Yaksa Trek

Jomolhari Loop is the shortest of the Jomolhari trekking routes, which is also the most popular treks in Bhutan. With altitude differences of 2,500m and nearly 5,000m it offers a wide range of landscapes, fauna and flora. The highlight of this trek is the spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari from Jomolhari Basecamp (Jangothang). Trekkers who want to avoid high passes and high altitude can chose an easier version of the Jomolhari Loop by retracing their steps from Jangothang, while still having the majestic impressions of Mount Jomolhari.

Day 1. Arrive in Paro and Sightseeing around. Hotel or Resort.

Day 2. Paro Sightseeing (Hike to Tiger’s Nest). Hotel or Resort.

Day 3. Paro –  Sharna – Thangthangkha. (Tent).

Day 4. Thangthangkha – Jangothang. (Tent).

Day 5. Jangothang Halt. (Tent).

Day 6. Jangothang – Soi Yaksa. (Tent).

Day 7. Soi Yaksa – Thombu Shong. (Tent).

Day 8. Thombu Shong – Sharna -- Paro. (Tent).

Day 9. Paro -- Thimphu. (Hotel or Resort).

Day 10. Departure.

Day 01. Arrive at Paro (2280 meters): You will be received by the Representative from Isolated Bhutan Travels at the airport and drive you to the hotel.

Druk Air National Airlines

After lunch, visit the Ta dzong, an ancient watchtower, which was built in 1656 and renovated in 1968 and converted into a National Museum of Bhutan, then visit Rimpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Dzong presently houses administrative offices of Paro District and Monastery.

Paro Rimpung Dzong

Dinner and Overnight in Hotel.

Day 02. Paro Sightseeing: (2280 meters):  After breakfast, an excursion to Tiger’s Nest Monastery: A short drive of around 25 minutes from main town of paro takes you to satsam chorten, the trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop for a rest and have tea with cookies at Taktsang cafeteria and then walk a short distance until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, Tiger’s Nest monastery. The history dates back from 8th century when guru Rinpochhe, a tantric master flew to this place on a back of a flying tiger, said to be his favorite Tibetan consort known as khandu Yeshey Chogyal and meditated in a cave nearby, but the temple was just built in 17th century by the penlop (governer) of paro Gyaltse Tenzin Rbgey; this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 600 meters into the valley below.

Tigers Nest Monastery.

After lunch, visit the Drukgyel Dzong, which was built in 1644 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate the victory over the Tibetan invaders but now it is just the ruins because the dzong was complectly burned down by the fire caused by butter lamp in 1951, the dzong name Drukgyel  means indeed “ victorious Druk “. The Dzong was used as an administrative center until 1951. Then visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest Buddist temple which was built in 659 AD by a Tibetan king Tshongchen Gyampo. In the evening stroll around tiny town of Paro.   Dinner and overnight in the Hotel

Day 03. Paro – Sharna Zampa – Soi Thangthangkha: Trek Starts.

This trek begins at Gunitsawa Village were you pass the army post. At the army checkpost your trek permit (provided by your tour operator) will be checked and endorsed.

Distance 22 km, 7-8 hours, 770 m ascent, 10 m descent, camp altitude 3610 m.

On this long day, the trail continues with lots of small ups and downs. After going uphill through the river valley the valley finally narrows gradually to a mere path which descends to a meadow where a camp will be set up. From here, if weather permits, you will have the first great view of Mt. Jomolhari (7314 m) the second highest snow cape mountain of Bhutan.

Day 04. Thangthangkha -- Jangothang: 

Distance 19 km, Time: 5-6 hours, 480 m ascent, camp altitude 4080 m.

If you have not see Mt. Jomolhari clearly the previous evening, you will still have a chance to get a great view early this morning. This morning the trek continues up the Paro Chhu valley which widens into patches of alpine meadow and scanty growths of forest. You will cross an army checkpoint along the way and enjoy a spectacular view of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. In this area yaks and their herder’s homes become a regular feature of the landscape. After reaching Jangothang, one of the most beautiful campsites of the Himalayas, you will again have a spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari (7314 m).

Day 05. Jangothang Halt: 

The rest day in Jangothang provides plenty of possibilities for day hikes with great views of lakes and snow capped mountains such as Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. There are good chances to spot some blue sheep on the upper slopes of the valley. Jangothang is a perfect environment for your acclimatization. You can also trek up to a Tshophu (lake) or hike around the area. There are good short hiking trails in different directions. Jomolhari and its subsidiary mountain chains lie towards west, Jichu Drake to the north and there are a number of unclimbed peaks to the east.

Day 06. Jangothang – Soi Yaksa: 

Distance 16km, 6-7 hours, 810m ascent, 1090m descent, camp altitude 3800m.

The trail leads to a last settlement in the valley and drops to the Paro Chhu. Passing the lake of Tshophu (4,380m) you will climb up steep slope to Bhonte La pass at 4,890 m, the highest point of this trek route. Reaching the soi yaksa valley (also known as Dhumzo Chhu valley), you trek downstream passing the few houses of Soi Yaktsa (Dhumzo) to arrive at your camp.

Day 07. Soi Yaksa – Thombu Shong: 

Distance 11km, 4-5 hours, 720m ascent, 340m descent, camp altitude 4180m.

Today’s walk initially takes you past hillsides lust with a crop of azalea and rododenron before gradually climbing above the tree line. The trail climbs 100m over a ridge to drop to another stream down below. After crossing the Takhung La pass (4520m) again jichu darkey and tsherim gang can be seen from the pass. you descent to Thombu Shong, there are few yak herder huts near your camp.

Day 08. Thombu Shong – Sharna – Paro: Treks Ends.

Distance 13km, 4-5 hours, 200m ascent, 1650m descent, camp altitude 2850m.

Crossing Thombu La pass (4,380m) early morning, you will reach to the same place from where you have started your trek, Sharna and you will be received by your driver and drive you to hotel. After that you can relax in the hotel for few hours and stroll around the paro city if you wish to. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 09. Paro -- Thimphu Sightseeing (2350 meters): After breakfast drive to Thimphu, and while in thimphu visit National Memorial Chorten, which was built in 1974 by the mother of our third king in the memory of third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The paintings and statues in the temple are dedicated to the third king, Then visit the tallest statue of Buddha (In the world) which is of 51 meters tall,

                 

Tallest Statue of Buddha

After that visit Mini Zoo where you will get chance to see our National Animal Takin and then finally visit Tashichhoe Dzong and stroll around Thimphu City for shopping.

Thimphu Tashichhoe Dzong

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

Day 10. Departure: Early morning, drive to paro Airport and Farewell.

Peak Season: March, April, May, Sept, Oct & Nov.

1 Pax : USD 2425 Per Person.

2 Pax : USD 2335 Per Person.

3 Pax and Above : USD 2065 Per Person.

 

Off Season: Dec, Jan, Feb, June, July & August.

1 Pax : USD 2020 Per Person.

2 Pax : USD 1930 Per Person.

3 Pax and Above : USD 1620 Per Person.

Tour Cost Includes:

  1. Accommodation in 3* Hotels in twin sharing basis and Tent.
  2. All Three Meals (Break Fast, Lunch and Dinner)
  3. Daily Tariff.
  4. Visa Fee.
  5. Royalty and Government Taxes.
  6. Sustainable Development Fee of USD 65 per night per person which goes towards free education, Free Healthcare and infrastructure development.
  7. Transportation from receive till drop.
  8. Museum and Monument fee.
  9. Bottle Water in Car.
  10. Sightseeing.
  11. English Speaking Guide
  12. Driver.

 Tour Cost Excludes:

  1. Air Fare
  2. Insurance Premiums.
  3. Payment for service provided on a personal basis.
  4. Cost for any services not mentioned in the "Inclusive Head"
  5. Cost incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest, etc.
  6. Personal expenses in items such as laundry, soft or hard drinks, camera charges, bottle water in restaurant or in hotels, Portage, bellboy charges.
  7. Tips to guide and driver.

Note1: US$ 30 extra per night for extra mattresses and US$ 40 extra per night For Single Room Occupancy in 3* hotels and US$ 20 extra per night for single tent occupancy.

Note2: If you wants to stay in Other 4* or 5* luxuries hotels before and after your trek, you need to pay extra for that.

We have only two airlines Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines that Operates in Bhutan. 

Druk Air flies to:

 Bangkok (Thiland) : Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

Singapore (Singapore) : Changi International Airport.

Kathmandu (Nepal) : Tribhuvan International Airport.

Dhaka (Bangladesh) : Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

Delhi (India) : Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Kolkata (India) : Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.

Bagdogra (India) : Bagdogra International Airport.

Guwahati (India) : Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport.

Gaya (India) : Gaya Airport.

 

Bhutan Airline flies to:

Kolkotta (India) : Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.

Delhi (India) :  Indira Gandhi International Airport

Bangkok (Thailand) : Suvarnabhumi International Airpor.

Kathmandu (Nepal) : Tribhuvan International Airport.

Please let us know from where would like to enter Bhutan and where you would like to fly out after your Bhutan trip so that we can inform you about the air fare accordingly.

Note : You need to send us your  passport copy so that we can make reservation with the Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines according to the availability of Seats.