Chomolhari – Soi Yaksa Trek 6 Days/5 Nights
Page updated – 10 January 2024
Introduction:
- This 6 day/ 5 night trek offers a glimpse of the high Himalayan landscape.
- Maximum elevation – 4890 m
- Highest Camp – 4090 m. Trek Rating – Moderate/Strenuous (high altitude trek experience recommended)
- Ideal season for this trek – mid-April & May or October to mid-November.
Please remember you must add at least 3 additional nights in Bhutan to complete this trek. Two nights prior to commencement of trek (minimum duration required for acclimatisation purposes) & one night post trek before your departure from Bhutan.
OR CALL THE BHUTAN TRAVEL EXPERTS ON
AUS toll free, James – 0412 416 111, Nicola – 0413 598 669
Detailed Trek Itinerary:
Day 01: Soi Yaksa Trek:
Trek, Gunetshawa – Soi Thangthangkha (distance – 23 km, time – 8 hours).
Depart Paro early this morning travelling by road via Drukgyel Dzong to the village of Gunetshawa (3 hrs). At the army post just outside Gunetshawa your trek permit will be checked and endorsed.
The trail continues gradual climb alongside the Pa Chhu (Paro River) through forests of oaks, rhododendrons and ferns amidst breathtaking vistas. Today you enter the Jigme Dorji National Park & the valley finally narrows to a small path which descends to a meadow where you will camp for the night. Weather permitting you will have your first great view of Mt Chomolhari from the campsite (3,610m).
Overnight Tented Campsite
Day 02: Soi Yaksa Trek:
Soi Thangthangkha to Jangothang (distance – 19 km, time – 6/7 hours).
This mornings trek begins with beautiful landscape all round and summer pastures of yaks. Yaks and herds homes become a regular feature of the landscape. Passing villages of Soe, Takethang, and Dangochang. The herdsmen would gladly offer cheese, butter, meat and thick waterproof hair for making tents, caps and blankets. The approach to Jangothang (4,090m) campsite is heralded by prayer walls, chhortens, prayer flags fluttering in the wind and a spectacular view of Mount. Chomolhari (7,314m).
Overnight Tented Campsite
Day 03: Soi Yaksa Trek:
Exploring Jangothang.
The day in Jangothang provides plenty of possibilities for hikes with great views of lakes and the snow capped mountains of Chomolhari & Jichu Drake. Keep on the look out today as blue sheep can be spotted in the upper slopes of this region. Your hiking option today can be an expedition to Tshophu, a high altitude lake rich in spotted trout. Landscape all round is breathtaking and offers splendid opportunities for nature spotting and photography.
Overnight Tented Campsite.
Day 04: Soi Yaksa Trek:
Jangothang to Soi Yaksa (distance – 16 kms, time -6/7 hours).
The trek today leads to the last settlement in the valley and drops to the Paro Chhu (river). Passing the lake of Tshophu (4,380m) you will climb up steeply to Bhonte La pass at 4,890 m, the highest point of this trek route. Reaching the Dhumzo Chhu, trek downstream passing the few houses of of Soi Yaksa (Dhumzo) to arrive at your campsite (3800m) soon after.
Overnight tented campsite.
Day 05: Soi Yaksa Trek:
Soi Yaksa to Thombu Shong (distance – 11 kms, time 4/5 hours).
The trail climbs 100m over a ridge to drop to another stream then, after crossing the Takhung La pass (4,520m) descend to Thombu Shong near three yak herder huts with your campsite at (4180m) .
Overnight tented campsite.
Day 06: Soi Yaksa Trek:
Thombu Shong to Gunitsawa Village. (distance – 13 kms, time 4/5 hours).
Crossing Thombu La pass (4,380m) you will finally reach Gunitsawa where you can be collected by your driver and return to Paro by early evening.
Overnight Paro Hotel.
