Overview
The Soi Yaksa Trek in Bhutan also offers an enchanting journey through pristine landscapes, remote villages, and dense forests, allowing trekkers to immerse themselves in the natural and cultural beauty of this Himalayan kingdom. Spanning approximately 6 days, the trek covers around 54 kilometers, beginning and ending in Paro.
The trek also commences with a gradual ascent through lush pine forests and rhododendron-laden trails, granting trekkers stunning views of the Paro Valley and its picturesque surroundings. Along the route, hikers have the opportunity to interact with local villagers, gaining insights into their traditional way of life and experiencing Bhutan’s unique culture firsthand.
The trail continues to wind through alpine meadows, crossing several high mountain passes, including the notable Takhung La Pass at an elevation of 4,520 meters. These elevations not only provide breathtaking panoramas of the Himalayas but also challenge trekkers with varying terrains and altitude gains.
One of the highlights of the Soi Yaksa Trek is the chance to visit the remote Soi Yaksa Monastery, nestled amidst the rugged mountains. This spiritual site also holds historical significance and adds a touch of mystique to the journey. As trekkers continue, the trail leads through yak pastures, offering glimpses of Bhutan’s vibrant wildlife and the iconic yaks that inhabit the region.
Accommodation during the trek includes camping in designated areas, allowing trekkers to fully connect with nature and experience Bhutan’s serene wilderness. The evenings are spent around campfires, sharing stories and gazing at the star-studded skies.
The Soi Yaksa Trek demands a moderate level of physical fitness, as trekkers navigate through varying altitudes and terrains. Proper trekking gear, including sturdy footwear, layered clothing, and essential camping equipment, is crucial for a comfortable and safe experience.
Conclusion and Summary
In conclusion, the Soi Yaksa Trek in Bhutan is a captivating adventure that takes trekkers through awe-inspiring landscapes, introduces them to local culture, and provides an opportunity for self-discovery in the midst of unspoiled nature. With its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural encounters, this trek promises an unforgettable journey for those seeking an immersive Himalayan experience.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN PARO, BHUTAN
Elevation 2,280 m
Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Touching down at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide upon exiting the arrival hall. Today, we will take it easy to acclimatize to the altitude. Drive to Thimphu, check in to the hotel and let’s have your first taste of Bhutanese cuisine and some light sightseeing in Thimphu if possible.
Paro Valley – The beautiful valley is home to many of Bhutan’s old monasteries and temples. The country’s only Airport is in Paro. The valley is also home to mount Chomolhari (7,300 meters) situated at the northern end of the valley whose glacier water forms the Pachu flowing through the valley. The following are some of the prominent places to visit in Paro.
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DAY 2: PARO TO HAA VIA CHELELA
Elevation 3,575 m
Drive to Haa through Chele La (3,988 m). From the pass, you can see Paro valley on one side and then Haa valley on the other. You can also have a picnic at Chele La if you like to.
In Haa, some sightseeing and then going to katsho village and visiting the Katso Lhakhang. The valley of Haa was only opened to Tourist in 2002 and Haa is the least visited valley in Bhutan due to the lack of Tourist infrastructure. This has helped in keeping Haa the way it has always been, with Bhutanese families living their traditional and simple life. There are no tourist standard hotels in Haa valley, so we return to Paro for the night.
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DAY 3: PARO TO THANGTHANGKHA VIA SHANA
Elevation 4,044 m
Early morning drive from hotel to Shana.
The trail follows the river through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses. As we go up the valley becomes narrow, wilder and steeper. The trail winds up and down along the drainage. We pass a junction en route, where another path leads over the Tremo La to Tibet. This route was formerly used by Bhutanese people as a trading route to Tibet. We cross several traditional wooden bridges finally arriving Thanthangka. Camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter. From this campsite for the first time-in case of good weather the Mount Jomolhari may be seen.
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DAY 4: JANGOTHANG (BASE CAMP OF MT.JUMOLHARI)
Elevation 4,010 m
The path ascends for a while until we reach the army camp. We then follow the river above the tree line, enjoying stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch is served at a yak herder’s camp. A short walk from here into the valley takes us to our campsite at Jangothang (4,040m). From here, the views of Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake are superb.
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DAY 5: JANGOTHANG HALT
Elevation 4,010 m
Most people will feel the effects of ascending 1800m in 3 days, so we will have a rest day at Jangothang. We will also do short day hike to acclimatize ourselves with the height. Follow the standard rule : Trek high, sleep low. The area is rich in livestock, which has always been very valuable at these high places. Day halt at Jangothang and enjoy the scenery possible.
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DAY 6: JANGOTHANG TO TSHO PHU LAKES
Elevation
Upon leaving camp at Jangothang, we follow the trail to the river with two bridges. Cross the first bridge and climb the trail that zig zag up the mountainside. The trail climbs steeply after the bridge and ascends about 300m in a very short distance. There are literally breath taking views of Jumolhari (7,315m), Jumolhari 2 (6,942m) and Jitchu Drake. A flower carpeted meadow with several yak herders’ tents indicates the end of the climb. The rest of today’s walk is flat and easy. The first lake is our possible campsite.
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DAY 7: TSO PHU LAKES TO DHUMZO CHHU VIA BONTE LA PASS
Elevation
The highest pass on this trek is crossed today so it is important that we get an early start. The weather in the mountains tends to be most settled in the early morning, increasing the chances of spectacular views. Bonte La (4,890m) is the highest trek of this pass. There are several cairns and prayer flags. Take time to enjoy the scenery or put up some prayer flags. Your camp site at Soi Yaksay valley is a beautiful site with impressive rock cliffs, waterfalls, deep side valleys and snow covered peaks.
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DAY 8: DHUMZO CHHU TO THOMBU SHONG
Elevation 4,520 m
This stage offers a number of beautiful sceneries. You will have beautiful views into the valley where the last camp has been put up and also the glaciated peaks to the South-East. Walking distance is 10 to 11km, the difference in altitude of ascent is 700m, the walking time is 4.5 hours.
You pass the village and there is a steep and steady climb which takes an hour. The pass has several cairns covered with prayer flag. Climb a bit and you can see the mountains like jumolhari, Jitchu Drake etc. Looking back is the pass crossed yesterday and looking the other side is tonight’s campsite. The trail first stays high to the left with some exciting drop offs, then winds gently downhill to camp. Thombu camp is the second highest camp for this trek.
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DAY 9: THOMBU SHONG TO SHANA TO PARO TOWN VIA THOMBU LA PASS
Elevation 3,575 m
Walking time 4.5 to 5 hours, The ascent overcomes a difference in altitude of 180m, the descent 1560m.
Cross the valley through a swampy area to find a clear trail through rhododendron bushes that climb steeply to Thombu la (4270m). The ridge walk from the pass is one of the best parts of the trek: very high above the valleys on a good trail with a beautiful view. It takes about an hour to reach a big descent. The trail ends near the military helipad next to the Bhutanese army camp.
We drive back to the hotel for the night.
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DAY 10: PARO TO THIMPHU
Elevation 2,280 m
We drive to Thimphu for the day and have an easy and light tour.
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DAY 11: THIMPHU
Elevation 2,320 m
Today is an easy walk and with small ups and downs followed by a couple of short steep switchbacks to descend a vertical cliff before finally reaching the last stretch to Dodina. The trails descends through bamboo forests, following the mule trail high above the river and reach Dodina where your vehicle will meet you and drive you half an hour to Thimphu.,the modern capital of Bhutan. Thimphu has a population of about 98,500. The town is made up of just three lines of shops and is the only capital in the world without traffic lights.
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DAY 12: DEPART PARO
Elevation 2,280 m
Today is your last morning in this mystical and memorable country of Bhutan. We will have breakfast and proceed to check in for your flight. Bid a fond farewell to Bhutan for the flight back to Bangkok. We hope you have enjoyed your trip immensely and will bring your friends to Bhutan in the future