YAKTSA TREK

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 Halt

We will go for jomolhari mountain hike,

Day 07: Jangothang to Dhumzo/Yaktsi (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 08: Dhumzo/Yaktsi 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 09: 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 10: 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 11: 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.