12 Day Soi Yaksa Trek

Soi Yaksa Trek is yet another beautiful and adrenaline pumping trek in Bhutan, filled with beautiful scenery with some climbs.

Itinerary

Soi Yaksa Trek is yet another beautiful and adrenaline pumping trek in Bhutan. The trek is filled with beautiful scenery with some climbs as high as 4700 m. Soi Yaksa Trek does not require any special technical skills and every trek is led by a qualified Bhutanese guide. The level of difficulty is moderate and at times demanding.


Day 1: Arrival in Paro, Bhutan

ele-logo 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 acclimatise 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.

Hotels:

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Metta Resort & Spa
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Uma Paro

Day 2: Paro to Shana

ele-logo Elevation 3,575 m

Morning drive the winding road to the Drukgyal Dzong, the ruined fort, which was once defended this valley from Tibetan invasions. Mount Jomolhari, the sacred summit, reaches skyward beyond the dzong. Our trek to Shana starts at Drukgyal Dzong. At first we have to walk down to the level of the Paro river, the path runs on the left (western) side of the river. We then follow the Paro river up the valley through cultivated fields and tiny picturesque villages.

The forests are alive with numerous birds and brightly colored butterflies. Finally at “Gunichawa”, a military camp, which also junctions as a checkpoint for the army. Here the permits for the trek have to be produced and is checked by the army. Our camp site is located about 1 km above the military camp. Overnight at camp Shana.


Day 3: Shana to Thangthangkha

ele-logo Elevation 4,044 m

This morning, we will drive the winding road pass Drukgyal Dzong, the ruined fort, which was once defended this valley from Tibetan invasions, towards Shana. Mount Jomolhari, the sacred summit, reaches skyward beyond the dzong. Our trek to Shana starts at Drukgyal Dzong. From Shana, we will begin our trek to Thangthangkah. 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 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.


Day 4: Jangothang (Base Camp of Mt.Jumolhari)

ele-logo 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.


Day 5: Jangothang Halt

ele-logo 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.


Day 6: Jangothang to Lingshi

ele-logo Elevation N/A m

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.


Day 7: Tso Phu Lakes to Dhumzo Chhu via Bonte La Pass

ele-logo Elevation N/A m

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.


Day 8: Dhumzo Chhu to Thombu Shong

ele-logo 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.


Day 9: Thombu Shong to Shana via Thombu La Pass

ele-logo 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 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. The final night’s camp is on a pleasant site by the Paro Chhu.


Day 10: Shana to Drugyel Dzong

ele-logo Elevation 2,280 m

A 4 hour hike through the lovely valley, finishing at Drugyel dzong where transport should be waiting to take you to your hotel.

Hotels:

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Tenzinling Resort
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Metta Resort & Spa
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Uma Paro

Day 11: Thimphu

ele-logo 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.

Hotels:

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Jumolhari Hotel
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Terma Linca Resort
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Taj Tashi Thimphu

Day 12: Depart Paro

ele-logo 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. We 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.

What’s Included
» Private guided tour
» Visas for Bhutan
» Airport transfers
» Daily 3 meals (B/L/D) at designated restaurants or hotels
» Accommodation at 3 star hotel
» A qualified & licensed English-speaking guide
» An experienced driver
» A tour vehicle
» Entry fees & road permits
» Government fee, royalty, taxes & surcharges
» Mineral bottled water
» Set of traditional costume (to be return at the end of your stay)
» Full service & assistance before, during and after your Bhutan trip

Trekking equipment provided:
» A Cook
» Camp assistances
» Horses
» Sleeping bag
» Sleeping mats
» Blankets
» Tents

Suitable Months
March to June and September to October

Prices
For Travel during the months of: Jun
USD 2,689 for 1 person traveler
USD 2,579 per person for 2 person travelers
USD 2,249 per person for group with 3 or more

For Travel during the months of: Mar-May and Sep-Oct
USD 3,239 for 1 person traveler
USD 3,129 per person for 2 person travelers
USD 2,799 per person for group of 3 and above

What’s Excluded
» Flight into Bhutan via Drukair (can be arranged with us)
» Flight on other airline to catch Drukair Flight
» Hotel stay outside of Bhutan
» Travel Insurance (can be arranged with us)
» Meals at 4-5 stars restaurants
» Tips for the guide and driver
» Alcoholic drink
» Expenditure of personal nature

Our Guarantee
Guaranteed Visa approval. We have yet to disappoint a single of our travellers in term of Visa issuance.

Your choice of hotels will be confirmed for your inspection before your arrival. We only book you on hotels which we love and would love again.

We will be happy to change your guide, driver or vehicle on the first two days of arrival in Thimphu if you are not satisfied with our selection. Drop us a note and our hospitality team be on the spot to assist you.

We’re here to help. Our world-class member services team is available by phone or email — there’s no automated system or call center; you’ll communicate with a real person.
 

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