Soi Yaksa Trek

On your flight to Paro the journey affords spectacular views of the snow-capped Himalaya, including Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. Our representative will receive you at Paro Airport. If you arrive before noon you can start your trip after lunch, visiting the 8th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the kingdom. In the evening, explore the town. Overnight in Paro.

The morning hike to the Tiger's Nest is a refreshing and exciting one. Perched on a rocky ledge 3,000 ft above the valley floor, the monastery was founded by Guru Padmasambhava. The hike to the viewpoint makes a fine half-day excursion with beautiful views of the Paro valley. Lunch at the Taktshang cafeteria, then a free stroll in town and the nearby villages. Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast we drive about two hours to the trek start point. The trail follows the river through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses. As we go up, the valley becomes narrower, wilder and steeper, and the trail winds up and down along the drainage. We pass a junction where another path leads over the Tremo La to Tibet — formerly a Bhutanese trading route. We cross several traditional wooden bridges, finally arriving at Thangthangkha. Camp here for the night.

Following the river above the tree line, the trek presents stunning views of the surrounding peaks. For lunch we stop at a yak herder's camp. A short walk into the valley brings you to Jangothang at 4,040 m, where we pitch base camp. The views of Mt. Jomolhari and Jichu Drake are splendid.

After an arduous trek crossing 1,800 m in three days, we halt a day at Jangothang. To adapt to the height we go for short day hikes to nearby places. Yaks and yak herders will be in your sight frequently. Feel the lush green surrounding environment.

We start early today for the highest pass to conquer on our entire trek. The weather in the mountains is settled early in the morning, affording splendid views of the surrounding peaks and beyond. We cross the Bonte La at 4,890 m, the highest point of the trek, marked with several cairns and prayer flags — you may put up some prayer flags of your own here. The campsite in the Soi Yaksa valley is amazing, surrounded by impressive rock cliffs, waterfalls, deep side valleys and snow-capped peaks.

After passing a village we start an hour of steady climb. The pass, with several cairns and prayer flags, affords a spectacular view of Mt. Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. A gradual descent takes us to Thombu for tonight's camp — the second-highest camp on our trek.

Crossing the valley through a swampy area, we enter a clear trail through rhododendron forest leading up to Thombu La at 4,270 m. The walk along the ridge is one of the best stretches of the trek, passing above the valley floor and affording spectacular views. The trail ends near the military helipad next to the Bhutanese army camp. The last night is in Paro town.

After breakfast, we see you off at the airport.