Jhomolhari - Yaksa Trek 11 Days/ 10 Nights Tour

Day 1: ARRIVE PARO BY DRUKAIR/BHUTAN AIRLINES

Arrive Paro by Drukair/Bhutan Airlines from Kathmandu- which will offer you great views of Mt. Everest- Kanchenjunga- Jhomolhari-Tsrim gang- and Jichu Drake. The moment you step out of the plane you will see the difference. Bhutan welcomes you with cool- clean fresh air. Peace and quietness is just another bonous. Our Snow Lion representatives will escort you to Hotel. It the time prevails visit National museum and Rinpung Dzong.
Overnight stay in Hotel Olathang.

Day 2: EXCURSION TO TAKSANG MONASTERY

To acclimatize yourself a hike to Taksang monastery meaning a Tiger’s Nest lies at an altitude of 2900m which takes about 2-3 hours. The monastery was gutted by fire in 1998 but the remains of the structure still attract visitors. The Royal Government has taken immediate steps to restore and re-construct the old structure. Tea and snack will be served at the cafeteria where you can gaze at this beautiful monument built during the 17th century. Stroll back to Hotel Olathang. Evening at leisure and visit a farmhouse to enjoy their warm courtesy and farm delicacy especially ‘Ema-datse’ prepared out of chili and local farm-prodouced cheese of cow- momo (dumplings) and butter tea.
A complimentary traditional hotstone bath at farmhouse later in the night.

Day 3: DRIVE TO SHANA AND TREK TO THANGTHANKHA

Shana–Thankthangkha and the walking distance is 22 Km which takes 8-9 hours. The trail is rather gradual without any steep climbs through dense forest of Oak- pine and spruce. Camp lie on the side of the river at an altitude of 3600 marked with two stone shelters of 3800m near a stone shelter.
Dinner and overnight in camp

Day 4: TREK THANGTHANGKHA TO JANGOTHANG

Thangthangkha–Jangothang and the walking distance is 12 km which takes 4-5 hours. The path ascends for a while till you reach a army camp. After a kilometer pass a village called Jampu towards the north. From here you will be above the tree line enjoying the stunning views of the rocky mountains. Occasionally pass by solitary houses of the yak herders before you finally reach the old ruins of the fort know as Jangothang at an altitude of 4050m with a community hall. This is also the Jhomolhari base camp.
Dinner and overnight in camp.

Day 5: A REST DAY IN JANGOTHANG

Jangothang halt- Options:Excursion to the nameless view point at an altitude of 5250m offering beautiful view of Mt. Jhomolhari and Kungphu. Fishing can also be done at Tshophu lake filled with giant rainbow trouts provided clients bring their own equipment or relax at the camp.
Dinner and overnight in camp.

Day 6: TREK JANGOTHANG TO YAKSA

Jangothang – Dumzo. The walking distance is 18 km which takes 6-7 hours crossing a pass known as Bhonte la at an altitude of 4900m. This day offers beautiful views of Mt. Jhomolhari- Kungphu- Jichu Drake from the two lakes and wonderful landscape. The ascent is about 800m in altitude- the descent 1090m in altitude. Before reaching the camp you will pass the Soi Yaksa village and one kilometer further cross a bridge to reach the campsite at an altitude of 3800m.
Dinner and overnight in camp.

Day 7: TREK YAKSA TO THONGPHU

Dhumzo – Thombu Shong. The walking distance is 13km which takes about 5-6 hours walk. This stage offers a lot of scenic beauty.You will have good views into valley and from the Thombu la pass at an altitude of 4520m views of Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake can be seen. From the pass its all the way down hill till camp at an altitude of 4180m situated above tree line. The difference in altitude (ascent) is 700m.
Dinner and overnight in camp.

Day 8: TREK THONGPHU TO SHANA

Thombu shong – Shana Zam. Walking distance 15 Km which takes 5-6 hours walk. The first part especially the walk on the ridge offers beautiful views partly to the mighty ice giants in the Jhomolhari region. The second part consists of a steep descent which lacks interesting views. At end of the descent you will come across the same military camp as you entered. Many possible camps can be found if you walk further down. Our vechile will be waiting for your return at Shana and then proceed to Thimphu via Paro.
Check in hotel Wangchuk in Thimphu and dinner.

Day 9: SIGHTSEEING IN THIMPHU AND DRIVE TO PUNAKHA

After breakfast visit the world’s tallest sitting Buddha statue(51m) at Kuenselpgodrang Visit the Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thangkas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls) and visit the National Memorial Chorten built in memory of the third King of Bhutan- His Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The deities depicted inside are the Nyingmapa tradition of Buddhism and teachings of Vajrayana (or tantric form of) Buddhism and provide a rare insight into Buddhist Philosophy.
After lunch we drive to Punakha- the old capital city of Bhutan (1hr 30mins) via Dochu la pass (3100m)-a mountain pass in the snow covered Himalayas within Bhutan on the road from Thimphu to Punakha where 108 memorial stupas known as “Druk Wangyel Chortens” have been built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk- the eldest Queen Mother. Check in hotel Damchen Resort in Punakha.

Day 10: PUNAKHA SIGHTSEEING AND RETURN TO THIMPHU

Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until and still it is the winter seat of Je-Khenpo ( the chief abbot). Blessed with temperate climate and owing to its natural drainage from Pho chu (male) and Mo chu (female) rivers- the Punakha valley produces abundant crops and fruits.
Visit Punakha dzong built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region- Punakha dzong has played important role in Bhutan. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake- the dzong has been fully restored by the fouth king.
Visit Chimi Lhakhang- situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley- is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley- who in the late 15th century used humour- songs and outrageous behavior to dramatise his teachings and due to this also known as “Divine Madman”. This temple is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one - if they pray at this temple will usually be blessed with a child very soon. It is about 20 minutes walk across field from the road to the temple.
Check in hotel Hotel Jhomolhari in Thimphu.