ITINERARY OVERVIEW
DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO
DAY 02: PARO
DAY 03: PARO – SHANA (6hrs)
DAY 04: SHANA – SOIL THANGTHANGKHA (8hrs)
DAY 05: SOIL T'HANGKHA – JANGOTHANG (8hrs)
DAY 06: REST DAY AT JANGOTHANG
DAY 07: JANGOTHANG – LINGSHI (8hrs)
DAY 08: LINGSHI – CHEBISA (6hrs)
DAY 09: CHEBISA – SHOUMUTHANG (7hrs)
DAY 10: SHOUMUTHANG – ROBLUTHANG (7hrs)
DAY 11: ROBLUTHANG – LIMITHANG (8hrs) |
DAY 12: LIMITHANG – LAYA (5hrs)
DAY 13: REST DAY AT LAYA
DAY 14: LAYA – CHAMSA (9hrs)
DAY 15: CHAMSA – GASA TSHACHU (7hrs)
DAY 16: GASA TSHACHU REST DAY
DAY 17: GASA TSHACHU – DAMJI (6hrs)
DAY 18: DAMJI – TASHITHANG – PUNAKHA (6hrs)
DAY 19: PUNAKHA – THIMPHU
DAY 20: THIMPHU
DAY 21: THIMPHU – PARO
DAY 22: DEPART PARO |
This route offers a great variety of trekking conditions, from picturesque farmland and forests to alpine pastureland and high mountain passes (16,100 ft). Spectacular campsites, beneath some of Bhutan’s most impressive peaks, of which the most notable are Chomolhari and Jichu Drake, are also features of this trekking route. Numerous isolated dzongs and scattered settlements, including the extraordinary village of Laya, and the Gasa hot springs make this trek one of the most popular.
Season: This trek is generally open from April to June and mid- September to mid-November. However, April is the best trekking month for the Laya region.
BHUTAN TREK DATES:
All of our Bhutan tours and treks are private, tailor-made journeys for independent travel on dates of your choosing. We can easily customise your Bhutan tour and trek to spend more in the places doing the activities that you are interested in. Please click on the 'Tailor-Design This Bhutan Trek' tab above to begin customising this tour to your requirements.
WHAT WE INCLUDE IN OUR TAILOR MADE BHUTAN TOURS & TREKS:
• Airfares in and out of Bhutan including taxes.
• Bhutan Tourist Tariff Royalty & Visa fees.
• All private excursions and transfers in superior air-conditioned vehicle.
• Local English speaking trekking guide/tour leader.
• Cook and camp hand who will take care of camp chores and provide wholesome meals.
• Services of horsemen who will look after the yaks & ponies that transport luggage and camp gear.
• Experienced driver.
• Accommodation in carefully selected, highest standard goverment approved hotels & guesthouses.
• All meals in Bhutan.
• All entrance fees and permits.
NOT INCLUDED:
• All personal expenses such as bars, beverages, laundry, telephone and tips.
• Medical / Travel Insurance.
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO
DAY 02: PARO
DAY 03: PARO – SHANA (6hrs)
DAY 04: SHANA – SOIL THANGTHANGKHA (8hrs)
DAY 05: SOIL T'HANGKHA – JANGOTHANG (8hrs)
DAY 06: REST DAY AT JANGOTHANG
DAY 07: JANGOTHANG – LINGSHI (8hrs)
DAY 08: LINGSHI – CHEBISA (6hrs)
DAY 09: CHEBISA – SHOUMUTHANG (7hrs)
DAY 10: SHOUMUTHANG – ROBLUTHANG (7hrs)
DAY 11: ROBLUTHANG – LIMITHANG (8hrs) |
DAY 12: LIMITHANG – LAYA (5hrs)
DAY 13: REST DAY AT LAYA
DAY 14: LAYA – CHAMSA (9hrs)
DAY 15: CHAMSA – GASA TSHACHU (7hrs)
DAY 16: GASA TSHACHU REST DAY
DAY 17: GASA TSHACHU – DAMJI (6hrs)
DAY 18: DAMJI – TASHITHANG – PUNAKHA (6hrs)
DAY 19: PUNAKHA – THIMPHU
DAY 20: THIMPHU
DAY 21: THIMPHU – PARO
DAY 22: DEPART PARO |
DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. After lunch enjoy afternoon sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum housing many religious relics, works of art and handicrafts. Next, visit the Rimpong Dzong. Dzong’s are large monasteries and district administrative centres, which were once strategic forts. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
DAY 02: PARO
After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery, walking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill. The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor is spectacular. Afterwards visit 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
DAY 03: PARO – SHANA
17km, 5-6 hours
The trek starts from Drukgyal Dzong (2,580m). The trail climbs gently through rice terraces and fields of millet before entering an area of apple orchards and forests. Soon you reach the army post of Gunitsawa (2,810m). This is the last stop before Tibet. The trail continues up to 2,870m, where there are several good camping places in meadows surrounded by trees.
DAY 04: SHANA – SOIL THANGTHANGKHA
20km, 7-8 hours
The trail again follows the Pa Chu (Paro river), traversing through pine, oak and spruce forests. After crossing a bridge to the left bank of the river, stop for lunch. Then we continue along the river, climbing upwards thought forests, and crossing the river once more before reaching our campsite (3,750).
DAY 05: SOIL THANGTHANGKHA – JANGOTHANG
19km km, 7-8 hours
The path ascends for a while until we reach the army camp. We then follow the river above the tree line, enjoying stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch is served at a yak herder’s camp. A short walk from here into the valley takes us to our campsite a Jangothang (4,040m).
DAY 06: JANGOTHANG
Rest Day
Day at leisure, enjoying superb views of the south face of Chomolhari and the ruined dzong.
DAY 07: JANGOTHANG – LINGSHI
18km, 7-8 hours
The trail follows a stream before crossing over to the right bank. We now start our climb up to the first ridge with views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang. The trail then crosses a valley until climbing up to Nyele - La Pass (4,700m). We descend gradually to our campsite at Lingshi (4,000m).
DAY 08: LINGSHI – CHEBISA
10km, 5-6 hours
We continue on the trail past Lingshi Dzong, perched on its hilltop, enjoying exhilarating views of hills, the winding river and magnificent peaks. It is an easy day and a pleasant walk through villages. After lunch, a short walk takes us to Chebisa village, where we camp by the side of a stream of a stream (3,850m).
DAY 09: CHEBISA – SHOUMUTHAN
17km, 6-7 hours
Today begins with a stiff climb of nearly four hours up a ridge to Guba - La (4,500m). We descend from the pass through rhododendrons to our lunch location before crossing a stream and continuing through rhododendron forests and past yak herders’ camp. Tonight’s campsite is at an altitude of 4,250 m.
DAY 10: SHOUMUTHANG – ROBLUTHANG
18km, 6-7 hours
This trek starts with a climb up to Jari - La Pass (4,700m). We descend from here to Tasharijathang valley, the summer grazing ground of the rare Himalayan Takin. After crossing a stream, the trail ascends to Robluthang (4,200m) where we set up our camp for the night.
DAY 11: ROBLUTHANG – LIMITHANG
19km, 7-8 hours
We start the day with a long climb up to Shinji-La Pass (4,900m), enjoying stunning mountain views from the path. After crossing the pass we descend to Lingithang. The last part of today’s trek is steep, with splendid views of Gangchenta peak (6,840). Tonight’s campsite is at an altitude of 4,100 m.
DAY 12: LIMITHANG – LAYA
10 km, 4 - 5 hours
In the morning we walk to a superb view of Gangchenta peak in front of our camp. The walk to Laya is very pleasant through a damp forest filled with moss and singing birds. We set up camp on arrival at Laya village, the second highest settlement in the country, at 3,800m.
DAY 13: LAYA
Rest Day
Explore Laya village. You can go and visit one of the local houses. Traditional Bhutanese hospitality is extended even to a stranger, and a cup of tea and chang (alcohol brewed from barley) is always offered.
DAY 14: LAYA – CHAMSA
19km, 8-9 hours
We descend from Laya to the army camp at the side of the Mo chu (Mother river of Punakha), and then walk alongside the river till reaching a bridge. After crossing the bridge, the track winds up and down through juniper and fir forests. We camp in the forest at Chamsa (3, 800m).
DAY 15: CHAMSA – GASA TSHACHU
14km, 6-7 hours
After a 30 minute walk over flat land to Bele-La Pass, it’s downhill all the way to Gasa Tshachu. We take lunch at Gasa village (2700m), afterwards visiting the village and Gasa Dzong. The Dzong was built in the 17th century. We then descend to Gasa Tshachu (hot spring), where we set up our camp (2,200m).
DAY 16: GASA TSHACHU
Rest day
After a long trek, this is the place to relax! Enjoy a hot bath and try some of the local beer.
DAY 17: GASA TSHACHU – DAMJI
18km, 5-6 hours
The path winds up and down through heavily forested area where you can see many wild orchids. Take care, as there are leeches too! We camp overnight near Damji village (2,400m).
DAY 18: DAMJI – TASHITHANG – PUNAKHA
16km, 5-6 hours
This is our last trekking day. The trail descends through heavy forest, following the course of the Mo Chu, till reaching the road head at Tashithang (1, 620m). Bhutan Travel Bureau will be waiting here to drive us along the valley to Punakha, 15km down the road. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha.
DAY 19: PUNAKHA – THIMPHU
Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. Visit spectacular Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’. After lunch, enjoy a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of Drukpa Kuenly. In the late afternoon drive to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 20: THIMPHU
Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, including a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, 12th century Changangkha Temple, the Zilukha Nunnery and Tashichhodzong. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 21: THIMPHU – PARO
Visit the School for Arts and Crafts, The National Library housing a collection of 8th century scriptures, the Traditional Paper Factory and the Folk Heritage Museum. If your visit coincides with the weekend, you can walk through the Thimphu Market. Late afternoon transfer to Paro for overnight.
DAY 12: DEPART PARO
Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Tashi Delek.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS BHUTAN TREK
The Laya Trek offers a great variety of trekking conditions, from picturesque farmland and forests to alpine pastureland and high mountain passes (16,100 ft). Numerous isolated dzongs and scattered settlements, including the extraordinary village of Laya, and Gasa make this trek one of the most popular.
• Experience fabulous views of snow-capped mountains such as Mt. Jumolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake.
• Traverse beautiful landscapes from lush valleys to dense forests.
• Explore the isolated community of Laya.
• Soak in the therapeutic waters of the Gasa Hot Springs.
• Camp overnight beneath some of Bhutan's most impressive mountain peaks.
• Spend time Marvelling at the ancient wall paintings and carvings in Dzongs and temples.
• Discover some of the most sacred Buddhist monasteries and temples in the Himalaya.
• Visit many cultural attractions including medieval fortresses (Dzongs), markets and museums.
• Hike up to the famous Taktsang Monastery, perched on a cliff 900m above the valley floor.
• Incorporate a Value-Added Option such as a cooking lesson or meditation session with a monk.
For information on locations visited, please click on the tabs below.
Paro (2,250m), the site of Bhutan’s only airport, is set amongst the pastoral beauty of Paro Valley, a broad valley fertile with paddy, wheat, millet, potatoes, apple and seasonal vegetables grown as the main crops. Located close to downtown Paro is the imposing Paro Dzong, also known as Rinpung Dzong, built in 1645 by the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (Unifier of Bhutan). Located on a hill behind the Paro Dzong is Ta Dzong, the National Museum housed in an ancient 17th century watchtower and featuring a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. Another Paro Valley highlight includes the incredible monastery of Taktsang, also known as the Tiger's Nest perched on a sheer rock cliff 900m above the Paro Valley floor. The Tiger’s Nest owes its name to the 8th century saint Guru Rinpoche who, according to myth, visited here mounted on a flying tiger. Other interesting options are the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong with its magnificent views of Mount Jumolhari and 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang.
Bhutan’s capital city of Thimphu (2,350m) is a fascinating blend of the old and the new. Zoning regulations have retained the forms and motifs of Bhutan’s traditional architecture giving the city a wonderful structural harmony. The capital’s most striking visual landmark is Tashichhodzong, the seat of the Royal Government and Central Monastic Body. Semtokha Dzong is the kingdom’s oldest Dzong, whilst The National Memorial Chorten is an important temple completed by The Royal Queen Mother as a memorial stupa for the Third King who passed away in 1972. The Royal School of the Performing Arts, the School of Traditional Painting and the Institute of Traditional Medicine offer visitors an amazing insight into Bhutanese culture. Other attractions include 12th century Changangkha Temple, Drubthob Monastery housing the Zilukha Nunnery, the National Library housing a rare collection of Buddhist scriptures, the lively weekend market and the 169 foot bronze statue of Buddha overlooking the city. Nearby sites include Tango and Cheri Monasteries.
Punakha (1,310m) is Bhutan’s ancient capital, and remains the winter seat of the Central Monastic Body due to its sub-tropical climate. The drive to Punakha from Thimphu travels over Dochu-La Pass, marked by a beautiful scene of 108 Chortens, wind-blown prayer flags and the recently built Druk Wangyal Lhakhang. In clear weather the view of the Himalayas is stunning. The Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel is situated on a triangular spit of land at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu rivers. The three story main temple of the Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. It was here in 1907 that Bhutan's first king was crowned. Other highlights include Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten with its complex Nyingmapa iconography and Chimi Lhakhang, dedicated to Bhutan’s popular saint Drukpa Kuenley, otherwise known as the “divine madman” due to his unorthodox religious teaching.
Gasa is located in the extreme northwest of Bhutan. It spans the middle and high himalayas adjoining the districts of Punakha, Thimphu, Wangduephodrang and with Tibet to its north. This starkly beautiful region with elevations ranging from 1500 to 4,500 metres experiences extremely long and hard winters and short but beautiful summers. It has the smallest population with just about 3000 inhabitants. Gasa is known for it Tsachus (natural hot springs), popular amongst people from all over the country and reknowned for their medicinal benefits.
The people of this district include the Layaps and Lunaps, the nomads of western Bhutan. These people mostly lead a pastoral life rearing yaks and sheep and also harvest Cordycep, a fungi of very high value used in oriental medicine.
