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Yaktsa Trek (Jomolhari Base Camp Trek).

Jomolhari Base Camp trek

The 7 days Yaktsa trek/Jomolhari Base Camp trek in Bhutan passes through Jangothang, Paro and base of Mt. Jomolhari. This trek route is a very popular and passes through some of the beautiful high passes and the Yak herders’ camp. The trekkers can see some of the most spectacular sceneries of the higher Himalayas including Jichu Drake. You will also have the opportunity to see Blue sheep and other wild life in these areas.

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Yaktsa / Jomolhari Base Camp trek starts from Drugyel dzong.

Drugyel dzong in Bhutan.

7 days Yaktsa / Jomolhari Base Camp trek.

Facts - Jomolhari base camp trek (Yaktsa):

  • Trek duration: 7 days.
  • Starting point: Shana, Paro & End point: Drugyal dzong, Paro.
  • Highest point: Bonte La pass at 4890 m.
  • Best time: March – End of May & October – Mid December.
  • Yaktsa trek difficulty level: Strenuous.

Jomolhari base camp trek (Yaktsa) with tour – Highlights:

  • Scenic mountain landscapes.
  • Diverse flora and fauna.
  • Yak herders’ camp.
  • Ancient monasteries, temples & dzongs.
  • Meet local people.
  • Pristine villages and farmhouses.

Yaktsa trek cost / price:

The Jomolhari base camp trek cost given below is inclusive of sustainable development fee (SDF) of US $ 100 per person per night and Bhutan visa fee US $ 40 per person.

Entrance fees for monuments and festivals visits to be paid separately.

The Yaktsa trek cost / price for different group sizes are below:

  • 2 people: US $ 3285 per person.
  • 3 – 10 people: US $ 3065 per person.
Nature of trip: Privately guided Bhutan trip.

Jomolhari Base camp trek (Yaktsa) itinerary (Sketch):

  • Day 01. Arrive Paro – sightseeing | Altitude: 2280 m.
  • Day 2. Paro – Hike to Tiger’s nest monastery (Paro Taktsang) – Shana | 7 Km | Hike: 2 hours.
  • Day 3. Shana – Thang Thangka (Yaktsa Trek) | 22 Km | Hike: 7 – 8 hours | Altitude: 3610 m.
  • Day 4. Thang Thanka – Jangothang (Yaktsa Trek) | 19 Km | Hike: 5 – 6 hours | Altitude: 4080 m.
  • Day 5. Jangothang Halt (Yaktsa Trek) | Altitude: 4080 m.
  • Day 6. Jangothang – Dhumzo (Yaktsa Trek) | 16 Km | Hike: 7 – 8 hours | Altitude: 4890 m.
  • Day 7. Dhumzo – Thombushong (Yaktsa Trek) | 14 Km | Hike: 5 – 6 hours | Altitude 4550 m.
  • Day 8. Thombushong – Zankepang (Yaktsa Trek) | 18 Km | 7 – 8 hours | Altitude: 4300 m.
  • Day 9. Zankepang – Drugyal Dzong – Thimphu | 7 Km | Hike: 2 hours | Drive: 70 Km – 1 1/2 hours drive.
  • Day 10. Thimphu sightseeing | Altitude: 2334 m.
  • Day 11. Thimphu – Punakha sightseeing – Thimphu | 76 Km | Drive: 3 hours.
  • Day 12. Thimphu – Paro (Departure).

Detailed Itinerary.

Your guide will receive you at the Paro airport (Flight to Bhutan) and then drive to the hotel.

Afternoon, visit to Ta dzong, an ancient watch tower built in 1656 which now houses the national museum of Bhutan.

Then visit Rinpung Dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal is the centre of civil and religious authority in this valley.

In the evening, free to stroll in the town.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the morning, hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery (Paro Taktsang) – 2 hours walk till the monastery. The primary temple was built around Guru Rinpoche’s meditation cave in the 1684 by Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche; the tantric mystic flew here on the back of a flying tiger.

Afternoon, visit to Drugyal dzong built in 1647 as a defense post by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

Then visit Kichu lhakhang built in 659 A.D by the King Srongtsen Gampo of Tibet.

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

Dinner and overnight at the camp.

The trail follows the river through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses.

Camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter.

Altitude: 3610 m; distance 22 Km; time 7 – 8 hours. (770 m ascent, 10 m descent).

In the morning, pass through Tegethang, a winter home of Yak herders. Lots of yaks will be seen today before we arrive at the Jomolhari base camp (4,115 m). High mountains overlook the camp and visible nearby are the ruins of an old fortress used to guard Bhutan against Tibetan invasions.

Dinner and overnight in camp.

Altitude 4080 m; distance 19 Km; time 5 – 6 hours. (480 m ascent)

Rest day at Jangothang, enjoy the superb view all around.

For day hikes, you have 3 options on this day at Jangothang.

Hike to Jomolhari glacier which is around 4 ½ hours (Back and forth)
Hike to Jichu Drake glacier which is around 3 hours (Back and Forth).
Walk up the mountain between Jomolhari and Jichu Drake, the summit is at 5200 m with a great view of both the mountains. This is 8 hours (Back and forth).

Dinner and overnight in camp.

Today, you will see the view of Jomolhari, Jitchu Drake and the valley to Jomolhari camp site.

Your will also come across the several Yak herders’ camp and cross Tsho Phu lake. Good chances see a flock of Himalayan blue Sheep. The trail winds up till Bonte La (4900 m) and is also highest pass of this trek.

Dinner and overnight at the camp.

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

You will have to climb from the camp through rhododendron, birch and oak forest. You can also get a view of Jomolhari for a short while.

If you are trekking during May and June, you can see Takins (National animal of Bhutan). This place is the migratory route of the Takins.

Dinner and over night in camp.

Highest point: 4550 m, 5-6 hours, distance: 14 Km.

Climb to Thombula which takes about half an hour and then you walk on the ridge which is very beautiful. You can see the several mountain peaks view from the pass, the closest one being Jo Drake (5980 m).

Dinner and overnight in camp.

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

This is the place where you see off your Trekking staffs and your horse men.

Then walk to the road end for 2 hours only (End of the trek).

Then drive to Thimphu (70 km, 2 hours drive).

In the afternoon, free to stroll in the town for shopping and photography.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the morning, visit to: 

– National memorial chorten (1974) built in honor of the third King, Late His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
– Tallest statue of sitting Buddha (51.5 meters) at Kuensel Phodrang.
– Changangkha lhakhang, the oldest temple in Thimphu valley built in the 13th century by Phajo Drugom Shigpo.
– Takin preserve center, a mini zoo that houses the national animal of Bhutan, Takin.
– Sangay gang view point from where you can see the view of Thimphu city below.
– Dupthop lhakhang, one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan.

Lunch at Simple Bhutan museum restaurant.

– Then visit painting school.

In the evening, visit to the Tashichho dzong, seat of the national government and the central monastic body.

Then free to stroll in the town for shopping and photography.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the Morning, drive to Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan until the rule of the Second King of Bhutan.

On the way, visit to Dochula pass (3140 m) with its 108 stupas and enjoy the view of majestic Himalayas.

Then visit Chimi lhakhang “temple of fertility” built in 1499 to honor Lam Drukpa Kuenley, “The divine madman”. He travelled throughout Bhutan and Tibet as Yogi using songs and humor to spread his teachings of salvation through sex.

In the afternoon, visit Punakha dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Punakha is the winter residence of Je Khenpo and the monk body.

In the evening, drive back to Thimphu.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

After breakfast, drive to the airport and farewell.

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