Jomolhari – Soi Yaksa
Welcome to Bhutan!
Jomolhari Loop is the shortest of the Jomolhari trekking routes. 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.
Trek Information in Brief
Trek Effort: Difficult and requires good fitness.
Altitude: 2,500-5,000 m
Best Time to Visit: Between March-June or September- November
Trekking Route Map
ITINERARY
Our guests will be greeted and received by Bhutan team at the Paro International Airport for swift 15-minute transfer to the hotel.
Paro Valley is at an altitude of 2,200 m and located in western Bhutan
Paro Airport
Check into the room, refresh and join the welcome tea/drinks and formal introduction.
In the evening do a leisure nature hike from Olathang – Paro Kyichu Temple (2-4 hours depending on walking pace) to acclimatize for the coming trek. The 7th-century Kyichu Temple is
considered the oldest landmark Buddhist monument in the Himalayan Buddhist world.
Kyichu Temple
Paro Valley
Accommodation: Hotel in Paro
This hike will familiarize you with the terrain and climate of the upcoming trekking days. Locals and visitors alike say a trip to Bhutan is never complete without a visit to Paro Taktsang (at 3,210 m) also known as the Tiger’s Nest located in the cliffside of beautiful upper Paro valley. It will be 4-5 hours of moderate uphill and downhill hike to and fro from its base depending on your walking pace and the energy level left. The trail meanders through the dense pine forest, clearings, bedrocks, streams and finally a waterfall cascading down a 2000 ft vertical rocky cliff. The monastery complex was built in 1692, which was blessed by Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche, the Precious Guru – Tantric Buddhist Vajra Master from medieval India) as a powerplace and treasure trove in the 8th century. Paro Taktsang monastery consists of the 4 main temples and several dwellings. These buildings interconnected by the staircases with steps carved into the high rocky cliff (generating adrenalin rush) add to the marvellous picturesque view – the spot where everyone creates their portrait/profile pictures and flaunt about the visit. The magical site was visited by some of the legendary Buddhist saints and treasure discoverers who attained spiritual realizations and revealed treasure teachings from the site.
Night halt: Hotel in Paro, altitude of 2,200 m
Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest)
Drive from Paro town towards the north passing by the famous Drukgyel Dzong (fortress) – which is historically very important to Bhutan as it forms integral part of civilization of Bhutanese society and further pass by the beautiful villages. Motorable road passes through Gunitsawa village and ends at Sharna zam (bridge) where you get dropped off to make a short acclimatization trek onward. The trail follows Pachhu (Paro River), ascending and descending climbsthrough conifers, blue pine, maple, larch and rhododendrons. After about 1.5 to 2 hours, you will reach Shingkarap, a stone house at 3,110 m. There are nice spots to camp around the area.
Accommodation: Tented Campsite at Shingkarap (Altitude of 3,110 m. Geo coordinates: 27.644058° 89.257381
Drukgyel Dzong (Fortress)
Gunitsawa Villag
One of the Campsite Spots around Shingkarap
Distance 16 km
Time: 6 hours
Camp Altitude: 3,630 m
Key Highlights:
-Witness stunning view of surrounding mountain peaks and yak pastures
-Stunning view of Mt.Jomolhari (7,314 m) and Mt.Jichu Drake (6,989 m)
The trek starts with same vegetation but with gradual ascend alongside the Pachhu and reach a wooden bridge leading to right side of Pachhu at 3,560 m. A short walk from the bridge is lovely meadow with Jhomolhari looming at the head of the valley. This is Thangthangkha camp site at elevation of 3,630 m. Accommodation: Tented Campsite Thangthangkha (Altitude of 3,630 m. Geo coordinates: 27.707576° 89.288351°)
Key Highlights:
-Gain significant height to ascend treeline
-Pass by army camp and reach Dangochang village
Today you will cross the treeline at 3,770 m and gain significant height. From the camp you will ascend till you reach the army camp. The trail will follow the river above treeline enjoying the stunning view of the surrounding peaks and passing through mani wall and entering yak pastures.
In the final stretch walk, you across a plateau, a stream bed and Dangochang village to arrive at the awesome campsite of Jangothang at an altitude of 4,090 m which offers spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari (7,314 m) and Mount Jichu Drake (6,989 m).
Accommodation: Tented Campsite at Jangothang (Altitude of 4,090 m. Geo coordinates: 27.767168° 89.335125°)
Trekkers stopping for Lunch
Dangochang Village
Mount Jomolhari
Mount Jichu Drake
Jangothang Campsite
The trail leads to the last settlement in the valley and drops to the Pachhu (Paro River). You will pass by the Tshophu Lake (4,380 m). You will climb up steeply to Bhonte La pass at 4,890 m, the highest point of this trek route and after that, the trail descends crisscrossing through yak trails to the Dhumzo Chhu (Dhumzo River). You will trek downstream passing few houses of Soi Yaksa (Dhumzo) to arrive at your camp site.
Accommodation: Tented Campsite at Soi Yaksa (Dhumzo) (Altitude of 3,800 m. Geo coordinates: 27.698332° 89.352229°)
Spectacular Peaks around Soi Yaksa
Trekkers resting before one of the Passes
Yaks and Blue Sheep in Soi Yaksa Valley
Tshophu (Twin) Lake
Tshophu Lake
Climb to Bhonte La Pass
Rheum Nobile Plant (on Trekking Route)
One of the Proper Houses at Soi Yaksa
Soi Yaksa Settlements
One of the Campsites near Soi Yaksa
The trail climbs 100 m over a ridge and then drops to another stream. After crossing this stream, the trail heads up the hillside and arrive into a small valley before emerging into a ridge. The route turns south and ascends to Takhung La pass (4,520 m) and then your descend to Thombu Shong at an altitude of 4,180 m where there are yak herders’ huts.
Accommodation: Tented Campsite at Thombu Shong (Altitude of 4,180 m. Geo coordinates: 27.651355° 89.316661°)
Trekkers absorbing views of mountains and valleys
Trekkers take break en route Soi Yaksa to Thombu Shong
Yak Herder’s Hut
Yak Herder
One of the Campsites around Thombu Shong
Distance 17 km
Time: 5-6 hrs
Key Highlights:
– Climb up to the Thombu La pass (4,380 m)
– Pass through coniferous forests with alpine flora to Gunitsawa Village
Climb out of the valley to Thombu La pass (4,380 m), and gradually descend to 4000 m. The trail will be steep descend and finally reach Gunitsawa (2,730 m). Your vehicle will be waiting to pick
up and then drive to Paro.
Take traditional hot stone bath to relax and explore Paro town in the evening
Hot Stone Bath
Accommodation: Hotel in Paro
Distance 50 km (one way)
Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Key Highlights:
– Drive to the beautiful capital city, Thimphu
– Visit various monumental places like Buddha Statue and Memorial Chorten, and other
popular places
Drive in the morning to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan (2,330 m). Enroute visit Tachogang temple on the way. Drubthob Thangtong Gyalpo (1385 – 1485) built this 3-storeyed temple.
Popularly known as Chakzampa, the iron-bridge builder, he engineered 118 ferries, 120 temples, 111 stupas, 60 wooden bridges and 58 iron-chain suspension bridges in Tibet, China and Bhutan.
He built 8 rust-resistant iron- chain footbridges in Bhutan.
Tachogang Temple with Iron Bridge
Thimphu City
Upon reaching Thimphu, drive up to the Buddha Dordhen Statue (169 ft. one of the largest Buddha statues in the world) at Kuensel Phodrang, Thimphu. Enjoy the bird’s-eye view of the Thimphu city.
Buddha Dordhen Statue
Join the locals in their daily circumambulation of Thimphu city’s landmark Memorial Stupa built in 1974 in the memory of the late Third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck
Memorial chorten
Visit the Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan/ museum (instituted in 2005) and learn about the history and craft of textile weaving in Bhutan.
Royal Textile Academy
Stroll through the craft market showcasing the authentic crafts of rural Bhutanese artisans
Thimphu Craft Market
In the evening drive back to Paro. Attend a cultural show and farewell dinner. Closing session.
Accommodation: Hotel in Paro
This morning/afternoon we see you off at the airport to catch your flight to Singapore or other
gateway cities to connect with your international flight to next destination.
MORE ABOUT JOMOLHARI – SOI YAKSA TREK
The most challenging part of this trek:
The trek may challenge your physical conditioning as in some parts of the trails, you encounter steep climb, conquer rugged terrains, navigate deep descents, and scramble through some rough trail. You will cross slightly higher than an altitude of 4,500 m. Apart from these, the trek is considerate moderate. With exposed ridge-line like any other mountains range, the weather can change abruptly en route. But you needn’t worry as one can quickly descend to lower altitudes if required.
Facilities provided:
Twin-sharing tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, water, toilet paper.
Note: Room in the hotel will also be twin-sharing.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
- There is a light hike arranged on 2nd day in Thimphu, Bhutan. It is expected to acclimatize and prepare you for the trekking. Do not miss to partake that hike.
- There is slight to moderate risk for some people to get altitude sickness. Guide and local team will take altitude sickness pills. Still, you are encouraged to take along such pills.
- Maximum: 10 to 15 °C during the day. Minimum: -15 to -20 °C at night.
- Water and wind proof clothes, warm inner wears with change, comfortable pair of trekking waterproof shoes, warm socks with change, water proof warm hand gloves, walking/trekking stick, sunglasses, warm waterproof hat, warm neck cover, sunscreen lotion, body (moisturiser) lotion, toothbrush, toothpaste, facewash, and battery backup for your phone and camera.
- Bottled/mineral water and even hot water for drinking will be available at all times. Campsite will have fresh spring running water.
- There will be cooking team for the trek. Meals suiting the trekkers and the climatic conditions will be served. We will gather from trekkers an advance information about some preferences for meals. Veg and non-veg options will be available.
- One has to use open air ground/bush while trekking during the day. However, arrangement like toilet tent with toilet pot will be arranged at the campsite.
- Yes. You will get enough sleep by going to bed early. You may not be required to wake up before 7AM.
- Hot water bag will be provided.
- The first and last days of trek will have just about decent mobile network coverage. Trails on the other days may have very limited and scarce coverage. For the emergency, the guide and support team may carry satellite phones
- Snowstorm is unlikely. By watching and keeping tab of weather forecast, we shall be able to avoid it even if it happens by staying put in a safe place along the route. The route has adequate spots that we can reach
- Generally not. Stick to a group being guided. There is no poisonous plant/flow. However, do not smell or closely sniff wild plants/flowers of some rhododendron flower species like Balu and Salu which can give altitude sickness – they come in white, pink and yellow colours (seen in following pictures). Obey the guide’s instruction and ask whenever in doubt
- We will have adequate number of local support people including guide. One or two of them will accompany the patient.
- There is no hospital immediate nearby the route. Should there be emergency, we can descend down to lower altitudes and go to the nearest hospital, which will be at Gyenekha village, Thimphu or Chamgang (end point of trek). Returning to hospital will be easier as it will mostly be descents. Hospitals are accessible 24/7.
- It’s is recommended to have health insurance during the trip in Bhutan. Most medical services are free to anyone residing/traveling in Bhutan. However, in the worst case of emergency like needing to airlift a patient and fly to the nearest hospital, a helicopter service will be available for additional cost, which may or may not be covered by your insurance. Please check with your travel insurance company