Bhutan Tourism Corporation Limited (BTCL)

Jo Bay Tsho Trek

Home / Jo Bay Tsho Trek

Duration

9 Nights | 10 Days

Tour Type

Treking Tour

Location

Bumthang | Bhutan

Overview

The Jo Bay Tsho Trek is a newly introduced two-day adventure in the remote southern region of Haa, Bhutan. Spanning roughly 25 km, the trek offers a harmonious blend of breathtaking natural beauty, vibrant folklore, and spiritual encounters, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and cultural explorers alike.

Getting There

The journey begins with an 84-kilometre drive from Sangbaykha to Mochu—a picturesque village nestled amidst progressive farming communities. Before the trek starts, visitors are welcomed by a revered temple just 50 meters from the trailhead, home to 1,000 statues of Guru Rinpoche, establishing a sacred tone for the journey ahead.

Best Time to Visit

  • Ideal Season: Mid-March to mid-November
  • Monsoon: Trek is feasible but trails may be wet
  • Winter: Not recommended due to harsh conditions

Key Highlights

  • Sacred temple with 1,000 Guru Rinpoche statues
  • Jo Bay Tsho—Bhutan’s mystical “Hidden Lake”
  • Vibrant local culture and folklore
  • Immersive experiences in remote natural landscapes
  • Hospitality of Sangbaykha’s rural communities

The Jo Bay Tsho Trek is more than a physical challenge—it’s a soulful immersion into the pristine wilderness and spiritual heritage of Bhutan.

Detailed Itinerary

The trail gradually ascends through lush forests filled with bamboo thickets, chirping birds, and the occasional rustle of wildlife. After around 45 minutes of hiking, trekkers reach a verdant meadow—ideal for a short rest. The route alternates between shaded woodland paths and expansive grazing lands. Enchanting alpine lakes dot the path, reflecting the sky in their still waters. The day’s hike ends in Tinsokey, a wide pastureland where visitors may stay overnight in a modest two-room camp house (accommodates 8–10 people).

The second day begins with tea and breakfast at dawn. A short uphill trek opens up panoramic views of distant mountains and hidden lakes. The highlight of the journey unfolds as the trail descends to the stunning Jo Bay Tsho—a tranquil, hidden lake spanning about 300 meters in length and 200 meters in breadth. Surrounded by mist and mystery, the lake is deeply rooted in Bhutanese folklore, tied to a tale involving Terton Sherab Mebar and the lake deity. Visitors can offer prayers or light incense at a small shrine by the lake.

After soaking in the lake’s peaceful atmosphere, trekkers descend further through dense rhododendron forests and bamboo groves. A rest stop with refreshments appears midway, before continuing on to the endpoint village of Youkha under Gakiling Gewog. A local host may welcome visitors with traditional hospitality, including homemade snacks or a taste of tongba, a mild alcoholic drink served in bamboo containers.

From Youkha, the drive back to Haa Valley takes approximately 3–4 hours, wrapping up a trek that combines spiritual depth with natural grandeur.

Additional Activities