This Classic Laya Trek offers you a luxury of experiencing the most amazing trekking adventure along the off the beaten path with plenty of acclimatization. Reckoned synonymous to warmth hospitality and a dotted trekking destination, Laya is a perfect hub to capture a complete picture of Bhutan; you can taste Bhutan’s famous butter tea, yak milk and local brewed wine, watch cultural program and remain mute witness to the authentic Bhutanese culture, custom and people life style.

En-route to Laya the trekking trail weaves past Shana camp, Soi Thangthangkha, Jangothang, Lingshi, Chebisa, Shomuthang, Robluthang and Limithang. You can not help yourself soak in the tranquility and exotic of nature. Further ahead, you trek along Koina, Gasa Hot spring, Goen Damji and Tashithang on a network of well-maintained and rock-strewn trails. Each of these destinations has its own distinct character: unique geographical features, surreal mountain vegetation, quaint hamlets, Dzongs, open pastures, indigenous people, art and history are juxtaposed amid the seclusion and simplicity of Bhutan. Hot spring bath at Gasa Tshachu is an additional treat that makes your trek more memorable once in lifetime.

TRIP FACTS
Trip length: 19 Days
Grade: Moderate
Starts in: Paro (Bhutan)
Ends in: Paro
Group size: Maximum 12
Transportation: Private Vehicle or Car
Accommodation: Hotel & tented Camp
Maximum altitude: 4950m.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • An unparallel exploration of the secluded sections of Laya and meet most friendly Laya people and learn about their native way of life
  • Memorable hot spring bath at Gasa Tshachu
  • A hike to Takstang Monastery
  • Sumptuous landscapes and beautiful views of Chomolhari (7320m.) and Jichu Drake (6900m.)
  • Stunning arrays of abundant wildlife, quaint villages and open pastures
  • Outstanding panorama of Mt. Gangchey Ta (6800m.) from Shinje La (4950m.)

Trip Itinerary :

Day 01: Arrival at Paro airport, meet our staff then transfer to Hotel.
Day 02: Day Hike to Taktsang Monastery.
Day 03: Drive to Drugyel Dzong and trek to Shana Camp.
Day 04: Shana – Soi Thangthangkha.
Day 05: Soi – Jangothang.
Day 06: Rest day at Jangothang.
Day 07: Jangothang – Lingshi.
Day 08: Lingshi – Chebisa.
Day 09: Chebisa – Shomuthang.
Day 10: Shomuthang – Robluthang.
Day 11: Robluthang – Limithang.
Day 12: Limithang – Laya.
Day 13: Rest day in Laya halt.
Day 14: Laya – Koina.
Day 15: Koina – Gasa Hot spring.
Day 16: Hot Spring – Goen Damji.
Day 17: Damji – Tashithang and drive to Punakha.
Day 18: Drive from Punakha to Paro via Thimphu.
Day 19: Last minute, transfer to airport for onward journey.

Bhutan Tour & Trek Cost Includes:

  • All land transportation: Transfers and sightseeing by a deluxe vehicle and Airport /Hotel/Airport & tours & trekking pick up & drop).
  • Hotel accommodation at all places and 3 meals; breakfast, Lunch and dinner.
  • 1 Professional English speaking local tour guide & all temples, monuments entry fees.
  • Bhutan visa, tourism development fees, government royalty fees.
  • Fully catered camping trek supported by English speaking trekking guide, 1 Cook, helpers and porters (or vehicles for load) as per itinerary.
  • All applicable taxes.
  • Daily wages for support crews and their health insurance.
  • Basic first aid Medical Kit Box for support crews.
  • All official taxes and service charge.

Bhutan Tour & Trek Cost Doesn’t Include:

  • Personal transportation except above programs.
  • Personal tours & trekking gears as well as sleeping bags.
  • Personal Nature expenses. (Extra expenses incurred due to unforeseen circumstances such as sickness, accidents, road blockage, and other occurrences beyond our control.)
  • Emergency evacuation (If incase).
  • Drinks except tea and coffee.  (Bar Bill, laundry and telephones calls.)
  • Airfare: to & from your country and internal domestic flights.
  • Personal travel insurance. (Liability for insurance against sickness, accidents, loss of baggage, loss of life and medical expenses if any kind etc.)
  • Tips for support crews.

Note: If Traveling Bhutan via Nepal

  1. All land transportation by private vehicle tourist Bus (Airport /Hotel/Airport & trekking pick up & drop).
  2. Sightseeing activities in Kathmandu with professional English speaking tour guide & temple entry fees.
  3. Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu at Bed & Breakfast basis.
  4. Major meals lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu – Nepal.
  5. Nepal entry, re-entry visa fees & international airport departure taxes. (t is suggested you apply for a multiple entry visa for Nepal initially saving you the Nepal re-entry fee).
  6. Personal nature’s expenses and transportation except given programs.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 01: Arrival at Paro airport, meet our staff then transfer to Hotel.
Arrival at Paro by Air. The flight offers you beautiful view of mountains and landscapes. On arrival and after visa formalities you will be received by our members. Afternoon or, evening time at leisure. Overnight Kichu Resort.

Day 02: Day Hike to Taktsang monastery.
Day hike to Taktsang Monastery. Horses can be arranged with an extra US $ 5/- The hike which is all the way uphill takes about 2 /3 hours through villages and pine forests. The monastery which clings to a huge granite cliff 800 meters from the Paro valley was devastated by fire in 1998 but the Royal Government has taken immediate steps to restore the monastery to its original structure. It is believed that the great saint Padmasambhava came in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months. The demons were subdued who were trying to stop the spread of Buddhism and converted the Paro valley into Buddhism. During the end of the 17 century a monastery was built on the spot where the saint meditated and it is a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese to visit once in their life time. Overnight at Resort.

Day 03: Drive to Drugyel Dzong and trek to Shana camp.
Drive to Drugyel Dzong where the trek begins. The path goes upstream of the Pachu river through villages gradually ascending to 2800 meters at Shana camp. Walking time 5/6 hours.

Day 04: Shana – Soi Thangthangkha.
The trail again follows the Pachu river ascending through pine, oak and spruce forest. Lunch will be served near a wooden bridge. The camp is at an altitude of 3800 meters near a stone shelter. Walking time 7/8 hours.

Day 05: Soi – Jangothang.
Climb slowly for a while till you reach an army camp. Then follow the river above tree line with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch will be served inside a Yak herder’s camp. A easy walk will reach you to Jangothang at an altitude of 4050 meters. The view of Chomolhari (7320 meters) and Jichu Drake (6900meters) is superb. Both the mountains are still virgin peaks. Walking time 4/5 hours.

Day 06: Rest day at Jangothang.
Halt at Jangothang. Explore the surrounding areas like Tshophu Lake, visit Yakherders or simply relax.

Day 07: Jangothang – Lingshi.
The trail follows the stream for half hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. Climb up the ridge and enjoy stunning views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tshrim Khang mountains.Than walk through the wide open valley sometimes coming across herds of blue sheep. The climb upto the Nyele la pass 4700 meters is not too difficult and the view is breathtaking. After the pass its a gradual descend and through the valley with beautiful views on all side. Nearing the camp you will see the Lingshi Dzong perched on top of a hill with commanding view of the valley. Arrive in camp at 4100 meters near a stone shelter. Walking time 6/7 hours.

Day 08: Lingshi – Chebisa.
Walk passes the Lingshi Dzong and magnificent peaks. Today is a very pleasant walk through villages, yak herders camps and keep a sharp eye on herds of blue sheep that looks like rock boulders on the mountain side. Lunch will be served at scenic Goyuna village. A short walk after lunch will reach you to Chebisa village at an altitude of 3900 meters. Walking time 4/5 hours.

Day 09: Chebisa – Shomuthang.
Today begins with a stiff climb up a ridge to Gobu la pass 4600 meters taking nearly 3/4 hours to the top but rewarded with magnificent views of the Himalayas. This is a blue sheep area so always keep a sharp eye. After the pass descend through rhododendrons bushes and lunch will be served at a ideal spot. The path goes up down crossing streams and Yak herders camps. Arrive in camp at 4250 meters. Walking time 7/8 hours.

Day 10: Shomuthang – Robluthang.
The trek starts with a climb to Jari la pass 4650 meters. Then descend all the way through alpine forest and rhododendron shrubs to Tsharijathang a summer feeding ground for the rare Takins (national animal of Bhutan). During summer/monsoon the path is all wet so be prepared to get wet as the small wooden bridges are all washed away. After crossing the stream the trail ascends for a while till you reach the camp at 4300 meters. Walking time 7/8 hours.

Day 11: Robluthang – Limithang.
Today will be a long climb up to Shinje la pass at 4950 meters. The view of Gangchey ta mountain 6800 meters from the pass is breathtaking. From the pass descend all the way with a wider view of the mountain. Arrive at Limithang a wide open valley and summer grazing ground for the yaks of the Laya people. Tented camp at 4100 meters. Walking time 7/8 hours.
 
Day 12: Limithang – Laya.
Wake up with great view of Gangchey Ta Mountain in front of you. The walk to Laya is pleasant passing through damp forest filled with moss and singing birds. Arrive Laya village the second highest settlements in the country at an altitude of 3850 meters. Walking time 4/6 hours.

Day 13: Rest day in Laya halt.
Laya Halt. Explore the village by visiting the home of the Laya people. Every home will welcome you with smiling faces and there is no need for invitation. A cup of butter tea, yak milk, Chang (local brewed wine made from wheat or barley) any of your choice will be offered. They are very friendly people and will happily pose for photographs. The Laya women have a dress that is unique in Bhutan. They wear the conical bamboo hats decorated with turquoise and silver ornaments and dark yak wool dress. If the group is interested in a cultural dance program by the Laya people it can be arranged.

Day 14: Laya – Koina.
Trek down to the army base camp and follow the river crossing small streams. During the winter months you will see the rare Taking grazing on the bamboo shoots. The trail is up and down. Camp will be near a river next to a stone shelter at 3400 meters. Walking time 5/6 hours.

Day 15: Koina – Gasa Hot spring.
The trail ascends for some time and gradually to the Bamela pass at 3750 meters. The path is all the way down hill till the camp. During monsoon the trail is filled with leeches but it is surprising not finding any leeches near the hot spring. The hot spring was discovered by Guru Rinpoche and it is believed that who has faith in him can cure sickness which was impossible by modern medicine. The spring has a small shop selling beer imported from India and is a sure way to relax after a long trek. Tented camp altitude at 2200 meters. Walking time 6/7 hours.

Day 16: Hot Spring – Goen Damji.
The walk begins through semi tropical vegetation filled with wild orchids crossing rivers and streams. Walking across huge suspension bridges and one bridge is over 150 meters in height which is all a part of the thrill. It is a easy walk and you can take your time in admiring the scenic beauty of the country side. Tented camp at 1850 meters. Walking time 4/5 hours.

Day 17: Damji – Tashithang and drive to Punakha.
Today is the last day of trekking. Continue walking gradually down hill following the Mochu River through heavily forested area till you arrival Tashithang at 1550 meters. The end Bus or vehicle will be waiting and proceed for 1 hour to Punakha. Visit the 17 centaury Dzong and drive 45 minutes to Wangdue Kichu Resort.

Day 18: Drive from Punakha to Paro via Thimphu.
Drive 4 hours to Paro via Thimphu. On arrival in Paro commence sightseeing. Overnight at Kichu Resort.

Day 19: Last minute, transfer to airport for onward journey.