Bhutan11 days
Jomolhari & Soi Yaksa Trek — 11 Days
High-altitude traverse across Bhutan's northern frontier, crossing two major passes to reach glacial valleys and views of Mount Jomolhari.
This trek traverses Bhutan's remote northern landscape, moving from the Paro valley through alpine meadows and rocky passes to the Jomolhari massif. The route crosses Bonte La at 4,890 meters and Takhung La at 4,520 meters, with the highest camp positioned at 4,180 meters. Along the way, turquoise glacial lakes appear in hidden valleys, and the trek passes through areas where seasonal alpine flowers and moss-covered terrain dominate. The full route spans seven trekking days of continuous walking, interspersed with acclimatization time at altitude and two days in Bhutan's capital.
Best time to go: Spring / fall
Highlights
- Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery from Paro (3,120m elevation gain of 520m over 4 hours)
- Alpine meadow camp at Jangothang (4,080m) with views of Mount Jomolhari's north face
- Glacier exploration and acclimatization day from Jangothang
- Cross Bonte La pass (4,890m) descending into hidden valley toward Soi Yaksa
- Traverse from Thombu Shong to Thombu La (4,380m) on final high pass
- Turquoise glacial lakes in the Soi Yaksa valley system
- Buddha Dordenma statue (54 meters) in Thimphu and Bhutan's textile heritage museums
Day by day
1Arrival in ParoParo International Airport · Paro town
Arrive at Paro International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Settle in and visit Paro town.
2Tiger's Nest Monastery from ParoTiger's Nest Monastery
A steep dirt track climbs through forest to a halfway rest point, then continues with mixed terrain — gradual ascent and downhill stretches on stone steps — to the monastery perched on a cliff face. The hike gains 520 meters over 4 kilometers in about 4 hours, reaching 3,120 meters elevation.
3Shana Zampa — Start of TrekShana Zampa
Rocky trail follows the river, requiring careful footing throughout. After passing the Tibet junction, the final hour leads to camp. The trek ascends 400 meters over 17 kilometers in roughly 5 hours to reach 3,250 meters.
4Rocky Terrain to ThangthangkaRocky Terrain to Thangthangka · first monastery site beyond a bridge · second monastery
An hour of rocky terrain leads to the first monastery site beyond a bridge after 3.5 hours. Two more hours reach the second monastery. This 22km day gains 770m elevation over 6–7 hours of hiking, finishing at 3,630m.
5Jangothang Meadow TrekJangothang
Rocky and muddy terrain opens onto grassy plains. The 18-kilometer trek climbs 480 meters over six hours, crossing open meadow to reach Jangothang at 4,080 meters elevation.
6Acclimatization at JangothangJangothang · nearby glaciers
A day to acclimatize at 4,080 meters. Hike to nearby glaciers and visit the surrounding terrain, or rest in camp while taking in views of Jomolhari's north face.
7Soi Yaksa to Bonte La PassSoi Yaksa to Bonte La Pass · Bonte La Pass
A steep 1-hour climb opens to gradual terrain past turquoise lakes. The route descends into a hidden valley, then climbs steeply to Bonte La pass at 4,890 meters before descending to camp.
8Thombu Shong High CampThombu Shong High Camp
Climb steeply to a ridge, descend to a stream, then alternate between uphill sections and valley dips before ascending to another ridge. A final steep push reaches 4,180 meters — the trek's highest camp — before descending to Thombu Shong. The 11-kilometer stage gains 720 meters over 4 to 5 hours of hiking.
9Thombu La and Descent to ThimphuThimphu · Thombu La pass · valley to trailhead · trailhead to Thimphu
Climb out of the valley to Thombu La pass at 4,380 meters, then follow a gradual descent to 4,000 meters before a steep final drop to the trailhead. A vehicle transfer follows to Thimphu, where you check into your hotel. The final 13 kilometers of trekking gains 200 meters and takes 6 to 7 hours of walking.
10Thimphu — Cultural SitesBuddha Dordenma statue · Folk Heritage Museum · National Textile Museum · Karjha Throm Farmers Market
Morning visits include the 54-meter Buddha Dordenma statue, the Folk Heritage Museum, and the National Textile Museum. The afternoon features the Karjha Throm Farmers Market and free time to rest or wander.
11DepartureDeparture
Transfer.
Where you go
- 1Paro International Airport
- 2Paro town
- 3Tiger's Nest Monastery
- 4Shana Zampa
- 5Jangothang
- 6Bonte La pass
- 7Thimphu
- 8Buddha Dordenma statue
Included
- Accommodation at 3* standard hotels during non trek days
- All meals
- Private vehicle transfers
- English speaking tour/trek guide
- Permits/Entrance fees
- Sleeping Tents and Mats
- Dining Tent, Kitchen tent, toilet tent
- Camp Tables, chairs, utensils, hot water bags
- Trekking chef &
- assistants
- Horses to carry equipment’s
Not included
- Airfare
- Visa fee $40 per person
- Sustainable Development Fee (payable to the government)
- Sleeping bag
- Laundry
- Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, transfers
- Anything not included in inclusions