Yaktsa Trek (10 Nights / 11 Days)
A captivating journey through Bhutan's pristine landscapes and cultural landmarks, this itinerary offers a blend of adventure, history, and spirituality, culminating in the spectacular sights of the Himalayas.
Overview
- Day 1: Arrival and sightseeing in Paro
- Day 2: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
- Day 3: Paro to Shana
- Day 4: Shana to SioThangkha
- Day 5: SioThangkha to Jangothang
- Day 6: Jangothang Halt
- Day 7: Jangothang to Dhumzo/Yaktsi via Bonte La Pass
- Day 8: Dhumzo/Yaktsi to ThombuShong
- Day 9: ThombuShong to Thimphu
- Day 10: Sightseeing in Thimphu
- Day 11: Final Departure
Day 1: Arrival and Sightseeing in Paro (2,250m / 7,382ft)
During your flight to Bhutan, enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including sacred peaks like Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. Upon arrival at Paro Airport, our representative will greet you and escort you to your hotel. Begin your tour with a visit to Rinpung Dzong, constructed in 1646, followed by Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples. Explore Tashi Dzong and a museum showcasing Buddhist art. Overnight in Paro.
Day 2: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery then Return to Paro
After breakfast, embark on a hike to the famous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), perched dramatically on a cliff at 3,180m. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew here on a tiger’s back to meditate. Enjoy lunch at a mountainside restaurant before descending to the valley and driving back to Paro. Overnight in Paro.
Day 3: Trek Starts: Paro to Shana (2,870m / 9,413ft): 17km, 5-6 Hours
Begin your trek from Drugyal Dzong at 2,580m. Descend through rice and millet fields, pass through apple orchards, and reach Gunitsawa Army Post at 2,810m. Continue trekking to your campsite. Overnight in camp.
Day 4: Shana to SioThangkha (3,750m / 12,300ft): 20km, 6-7 Hours
Follow the Paro River, traversing oak, spruce, and pine forests with occasional ascents and descents. After lunch, continue trekking through rhododendron forests, cross a final bridge, and reach your campsite. Overnight in camp.
Day 5: SioThangkha to Jangothang (4,040m / 13,251ft): 19km, 5-6 Hours
Ascend to an army camp before continuing alongside the Paro River. Enjoy stunning views of snow-capped peaks, with lunch at a yak herder’s camp. Trek through the valley to Jangothang, where you can marvel at Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. Overnight in camp.
Day 6: Jangothang Halt
Take a rest day to explore the area and enjoy a hike around Mount Jomolhari.
Day 7: Jangothang to Dhumzo/Yaktsi (3,800m / 12,464ft) via Bonte La Pass: 16km, 6-7 Hours
Trek north through a gorge, cross a wooden bridge, and ascend to Tshophu Lake (4,380m). Cross Bonte La Pass before descending along the Dhumzo River to your campsite. Overnight in camp.
Day 8: Dhumzo/Yaktsi to ThombuShong (4,180m / 13,710ft): 11km, 4-5 Hours
Ascend above a ridge, cross rivers, and trek through small valleys. Descend to ThombuShong, a village with yak herders. Overnight in camp.
Day 9: ThombuShong to Thimphu (2,320m / 7,610ft): Trek Ends: 13km, 4-5 Hours
Ascend to Thombu La Pass (4,380m), then descend gradually. After trekking down to Gunitsawa, meet your vehicle and drive to Thimphu. Spend the evening exploring Thimphu streets. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 10: Sightseeing in Thimphu
Visit landmarks such as the Memorial Chorten, nunnery temple, zoo, traditional medicine centre, museum, Tashi Dzong, traditional painting school, and a paper factory. On weekends, explore the bustling Thimphu market instead. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 11: Final Departure
Your Soi Yaktsa Trek concludes today. After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight, scheduled in the morning to avoid weather disruptions. Farewell!