18 Days “Wonderful Laya Trek”

Trekkers attribute this trek for the intermediate adventure seekers owing to its altitude, distance, climate and remoteness. At the same time, the Laya region of Bhutan is one of the most beautiful areas of the world and the least visited. Though many do finish this trek, nevertheless we have developed an itinerary that will help anyone complete the entire distance in 14 days. We have included acclimatization (first few days in Paro Bhutan), rest days, and cultural experiences that will refresh and encourage you along the way. Crossing dozens of high passes, many over 4800 mtr., this trek includes challenges of long distances, altitude, difficult weather conditions and remoteness. It however also affords some of the most magnificent views in the Himalayas, and traverses through some unforgettable landscapes.

Season: The Laya Trek is frequently closed because of snow and is almost impossible during winter. The recommended season for this is end of June to end of October. Please note that the Laya trek is only for the inter-mediate trekkers, and due to its nature is only being offered to groups of 6 people or more.

DESTINATION :PARO, THIMPHU, GASA, PUNAKHA

TRAVELING

Style: Easy car travel, any day departure, regular small group or private tour
Theme: Culture, history, scenery, monuments, village visits, and relax

TOUR HIGHLIGHT

Traverse beautiful landscapes from lush valleys and dense forests to high mountain passes.
Explore the isolated community of Laya and Gasa district.
Soak in the therapeutic waters of the Gasa Hot Springs.
Experience fabulous views of snow-capped mountains such as Mt. Chomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake. Camp overnight beneath some of Bhutan’s most impressive mountain peaks.
Spend time marveling 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.

Map of Tour

INTRODUCTION

You do not have to be brave; you just have to be determined. Your experienced guide will help you set the needed pace for each day of the trek. Careful planning for each trek to the Laya region includes our expert local guide, packhorses, cold weather equipment, and a cook. From the time you arrive you will be cared for and know exactly what to expect. Your guides are also prepared for any emergency that could happen.

PLACES TO BE SEEN

All the pictures of the places we will see with name on the pictures of the places

Itinerary

OVERVIEW

Day 1: Paro

Day 2: Paro

Day 3: Paro (Shana)

Day 4: Paro (Soi Thanthangkha)

Day 5: Thimphu (Jangothang)

Day 6: Thimphu (Rest day at Jangothang)

Day 7: Thimphu (Lingshi)

Day 8: Thimphu (Chebisa)

Day 9: Thimphu (Shomuthang) Day 10: Gasa (Robluthang)

Day 11: Gasa (Limithang)

Day 12: Gasa (Laya)

Day 13: Gasa (Rest Day at Laya)

Day 14: Gasa

Day 15: Gasa (Rest Day at Gasa Hotspring)

Day 16: Punakha

Day 17: Paro

Day 18: Tour end and depart

DAY 1: ARRIVAL to PARO

Arrive at Paro International Airport (2300 mtr. a.s.l)
Check in hotel for rest and acclimatization
After lunch, explore interesting sights in Paro valley
Visit the Paro Ta Dzong (National Museum) and the Rinpung Dzong (Fortress)

Overnight in Paro.

Accomodations

Le Meridien River Front

DAY 2: PARO SIGHTSEEING

After breakfast, continue with the previous days leftover sight seeing
Drive to Ramthangkha for hike and visit to the famous Tiger Nest (Taksthang)

Overnight in Paro.

Accomodations

Le Meridien River Front

DAY 3: PARO to SHANA (PARO)

After breakfast, drive to Drugyel Dzong to begin the trek
Continue trek upstream along Pachu river through villages towards Shana (5 hrs.)
On arrival, camp at campsite in Shana (2800 mtr. a.s.l)

Overnight in Shana, Paro.

Accomodations

Full service camping

DAY 4: SHANA to SOI THANTHANGKHA (PARO)

Morning, begin trek from Shana to Soi Thanthangkha (8 hrs.)
Follow the trail along the Pachu river ascending through pine, oak and spruce forest
Lunch near the wooden bridge
On arrival at campsite near stone shelter (3800 mtr. a.s.l), rest and relax

Overnight in Soi Thanthangkha, Paro.

Accomodations

Full service camping

DAY 5: SOI THANTHANGKHA to JANGOTHANG (THIMPHU)

Morning, begin trek from Soi Thanthangkha to Jangothang (5 hrs.)
Ascend uphill upon reaching an army camp
Continue trek along the river above the tree line
Hot lunch served in a yak herders camp
After lunch, continue with an easy walk to reach Jangothang (4050 mtr. a.s.l)

Overnight in Jangothang, Thimphu

Accomodations

Full service camping

DAY 6: JANGOTHANG SIGHTSEEING

Rest and relaxation at Jangothang
Explore surrounding areas in Jangothang like Tshophu lake in leisure hours
Visit yak herders camp and relax

Overnight in Jangothang, Thimphu

Accomodations

Full service camping

DAY 7: JANGOTHANG to LINGSHI (THIMPHU)

Morning, continue trek from Jangothang to Lingshi via Nyelela pass (7 hrs.)
Follow the trail along the stream and climb the ridge to reach wide open valley
Ascend the Nyelela pass (4700 mtr. a.s.l) and descent through valley to see Lingshi Dzong
Arrive camp at (4100 mtr. a.s.l) near a stone shelter

Overnight in Lingshi, Thimphu.

Accomodations

Full service camping

DAY 8: LINGSHI to CHEBISA (THIMPHU)

Morning, climb past Lingshi Dzong through villages and yak herders camp (6 hrs.)
Enroute, halt for lunch and enjoy the breathtaking scenic views
After lunch, take a short walk to reach Chebisa village
On arrival, camp by the side of the stream at an altitude of 3850 mtr. a.s.l

Overnight in Chebisa, Thimphu.

Accomodations

Full service camping

DAY 9: CHEBISA to SHOMUTHANG (THIMPHU)

Morning, trek from Chebisa to Shomuthang via Gombula pass (7 hrs.)
Trek with a steep climb up a ridge to reach Gombula pass (4400 mtr. a.s.l)
After crossing the pass, descend down to halt for lunch and rest
After lunch, continue along the up and down path, crossing the stream, through rhododendron forests and yak herders camp
On arrival, halt at the campsite (4220 mtr. a.s.l)

Overnight in Shomuthang, Thimphu.

Accomodations

Full service camping

DAY 10: SHOMUTHANG to ROBLUTHANG (GASA)

Morning, trek from Shomuthang to Robluthang via Jharila pass (8 hrs.)
Trek with a climb up to the Jharila pass (4700 mtr. a.s.l)
Descend to Tsherijathang valley, the summer habitat of the rare himalayan Takin
Continue trek to cross the stream to follow trail to reach Robluthang
On arrival, halt at Robluthang campsite (4400 mtr. a.s.l)

Overnight in Robluthang, Gasa

Accomodations

Full service camping

DAY 11: ROBLUTHANG to LIMITHANG (GASA)

Morning, trek from Robluthang to Limithang via Sinchela pass (8 hrs.)
Trek with a long climb up to the Sinchela pass (5000 mtr. a.s.l)
After the pass, descend the trail down to reach Limithang
Continue trek to cross the stream to get a superb view of Mt. Gangchey Ta peak
On arrival, halt at Limithang campsite (4150 mtr. a.s.l)

Overnight in Limithang, Gasa.

Accomodations

Full service camping

DAY 12: LIMITHANG to LAYA (GASA)

Morning, trek from Limithang to Laya (6 hrs.)
Pleasant trek to Laya through through dense forests, filled with moss and singing birds
Arrive at campsite in Laya village (3840 mtr. a.s.l), the second highest settlement in Bhutan

Overnight in Laya, Gasa.

Accomodations

Full service camping

DAY 13: LAYA SIGHTSEEING

Rest and relaxation at Laya
Explore surrounding areas in Laya village in leisure hours
Visit a local house to experience traditional Bhutanese hospitality of highlander
Evening, dance and cultural program organized by the local villagers

Overnight in Laya, Gasa.

Accomodations

Full service camping

DAY 14: LAYA to GASA

Morning, trek the winding trail up and down along the river valley to reach Gasa (4 hrs.)
Pleasant hike through beautiful forests with great views of waterfalls, swift streams, a wonderful variety of birds
Continue hike to reach motorable road ahead to board the vehicle waiting at Gasa
Drive in vehicle ascending the Barila pass (3850 mtr. a.s.l), then descending to reach village of Gasa with the Dzong (Fortress)
Halt at campsite or continue driving to Gasa Tsachhu (Hot Spring) (1 hr.)

Overnight in Gasa.

Accomodations

Full service camping

DAY 15: GASA SIGHTSEEING

Rest and relaxation at Gasa
Explore Gasa and its surrounding areas
Visit Gasa Tsachhu (Hot Spring), a wonderful place to lounge after a long trek

Overnight in Gasa.

Accomodations

Full service camping

DAY 16: GASA to PUNAKHA

After breakfast, continue hike on a trail of heavily forested area with wild orchids, and other beautiful flora in the area (4 hrs.)
Upon arrival to the motorable road, board the vehicle to head towards Punakha
Drive towards Punakha valley and enjoy the scenic views
On arrival, check in a hotel for rest and relaxation

Overnight in Punakha.

Accomodations

Dhensa Boutique

DAY 17: PUNAKHA to PARO