Yaksa Trek

Hike to Taktshang monastery as good acclimatisation for the trek. Taktshang Monastery (Tiger
Nest) is located at top of about 900 meter cliff in Paro. It takes slightly more than an hour and a
half to reach the monastery on foot from the nearest road point. Taktshang or the Tigers lair as
the monastery is widely regarded is one of the most important in Bhutan.

Drive to the end of the motor road at Drukgyel Dzong to begin the trek. While you wait for the
horses to load up you will have time to take a look at the ruined Dzong. Known as the fortress of
victory, it was constructed to commemorate the victory over Tibetan invaders in 1644 and
destroyed by a butter lamp fire in 1951. Today’s trail follows the river uphill through a narrow
agricultural valley as far as the border army camp at about 2800 m. There is now a feeder road as
far as the army check post at Gunitsawa about half an hour before camp so if you prefer you can
take a day hike near Paro for acclimatization and then drive towards camp at Shana in the late
afternoon. (17 km, 6 hours)

The path from Shana ascends through the river valley with pine and rhododendron forests. On
the way, there is a fantastic view of Mount Jomolhari. We will camp in a meadow with a stone
shelter at an altitude of about 3860 m. (19 km, 6 to 7 hours)

The trail continues to follow the river and passes a small army post where the valley begins to
widen again. Views of high ridges and snow-capped peaks can be seen on all sides. At this
altitude (about 4040 m) it is possible to see yaks and yak herders. Camp is beneath a ruined
fortress at the base of Mount Jomolhari. (19 kms, 6 hours)

It’s possible to hike in various directions: towards Mount Jomolhari and its subsidiary to the
west, Jichu Drake to the north and unclaimed summits and ridges to the east. Or just relax at
camp and enjoy the splendid views.

The trail leads north crossing the ParoChhu (river) on a wooden bridge. Climb the hillside to the
lakes of Tshophu (4380m) and continue high above the eastern side of the second lake across a
scree slope to a crest. Descend into a hidden valley and climb steeply to Bhonte La at 4890m.
From the pass the trail eventually switchbacks down to the DhumzoChhu and after you cross the
river there is a short climb to a camp in a meadow at Chora at 3800m. (16 km, 6 to 7 hours)

The trail climbs 100m over a ridge, and then drops to another stream. Crossing that stream, the
trail heads up the hillside, dropping into a small side valley before emerging onto a ridge. Here
the route turns south, ascending past a few huts to TakhungLa (4520m). A short descent leads to
ThombuShong, with three yak herders’ huts. We camp at ThombuShong at 4180m. (12 km, 5
hours)

Climb out of the valley to Thombu La at 4380, and then drop gradually to about 4000m. The trail
then makes a steep descent, switch-backing down the ridge, finally reaching the helipad at
Gunitsawa (2730m) (13 km, 5 hours) from where your driver can meet you to and drive
toThimphu.

Sightseeing in Thimphu and drive back to Paro.

Early in the morning your guide will accompany you to the Paro International Airport to see you
off onto your flight and wish you Tashi Delek (goodbye and good luck).