12-Day Soi Yaksa Trek
Trip length; 12 days
Max Altitude – 5000m
Level – Moderate/ Hard
Suitable Months – March, April, May, June, September & October.
Running through beautiful sceneries with climbs as high as 4, 700m; Soi Yaksa is another exciting trek in the country. The trek does not require any special skill for every trek is led by qualified Bhutanese guide.
Day 1 – Paro
Upon your arrival at Paro Airport, you will be received by representative. Aboard on a flight to Paro, Mt Everest, and sacred mountains of Bhutan namely, Jomolhari and Jichu Drake presents what you would be experiencing a relishing trip in the Country. To acclimatize for the succeeding trek, you take a rest in the afternoon. If you aspire, you can take walk in the town towards the evening.
Day 2: Hike to Taktshang Monastery
After breakfast, hike to Taktshang (Tigers Nest) at the height of 2900m for it will acclimatize you for the next day’s trek. The 8th century Buddhist Master, Guru Rinpochhe is said to have flown here from Khengpajong in Lhuntse to meditate. It is perched on the edge of a vertical cliff at the elevation of 900m from valley floor. Explore the Monastery and enjoy the beauty it offers. Descend back to Paro after lunch at Taktshang Cafeteria. Towards evening you can drive 25 km to the starting point of trek.
Day 3: Paro to Shingkharab (13-14 km, 5-6 hours) Trek starts
After breakfast at the hotel, drive about an hour to Zangkey pang (2700masl), meet with trekking crews, and start your trek. First few hours, walk on the road where you will pass by the army checkpoint. Gradually after some time, we will cross the bridge and walk into trekking trails. About 5kms, we will reach to camp at 3100masl.
Note: Today’s trek is mainly for acclimatization, so we go slow.
Day 4: Shingkhrab – Sio Thangkha (13-14 km, 5-6 hours)
The trek follows Pa Chhu, climbing and descending through pine, oak, and spruce forests. After crossing the bridge, the team stops for a hot lunch. After lunch, we climb along the river bank through the rhododendron forest. We cross the river again and that will take us to the campsite at 3,650 masl.
Day 5 – Thangthankha to Jangothang (Base Camp of Mt.Jumolhari)
Following the river above the tree line, the trek presents stunning view of surrounding peaks. For lunch, we stop at Yak herder’s camp. A short walk into the valley will reach you at Jangothang at 4, 040m. We pitch base camp here. The view of Mt. Jomolhari and Jichu Drake are splendid.
Day 6 – Jangothang Halt
After arduous trek crossing 1800m in 3 days, we halt a day at Jangothang. To adapt to the height, we go for short day hike to nearby places. Yaks and yak herders will be at your sight frequently. Feel the lush and green surrounding environment.
Day 7 – Jangothang to soi yak tsa
We start early today for we highest pass to conquer on our entire trek. The weather in the mountainside is settled early morning affording splendid view of surrounding peaks and beyond. Then, we conquer Bonte La Pass at 4, 890m, the highest on our trek. There are several cairns and prayer flags. You may put up some prayer flags if you have managed one from the town. The campsite at Soi Yaksa valley is amazing surrounded by impressive rock cliffs, waterfalls, deep side valleys and snowcapped peaks.
Day 8– Soe Yak Sa to Thombu thang
After passing a village, we start an hour of steady climb. The pass with several cairns and prayer flags afford a spectacular view of Mt. Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. A gradual descend will take us at Thombu for tonight’s camp. It is the second highest camp on our trek.
Day 9 – Thombu Shong to Shana via Thombu La Pass
Upon crossing the valley through swampy area, we enter into a clear trail through the forests of rhododendrons leading up to Thombu La at 4, 270m. The walk through the ridge is one of the best stretches of the trek passing above the valley floor affording spectacular views. The trail ends near the military helipad next to the Bhutanese Army and pick up by car to take us to hotel in paro.
Day 10 – Paro to Thimphu
Drive to Thimphu, the Capital city of Bhutan, following through the banks of Pachhu and Wangchhu with Confluence in between. Check in to the Hotel and serve your lunch, Towards the evening, you can stroll in the town and experience the Bhutanese urban lifestyle. (discuss the places and things you may be interested to see with guide). Overnight at Thimphu.
Day 11 – Thimphu
Visit Trashichho Dzong, the Throne Room, Memorial Chorten and Handicrafts Emporium. Takin zoo, bhutan’s national animals, short hikes from sangaygang to dechephodrag providing panaromic views of Thimphu. In the evening, you can stroll freely in the town and experience the Bhutanese urban life. Overnight at Thimphu.
Day 12 – Thimphu-Paro (Departure)
After early breakfast, we leave for Paro Airport. Representative of “A path to Himalayan country Bhutan tours and treks” will bid goodbye to you from Bhutan!