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11 Days Soi Yaksa Trek (Jomolhari Loop)
The Soi Yaksa Trek is one of Bhutan’s most rewarding short treks. It gives you a real high-altitude Himalayan experience without the long commitment of extended expeditions. Over 11 days, you’ll cover 59 kilometres through pristine forests, quiet yak pastures, and valleys filled with wildflowers. It’s a well-balanced journey that combines time in nature with meaningful cultural insight.
Your Bhutanese guides travel with you throughout the trek. They share what they know about the mountains they call home, from alpine plants to the wildlife that moves through these remote areas. You’ll also learn how highland yak herding communities live and work, and how they’ve adapted to life at altitude over generations.
The views are a constant highlight. You’ll see Jomolhari, Jichu Drakye, and other snow-covered peaks along the route. The highest point is Bonte La Pass at 4,890 metres, where the landscape opens up in every direction. From there, the trail leads deep into the Soi Yaksa valley, with steep cliffs, waterfalls, and glacial scenery. The descent follows a ridge through rhododendron forest, a section many consider one of the best trekking routes in Bhutan.
This journey also includes time beyond the trail. You’ll arrive through Paro Valley, visit the less-travelled Haa Valley via Chele La Pass, and end with a day in Thimphu. It’s a complete Bhutan experience, with both adventure and cultural depth built into one trip.
All our tours are fully customisable — the itineraries you see are simply a starting point. We'll work closely with you to tailor every detail.
11 Days Soi Yaksa Trek (Jomolhari Loop) Itinerary
1
You’ll land in Paro with views of the Himalayas on arrival, then meet your guide and drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. The journey takes you along a scenic river valley with your first glimpse of daily life in Bhutan. In the evening, you can walk through Thimphu town, visit Buddha Point for a panoramic view, and see Tashichho Dzong lit up at night.
2
Today is spent getting to know Thimphu at a relaxed pace. You’ll visit Buddha Point, the National Memorial Chorten, and walk parts of the Buddha Point Nature Trail. A stop at the Motithang Takin Preserve gives you a look at Bhutan’s national animal. You’ll also explore Tashichho Dzong, an important administrative and religious centre.
3
After breakfast, you’ll drive back to Paro. Along the way, the landscape opens up into wide valleys and traditional villages. In Paro, you’ll visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, followed by Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum. The afternoon is relaxed, giving you time to prepare for the trek.
4
Today you hike to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, one of Bhutan’s most iconic sites. The trail climbs steadily through pine forest to the monastery perched on a cliff. After the hike, you can unwind with a traditional hot stone bath, a great way to relax before the trekking days ahead.
5
Your trek starts with a drive to the trailhead at Shana. From here, you walk along the Paro Chhu river through forests of pine and rhododendron. The trail is gradual, making it a good introduction to trekking in Bhutan. You’ll camp at Thangthangkha with your first clear views of snow-capped peaks.
6
The trail continues along the valley, with the landscape becoming more open as you gain altitude. You’ll pass yak herder camps and small settlements along the way. By the time you reach Jangothang, you’re surrounded by high mountains, including views of Jomolhari. This is one of the most scenic campsites in Bhutan.
7
This is an acclimatisation day to help your body adjust to the altitude. You can take short hikes around the area for even better views of Jomolhari and Jichu Drakye, or simply rest and enjoy the surroundings. It’s also a good chance to observe daily life in the highlands and interact with your trekking crew.
8
Today is one of the most rewarding days of the trek. You’ll cross Bonte La Pass at 4,890 metres, the highest point of the journey. The climb is steady, and the views from the top stretch across the Himalayan range. The descent brings you into the quiet Soi Yaksa valley, where you’ll camp for the night.
9
The trail climbs again as you cross Takhung La Pass. This section offers wide views across valleys and ridgelines before descending through forest. Compared to the previous day, it feels more remote and less travelled. You’ll reach Thombu Shong, a peaceful campsite surrounded by nature.
10
Your final trekking day takes you downhill through forest and along rivers back to Gunitsawa Village. From here, you’ll drive back to Paro. After several days in the mountains, the return to town feels comfortable, and you’ll have time to rest and enjoy a proper meal.
11
Your journey comes to a close with a transfer to Paro International Airport. As you leave the valley, there’s time to reflect on the days you’ve spent in Bhutan, from quiet mountain trails to moments shared with your guides and crew. The landscapes stay with you, but so do the people and the pace of life you experienced here. We hope you leave with a deep sense of connection and many meaningful memories from your time in Bhutan.
Good to know:
One of Bhutan's most highly rated treks, a true Himalayan classic
Crosses the dramatic Bonte La Pass at 4,890m — the highest point of the trek
Jaw-dropping views of Jomolhari (7,315m) and Jichu Drakye throughout the route
Includes an acclimatisation day at Jangothang, one of the Himalayas' most scenic campsites
Traverses the stunning Soi Yaksa valley, framed by cliffs, waterfalls, and glaciated peaks
Encounters with yak herding communities along the high-altitude grazing meadows
A moderate 59km route — challenging but accessible to fit trekkers without technical climbing experience
per person · SDF included
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Gyalyum Trust
VAST Bhutan
Museums of Bhutan
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What Our Travellers Say
Druk Asia has strong networks with DrukAir and local tour agencies, making logistics a total breeze. The itinerary was well-planned yet flexible enough to accommodate different needs. We could decide when we wanted to get up, which places to visit or simply recuperate in solitude. Will go with Druk Asia again if I were to go back for spring or autumn. Won’t have it any other way!
My trip to Bhutan was pleasant and well organized by Druk Asia. I was very happy and comfortable with my tour guide, Tshering, and had absolute confidence in my driver, Chimmi. Tshering kept me entertained throughout the trip with histories and stories about Bhutan while Chimmi was an excellent driver. Bhutan is a very beautiful country with its unique Buddhist culture and a nation of very warm people. The sceneries were spectacular and its culture charming. I will definitely visit Bhutan again and recommend Druk Asia to my friends.
I knew this Druk Asia through my friend who initially asked me to go to Bhutan. I have to say this travel is excellent. We went to Bhutan through Thailand and the next day we missed the flight. Bhutan’s flight is a bit strange in a sense that we need to be at Thai’s airport 2 hours before departure. The gate closed quite early. Druk Asia helped us a lot to arrange our next day flight. During our time in Bhutan, this travel agent frequently asked our condition there whether we were alright or not. This sense of caring is simply excellent, particularly for the country like Bhutan which is in the Himalayan continent. I really grateful to go to this country with Druk Asia. Excellent!
Just wanted to let both of you know that we had a great time in Bhutan. Thanks for looking into the details. Both our guide and driver were great. Thanks again!
Back from Bhutan, I wanted to let you know that this has probably been the best holiday I ever had. Bhutan is really a wonderful place, the people are so friendly and the landscape gorgeous. We also had the best weather one could ask for, and that helped. We have been very happy the whole tour. One suggestion I would give you is to propose your future clients to spend 1 night in a farmhouse. We did, and we loved it. The host was absolutely nice and the experience of sharing dinner, breakfast and the ordinary life of a Bhutanese family was absolutely fantastic.
An unique experience! We had wonderful time in Bhutan. Though it was a short trip, we enjoyed natural beauty, spectacular view and warm friendly people. We have been many countries but this trip was something different, ...memorable and nostalgic.
