Soi Yaksa Trek
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The highlight of Soi yaksa trek is the spectacular view of Mount Jumolhari from the base camp.
This trek is also known by several names, including Jumolhari Trek II, Yaksa Trek, or simply the Jumolhari Loop. If you wish to enjoy spectacular views of Mount Jumolhari and Jichu Drake without committing to the longer, high-altitude journey to Lingzhi, then the Soi Yaksa Trek is the perfect choice.
The first three days follow the classic Jumolhari Trek route. After an acclimatization day atJangothang Base Camp, you will continue toward the shimmering Tshophu Lake (4,400 m), framed by magnificent views of Jumolhari and Jichu Drake. The trail then climbs over Bhonte La Pass (4,890m) before descending to Yaksa, a serene valley with few yak-herding settlements.
The next day, you will cross Thombu La Pass (4,380 m), where on clear days you are rewarded with a sweeping panorama of the Kanchenjunga range in neighbouring Sikkim. The final day brings a long descent through lush, wild forests, eventually reconnecting with your starting point marking the end of the trek.
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
- 4890m
AVG. WALKING DISTANCE
- 16Km
AVG. WALKING TIME
- 6 Hours Average
MEALS ON TREK
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Snacks
Includes & Excludes
What's included
- Sustainable Development Fee& visa fee
- Transport by private vehicle
- Government approved 3-star hotels
- English speaking guide
- Bottled water in vehicle
- Permits, entrance fees, & sightseeing
- Sleeping tents, sleeping mats & pillows
- Dinning tents, kitchen tent & toilet tent
- Tables, chairs, utensils, hot water bags
- Trekking chef & assistants
- Horses to carry trek equipments
- Food supplies
What's not included
- Airfare
- Insurance
- Laundry
- Drinks & beverages
- Phone/internet bills
- Tips
- Wire transfer charge/card fee
- Sleeping bag
- Other bills of personal nature
Trek Route
A flight to Paro from Delhi or Kathmandu is often described as one of the world’s most spectacular. As the aircraft rises toward the Himalayas, passengers are treated to sweeping views of snow-capped giants, deep valleys, and remote mountain settlements. From Kathmandu, clear days may even reveal Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga, an unforgettable prelude to entering Bhutan.
The descent into Paro is equally breathtaking. The plane glides through narrow valleys and forested slopes, guided by specially trained pilots certified for this unique approach. As you land beside the Pa Chhu River and traditional Bhutanese houses, the calm mountain air and warm atmosphere immediately signal your arrival in the Kingdom of Bhutan.
If your flight to Paro arrives in the morning, you will begin your tour with a gentle introduction to the valley’s rich history and culture. After completing airport formalities, drive to Rinpung Dzong, a 17th-century fortress that once protected the valley and today houses monastic and administrative offices. Crossing its traditional wooden bridge, explore its courtyards, murals, and serene surroundings. Next, visit the National Museum, set above the Dzong in a watchtower that showcases Bhutan’s art, history, and natural heritage. Continue to the 8th-century Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan, believed to be among 108 temples built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to subdue a giant demoness. After sightseeing, check into your hotel and enjoy a restful evening in Paro.
After an early breakfast, drive to the trailhead and begin your hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliff at 3,100 meters. The trail ascends steadily through pine forests, prayer flags, and viewpoints overlooking the Paro Valley. Take time to enjoy the scenery and the increasing sense of serenity as you gain nearly 900 meters in elevation over a distance of about 6km. Upon reaching the monastery, explore its sacred temples, learn about the legends of Guru Rinpoche who meditated here in the 8th century, and take in the breathtaking views. After the visit, descend the same trail and return to Paro by afternoon for a relaxed evening.
9KM | 4-5 HOURS | 250M ASCENT | DESCENT 60M | CAMP ALT 3110M
Today you will drive to Gunitsawa, the start point, passing through Drukgyal Dzong Fortress, apple orchards and the villages of Tsento. It is a light trek moving slowly on a gradual slope through conifers and rhododendrons flanking the Paro Chhu. In about five hours of continuous hiking and crossing the river several times, you will reach at Shingkharap. It is a wide-open area with a single house which is a rest-stop for highlanders when traveling. You will walk a little further to your campsite at an altitude of 3110m.
15KM | 5-6 HOURS | 560M ASCENT CAMP ALT 3670M
The trail again follows Pachu River, ascending and descending through pine, oak, and spruce forests. Hot lunch will be served after crossing the bridge towards the left side of the river. After lunch, follow the river climbing through rhododendron forests and finally crossing the bridge again, you will reach the campsite at an altitude of 3670m.
17KM | 4-5 HOURS | 370M ASCENT | CAMP ALT 4040M
From this camp onward, you will be trekking above the tree line, which in Bhutan lies at around 3,700 meters. The trail begins with a gradual ascent toward an army camp. From there, you continue following the river above the tree line, enjoying impressive views of the surrounding peaks. The path then leads through a muddy stretch before passing a Mani wall and entering true yak country. A hot lunch will be served inside a yak herder’s camp. After lunch, you continue hiking past the yak-herding settlements of Soe and Takethang. The final stretch of the day takes you across a broad plateau and along a stream bed, passing Dangochang village before reaching the spectacular campsite at Jangothang (4,040m). From this campsite, the views of Mount Jumolhari and Jichu Drake are simply superb.
Today, you will tackle a four-hour acclimatization hike to the north of your camp. There is practically no trail but you will climb on an open and endless slope till you see the view of Mount Jichu Drake (6989m). You can scramble further up till 4895m (higher than Mount Blanc) to see amazing view of Mount Jumolhari. You are likely to spot rare blue sheep, Himalayan rhubarb, griffon vultures, golden eagles and the remarkable blue poppy. Jangothang base is a flat grassy land with an old ruined fortress on a hillock in the foreground, beneath the colossal Mount Jumolhari and Jichu Drake.
The other viable option is to go on two hours excursion to the twin Tshophu Lakes at 4,400m on the way to Bongtela Pass. Most people show signs of mountain sickness at this altitude and it is recommended that all trekkers halt here. If you do not wish to hike then simply relax in camp, either way it will be a memorable day.
16KM | 6-7 HOURS | 810M ASCENT | 1090M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 3800M
The trail leads north to the last settlement in the valley and descends once again to the Pachu River, crossing it on a wooden bridge. Walk up to the turquoise Tshophu lakes (4,400), which is inhabited by ruddy shelducks. You will come across a second lake after you climb across a slope to a crest. Then descend into a hidden valley and climb steeply to Bonte La at 4890m, the highest point of the trek with great mountain views of Basingthang (5500m) and Chatarake (5570m). After the pass, the trail descends crisscrossing yak trails down to the Dhumzo Chhu and after walking downstream past few houses you arrive at a camp at 3,800 meters.
11KM | 4-5 HOURS | 720M ASCENT | 340M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 4180M
The trail climbs over 100m over a ridge, and then drops to another stream. Crossing that stream, the trail heads up the hillside, dropping into a small side valley before emerging onto a ridge. Here the route turns south, ascending past few huts to Takhung La (4,520m). A short descend leads to wide and grassy Thombu Shong (4180m) with few yak herder’s huts.
13KM | 4-5 HOURS | 200M ASCENT | 1650M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 2730M
Climb out of the valley through rhododendron forests to Thombu La at 4,380m. On clear weather, great views of Mount Jumolhari, Jichu Drake, Teri Kang and even Kanchenjunga from the pass is rewarding and a treat for the hectic minds. Trail then drops gradually to about 4,000m, switching back down the ridge, you finally reach the helipad at Gunitsawa (2,730m). Your vehicle will be waiting here to pick you up. Drive to Thimphu where you can celebrate your return to civilization with a refreshing shower in the hotel. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.
This morning, begin your exploration of Bhutan’s capital with a visit to the Memorial Chorten, an important landmark built in honour of the Third King and a popular place of daily worship for locals. Continue to Kuenselphodrang for panoramic views of Thimphu and an up-close look at the magnificent Giant Buddha Statue, one of the largest seated Buddha images in the world. From here, drive to the Takin Preserve to see Bhutan’s unique national animal, followed by a stop at the Zulikha Nunnery, home to a community of Buddhist nuns.
In the afternoon, stroll through Thimphu’s lively Weekend Market, where vendors sell local produce, textiles, incense, and handicrafts. Visit the Bhutan Post Office, where you can create personalized Bhutanese stamps—an excellent keepsake or gift. Spend the rest of the evening exploring the city at your own pace before returning to your hotel for the night. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu
There is also an option to extend your cultural sightseeing tour to Punakha Valley if you have additional days available. Should you choose not to extend your stay, today marks your final day in Bhutan.
Drive to the airport in Paro for your departure. Our guide will bid you farewell.
Extension Option:
This Soi Yaksa Trek can be extended by an additional three days for trekkers who wish to explore deeper into Bhutan’s highlands. We discovered this extension during a summer and the trail was remarkably rich in alpine flora. The meadows were carpeted with vibrant gentians, rare Blue Poppies, as well as yellow and pink poppies, varieties seldom seen on other trekking routes in Bhutan. This extension offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in untouched landscapes that few travelers experience.
10 KM |5-6 HOURS | 400M ASCENT | CAMP ALT 4,200M
The trail climbs over 100m over a ridge, and then drops to another stream. Crossing that stream, the trail heads up the hillside, dropping into a small side valley before emerging onto a ridge. We come to a Thangka Ten which is marked by the long Chorten at 3,880 meters. After crossing a stream, we leave the Yaksa Trek route to the right, and we follow the trail to the left. On the way the ruins of Soe Dzong is superb and after 3 hours of steep ascent from Thangka Ten we reach our campsite called Chukha Lum at 4,200m nearby a stream and a lone yak herder’s camp. The camp area a wide meadow with blankets of blue gentian flowers
The trail begins with a gradual climb of about 100 meters to a ridge and drops to a stream. After crossing it, the path ascends the hillside and dips into a small side valley, eventually emerging onto an open ridge. Soon you arrive at Thangka Ten (3,880 m), marked by a long Chorten.
After another stream crossing, the route diverges from the classic Yaksa Trek. You leave the main trail to the right and follow a newer path to the left. Along the way, the ruins of Soe Dzong is superb.
From Thangka Ten, a steep three-hour ascent brings you to your campsite at Chukha Lum (4,200 m), situated beside a clear mountain stream and a lone yak herder’s shelter. The campsite rests in a broad alpine meadow, often carpeted with blue gentian flowers, creating one of the most picturesque camping spots.
6-7 HOURS | 300M ASCENT | DESCENT 350M CAMP ALT 4150M
After breakfast, you begin the day with a steady one and half hour ascent to La Lungla Pass (4,500 m). From the pass, the trail descends gently along the left side of the valley until you reach the campsite at Jimphu (4,250 m). Along this stretch, you will walk through abundance of Blue Poppies (Bhutan’s national flower) and the striking Rheum Nobile (Chukhar Meto), both rare and beautiful alpine plants. Jimphu also serves as an optional campsite should the group wish to shorten the day.
From Jimphu, the trail climbs again for about one and half hour to reach Somula Pass (4,500 m). A brief 5-minute descent on the left side leads to a fork where the path turns right and continues downhill to the campsite at Dhukla Pang (4,150 m), set in a quiet high-altitude meadow.
6-7 HOURS | 390M ASCENT | DESCENT 6400M CAMP ALT 4150M
From the pass, the trail descends past another cairn and continues for about an hour to the yak herders’ settlement at Tshochu Dingkha (4,150 m), an area dotted with small, shimmering lakes. A separate route branches from here toward the Naro Trek, but instead of taking that path, you turn right and descend further from the herders’ camp to Juchu Thang (3,900 m)—a broad meadow that serves as another optional campsite for groups needing a shorter day. The descent to Juchu Thang takes roughly 45 minutes.
From Juchu Thang, you cross a wooden bridge just below the herders’ camp and begin a steep, rocky ascent to La Namla Pass (4,450 m), which typically takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. Immediately behind the pass lies the strikingly dark La Namay Tsho, a dramatic high-altitude lake. You follow the right side of the lake, keeping close to its shoreline. Another route from here leads to Dolay Goenpa, but that requires crossing the river that flows directly from the lake. Instead, continue by keeping the river on your left as you descend toward the campsite at Daluna (3,900 m). From this campsite, you can clearly see the beautiful waterfall that originates from the famed Drakay Pangtsho, cascading down the cliffs nearby.
7-8 HOURS | 400M ASCENT | DESCENT1700M
Started from the camp at 7:45 am and reached Drakay pangtsho Lake (4150m) at around 8:30 am which took us about 45 minutes.
After spending 30 minutes in Drakay Pangtsho we continued ascending through rocky trail to Namgay la (4300m) and descended to another pass called Ser Tsho la (4100m), this is where we meet with the horse trail. The horses will have different route to Ser Tsho la passing Ser Tsho on the way but not from our way as it is bit rocky and not meant for horses. Descend to Janu Goenpa crossing river several times which took us about 1 hour 30 minutes. From Janu Goenpa, Lemcha Goenpa is visible on the left side of the ridge and Drugyel dzong and northern side of the paro valley is superb. There is farm road till Janu Goenpa and by car to the nearest highway it takes about 1 hour drive.
Ascending gradually from camp for about 45 minutes we reach Drakay Pangtsho Lake (4,150 m). After spending about 30 minutes at this scenic lake, the trail continues upward along a rocky slope to Namgay La (4,300 m). From here, you descend to another pass, Ser Tsho La (4,100 m), where your path reconnects with the horse trail. Pack animals take an alternate route to reach Ser Tsho La passing by Ser Tsho itself since the section you have just crossed is too rocky for horses.
From Ser Tsho La, the trail descends steadily to Janu Goenpa, crossing the river several times. This descent typically takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. From Janu Goenpa, you can see Lemcha Goenpa perched on the left side of the ridge, and enjoy magnificent views of Drugyel Dzong and the northern reaches of Paro Valley.
A farm road reaches all the way to Janu Goenpa, and from here it is roughly one hour by car to the nearest highway—marking the end of your trek.
Mid-April to June and September to November are generally considered the best months for trekking in Bhutan. April to June offers warm spring weather with blooming flowers, while October and November though colder, provide mostly clear skies and excellent mountain views.
Please note that the three-day extension is best taken during the summer months if you wish to see alpine flowers. June and July are generally the most recommended period, when the blooms are at their peak.
Five nights at three star hotels during cultural sightseeing tour with options for an upgrade to higher category and six nights in tented camps.
Bhutan has choices of meals from Indian, Bhutanese and Chinese to continental. While on trek, you will also be provided with these choices of meals. Breakfast will consists of bread, egg, butter, jam and honey, biscuits, tea and coffee, juices, hot chocolate, oats, corn flakes, ham and sausages. You will be provided a hot pack lunches. Lunch and dinner menu will consists of rice, soup, nodules, vegetables, chicken, beef, pork, fish, dal and fruits. Your trek chef may also include other interesting dishes to complement your regular meals.
Your trekking crew will consists of guide, trek chef, assistants and horse and the number will grow based on your group size. For instance, in a group of two people, you will have around five people – a guide, trek chef, assistant and two horsemen and six horses. Team will grow – for a group of four people your crew will consists of – a guide, a trek chef, 2 assistants, 2 to 3 horsemen and 16 horses.
We deploy horses to carry your luggage, food supplies and trek equipment. Each horse will carry 30kg and each trekker is encouraged to bring in 15kg, so that luggage of two trekkers will make a load of one horse. A day before trek, you will separate your clothes those are required for trekking. Your city clothes would be left behind in company office and you will have them back at the end of your trek.
This trip is join-in at Paro. Drukair and Bhutan Airlines services to and from Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, Dhaka, Singapore and Dubai. You are encouraged to book this trip well in advance as we have limited flights and hotels – that is at least 6 months before the trek departure date to secure your place.
You will require different clothes for trekking and city tour. You may need more formal clothes for city tour while you will need specific clothes designed for trekking.
Dates & Itinerary Don’t Fit?
We can create a custom-made itinerary for you. Choose your date of travel, what would you like to see and where would you like to go.
- Email us at: @trekking-in-bhutan.com
- Call us at: +975 (M) 77845366
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