Jhomolhari – Soi Yaksa Trek
Home / Jhomolhari – Soi Yaksa Trek
Duration
5 Nights | 6 Days
Tour Type
Treking Tour
Best Season
late September to early November (autumn) and March to May (spring).
Location
Bumthang | Bhutan
Highlights of the Trek
This six-day high-altitude trek through the Jigme Dorji National Park offers a perfect blend of Himalayan wilderness, cultural immersion, and mountain vistas. Highlights include panoramic views of Mount Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake, scenic alpine lakes, encounters with yak herders, and diverse flora and fauna. With high passes such as Bhonte La (4,890 m) and Takhung La (4,520 m), this trek is ideal for seasoned trekkers looking to experience Bhutan’s raw natural beauty with cultural authenticity.
![IMG_4262[1]](http://btcl.abitwebsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_42621-scaled.jpg)
Day-by-Day Highlights
Distance: 23 km | Time: 6–8 hours
Depart Paro early in the morning and drive for about 3 hours via Drukgyel Dzong to Gunitshawa. At the army post just outside Gunitshawa, your trek permit will be checked and endorsed.
Begin your trek with a gradual climb along the Pa Chhu (Paro River), passing through oak, rhododendron, and fern forests. Enter the Jigme Dorji National Park as the valley narrows into a path descending into a scenic meadow where you will camp for the night. If weather permits, you’ll get your first striking view of Mt. Jhomolhari (Chomolhari) from the campsite.
Overnight: Tented campsite at 3,610 m
Distance: 19 km | Time: 6–7 hours
Today’s trek passes through stunning alpine landscapes and yak pastures. You’ll walk past the villages of Soe, Takethang, and Dangochang, where herders may offer traditional produce like yak cheese, butter, and meat. The route is adorned with prayer flags, chortens, and mani walls, eventually leading to the breathtaking Jangothang campsite (4,090 m) with a commanding view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m).
Overnight: Tented campsite
Spend a full day acclimatizing and exploring the area. Take optional hikes to nearby lakes like Tshophu, rich with spotted trout, or higher ridges offering views of Mt. Jichu Drake and Mt. Chomolhari. Keep an eye out for blue sheep along the upper slopes—perfect for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
Overnight: Tented campsite
Distance: 16 km | Time: 6–7 hours
Leave Jangothang and pass Tshophu Lake (4,380 m). The trail climbs steeply to Bhonte La Pass (4,890 m), the highest point of this trek. Descend through yak herder settlements to reach Dhumzo Chhu, then follow the river downstream to the village of Soi Yaksa (Dhumzo) and your campsite at 3,800 m.
Overnight: Tented campsite
Distance: 11 km | Time: 4–5 hours
Climb 100 meters to a ridge, then descend to a stream before ascending Takhung La Pass (4,520 m). The trail leads to Thombu Shong, a small settlement with three yak herder huts.
Overnight: Tented campsite at 4,180 m
Distance: 13 km | Time: 4–5 hours
Cross Thombu La Pass (4,380 m) and descend steadily to Gunitsawa Village, where your driver will be waiting. Return to Paro by early evening.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro