Jomolhari Loop Trek (Soi Yaktsa)

Shana Zampa (2890 m) - Thangthangkha (3610 m)

8 hours 22 KM 770 m 10 m

The distance required to cover is 22 Km which usually takes about 7-8 hours. The trail continues with lots of small ascents 770 m and descent 10 m.  

The trail follows the river through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses. As we go up the valley becomes narrow, wilder and steeper. The trail winds up and down along the drainage.

We pass a junction en-route, where another path leads over the Tremo La to Tibet. This route was formerly used by Bhutanese people as a trading route to Tibet.

We will cross several traditional wooden bridges finally arriving at Thanthangka. The camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter. From this campsite for the first time in case of good weather, Mount Jomolhari may be seen. The campsite is located at an altitude of 3610 meters.

Thangthangkha (3610 m) to Jangothang (4080 m)

6 hours 19 KM 3610 m 4080 m

Today you will be trekking along Paro Chhu and will pass through quaint villages Takethang, Dangochange and Soe.

The distance to cover today is 19 Km which usually takes about 5-6 hour. The trails ascent 480 m. The path ascends for a while until we reach the army camp. We then follow the river above the treeline, enjoying stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch is served at a yak herder’s camp.

A short walk from here into the valley takes us to our campsite at Jangothang (4,080m). From here, the views of Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake are superb.

Jangothang Halt

5 hours 5 KM 14 m 89 m

Jangothang is a perfect environment for your acclimatization. There are a number of day hikes with great views of lakes and snow-capped mountains. One can also spot some blue sheep on the upper slopes of the valley.

You can also trek up to Tosoh or hike around the area. There are good short hiking trails in three directions. Jomolhari and its subsidiary mountain chains lie directly west, Jichu Drake to the north and there are a number of unclimbed peaks to the east.

For Day hikes, you have 3 options on this day at Jangothang.
1. Hike to Jomolhari Glacier which is around 4 ½ hours (Back and forth)
2. Hike to Jichu Drake Glacier which is around 3 hours (Back and Forth).
3. Walk up the mountain between Jomolhari and Jichu Drake, the summit is at 5200 meters with a great view of both the mountains. This is 8 hours (Back and forth).

Jangothang (4080 m) - Soi Yaktsa (3800 m)

7 hours 16 KM 810 m 1090 m

The distance required to cover is 16 Km which usually takes 6 - 7 hours, with ascent 810 m and descent 1090 m.

From Jangothang, you begin your return trip by another route heading south to form the entire loop. The trail leads to the last settlement in the valley and drops to the Paro Chhu.

The trail climbs up to the highest point of this trek, Bhonte La Pass, at 4,890 m after you passing the lakes of Tshophu (4,380 m), the high-altitude lakes are eminent for the inhabited ruddy shelducks and the deep-lake brown trout. Fascinating panoramic views of Jhomolhari, Jhomolhari 2, Jichu Drakye and Tserim Kang are along the trekking route.

Passing the lake, you start to trek downstream and eventually reach Soi Yaktsa (3,800 m), a spectacular valley with stunning views perfect for the campaign after you wind down a stretch of yak trail. Have a good rest at Soi Yaktsa to enjoy the rocky cliffs, meadows, wildflowers, and nomadic settlements.

Soi Yaktsa (3800 m) - Thombu Shong (4180 m)

5 hours 11 KM 720 m 320 m

The distance required to cover is 11 Km which usually takes 4 - 5 hours, with ascent 720 m and descent 320 m.

Today the trail begins from an uphill climb after you pass a short stretch of trail with lush rhododendrons by the hillside. You still trek in forests of birch and oak after you arrive at a chorten and a mani wall.

You can choose to follow the mani wall and take an upward trail to a small valley where the trekking trail bifurcates, or you can choose to take a quick downward tour to the ruins of the Sey Dzong and then go back to the main trail to reach the small valley.

Pick the right track at the small valley to reach the Takhung La Pass (4,520 m). Spectacular views of Jomolhari, Jichu Drakye, and Tserim Kang appear again in all their splendours.

After the Takhung La Pass, the trail starts to descend till you arrive at Thombu Shong, green pasture with three yak herder huts scattering around. Your campsite is next to them which is at 4180 m.

Thombu Shong (4,180 m) - Gunitsawa Village (2,930 m), Drive to Paro (2,200m)

5 hours 13 KM 200 m 1650 m

The distance required to cover is 13 Km which usually takes 4 - 5 hours, with ascent 200 m and descent 1650 m.

Leaving the campsite, the trail begins to gain elevations to reach the Thombu La Pass (4,380 m) after you pass through a gorgeous garden festooned with beautiful wildflowers and flush rhododendron.

Passing the Thombu La, you will be guided by a steep downward route to Gunitsawa village (2,730 m), where the trek ends and drive to Paro for the night.