River is again to the right and the trail passes through some very small villages. It will take less then four hours to reach Jangothang, Base Camp. The altitude at the base camp is 4,000m and is a beautiful place to spend the night. The imposing, rounded bulk of the Jhomolhari Mountain fills the view to the Northeast and in the evening the profile of the ruined Jangothang Dzong, populated by huge ravens creates a mystical atmosphere. The area is rich in bird life. Birds sighted en route include the Fire-tailed Sunbird, Ibis bill; White throated Dipper, Yellow-billed Chough, Rosy Pipit, Snow Pigeon, Blue-fronted Redstart, Slumberous Water Redstart, Blood Pheasant, Snow Partridge and many more.
Today is a day to rest and acclimatize to the altitude. The body also needs times to adjust to the falling temperatures, especially during the night. There is an opportunity to explore the valley and enjoy wonderful views of the mountains. A 2 hour’s leisurely hike will take you to the twin lakes of Tshophu. For those taking the Lingshi variation of the trek, this day trek hike is important. You can also enjoy the view of Cone-shape Jichu Drakey cannot fail to remind the clear blue sky. Jichu Drakey cannot fail to remind you of the Matterhorn from this perspective. It is a sight to hold! Many rank this as the most beautiful mountain in Bhutan.
Altitude: 4040m /Bonte La 4890m (Total Altitude Gain: 850m), & Loss 1090m Duration 5-7 hours, Distance 14.5 Km. Level of Difficulty: Strenuous
The trail leads north to the last settlement in the valley and drops to the Paro Chhu, crossing it on a wooden bridge. Walk up to the Tshophu Lake (4380 meters), which is inhabited by ruddy-shel ducks. You will come across a second lake after you climb across a slope to a crest. Then descend into a hidden valley and climb steeply to Bonte La pass at 4890 meters. After the pass, the trail descends crisscrossing through yak trails down to the Dhumzo Chhu and after walking downstream below few houses you arrive to a camp at 3800 meters.
Altitude: 3800m /Thombu Shong 4180m via Tagulun La 4120 (Total Altitude Gain: 740m), & Loss 420m Duration 4-5 hours, Distance 11 Km. Level of Difficulty: Long & Medium
The trail climbs over 100 m over a ridge, and then drops to another stream. After crossing this stream, the trail heads up the hillside dropping into a small valley before emerging onto a ridge. Here the route turns south, ascending past few huts to Takhung La (4520 m). A short descend leads to Thombu Shong (4180 m) with few yak herder’s huts.
Altitude: Thombu Shong 4180m /Shana Zam 2890m via Thombu La 4270(Total Altitude Gain: 150m), & Loss 1380m Duration 4-5 hours, Distance 11 Km. Level of Difficulty: Long climb down
Climb out of the valley to Thombu La at 4380 m, and then drop gradually to about 4000 m. The trail then makes a steep descent, switch backing down the ridge, finally reaching the helipad at Gunitsawa (2730 m).
You will meet your driver here then drive through blue pine forests along the Paro Chhu River along farm houses, rice fields, small human settlements and then finally arrive Drugyal Dzong. Your car will be waiting to transfer you to Thimphu. If time permits, you will visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Changgangkha Monastery, and Trashichhodzong. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
After breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport in time to catch up your onward flight. Your escort from Discovery Bhutan will bid you farewell and soon the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom disappears again behind its guardian mountains.
Health & Experience Required
Trekking in Bhutan is physically demanding because of the distance and abrupt changes in elevation. Depending on the day of the trek, you will have to walk 5-8 hours covering a distance of 10-15 kilometers daily to reach the campsites. Most of the climbs run through deep forests on rocky trails and sometimes the trails traverses through wet mud were you need agility to hop between round river stones. But if you have experience of walking long distances with a back pack and you do not have history of knee pains on descents it should not be difficult for you for trekking in Bhutan.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our trips that be protected against comprehensive expenses potential to incur due to medical issues or accidents (to include air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please be noted that we don’t arrange or sell insurance.