Yaktsa Trek

Arrive Paro

The flight to Bhutan is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkatta, each flight is a mesmerizing aeronautical feat and offers an exciting descent into the Kingdom.

On arrival at Paro airport, after immigration and custom formalities, received by our representative and transfer to the hotel.

Afternoon visit to Ta Dzong, built in 17^th century, as watch tower to defend Paro Dzong and valley. This fortress was later converted into the National Museum in 1968 and is filled with antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and Bhutan’s renowned postage stamps. Below the Ta Dzong, is Rinpung Dzong (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and interesting history.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro. (Alt. 2,280m)

Paro

Morning visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the country.

Then embark on a fascinating excursion to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). Legends says that Guru Padmasambhava flew here on the back of tigress and landed at the spot where monastery was later built. The excursion to Tiger’s Nest takes about 5 hours.

Evening visit to Dungtse Lhakhang, built in 1433 by iron bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo.

Later enjoy a stroll around Paro city centre.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)

Shana – Thongdozam (Trek Start)  
Distance – 12km, 4 – 5 hours, 360m Ascent and 80m Descent, Camp altitude 3610m

Early morning drive from your hotel to Shana village, about 2 hours to the road end. First day is a moderate trek to start with. The trek leads into Jigme Dorji National Park through the valley of the Paro river, which gradually narrows as the trail leads higher, winding up and down through the thick forest of oak, pine and juniper. Camp at Thongdozam amidst the woods.

Overnight in camp.

Thongdozam – Jangothang
Distance – 15km, 5-6 hours, 480m ascent, Camp altitude 4,080m

Continue following the Paro River and the valley begins to widen, opening to a spectacular area surrounded by high ridges and snow-capped peaks. Pass few yak herding houses that are clustered together. It will take bit longer day and as the altitude increase pace gets much slower.

Overnight in camp.

Jangothang exploration

Jangothang is one of the most spectacular camping places in the entire Himalayas with the perfect view of the Mt. Jumolhari and Jichu Drake right in the front. There is yak herders’ villages and trout filled lakes to visit. The sacred mountain remains unclimbed and off limit to mountaineers even from the Tibetan side. Depending upon your interest, you can walk towards the glaciers of Jumolhari, or up to the viewpoint where you can get better view of the majestic mountains or visit the village and interact with the local community.

Overnight in camp.

Jangothang – Yaktsa
Distance – 16 km, 6 – 7 hours, 810m ascent, 1090m descent, Camp altitude 3800m

The trail starts with a steep climb after crossing the small wooden bridge leading to the lake of Tshophu (4380m). After crossing the second glacier lake the trail descends into a hidden valley and climb steeply to Bonte La pass at 4890m. From the pass it is all downhill with an opportunity to see Himalayan blue sheep grazing on the hillside. Gradually we make our way to Soi Yaksa village for overnight.

Overnight in camp

Yaktsa – Thombushong

Distance – 11km, 5 – 6 hours, 720m ascent, 340m descent, Camp altitude 4180m

The trail starts with gentle uphill climb to the top of the eastern ridge of the Soi Yaksa valley. From here enjoy the views of the mountains in the north. The tips of the Jumolhari and Jichu Drake reappear on the distant horizon as you approach. Cross Takhung La pass (4520m) and after a short descent leads into a wide and grassy Thongbushong valley. You will come across nomadic yak herders camped in their traditional woollen tents and stone huts.

Overnight in Camp.

Thombushong–Gunitsawa – Paro – Thimphu

Distance – 11km, 4 – 5 hours, 200m ascent, 1650m descent

After a short steep climb from the camp, we leave the remote mountain valley by following a ridge to Thombu La (4380m). Then steep descent trail most of the afternoon through the pine forest. Arriving at the Gunitsawa army post, pick up by the vehicle and drive about 2 hours to reach Bhutan’s capital town Thimphu.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Thimphu

Morning after breakfast, visit Buddha Dordenma. This massive statue of Shakyamuni made of bronze and is gilded in gold, measures 51.5 meters in height, making it one of the largest statues, in Bhutan. 125,000 smaller Buddha statues have been placed within the Buddha Dordenma statue. Then drive to Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in memory of Bhutan’s Third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk who is regarded as Father of modern Bhutan.

Bhutanese textiles are an integral part of its cultural and heritage and are unique for their diversity and sophistication. To experience the impressive art technique, Textile Museum is next in visit.

The other sights of interest are; Institute for Zorig Chusum which imparts training to young students in 13 traditional crafts of Bhutan, Folk Heritage Museum; dedicated to connecting people with the rich Bhutanese Folk heritage and rural history through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs and documentation of Bhutanese rural life, Motithang zoo; to see Bhutan’s national animal Takin.

Conclude the day with visit of Trashichhoedzong, known as ‘fortress of the glorious religion’. It was initially built in 1641 and later restored in its present form by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1965. The Dzong houses, main secretariat building which houses the throne room of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan.

Evening at leisure in local crafts bazar.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2,320m)

 Thimphu – Paro airport (55km, approx. 1 hour & 15 min drive)

Morning transfer to the airport for flight to onward destination. Our representative will assist you with exit formalities and bid you farewell.