Chomolhari Yaksa Trek — seven days, max altitude 4,890 m at Bhonte La, the loop route from Paro back to Paro.

Day-by-day itinerary

1. Day 1

   3,610 m

   22 km

   ~8 h

   Shana to Thangthangkha

   Driven from Drukgyel Dzong to Shana on the motorable road (approximately 1 hour). Climb through pine and rhododendron forest along the Pa Chhu to the alpine meadow at Thangthangkha — the first camp.

2. Day 2

   4,080 m

   19 km

   ~6 h

   Thangthangkha to Jangothang

   Continued climb up the Pa Chhu valley to the Jangothang base camp at the foot of Chomolhari's south face. The first full view of the mountain.

3. Day 3

   4,080 m

   6 km

   ~4 h

   Jangothang — acclimatisation day

   Rest day at the base camp. Acclimatisation walks to the Tsophu lakes or up the Chomolhari ridge for the broader panorama. Brief offering to Aum Jomo per the Bhutanese trekking protocol.

4. Day 4

   4,890 m

   18 km

   ~8 h

   Jangothang to Soi Yaksa via Bhonte La

   South over Bhonte La (4,890m) — the trek's highest pass and principal altitude challenge. Long descent through alpine pasture to the Soi Yaksa camp.

5. Day 5

   4,520 m

   16 km

   ~7 h

   Soi Yaksa to Thombu Shong via Takhung La

   Cross Takhung La (4,520m), the trek's second high pass. Descend to the Thombu Shong camp in the high pasture country.

6. Day 6

   4,380 m

   14 km

   ~7 h

   Thombu Shong to Sharna Zampa via Thombu La

   Cross Thombu La (4,380m), the third and final high pass. Long descent through pine forest to Sharna Zampa in the upper Paro valley; vehicle pickup for the short drive back to Paro town.

The day-by-day is illustrative. Acclimatisation profile, rest days, and exact camp locations are tailored to the specific traveller and party.

Frequently asked

How is this different from the Chomolhari Lingshi Trek?

The Yaksa route is a 7-day loop back to Paro. The Lingshi route is 8-9 days, one-way to Thimphu via Lingshi village and the high pasture country. Both share the first three days (Shana → Jangothang). On Day 4 the Yaksa goes south over Bhonte La; the Lingshi route goes north over Nyile La. The Yaksa is the simpler logistics (return to Paro); the Lingshi gives more of the high pasture country and the Lingshi Dzong views.

Will I see Chomolhari?

Yes — the Jangothang base camp (Days 2-3) gives the most direct view of Chomolhari (7,326m) accessible to non-mountaineers. Weather visibility is most reliable April-May and September-October. The first full view from Thangthangkha (Day 1 evening) is itself notable.

Can I climb Chomolhari?

No. The Royal Government has formally prohibited climbing of all Bhutanese peaks above 6,000 metres since 1994, in deference to the Bhutanese view of high peaks as abodes of protector deities (Aum Jomo for Chomolhari). The Jangothang base camp is the closest direct approach permitted under the current Royal Government policy.

What about acclimatisation — is one day enough?

For most reasonably-fit walkers with prior multi-day trekking experience, the single acclimatisation day at Jangothang (Day 3) is adequate. We strongly recommend a 2-3 night Paro acclimatisation stay before the trek begins (Paro at 2,250m gives a head start), and the matched trek leader carries oxygen, Diamox, and the standard altitude protocols. For first-time high-altitude trekkers or those with known altitude sensitivity, we add a second Jangothang acclimatisation day.

Lodges or camp?

Camp only. No lodge-based variants exist on this route. The premium operators provide insulated tent camps with expedition-grade kit, hot food at every camp, and a crew that handles all camp logistics. Camp life on the Yaksa circuit is more comfortable than many first-time trekkers expect.