Laya trek has a variety of trekking trails that cover everything from picturesque farmland and ancient forest, to alpine pasture and challenging High Mountain passes. It also covers the Bhutan’s most impressive mountain peaks such as Chomolhari and Jitchu Drake. The trekking offers numerous isolated dzongs and their scattered dwellings with a great deal of cultural value en route. The Punakha Gorge has a magical origin via the imposing Dzong and the magnificent hot springs at Gasa adds extra value to this trek. The trekking is open from April to June and September to November.
TRIP DETAILS
Day 01: Arrive Paro
Today, we take an early morning flight and arrive at Paro, where you will be meeting our representative and then you will be transferred to your Hotel once we cover up the formalities. During day, we can go for a general sightseeing. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02: Sightseeing in Paro
The day calls for a full day sightseeing in Paro. So, we drive to Drukgyel Dzong, which was built in 1646. From here, we can also watch the finest views of Mt. Chomolhari. On our way back, we visit, Kyichu Lhakhang, monastery built in the 7th century. These two shrines are the one of the most sacred places in Bhutan.
After lunch, we visit Ta Dzong, which was previously built as a watchtower to protect Rinpung Dzong. In 1968, it was inaugurated as the National Museum. Also, we take a visit to Rinpung Dzong (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), the center of district administration. Rinpung Dzong is also the home of the local monk body. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 03: Paro to Shana – 5 to 6 hours walk
We start our trek from Drukgyel Dzong and walk downhill first. Then we climb gently through rice terraces and fields of millet and reach the army post of Gunitsawa. We continue our trail to Sharma Zampa and reach Shana. Overnight at camp/hotel.
Day 04: Shana to Soi Thangthangkha – 7 to 8 hours walk
Following the Pa Chu River, we ascend and descend along the trails through pine, oak and spruce forests. Having our lunch on the way, we further climb via rhododendron forest to Soi Thangthangkha. Overnight at camp.
Day 05: Soi Thangthangkha to Jangothang – 7 to 8 hours walk
We descend through the army camp watching the peaks surrounding us and walk our way to Jangothang, from where the views of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake are superb. Overnight at camp.
Day 06: Rest day at Jangothang
We enjoy this leisure day here by enjoying the fascinating views of Chomolhari and ruined Dzong. Overnight at camp.
Day 07: Jangothang to Lingshi – 7 to 8 hours walk
Eyeing the breathtaking views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang, we climb to Nyele-la pass. We descend through the trail to Lingshi. Overnight at camp.
Day 08: Lingshi to Chebisa – 5 to 6 hours walk
Continuing our trail to Lingshi Dzong, we enjoy the exhilarating views of the winding river, peaks and green hills. With this pleasant walk, we reach Chebisa. Overnight at camp.
Day 09: Chebisa to Shoumuthang – 6 to 7 hours walk
With stiff climbing to ridge of Gubu-la pass (4,500m), our trail descends through the rhododendrons and reach Shoumuthang. On our way, we will also be lucky to observe some blue sheep. Overnight at camp.
Day 10: Shoumuthang to Robluthang – 6 to 7 hours walk
Our challenging trekking route to Jari-la pass (4,700m) allows us to admire the serene beauty of the nature and we descend to Robluthang crossing some streams on the way. Overnight at camp.
Day 11: Robluthang to Limithang – 7 to 8 hours walk
Walking to Shinje-la pass (4,900m), we enjoy stunning mountain views and descend to Limithang via narrow pathways. On the way, we can also capture the views of Gangchenta peak. Overnight at camp.
Day 12: Limithang to Laya – 4 to 5 hours walk
Watching superb view of Gangchenta peak, we walk to Laya eyeing on the wonderful views surrounding us. We move along the damp forest and singing birds to reach Laya. Overnight at camp.
Day 13: Rest day at Laya
We rest today at Laya and go for nearby excursions. The local community here is sure to amaze you. We will enjoy the cultural program with dance performances in the evening. Overnight at camp.
Day 14: Laya to Chamsa – 8 to 9 hours walk
We walk downhill to Mo Chu, the mother river of Punakha and then cross the bridge to reach Chamsa passing by the juniper and fir forest. Overnight at Chamsa.
Day 15: Chamsa to Gasa Tshachu – 6 to 7 hours walk
A short walk to Bele pass and then we descend to Gasa Tshachu via Gasa Dzong. The Dzong was built in the 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The motif was to protect the valley from Tibetan invaders. Overnight at camp.
Day 16: Rest day at Gasa Tshachu
We enjoy some hot bath and local beer and take a day rest here. Overnight at camp.
Day 17: Gasa Tshachu to Damji – 5 to 6 hours walk
We walk uphill and downhill through forested areas where we can observe orchids and then move our way to Damji. Overnight at Damji.
Day 18: Damji to Tashithang to Punakha – 5 to 6 hours walk
We descend through the forest following the Mo Chu River and move to Tashithang, where we meet our transport and then we drive to Punakha. Overnight at hotel.
Day 19: Punakha to Thimphu
In the morning we drive our way back to Thimpu after stopping for sightseeing at various places. Overnight at hotel.
Day 20: Sightseeing in Thimphu
Today, we go for a full day sightseeing. First, we visit the National Library, established in the late 1960s primarily to conserve the literary treasures. Then, we observe Zorig Chusum, where students learn the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Also, we take a look at National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Folk Heritage and National Textile Museums and Handicrafts Emporium. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 21: Thimphu to Paro
On our way back, we visit the National Library, where an extensive collection of Buddhist literature can be found along with manuscripts dating back several hundred years. Then, we stop by Zorig Chusum (the Painting School); students are trained in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts here. While on our drive to Paro, we will witness the appealing village sides and the lifestyle of local people. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 22: Depart from Paro
We catch our respective flights to our destination enjoying the mountain views from the aircraft. You will be leaving Bhutan and we will be bidding our final farewell hoping to see you again.
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