Chomolhari-Yaksa Trekking – To the Sacred Mountain of the Dragon Kingdom

Detailed itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300 m) and transfer to the hotel – welcome dinner

  Our team will meet you at the airport and drive you to your reserved hotel. In the evening you are invited to a tasty welcome dinner to get to know the wide variety of dishes from Nepalese cuisine. Overnight at Kathmandu Guest House or similar (D).

• Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu – Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath

  Today is dedicated to visiting some of the most beautiful sights of Kathmandu. The chosen places are the Buddhist/Hindu temple of Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, reached by a long stairway and offering magnificent views of Kathmandu. Other significant sights are the Hindu temple complex of Pashupatinath on the banks of the Bagmati river, with its cremation grounds, and the sacred Buddhist Boudhanath Stupa, adorned with colourful prayer flags. Overnight at Kathmandu Guest House or similar (B).

  

  

• Day 3: Flight Kathmandu to Paro (2,250 m) – approx. 1½ hours of hiking

  Off to Bhutan. We fly on to Paro. On a clear day we should have a fantastic view of much of the eastern half of the Himalayas, including the 8,000-metre peaks of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu and Kanchenjunga. After completing the visa formalities in Paro, we drive to our hotel. After a rest and lunch we first visit the National Museum. Above Paro Dzong towers the Ta Dzong (watchtower), built in 1649 for protection and renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum today, with numerous artefacts. The unusual round building is said to have the shape of a conch shell and walls 2.5 m thick. Afterwards we take a leisurely 1.5-hour hike along the wooded hill to Zuri Dzong (2,500 m), dating from 1352, and then down to the Uma Resort, where we are picked up by our driver. Even though the walk does not take long, it helps us with acclimatisation. Overnight at Tashi Namgyel or an accommodation of equal category (B|L|D).

• Day 4: Warm-up hike to Taktshang (3,100 m), also known as the Tiger's Nest monastery – approx. 5 hours of hiking / +900 m / –900 m

  We leave the town of Paro and, after a short drive, reach the starting point of the trail to the famous Tiger’s Nest, the Taktshang monastery. Bhutan’s most important monastery has only recently been recognised as one of the most sacred places in the world. Taktshang sits at 3,100 m on a cliff above the Paro Valley and is considered the place to which the Indian saint Guru Padma Sambhava is said to have flown from Tibet on the back of a tigress in the 8th century in order to defeat five demons that were hindering the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan. The ascent through the forest to the viewpoint with tea house takes about 1½ hours. Those who do not wish to climb further can rest there while the others continue. The roughly five-hour, demanding but rewarding mountain hike covers over 900 metres of altitude and offers impressive views of the monastery. We recommend trekking shoes, walking poles and plenty of water. Please note that around 1,000 steps lead up and down along the way. Overnight at Tashi Namgyel or similar (B|L|D).

  

  

• Day 5: Acclimatisation hike Chele La (3,900 m) – approx. 4 hours of hiking / +400 m / –400 m

  In the morning we drive to the 3,900-metre-high Chele La pass, from where, in clear weather, great views of the Himalayas open up. The beautiful two-hour ridge hike towards Gung Karpo La (4,300 m) is excellent for acclimatisation, as it runs at a moderate altitude and ideally prepares the body for the trekking days to come. Afterwards we descend to Kila Gompa, one of the oldest nunneries in Bhutan. We then drive back to Paro. Overnight at Tashi Namgyel or similar (B|L|D).

• Day 6: Paro to Soi Thangthangkha (3,620 m) – approx. 7 hours of hiking / +1,120 m / –110 m

  Early in the morning we drive for about two hours along a track road to Shana, where the trek begins. The trail leads deep into the wide valley of the Paro Chu. We hike through mixed forest, rest by the river and then follow the valley up to a stupa that marks a fork in the path. From here we head north towards Jomolhari. As we gain altitude, the forests thin out. The camp at Soi Thangthangkha (3,620 m) marks the first significant increase in altitude of the trek. Overnight in tents (B|L|D).

• Day 7: Soi Thangthangkha to Jangothang – Jomolhari Base Camp (4,080 m) – 5 to 6 hours of hiking / +490 m

  We continue hiking into the opening high valley, passing an army post as well as yak pastures and mountain villages. The last few kilometres lead through open alpine landscape to the Jangothang camp (4,080 m), directly opposite the majestic Jomolhari — one of the most beautiful campsites in the Himalayas. Overnight in tents (B|L|D).

  

  

• Day 8: Acclimatisation day in Jangothang / +400–700 m

  The day is at our disposal for extended exploration hikes. Depending on interest, we can climb up to Nyili pass at 4,870 m, hike to the glacial lakes at the foot of Jomolhari or explore the slopes of Jichu Drake. With a little luck, blue sheep can be observed along the way. Jangothang offers ideal conditions for acclimatisation for the pass crossings to come. Overnight in tents (B|L|D).

• Day 9: Over the Bonte La (4,890 m) to Soi Yaksa (3,800 m) – 7–8 hours of hiking / +870 m / –1,090 m

  We hike to the last settlement in the valley and then descend to the Paro Chhu, which we cross by a wooden bridge. Across an alpine pasture landscape we continue to the sacred Tshophu lake (4,380 m) and then on to a second glacial lake. The trail leads up a scree flank to a ridge. From there we descend into a hidden valley before climbing steeply to Bonte La (4,890 m), the highest point of this route. The view of the border peaks with Tibet is impressive. A waterfall marks the mystical end of the valley. Jichu Drake (6,794 m) is particularly striking here. Yaks graze on vast alpine meadows, and blue sheep can often be spotted. Edelweiss, rhododendron, juniper, hemlock and oak accompany the 1,000-metre descent to Yaksa camp (3,800 m) — a wonderfully beautiful campsite on a vast meadow. Overnight in tents (B|L|D).

  

  

• Day 10: Soi Yaksa to Thangbu Shong (4,180 m) via Lhakpa pass (4,160 m) & Thakung pass (4,560 m) – approx. 6–7 hours of hiking / +720 m / –340 m

  We first climb 100 metres up to a mountain ridge and then descend again to cross a stream. From there the trail leads up the slope, drops into a small side valley and finally reaches another ridge. A panoramic path lined with rhododendron leads into a high valley. At Thakung pass (4,560 m) we are greeted by fluttering prayer flags. On a clear day, Kanchenjunga and Makalu can even be seen, as well as Jichu Drake, Tsering Kang and the mighty Chomolhari.
  Afterwards we descend to Thangbu Shong camp (4,180 m). Overnight in tents (B|L|D).

• Day 11: Over the Thombu La (4,380 m) to Gunitsawa – drive to Thimphu – 6 to 7 hours of hiking / +200 m / –1,650 m

  The last pass crossing leads over the Thombu La (4,380 m). This is followed by a long descent of around 1,500 m down to Gunitsawa, where our vehicle is waiting. Afterwards we drive to Thimphu and enjoy a free afternoon. Overnight at Pelyang Boutique Hotel or similar (B|L|D)

• Day 12: Thimphu sightseeing and drive to Punakha (1,400 m) – approx. 2 hours of driving

  In the morning we tour the main sights in and around Thimphu, including the Buddha Point with its large statue overlooking the city. Depending on time and opening hours, your guide will show you further highlights such as museums, the art school, the market or the takin reserve.
  After lunch we drive on to the Punakha Valley (1,220 m), the former capital of Bhutan and winter residence of the central monastic community. At Dochu La pass (3,150 m) we admire the 108 chortens and enjoy — weather permitting — the view of the main Himalayan ridge. Afterwards we visit Chimi Lhakhang, the “Temple of the Divine Madman”, built in 1499 and set on a small hill. At an altitude of around 1,350 m, the differences in temperature and vegetation compared to Paro are clearly noticeable. Overnight at Meri Peunsom Resort or similar (B|L|D).

  

  

• Day 13: Sightseeing in Punakha and drive to Paro (2,250 m) – approx. 3 hours of driving

  After breakfast we visit Punakha Dzong, one of the most significant sights of Bhutan and the historical power base of the reincarnated rulers. The mortal remains of the first ruler, Nawang Namgyal, rest in the highest tower, which only the king and the abbot may enter. When the monastic order is not in residence in Punakha, we can view the inner courtyards. Afterwards we drive to Paro and have lunch on the way. If a visit to the temple of Drukpa Kunley was not possible the previous day, we will catch up on it today. On the way back we stop again at Dochu La pass to enjoy — weather permitting — the view of the eastern Himalayan peaks. If time allows, in the afternoon we visit the 17th-century Paro Dzong, one of the country’s most important fortresses and a film location for “Little Buddha” (1995). Overnight at Hotel Tashi Namgyel or an accommodation of equal category (B|L|D).

• Day 14: Return flight to Kathmandu (1,300 m), rest of the day at leisure – optional Bhaktapur sightseeing

  It is time to say “see you again soon” to Bhutan! Today you say farewell to your guide and driver and are driven to Paro airport to fly to Nepal/Kathmandu. You will be picked up at Kathmandu airport and driven to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight at Kathmandu Guest House or similar (B).

• Day 15: Flight back home

  Farewell and transfer to Kathmandu airport. End of the tour (B).

  We reserve the right to make changes to the programme due to special events, force majeure or weather conditions.

  B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner