Yaksa Trek

Yaksa trekking is one of the most beautiful that one had ever experienced. It starts from the road end (Shana) of Paro district and ends at (Shana) Paro only, making a round and ends at the starting point from another route. You will spend 6 days and 6 nights including a halt at Jomolhari base camp.  All nights in the trek are spent in the tent.

Walking in a mountainous country, there feels the real experience of a living paradise. You will experience different landscapes and an adventure walking in various vegetation. The trail goes through jungle, meadow, above tree line on the barren land.  Since it is in a National Park area, special species of flora and fauna are found including snow leopard and Himalayan Black bear.

Since you are trekking in the nomadic line you will come across nomads and their way of living. Even in some areas local people will come to visit you offering their local made (Product or local alcohol).

Inclusions

Hotel, transportation, guide, tea and snacks, visa fee, permits, entrance fee, mineral water (bottled), government tax and 3 meals daily.

Accommodation

3-star hotel (Bhutanese type), there is possibility of upgradation.

Exclusions

Flight ticket, insurance, tips, drinks and beverages, laundry, cellphone, internet and other personal expenditure or bills.

Insurance

We highly recommend you to obtain separate coverage of insurance from your home country since your package does not include any insurance.

Day 1: Paro

On your arrival, you will be greeted by our representative and you will be transferred to your hotel. After refreshment, you will visit Rimpong Dzong, built in 1646. You will cross the traditional wooden bridge. Visit to the oldest temple in the country, Kitchu lhakhang built among one of the 108 temples in a night by Tibetan King. In the evening, you will stroll down the street in Paro. Overnight hotel in Paro.

Day 2: Acclimatization Hike to Taktsang- Shana (16km, 2hrs, campsite altitude: 2800m)

 In the morning take a hike to visit Taktsang monastery also known as tiger nest. Bhutan’s most famous monastery, which stands at 3100m clings on the cliff.  In 8^th century spiritual master known as Guru Rimpoche has flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang monastery now stands. After lunch you will drive to Shana, starting point of trek. Overnight in camp.

Day 3: Shana-Thangthangka (Distance: 22km, Trekking time: 7-8hrs, Camp altitude 3610m)

After breakfast drive from your hotel to Drukgyel Dzong, from here drive through unpaved road to Army camp from where trek starts. The trail continues along Paro river gradually becomes narrower and closes in after some distance. The winding trail with frequent climb and descend leads us to our camp site in a meadow with stone shelter at 3,610m.

Dinner and overnight in camp at Thangthangkha

Day 04: Thangthangkha – Jangothang (Distance: 19km, Trekking time:5-6hrs (Camp altitude :4080 m))
After breakfast continue the trail along the Paro river and the valley opens again after crossing a small army outpost. Trekking through the open valley affords view of high ridges and the snow-capped mountains with yaks and Yak herder’s camp on the valley floor. The camp is at the base of mt. Jhomolhari where you can have closer vision to the snowcapped mountain. Overnight in camp at Jangothang

Day 05: Jomolhari Base Camp (halt)
Today is a halt and you will get a special time for meditation or yoga in a secret peaceful place. Your Bhutanese team will provide you a tent, and the schedule depends on you. It’s not compulsory but depends on your interest.

There are yak herders (nomadic people who move with yaks), villages and trout filled lakes to visit on your rest day at Jangothang, Jhomolhari base camp. You may also hike towards glaciers of mt. Jhomolhari or towards the twin’s lake for magnificent views or explore the nomads’ houses /villages.

Dinner and overnight in camp at Jangothang.

Day 6: Jangothang-Yaksa (11km, 8hrs, campsite: 3800m)

With 5 hours of ascends you will reach to Bontey la pass which is 4890m. While ascending, you will get to see twins’ lake (tsho phu tso), blue poppy (national flower of Bhutan), Blue sheep, marmot, Raven (national bird of Bhutan) and other animals on that mountain. Sometimes you will see snow leopard on the pass. After the pass, descending two hours to reach the camp in tree line below a small village of Yaksa at 3800m above sea level. Sometimes local people come to visit you in the camp with their local products (local prepared alcohol or yaks products). 

Day 7: Yaksa-Tombula (13km, 7hrs, Campsite: 4180m)

Ascending gentle slope for 6 hours you will reach to Taglungla pass (4520m above sea level). You will see blue poppy and other flowers. Blood pheasant and Himalayan monal are seen in this area. With descends of an hour you will see your campsite beautifully camped in a very big valley in a pastureland above tree-line at 3900m. Since it is last night in your trek, usually trekking cook will prepare his specialties with many items.

Day 8: Tambula-Thimphu (11km, 6hrs)

You have to start your day with ascends of 30 minutes and cross Tombula pass 3920m. Then you will descend to paro valley with beautiful scenarios of nature on the steep ridge. Once you get in the car, your driver will drive you to the hotel in Thimphu via Paro town.

Day 9: Thinphu

Sightseeing includes visiting memorial chorten (stupa built to commemorate late 3^rd king of Bhutan), Buddha point (largest buddha statue in the world), school of arts and craft (painting school), zoo (preserved area for the national animal of Bhutan, Takin).

In the evening, visit to Trashi Choedzong (fortress of glorious religion), it serves as the central administrative purpose and residence of central monk body. You will stroll in the market.  Overnight hotel in Thimhu.

Day 10: see off

After breakfast, drive to Paro airport for about an hour and see you off at the Paro airport for your flight to your onward destinations. Safe journey, Hope to see you again.