Soi Yaksa Trek 11days

Day 1: Arrival to Paro International Airport

The flight into Paro, from Bangkok, Delhi or Kathmandu, ranks among the world’s most scenic — often revealing Everest, Lhotse, and Kanchenjunga on clear days, followed by a dramatic descent through narrow Himalayan valleys to land beside the Pa Chhu River. If arriving in the morning, ease into Bhutan with a visit to Rinpung Dzong, a 17th-century fortress crossed by a traditional wooden bridge, and the National Museum perched above it in an old watchtower. Continue to Kichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, before checking into your hotel for a relaxed first evening in Paro.

Day 2: Acclimatization Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery

After an early breakfast, drive to the trailhead and set off on the hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliff at 3,100 meters. The trail climbs steadily through pine forest, past fluttering prayer flags and viewpoints over the Paro Valley, gaining nearly 900 meters across roughly 6km — a walk that rewards each step with a growing sense of calm. At the monastery, explore its sacred temples and learn of the legends surrounding Guru Rinpoche, who is said to have meditated here in the 8th century, all while taking in sweeping views over the valley below. Afterward, retrace your steps back down to Paro, arriving by afternoon for a relaxed evening.

Day 3: Paro to Shingkarap-Trek Begins

9 km | 4–5 hours | 250m ascent | 60m descent | Camp altitude: 3,110m The day starts with a drive to Gunitsawa, the trek’s starting point, passing Drukgyal Dzong, apple orchards, and the village of Tsento along the way. From here, the trek itself is an easy one, following a gradual slope through conifer and rhododendron forest alongside the Paro Chhu, crossing the river several times. After roughly five hours of steady walking, the trail reaches Shingkharap — a wide, open clearing with a single house that serves as a rest-stop for highlanders passing through. A short walk beyond brings you to the campsite for the night, set at an altitude of 3,110m.

Day 4: Shingkarap to Soi Thangkha

15 km | 5–6 hours | 560m ascent | Camp altitude: 3,670m The trail continues to trace the Pa Chu River, climbing and dipping through forests of pine, oak, and spruce. After crossing a bridge on the river’s left side, a hot lunch offers a welcome midday break. Beyond lunch, the trail follows the river further upstream through rhododendron forest before crossing back over the river, leading finally to the campsite at 3,670m.

Day 5: Soi Thangkha to Jangothang base camp

17 km | 4–5 hours | 370m ascent | Camp altitude: 4,040m Beyond this point, the trail rises above the treeline, which in Bhutan sits at roughly 3,700 meters. The day begins with a gradual climb toward an army camp, after which the trail continues to follow the river through open terrain, framed by impressive views of the surrounding peaks. Further on, the path crosses a muddy stretch before passing a mani wall and entering true yak-herding country, where a hot lunch awaits inside a yak herder’s camp. After lunch, the trail continues past the herding settlements of Soe and Takethang, crossing a broad plateau and following a streambed onward through Dangochang village, before arriving at the spectacular campsite of Jangothang, set at 4,040m — a spot celebrated for its superb views of both Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake.

Day 6: Jangothang Acclamatization and Exploration

Today is set aside for acclimatization, with an optional four-hour hike heading north from camp. There’s little in the way of a defined trail — just an open, seemingly endless slope leading up toward views of Mount Jichu Drake (6,989m), with the chance to scramble even higher, to 4,895m, for a stunning outlook onto Mount Jomolhari. Along the way, keep an eye out for rare blue sheep, Himalayan rhubarb, griffon vultures, golden eagles, and the elusive blue poppy. Below, Jangothang base spreads out as a flat grassy plain, with an old ruined fortress on a hillock in the foreground, dwarfed by the towering presence of Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. For a shorter outing, an alternative two-hour excursion leads to the twin Tshophu Lakes (4,400m) en route to Bonte La Pass. Since altitude sickness is common at this elevation, a rest day here is strongly recommended for all trekkers — and whether you choose to hike or simply relax at camp, it’s bound to be a memorable day either way.

Day 7: Jangothang to Soi Yaksa across Bonte La Pass

16 km | 6–7 hours | 810m ascent | 1,090m descent | Camp altitude: 3,800m The trail heads north past the valley’s last settlement before dropping back down to the Pa Chu River, crossed via a wooden bridge. From there, the route climbs to the turquoise Tshophu lakes (4,400m), home to a resident population of ruddy shelducks, with a second lake appearing after a further climb over a crest. The trail then dips into a hidden valley before a steep climb to Bonte La (4,890m), the trek’s highest point, offering commanding views of Basingthang (5,500m) and Chatarake (5,570m). Beyond the pass, the trail descends along a maze of yak trails down to the Dumzo Chhu, following the river downstream past a scattering of houses before reaching camp at 3,800m.

Day 8: Soi Yaksa to Thombu Shong

11 km | 4–5 hours | 720m ascent | 340m descent | Camp altitude: 4,180m The trail climbs over a ridge before dropping to another stream, then continues up the hillside beyond it, dipping into a small side valley before emerging onto a ridge higher up. Here the route turns south, climbing past a scattering of huts to Takhung La (4,520m). A short descent follows, leading into the wide, grassy expanse of Thombu Shong (4,180m), dotted with a few yak herders’ huts.

Day 9: Thombu Shong to Gunitsawa to Thimphu- Trek Ends

13 km | 4–5 hours | 200m ascent | 1,650m descent | Camp altitude: 2,730m Climb out of the valley through rhododendron forest to Thombu La (4,380m), where clear weather rewards you with sweeping views of Mount Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, Teri Gang, and even Kanchenjunga in the distance — a fitting high point to mark the trek’s final stretch. From the pass, the trail drops gradually to around 4,000m before switching back down the ridge, finally reaching the helipad at Gunitsawa (2,730m), where your vehicle will be waiting. From here, drive to Thimphu, where a hot shower and comfortable hotel await, marking your return to civilization after days in the wilderness. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 10: Thimphu, the capital

This morning, begin exploring Bhutan’s capital with a visit to the Memorial Chorten, a significant landmark built in honor of the Third King and a popular site of daily worship for locals. From there, continue to Kuenselphodrang for panoramic views over Thimphu and a close-up look at the magnificent Buddha Dordenma, one of the largest seated Buddha statues in the world. Next, head to the Takin Preserve to see Bhutan’s unusual national animal, before stopping at Zilukha Nunnery, home to a community of Buddhist nuns. In the afternoon, wander through Thimphu’s lively weekend market, where vendors sell fresh produce, textiles, incense, and handicrafts, followed by a visit to the Bhutan Post Office to create your own personalized stamps — a memorable souvenir or gift. Spend the rest of the evening exploring the city at your own pace before returning to your hotel for the night.

Day 11: Departure

Drive to Paro airport for your onward flight, with our guide on hand to see you off and bid you farewell.