Jomolhari Yaktsa Trek

Duration: eight nights nine days
Difficulty: moderate
Min/Max elevation: 2,500m-5,000m
Best Season: April to June and September-November
Highlights: breathtaking Himalayan vista; rare bird and mammal sightings; nomadic settlements and yak herders.

One of the shortest of the Jomolhari trekking routes, it is also the most popular in the country as it has a varied list of attractions. With altitudes ranging from 2,500-5,000m, the route abounds with a rich array of flora and fauna in addition to its varied mountain climate.

The highlight of this trek is the spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari from Jomolhari Basecamp (Jangothang). However, trekkers who want to avoid high passes and high altitude can chose an easier route by retracing their steps from Jangothang while not missing any of the attractions and highlights.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and sightseeing in Paro (2,250m).

A representative from Bucketlist Adventure will welcome you as you descend to the quaint valley of Paro. Your beginning to a new adventure will be an added spice with an added visit to the National Museum and the 17^th century Paro Rinpung Dzong (a fortress).

We explore the town towards the evening, going to odd places and meeting locals at their daily fares, which might add to the spice which you might have unintentionally intended. Overnight at hotel in Paro.

Day 2: Tiger nest; acclimatization and drive to sharna Zampa(2700m)

After breakfast, we hike for 4 -5 hours to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery. The hike to Taktshang or the Tiger’s Liar is an experience on its own. Located at about 3,200 meters, it is one of the most visited sites in the country and stands out in your bucket list of adventures in Bhutan. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up the mountain. After having explored the monastery, we hike down to the valley following which we drive to North of Paro passing by Drugyel Dzong a 17th century fortress built to to commemorate the victory over Tibetan and Mongolians.

We finally reach at Sharna Zampa, where we and our trekking crew will be camping overnight.

Day 3: Sharna Zampa – Thangthangkha (Distance 22 km, 7-8 hours)

The trails gently winds through the riverside and across an ancient dirt trail which was used as a trading route to Tibet in the past. The sights and visuals across the trail are unmistakably wonders of the Bhutan-Himalaya which etches a lasting visual impact on the trekkers. 

We camp at a serene site located at around 3,610m with a far view of Mt. Jhomolhari.

Day 4: Thangthangkha – Jangothang (Distance 19 km, 5-6 hours)

The early morning adventure across this trail is our best bet to have a closer view of the mighty Jomolhari Peak, just in case we missed it earlier due to unfair weather conditions. We then ascend to the highland village of Soe, Takethang and Dangothang and finally camp at Jangothang (4,080m) considered the base camp of the Jhomolhari.

Day 5: Jangothang Halt

The excursions at Jangothang are considered some of the most memorable in the entire loop. While we take a day’s rest to rejuvenate our tired bones, we explore the valley which has its own magical allure to it. From the unkempt yak herders to majestic views of blue sheep and Himalayan pheasants, the views at Jagothang will never cease to amaze us.

Day 6: Jangothang to Soi Yaktsa (Distance 16km, six to seven hours)

The trail leads to one of the last pastoral settlements in the valley and drops to the mouth of Paro Chhu. We might spot marmot  and blue sheep near Tshophu lake(twin Lake).After crossing the Tshophu Lake (4,380m) we ascend towards the Bhonte La pass at 4,890 m, the highest point of this trek route. We then reach the Dhumzo Chhu river and after a few hours we will  reach the Soi Yaktsa (Dhumzo) settlement where we will camp after a short climb on a ridge at 3,800m.

Day 7: Soi Yaktsa to Thombu Shong (Distance 11km, four to five hours)

The trail gradually ascends for about 100m over to the crest of a hill and then winds downwards towards a stream. After crossing the Takhung La pass (4,520m) we will descent to Thombu Shong (4,180m) another settlement of the yak-herders where we will erect our camps just next to their yak-hair tents.

Day 8: Thombu Shong to Gunitsawa, Paro (Distance 13km, four to five hours)

After making the gradual ascent towards at Thombula Pass (4,380m) we finally land at the Gunitsawa village in Paro where our car will be waiting for us.

In the evening we visit a local farmhouse in Paro and indulge ourselves in local delicacies and a hot-stone bath. Overnight at hotel in Paro.

Day 9: Depart

After a hearty breakfast our representatives will bid you farewell at the airport. However, if you have additional time at hand you might probably want to make the best of it and our guide will do the rest.