Jomolhari Yaksa Trek

This is 12 days Bhutan tour package combined with 6 days Jomolhari Yaksa Trek in Bhutan, the trek is one of the best trekking tour in Bhutan. With altitude differences of 2,500m and nearly 5,000m it offers a wide range of landscapes, fauna and flora. The highlight of this trek is the spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari from Jomolhari Basecamp (Jangothang). HBT offered Treks can be tailored to suit your preferences, both in advance and on the ground. HBT guides are well experienced for trekking tours in Bhutan. We offer best treks in Bhutan. Enjoy the trekking tours of Bhutan. Heavenly Bhutan is trekking organizer in Bhutan. Book your Bhutan Tours with Heavenly Bhutan. 12 days Jomolhari Yaksa Trek in Paro. 6 Days Jomolhari Trek in Paro.

Day 01: Arrival in Paro to Thimphu (1.5 Hr)
Fly on the wings of the Dragon to Bhutan, on arrival in Paro International Airport, complete the immigration formalities and exit through only one arrival gate where HBT dedicated team who will be holding placard, no one will be missed. We welcome with khaddar and proceed to Thimphu which will take about an hour and half. The route will follow Paro River until Chuzom from where we will bend towards Thimphu river taking us to the heart of capital city Thimphu. The entire stretch of drives is very scenic and picturesque as we pass by some of the beautiful villages of Bondey, Shaba, Isuna etc until we enter welcome gate in Thimphu. Visit the weekend market (Thu-Sun): An interesting well organized permanent set of stalls built for vegetable vendors across the country. It’s open from Wednesday to Monday and closed on Tuesdays. One can find wide range of local vegetables and fruits. Other side of the river is place for indigenous goods and handicrafts section, where locally produced goods, including religious objects, cloth, baskets and hats etc from various minority groups are sold here. These shops are open from Friday to Sunday only. Visit Takin reserve national animal: National Animal of Bhutan which has very unique story and its one of the never seen strange animal. It’s worth a hike to the place. If time permits, Wangditse hike: From the start point, the trail heads up for a while and drops down gently through oak, blue pine and rhododendron until you will reach Wangditse monastery. The view of Tashichodzong, Thimphu city, and Buddha statue is stunning from here. In the evening we will explore the city by walk: If time permits, walking through the city gives you immense joys and understanding of modern city. Good option for imported garments and local souvenir, beside unique local handicrafts. Thimphu offers mixed style of personalities. Take the street walk in Thimphu- only city in the world without traffic lights. Visit Tashichho Dzong: Houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan and government secretariat buildings, beautiful arts and crafts, built in 17th century. Visitors are open for an hour in the evening and closed during official meeting or gathering. Overnight in Thimphu, altitude 2400m

Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing
Thimphu- This bustling little city is the main centre of commerce, religion and government in the country. Thimphu is the most modern city with an abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping centers. However it still retains its cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernization, often referred as world only city without traffic lights. Cheri Monastery: In 1627 the first Buddhist Monastic School for Bhutan was started by Shabdrung in Cheri, which to these days has become a Meditation center for higher level Buddhist studies. The Monastery buildings are old and still contains many sacred relic from past. Drive pass by Memorial Chorten: It is located close to the center of Thimphu city and is one of its most iconic monuments. Visitors will find elderly Bhutanese people circumambulating the Chorten throughout the day. The National Memorial Chorten was built in memory of Late Third King of Bhutan and dedicated to World Peace. Third King is regarded as father of modern Bhutan. Visit Buddha viewpoint: The Buddha Dordenma is located at a top of the hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park and overlooks the southern entrance to Thimphu valley. Changangkha Lhakhang: Changangkha Lhakhang is located at the lower part of Motithang in upper Thimphu, on a small hill overlooking the Thimphu Town below. The main relic of Changangkha Lhakhang is the Chenrigzi in an 11 headed thousand arms manifestation. Visit textile museum: The National Textile Museum which opened in June 2001, is worth a leisurely visit to get to know the living national art of weaving. Changing exhibitions introduce the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and textiles made by women and men. The small shop features work from the renowned weaving centers in Lhuntshe Dzongkhag, in north-eastern Bhutan. Each item is leveled with the name of the weaver and price. The textile museum’s exhibition are centered around six major themes – warp pattern weaves, weft pattern weaves, role of textiles in religion, achievements in textile arts, textiles from indigenous fibers and the royal collection. Overnight in Thimphu

Day 03: Thimphu to Paro (1.5 Hr)
As we proceed to Paro, take an excursion to Dochula pass. The entire stretch of drive will refresh your mind and give you chance to enjoy the great snowcapped mountain views of the Himalayas from Dochula. Excursion to Dochula pass: The pass is at a popular location as it offers a stunning 180 degree panoramic view of the Great Himalayan mountain ranges. The view is especially scenic and very clear on winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass. Visit 17th century Paro Dzong: ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’, is ranked one of the best Bhutanese architecture. The massive buttressed walls that tower over the town are visible throughout the valley, particularly when landing at Paro Airport. The Dzong also offers administrative seat of the district of Paro. The Dzong was built in 1644 under the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Ta Dzong unique national museum: Perched above Paro Dzong it was watchtower built in 1649 to protect the undefended Paro Dzong located below, renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum. Today this museum houses the best collections of all time historical items making worth for a visit. Visit 8th-century Kyichu Lhakhang: Temple considered sacred Jewel of Bhutan was established by the Buddhist King Songstsen Gampo of Tibet to overcome the giant ogress that laid across Tibet and Himalayas preventing the spread of Buddhism. The king is believed to have built the temple at the left foot of the enormous ogress. Kichu Lhakhang was among 12 temples in Bhutan out of 108 temples said to have been constructed over single night. Kichu Lhakhang was initially small in size however later, the temple expanded both in grandeur and size to its form that we see today. Enjoy outdoor activities wearing Gho/Kira, play archery: Nicely made and well maintained activity place attached to whole sell Buddha statue store, offers wearing Bhutanese dress, playing archery and darts for guests visiting Bhutan. The center is maintained and operated by HBT herself and its free of cost for all HBT guests. Overnight in Paro, altitude 2200m

Day 04: Paro Sightseeing
This picturesque region in the kingdom is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley. Paro has more of historical sites, high-end tourist resort and many souvenir shops for shopping including world famous Takstang. Taktsang Monastery (Tiger Nest Temple): is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious Buddhist site in the world. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. The temple is one of the holiest sites in Bhutan which clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley. Although good trekkers can make it to the top in two hours, most of the guests take whole day to complete the hike. Kyichu Lhakhang: Temple considered sacred Jewel of Bhutan was established by the Buddhist King Songstsen Gampo of Tibet to overcome the giant ogress that laid across Tibet and Himalayas preventing the spread of Buddhism. The king is believed to have built the temple at the left foot of the enormous ogress. Kichu Lhakhang was among 12 temples in Bhutan out of 108 temples said to have been constructed over single night. Kichu Lhakhang was initially small in size however later, the temple expanded both in grandeur and size to its form that we see today. Hot stone bath with dinner at the farmhouse: Hot stone bath is very unique which offers great medicinal values. In most cases, the bathtub is made of wood, placed on a ground level in quiet hut for the privacy. A couple can get into one bathtub to soak. Enjoy the great ancient techniques of curing body aches, joint pains and harness many other values. This is on additional cost check with guide/driver. Overnight in Paro

Day 05: Paro – Shana – Thangthangkha (Trek start). Distance: 21k, Walking time: 8h, Sleeping altitude: 3630m.
The Drukgyel Dzong was built in 1654 by the Zhabdrung to commemorate one of the many war victories against the Tibetans. Over the centuries, it guarded the trail from Tibet into the Paro valley. We will drive to Shana. Just before reaching our trekking starting point, we will have to pass through an army check post, where your guide will produce your trekking permit. The trail from Shana to Thangthangkha is a very rocky series of small ups and downs along the Paro Chu and can be very muddy if it rains.  About 2 ½ hours into the trek, you will come at a junction where a ancient trail branches for Tibet. Enjoy the night at the camp.

Day 06: Thangthangka to Jangothang, Distance: 16k, Walking time: 6hrs, Sleeping altitude: 4090m
Today you will come across small sparse settlements, and herds of yaks. You will also be crossing the tree line (4000m). Our camp at Jangothang will bring us face to face with the majestic Chomolhari. Jangothang means the land of ruins; you will see ruins of some old settlements, which no one seems to know much about.

Day 07: Jangothang Halt
Acclimatization and rest day. A good optional hike is to climb to the Tshophu Lake at 4300m, which is about 2h from Jangothang or enjoy the day taking complete rest.

Day 08: Jangothang to Yaksa, Distance 17k, walking time: 7hrs, sleeping altitude 4090m
Pass to cross: Bongtey La, 4820m. Sleeping altitude: 3800m. 2 hours from Jangothang is Tshophu Lake, which you probably visited yesterday. From the lake, it’s another 2 hours to the pass. Climbing up to the pass, we will be rewarded with stunning views of the Chomolhari and Jichu Drakey. From the pass, it’s all the way downhill until our camp at Yaksa.

Day 09: Yaksa to Thombu, Distance 14k, walking time 5hrs, Pass to cross: Thombu La, 4550m, sleeping altitude: 4150m
Climbing out of Yaksa, you will see the few houses that make up the Yaksa village across the valley, and the pass you came over yesterday. About 2 hours of gradual climbing and you will cross the tree line, entering another valley. The pass is a 1-hour climb from here. From the pass, you can see the yak herders grazing grounds of Thombu, our camp. On a clear day, you can even see some houses in Tibet.

Day 10: Thombu – Gunitsawa to Paro. Distance: 17k, walking time: 6h, sleeping altitude: 2600m.
A short steep climb will take us out of the Thombu basin, traversing along a trail cut into a rocky cliff with a dizzying drop. 4 hours of steep and dusty descent (1 ½ k of vertical descent) will bring us to the army check post that we crossed on the first day of our trek. Our camp is a further 2 hours downstream from the army camp. We are back tracing the trail now. Very soon Drukgyel Dzong will come into view where our transport will be waiting. In the evening explore the charming Paro town. Overnight in Paro.

Day 11: Paro Chelela/Haa Excursion
Home to Bhutan’s only international airport. Paro is also one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields. Blessed with beautiful weathers throughout the year and world famous and most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage Taktsang is located in Paro. Visit the temples of Dzongdrakha on foot: Temple is situated on the western region of Paro Valley on the Cliffside and often referred as “Mini Taktsang” of Bhutan. Tucked in a cliff above Bondey village, visit to temple offers pictorial hikes and one of the must visit places in Paro for inquisitive guests while in Paro. Chelela Pass at 3988m: Highest motor-able road pass connecting two districts Paro and Haa, an elevation of 3988m above the sea level. On clear days, one can enjoy view of the most sacred Mt. Jomolhari (7314m). The pass is dotted with beautiful prayer flags and offers amazing walks around, worth a visit while in Bhutan. You can also plan to ride mountain biking from Pass to Paro valley with the stretch of 36-48km, mostly downhill and easy ride. En-route, hike to Kila Gompa nunnery: Kila Nunnery also called Chele La Gompa has around 100 nuns, seven little temples and several residential buildings that straddle on the cliff-side facing Paro. It has great views of Paro, and Jele Dzong across on the far ridge and also seen to the north are Mt Chomolhari and Jichu Drake on a clear day.This amazing nunnery is far away from the hustle and bustle of the towns people but their view probably never misses anything. From the roadside near Chele La, it takes about 40 mins to climb about 300m. Overnight in Paro

Day 12: End of the Tour
Departure from the Kingdom of Bhutan