Embark on one of Bhutan's most rewarding trekking adventures with the Soi Yaksa Trek, a spectacular journey through pristine alpine landscapes, remote yak-herding settlements and breathtaking mountain passes. Often referred to as the Jomolhari Loop, this moderate-to-challenging trek offers dramatic views of Mount Jomolhari (7,326m), Jichu Drakye, glacial valleys and untouched Himalayan wilderness without requiring the longer duration of more demanding expeditions. The approximately 59 km route is best enjoyed during spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November).
Beyond the trek, discover Bhutan's cultural treasures in Thimphu, Paro and the serene Haa Valley, creating the perfect combination of adventure, culture and spiritual discovery.
USD 4,250
per person - SDF INCLUDED Plan This Journey →✓ WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Professional trekking guide and support crew
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Trekking permits and park entry fees
- Camping equipment, including tents, sleeping mats and sleeping bags
- Pack horses and luggage transport during the trek
- Bhutan visa-processing assistance
12 Days Soi Yaksa Trek Itinerary
1
Arrival in Paro • Transfer to Thimphu
Arrival in Paro • Transfer to Thimphu
Arrive at Paro International Airport, where your private guide warmly welcomes you to Bhutan.
Enjoy a scenic drive to Thimphu through beautiful mountain valleys. Depending on your arrival time, visit Buddha Dordenma and the National Memorial Chorten, offering a gentle introduction to Bhutanese culture.
Enjoy a traditional welcome dinner.
Highlights- Airport welcome
- Scenic drive to Thimphu
- Buddha Dordenma
- National Memorial Chorten
- Traditional Bhutanese dinner
2
Explore Haa Valley via Chele La Pass
Explore Haa Valley via Chele La Pass
Travel across Chele La Pass (3,988m), one of Bhutan's highest motorable roads.
Enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas before descending into the peaceful Haa Valley. Visit Katsho Village and Katsho Lhakhang, experiencing one of Bhutan's least-visited regions before returning to Paro for the evening.
Highlights- Chele La Pass
- Himalayan mountain views
- Haa Valley
- Katsho Village
- Katsho Lhakhang
3
Trek Begins • Shana to Thanthangka
Trek Begins • Shana to Thanthangka
Drive to Shana, where your trekking adventure begins.
Follow the Pa Chhu River through lush forests of pine and rhododendron, crossing wooden bridges and passing isolated farmhouses. As the valley narrows, enjoy your first glimpses of Bhutan's untouched wilderness before arriving at Thanthangka Camp.
On clear days, Mount Jomolhari appears dramatically in the distance.
Highlights- Trek begins
- Forest trails
- Pa Chhu River
- Wooden suspension bridges
- Thanthangka campsite
4
Thanthangka to Jangothang
Thanthangka to Jangothang
Continue climbing through alpine forests as the landscape gradually opens into spectacular high-altitude meadows.
Pass yak-herding camps before reaching the famous Jangothang Camp (4,040m), widely regarded as one of Bhutan's most beautiful trekking campsites. Towering above are the magnificent peaks of Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drakye.
Highlights- Alpine landscapes
- Yak-herding settlements
- Mount Jomolhari views
- Jichu Drakye
- Jangothang campsite
5
Acclimatisation at Jangothang
Acclimatisation at Jangothang
Spend the day acclimatising to the altitude.
Take a short hike to nearby viewpoints while following the "climb high, sleep low" principle. Enjoy panoramic mountain scenery, glacial streams and grazing yak herds before returning to camp.
Highlights- Acclimatisation hike
- Alpine meadows
- Himalayan viewpoints
- Photography opportunities
- Rest and recovery
6
Jangothang to First Lake (Soi Yaksa Valley)
Jangothang to First Lake (Soi Yaksa Valley)
Leave Jangothang behind as you begin climbing toward the Soi Yaksa Valley.
Cross mountain streams and enjoy magnificent views of Mount Jomolhari, Jomolhari II, and Jichu Drakye before reaching a peaceful campsite beside a pristine alpine lake.
Highlights- Alpine lake campsite
- Mountain panoramas
- Yak grazing meadows
- High Himalayan scenery
- Wilderness camping
7
Bonte La Pass • Soi Yaksa Camp
Bonte La Pass • Soi Yaksa Camp
Begin early to cross Bonte La Pass (4,890m), the highest point of the trek.
Prayer flags flutter across the summit while panoramic Himalayan views stretch in every direction. Descend into the spectacular Soi Yaksa Valley, surrounded by dramatic cliffs, waterfalls and alpine grasslands.
Highlights- Bonte La Pass
- Prayer flags
- Himalayan panorama
- Soi Yaksa Valley
- Alpine camping
8
Soi Yaksa to Thombu Camp
Soi Yaksa to Thombu Camp
Today's trek traverses another beautiful mountain pass before descending through pristine wilderness.
Walk along scenic ridgelines overlooking glaciated peaks before reaching Thombu Camp, one of the highest overnight camps of the journey.
Highlights- High mountain ridges
- Snow-capped peaks
- Remote wilderness
- Thombu Camp
- Panoramic photography
9
Thombu La • Return to Civilization
Thombu La • Return to Civilization
Cross Thombu La Pass before beginning a long descent through rhododendron forests and mountain valleys.
Meet your vehicle near the army camp before transferring back to your hotel for a comfortable night's rest after completing the trek.
Highlights- Thombu La Pass
- Forest descent
- Rhododendron forests
- Completion of trek
- Hotel stay
10
Discover Thimphu
Discover Thimphu
After your trekking adventure, enjoy a relaxed day exploring Bhutan's capital.
Visit Tashichho Dzong, the Royal Textile Museum, Simply Bhutan Living Museum, and browse traditional handicraft shops.
Highlights- Tashichho Dzong
- Royal Textile Museum
- Simply Bhutan
- Local handicrafts
- Bhutanese culture
11
Explore Paro Valley
Explore Paro Valley
Return to Paro and discover its rich cultural heritage.
Visit Rinpung Dzong, the National Museum, and Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples. Spend the afternoon strolling through Paro's charming streets before enjoying a farewell Bhutanese dinner.
Highlights- Rinpung Dzong
- National Museum
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Traditional architecture
- Farewell dinner
12
Departure from Paro
Departure from Paro
Enjoy breakfast before your private transfer to Paro International Airport.
Depart Bhutan with unforgettable memories of majestic Himalayan peaks, pristine mountain trails and one of the Kingdom's most spectacular trekking adventures.
Highlights- Breakfast
- Airport transfer
- Departure assistance
- Farewell to Bhutan
× WHAT'S EXCLUDED
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal trekking gear and clothing
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Personal expenses and laundry
- Optional activities not listed
- Gratuities for guides, trekking crew and driver
✓ Why You'll Love This Retreat
The 12 Days Soi Yaksa Trek Journey offers an unforgettable adventure through Bhutan's untouched Himalayan wilderness. From camping beneath the towering peaks of Mount Jomolhari and crossing the dramatic Bonte La Pass to exploring the peaceful Haa Valley and discovering Bhutan's rich cultural heritage in Thimphu and Paro, every day brings breathtaking scenery, authentic mountain traditions and rewarding trekking experiences in one of the world's most pristine destinations.
Trusted by Travellers
★★★★★ 5.0 Guest Rating
2,500+ Happy Travellers
10+ Years Local Experience