Yaktsa Trek (Jomolhari Base Camp Trek)

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01. Arrive Paro and Sightseeing | Altitude: 2280 m

Upon your arrival at Paro airport, your guide will greet you and transfer you to the hotel.

In the afternoon, visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower built in 1656, now the national museum. Then explore Rinpung Dzong, a fortress-monastery built in 1646.

Evening free for leisurely town exploration.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

Day 02. Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery – Shana

Start your day with a hike to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery, a 2-hour trek. Legend says Guru Rinpoche flew to this spot on a flying tiger. Afternoon visit to Drugyal Dzong and Kichu Lhakhang.

In the evening, drive to Shana (22 km, 2-hour drive).

Dinner and overnight at the camp.

Day 03. Shana – Thang Thangka (Yaktsa Trek)

Today’s trail follows the river through a forested area with isolated farmhouses. Camp in a meadow with a stone shelter.

Altitude: 3610 m; Distance: 22 km; Time: 7 – 8 hours. (770 m ascent, 10 m descent).

Day 04. Thang Thangka – Jangothang (Yaktsa Trek)

Pass through Tegethang, a winter home of Yak herders. Reach Jomolhari base camp (4,115 m), offering stunning mountain views and the ruins of an old fortress.

Dinner and overnight in camp.

Altitude: 4080 m; Distance: 19 km; Time: 5 – 6 hours. (480 m ascent)

Day 05. Jangothang Halt (Yaktsa Trek)

Rest day at Jangothang. Optional day hikes to Jomolhari glacier, Jichu Drake glacier, or summit between Jomolhari and Jichu Drake.

Dinner and overnight in camp.

Day 06. Jangothang – Dhumzo via Bonte La Pass 4890 m (Yaktsa Trek)

Enjoy views of Jomolhari, Jitchu Drake, and the valley. Pass by Yak herders’ camps and Tsho Phu lake, with chances to see Himalayan blue sheep. Cross Bonte La, the highest pass.

Dinner and overnight in camp.

Highest point: 4890 m, Duration: 7 – 8 hours walk, Distance: 16 km

Day 07. Dhumzo – Thombushong (Yaktsa Trek)

Climb through rhododendron, birch, and oak forest, with glimpses of Jomolhari. During May and June, spot Takins, Bhutan’s national animal, on their migratory route.

Dinner and overnight in camp.

Highest point: 4550 m, Duration: 5-6 hours, Distance: 14 km.

Day 08. Thombushong to Zankepang (Yaktsa Trek): Begin with a climb to Thombula, a half-hour ascent to a ridge offering stunning mountain peak views, including the nearby Jo Drake (5980 m).

Dinner and overnight in camp.

Highest point: 4300 m, Duration: 7-8 hours, Distance: 18 Km (Long downhill).

Day 09. Zankepang – Drugyal Dzong – Thimphu (Yaktsa Trek): Bid farewell to your trekking staff and horsemen, then trek for 2 hours to reach the road end (End of the trek).

Drive to Thimphu (70 km, 2-hour drive).

Afternoon free for shopping and photography in town.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

Day 10. Thimphu Sightseeing | Altitude: 2334 m: Morning visit to:

• National Memorial Chorten (1974) honoring the third King, Late His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
• Kuensel Phodrang, home to the tallest sitting Buddha statue (51.5 meters).
• Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple in Thimphu valley, built in the 13th century.
• Takin Preserve Center, housing Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin.
• Sangay Gang viewpoint for a panoramic view of Thimphu city.
• Dupthop Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s few surviving nunneries.

Lunch at Simply Bhutan museum restaurant, followed by a visit to the painting school.

Evening visit to Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the national government and central monastic body, with free time for shopping and photography.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

Day 11. Thimphu – Punakha Sightseeing – Thimphu | 76 Km | Drive: 3 hours: Morning drive to Punakha, Bhutan’s ancient capital until the reign of the Second King.

En route, visit Dochula Pass (3140 m) with its 108 stupas and panoramic Himalayan views.

Continue to Chimi Lhakhang, the “Temple of Fertility,” built in 1499 to honor Lam Drukpa Kuenley, “The Divine Madman.”

Afternoon visit to Punakha Dzong, winter residence of Je Khenpo (chief abbot) and the monk body.

Evening drive back to Thimphu.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

Day 12. Thimphu – Paro (Departure): After breakfast, drive to the airport for your departure.