Yaktsha Trek

Day 01: Shana to Thangthangka Trek through a densely forested area with isolated farmhouses. Pass a junction en route, with an option leading north over Tremola Pass to Tibet. Camp in a meadow with a stone shelter.

Altitude: 3610 m; Distance: 22 km; Time: 7 – 8 hours; Ascent: 770 meters, descent: 10 meters.

Day 02: Thangthangka to Jangothang Leave the forest line, climbing to a beautiful valley, passing Tegethang, the winter home of yak herdsmen. Lunch in yak herders’ huts. Reach Mt. Jhomolhari base camp (4115 m) with spectacular views. Camp among the ruins of an old fortress.

Altitude: 4080 m; Distance: 19 km; Time: 5 – 6 hours; Ascent: 480 meters.

Day 03: Jangothang (Rest Day) Enjoy a rest day with three optional day hikes, including Jumolhari Glacier, Jichu Drake Glacier, or a summit climb between Jumolhari and Jichu Drake.

Day 04: Jangothang to Dhumzo (Soi Yaktsa) via Bontela Pass Cover 16 km in 7 – 8 hours, reaching an altitude of 4900 meters at Bontela Pass. Descend through a steep gully to Dhumzo, encountering yaks, Tsho Phu lakes, and possibly Himalayan blue sheep.

Day 05: Dhumzo (Soi Yaktsa) to Thombushong via Tagalun Pass Walk through rhododendron, birch, and oak forests to a meadow with juniper trees. Lunch in a valley with yak herders’ camps. A steep climb to Tagalun Pass (4550 meters) with views of Mt. Jhomolhari. Reach the pristine Thombushong campsite.

Day 6: Thombushong to Gunitshawa Walk on a beautiful ridge with views of mountain peaks. Descend to an army camp and continue to Zankepang, enjoying the beauty of rhododendron-covered mountains in spring.

Note: This itinerary provides a general outline, and actual trekking times may vary based on individual and group factors. The trek is best undertaken during the optimal seasons from March to June and September to November.