Yaksa Trek Tour

If your arrival is before lunch then have a lunch in paro town and after the lunch visit the National Museum, Paro Dzong and the oldest monastery in the country is called kyechu Lhakhang or Take a hike to Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest) the sacred Taktshang Monastery 900m above the valley floor. Guru Rinpoche said to flown to the site ring on a tigress. He subsequently mediated here for three months in 8th century. It is one of the Bhutan’s most holy sites and draws pilgrims not only Bhutan but also from neighboring Buddhist countries.

Distances: 17km, 5 to 6 hours, 370m ascent and 80m descent.

The trek starts from Drukgyel Dzong at 2500m. Today’s trail flows the river uphill through a narrow agriculture valleys far as the border of Army base camp and camp at 2800m in Shana Zam.

Walking distance: 23km, 8 to 9 hours, 770m ascent and 20m descent.

This is a long hard day with lots of short ups and downs of 10m to 20m.

The trial continues its gradual climb alongside the Paro Chu or Paro river.through conifers and Rhododendrons. At this point the route enters Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park. On the way, we can have a fantastic view of Mount Jhomolhari. We will camp in meadow at 3700m in Thangthangka.

Distances: 20km, 5 to 6 hour of walk and 480m ascent.

This is a not a long day, but there is a significant elevation gain at high altitude, and you will be worn out when you reach to camp. Jhomolhari was probably covered with clouds when you arrived but you will get a view if you get up early in the morning. The camp is beneath a ruined fortress (Jangothangthang Dzong) at the base of Mount Jhomolhari. Camp at elevation 4080m.

Distance: 16km, 7-8 hours, 810m ascents and 1090m descent.

The trail leads north of the last settlement in the valley and drops to the Paro Chu. Crossed the small wooden bridge and begins the steep climbing side of the Tshophu hill and you will have a spectacular view of mount Jhomolhari, Jechu Darky and Tserim Gang. After that the trail switch back up the side of the hill to a large cirque and the lake of Tshophu (4380m) which is inhabited by a flock of ruddy shelduck. Stay on the eastern side of the lake passing a second lake as the trail climbs across a scree slope to a crest. Descend into a hidden valley and climb steeply to Bhontela pass (4900m). From the pass route descends a scree slop the winds down a ridge with a lot of crisscrossing Yak trails. Finally reach to down stream to Yaksa village and camp at 3800m.

Distance: 11km, 5-6 hours, 720m ascent and 340 descent.

The trail climbs 100m over a ridge the drops to northern stream. Crossing that stream, the trail heads up hillside, dropping into a small side valley before emerging onto a ridge and ascending past a few huts to Takhung la pass (4520m). From the pass half an hour trek down to the camp side at 4180m.

Distance: 13km, 4-5 hours, 200m ascent and 1650 descent.

The trail climbs out of the valley to Thombula at 4390m then drop gradually to about 4000m. Then the trail makes a steep descent, switch backing down the reach finally reaching the helipad at Gunitsawa (2730m). Camp here or across river and go up stream to camp at Shana Zampa.

Distance: 17km, 4-6 hours, 80m ascent and 360m descent.

Follow day one of the Jhomolhari trek in the reverse to Drukgyel Dzong and 2hrs drive to Thimphu (Capital City). Over night in Thimphu.

Sight Seeing in Thimphu and after lunch 3hrs drive to Punakha via Dochola Pass at 3140m. From here on a clear day the pass offers a panoramic view of the Bhutan Himalayas. Over night in Punakha elevation of 1500m.

Morning visit Punakha Dzong the old capital of Bhutan. Punakha is the seat of government. It was built in 1637 by famous lama Zhabdrung Rinpoche. It will be interesting for you to see the Punakha valley. And lunch in Punakha, after lunch 5 hours drive back to Paro.

Return