Where ancient trails lead into untouched Bhutan
The Jomolhari Yaktsa Trek is one of Bhutan’s most rewarding short treks, bringing together changing landscapes and remarkable mountain views in a journey that feels varied from the very beginning. Starting at Gunitsawa village, the trail gradually enters Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Park, leading you through dense forest before opening into wide meadows and deeper mountain valleys. As the landscape changes, the trail takes you higher, crossing high mountain passes and revealing a wilder side of Bhutan.
The defining moment comes at Jomolhari Basecamp, where you spend a day acclimatizing and have time to take in the dramatic mountain surroundings. From here, the magnificent twin peaks of Jomolhari rise above the landscape, joined by neighbouring Mt. Jichu Drakey. The trek lasts seven days, including the acclimatization day at Jomolhari Basecamp, making it a compact yet deeply rewarding way to experience Bhutan’s high mountain country and its quiet beauty along the way.
Arrive at Paro International Airport, where our local tour executive will welcome you to Bhutan. After a short introduction, transfer to your hotel and take time to settle in. Later, head out into the Paro Valley for your first taste of Bhutan. Begin at Rinpung Dzong, the impressive fortress that rises above the valley and offers a glimpse into the country’s living heritage. Wander through its courtyards and timber galleries before continuing uphill to the National Museum.
Inside the historic Ta Dzong, explore collections that bring Bhutan’s art, traditions and history to life. On your return, stop at Dumtse Lhakhang, an unusual three storey temple built in the shape of a chorten. Its distinctive form and stories make it a memorable final stop. Return to your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening. Tomorrow, the valley roads will give way to mountain trails.
04Km | 05Hrs | 369m Ascent | 369m Descent | Alt.m 2950m
Rise early and set out towards Taktsang, Bhutan’s legendary Tiger’s Nest. The trail climbs into pine forest, weaving steadily uphill as the valley gradually falls away beneath you. Prayer flags flutter between the trees, and glimpses of the monastery appear through the forest before disappearing again. Let the trail set the pace and enjoy the anticipation as you climb towards one of Bhutan’s most sacred places.
According to Bhutanese tradition, Guru Padmasambhava arrived here in the eighth century on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave at the site. The monastery grew around this sacred location centuries later. A fire destroyed much of the structure in 1998, and Bhutan carefully restored it, completing the work in 2005. Explore the temple complex before descending through the forest. Return to Paro and spend the afternoon resting, knowing that tomorrow your journey moves beyond the valley and into the wild.
Elevation: 3570m | Walking Distance: 22Km | Walking Time: 08Hr
After breakfast, drive towards Drukgyel Dzong, where weathered stone walls rise from the valley as a reminder of Bhutan’s turbulent past. Built in the seventeenth century, the fortress helped defend Bhutan against invasions from Tibet. Look towards the mountains and, if the skies are clear, catch your first glimpse of Jomolhari. The sacred peak stands far ahead, giving you a first sense of the wilderness waiting beyond the valley. Continue to Gunitsawa, leave the road behind and take your first steps on the Yaktsa trail.
The landscape changes quickly as the trail enters thick forest. Climb and descend through oak, rhododendron, fir and birch, passing flowering meadows, medicinal plants and rushing mountain streams. The forest keeps the mountains hidden for much of the day, making every opening feel like a small discovery. Eventually, the trail reaches a meadow where your camp awaits. As evening settles, step outside and look towards Jomolhari if the weather allows.
Elevation: 4040m | Walking Distance: 17Km | Walking Time: 07Hr
Wake to morning light spreading across Jomolhari and watch the mountain emerge above the valley. After breakfast, follow the Paro Chhu deeper into the mountains. The forest gradually thins as you move into open alpine country, where broad meadows, rocky slopes and snow covered peaks replace the dense woodland. The trail feels increasingly remote, and the scale of the landscape begins to reveal itself with every step.
Along the way, watch for yaks grazing across the hills and stone homes belonging to the herders who live with the rhythm of these mountains. Continue towards Jangothang, where the valley opens dramatically beneath Jomolhari and surrounding peaks. The campsite sits in an extraordinary setting, surrounded by some of Bhutan’s most impressive mountain scenery. After arriving, resist the urge to simply retreat into your tent. Walk around, take photographs, breathe in the thin mountain air and watch the changing light move across the peaks.
Elevation: 4040m
Today, the trail gives way to time. After several days of walking, stay at Jangothang and allow your body to adjust to the altitude. Wake without rushing and step outside to watch the mountains change with the light. Jomolhari dominates the valley, while the surrounding ridges create an enormous natural amphitheatre. This is one of those rare trekking days, when doing less can make you notice more.
If you feel strong and want to explore, head out with your guide on one of the shorter walks around the valley. Climb towards a nearby viewpoint, explore the surrounding landscape or simply wander beyond camp and see where the trail leads. If you have arranged a fishing licence, you can also visit Tshophu Lake and try your luck there. Otherwise, spend time at camp, photograph the mountains, talk with your trekking team or watch the yaks move across the valley. Let Jangothang be your pause before the trail rises again.
Elevation: 3800m | Walking Distance: 16Km | Walking Time: 07Hr
Leave the broad valley of Jangothang and enter a wilder stretch of the journey. The trail rises and falls across rugged terrain, passing the last settlements before dropping towards the Pachhu River. The landscape feels increasingly untouched as you move farther from the familiar routes. Cross the glacier fed waters near Tshophu Lake and look back at the peaks before beginning the climb towards Bontela Pass.
The ascent demands steady effort, but the reward comes when you reach the top and the surrounding mountains suddenly open before you. Pause here, catch your breath and take in the immense landscape. Then turn downhill and follow the trail towards Dumzoo Chhu. The route continues downstream before leading you towards Soi village and your campsite at Yaktsa. By evening, the day’s climbs and descents will feel earned. Gather around camp, warm yourself with a meal and enjoy the quiet of the mountains.
Elevation: 4190m | Walking Distance: 12Km | Walking Time: 05Hr
Leave Yaktsa behind and begin the day with a steady climb towards a high ridge. The trail quickly gains character as you move through open mountain terrain, with the valley stretching behind you. Reach the ridge and pause to take in the changing landscape before descending towards a stream. Cross the water and turn uphill again, following the trail towards Takungla Pass.
The climb brings another rewarding mountain viewpoint. From the pass, the trail gradually descends towards Thombushong, where the landscape opens into a remote valley shaped by traditional yak herding. Keep an eye out for grazing yaks and the simple stone houses used by herders who move through these mountains with the seasons. Your campsite sits close to one of these homes, offering a glimpse into life far removed from roads and towns. As evening arrives, settle into camp and enjoy the rare feeling of being completely surrounded by mountains.
Elevation: 2320m | Walking Distance: 17Km | Walking Time: 08Hr
Your final day on the trail begins with one last climb towards Thombula Pass. The effort feels different today. You know the journey is nearing its end, yet the mountains still have something to show you. Reach the pass and take one final look across the high valleys before beginning the long descent towards Gunitsawa.
As you lose altitude, the landscape transforms around you. Open alpine terrain gradually gives way to forests of oak, pine and rhododendron. Birds return to the canopy, the air feels warmer and the familiar colours of lower Bhutan slowly replace the stark mountain landscape. Continue through the forest until you reach Gunitsawa, where your trek comes full circle. Your vehicle will meet you here and take you back to Paro. After days of walking, camping and living by the rhythm of the trail, settle into your hotel, enjoy a proper rest and let the journey sink in.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and take your final morning in Paro at an unhurried pace. After days of following mountain trails, crossing high passes and sleeping beneath wide Himalayan skies, there is something satisfying about simply sitting down with time on your side. Look back on the journey and the landscapes that carried you from the forests of Paro into the high country around Jomolhari.
When it is time to leave, transfer to Paro International Airport with your guide and driver. Before you go, take a moment to say goodbye to the people who supported you along the trail. The Yaktsa Trek may have ended at Gunitsawa, but the memories will travel much farther: Jomolhari appearing through the morning light, yaks moving across alpine meadows, quiet camps beneath the stars and the long descent back towards Paro. Depart Bhutan carrying a story shaped not by how quickly you travelled, but by how deeply you experienced the trail.
Follow the valley toward Jangothang, where Jomolhari rises dramatically above the trail. The landscape grows wider and quieter as you leave familiar roads behind. Walk through open valleys, cross mountain streams and watch the scenery change with every turn. Here, the mountains become part of your everyday journey.
Settle into mountain camps surrounded by Bhutan’s high country, where evenings feel wonderfully removed from the outside world. Share stories over a warm meal, step outside after dark and look up at a sky free from city lights. The simplicity of camp life becomes part of what makes Yaktsa memorable.
Move through a landscape shaped by altitude, weather and wildlife, with each day revealing a different side of the Jomolhari region. Keep your eyes open for blue sheep, Himalayan birds and other signs of life along the trail. The further you walk, the more closely you experience Bhutan’s wild northern frontier.
Prepare your body for several days of walking through changing terrain and altitude. Regular hiking, stair climbing and longer walks before your trek will build useful strength and endurance. You do not need to be an athlete, but you should feel comfortable walking for several hours on consecutive days.
This trek takes you into high mountain country, so give your body time to adjust. Walk at a steady pace, stay hydrated and listen to your guide. Tell them immediately if you feel unwell. Good preparation and a sensible pace help you enjoy the mountains without rushing your journey.
Pack light, but prepare for changing mountain weather. Bring warm layers, waterproof outerwear, sturdy trekking boots, comfortable walking clothes, sun protection, a headlamp and personal essentials. Your trekking team will handle the heavier logistics, allowing you to carry what you genuinely need while keeping your daypack manageable.
Mountain weather can change quickly, even when the morning begins clear and warm. Carry a waterproof layer and keep essential items protected from rain. Temperatures can drop sharply after sunset, particularly at higher camps. Your guide will help you prepare for daily conditions and adjust the pace when weather demands it.
Respect the landscape as you travel through it. Stay on established trails, avoid disturbing wildlife and carry your waste with you. Follow your trekking team's guidance around campsites, streams and mountain passes. A little care goes a long way in protecting the quiet wilderness that makes the Yaktsa special.
Ready to follow the trail into Jomolhari country? Let’s shape a Yaktsa journey around your pace, curiosity and sense of adventure.
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On trek: 14 daysDuration in Bhutan: 21 days
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