Laya Trek

Itinerary
 

Day 01: Arrive Paro
During the journey to Paro, one will experience breath-taking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jhomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. 

On arrival at Paro international airport, you will be then ushered to immigration counter and baggage claim areas by very astonishing and helpful airport staffs. After then, your tour guide will be waiting for you at the exit door with full of excitement expression on his/her face with Khadhar (a white scarf on his/her hand to offer you as tradition culture for welcoming you). The reason for offering a white Khadar is; traditionally we believe white colour symbolising a purity, hence to show you, you are now encircled by pure-hearted people, you are welcome and be loved as our guest (not as tourist) and you will be taken full care from this day until the trip concludes. 

The good-humoured/helpful driver and your cheerful local tour guide will be happy to gently pack your luggage in the SUV car and escort you to the hotel.

Day 02: Paro
Today’s full day sightseeing in Paro valley includes visits to Ta Dzong (National Museum), Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) and Kyichu Lhakhang. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 03: Paro – Shana 17km, 5-6 hours
The trek starts from Drukgyel Dzong (2,580m) with a short downhill walk on a wide trail. The trail climbs gently through well-maintained rice terraces and fields of millet. The route later enters an area of apple orchards and forests. Soon the valley widens, and you reach the army post of Gunitsawa (2,810m). This is the last stop before Tibet. The trail continues up to 2,870m, just beyond Sharma Zampa, where there are several good camping places in meadows surrounded by trees.
 

Day 04: Shana – Soi Thangthangkha 20km, 7-8 hours
The trail again follows the Pa Chu (Paro river), ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. After crossing a bridge to the left bank of the river, we stop for a hot lunch. Then we continue along the river, climbing upwards through rhododendron forests, and crossing the river once more before reaching our campsite (3,750m).
 

Day 05: Soi Thangthangkha – Jangothang 19km, 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 at Jangothang (4,040 m). From here, the views of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake are superb.
 

Day 06: Rest day at Jangothang
Enjoy a leisurely day at this scenic spot, enjoying a superb view of the south face of Chomolhari and the ruined dzong.
 

Day 07: Jangothang – Lingshi 18km, 7-8 hours
The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and passes by the lake of Janetsho. Today you may come across some yak herders’ camps and get an idea of how these people live. We camp overnight close to Simkota Lake, and if you are lucky you can catch a lake trout for your dinner.
 

Day 08: Lingshi – Chebisa 10km, 5-6 hours
We continue on the trail past Lingshi Dzong, perched on its hilltop, enjoying exhilarating views of green hills, the winding river and magnificent peaks as we walk. It is an easy day, and a pleasant walk through villages and yak herders’ camps. After lunch, a short walk takes us to Chebisa village, where we camp by the side of a stream (3,850m).
 

Day 09: Chebisa – Shoumuthang 17km, 6-7 hours
Today begins with a stiff climb of nearly four hours up a ridge to Gubu-la pass (4,500m). We descend from the pass through rhododendrons to our lunch place. We cross the stream after lunch, and continue along the up and down path, through rhododendron forests and yak herders’ camps, occasionally sighting flocks of blue sheep as we walk. Tonight’s campsite is at an altitude of 4,250m.
 

Day 10: Barshong – Dolam Kencho 15km, 5 – 6 hours
The trail descends gently through a dense forest of rhododendron, birch and conifers, then drops steeply to meet the Thimphu Chu. The trail runs along the left bank of the river, climbing over ridges and descending into gullies where side streams run down into the river. The final stage of the trail climbs around a cliff face high above the Thimphu Chu, coming out onto pastureland where we camp for the night at 3,600m.
 

Day 11: Shoumuthang – Robluthang 18km, 6-7 hours
The 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 (Bhutan’s national animal). We may have to ford the stream here, as the footbridge is frequently washed away. After crossing to the left bank of the stream, the trail ascends to Robluthang (4,200m) where we set up our camp for the night.
 

Day 12: Robluthang – Limithang 19km, 7-8 hours
We start the day with a long climb up to Shinje-la pass (4,900m), enjoying stunning mountain views from the path. After crossing the pass we descend to Limithang. The path is quite narrow, and we may have to ford the stream again and get wet. The last part of today’s trek is rather a scramble down a steep path, with the compensation of splendid views of Gangchenta peak (6,840m) along the way. Tonight we camp at 4,100m on flat ground above the river in a forested area, with Gangchenta towering directly above us to the north.
 

Day 13: Limithang – Laya 10km, 4-5 hours
In the morning we wake to a superb view of Gangchenta peak in front of our camp. The walk to Laya is very pleasant with wonderful views along the way. We pass 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 14: Rest day at Laya
Today we explore the village and environs. You can go and visit any of the houses around. Traditional Bhutanese hospitality is extended even to a perfect stranger, and a cup of tea and chang (an alcoholic drink) is always offered. The people in this village are very interesting, especially the women, whose plain black yak wool garments are set off by elaborate necklaces and conical bamboo hats decorated with turquoise and silver ornaments. In the evening, witness a cultural program of dances performed by village girls by the campfire, and enjoy the local alcohol (ara and chang, brewed from barley) if you have a strong stomach.
 

Day 15: 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 16: 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 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, to protect the valley against Tibetan invaders. We then descend to Gasa Tshachu (hot spring), where we set up our camp (2,200m).
 

Day 17: 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 18 Gasa Tshachu – Damji 18km, 5-6 hours
The path winds up and down through heavily forested areas where you can see many wild orchids. Take care, as there are leeches too! We camp overnight near Damji village (2,400m).
 

Day 19 Damji – Tashithang – Punakha 16km, 5-6 hours/span>
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). Our transport will be waiting here to drive us along the valley to Punakha, 15 km. down the road. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
 

Day 20 Punakha – Thimphu
Morning sightseeing in the Punakha and Wangduephodrang valleys, visit Punakha Dzong and local market. Afternoon drive to Thimphu. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
 

Day 21 Thimphu
Today tour Thimphu, visiting the following as time permits: National Memorial Chorten, Tashichhodzong, National Library, Institute for Zorig Chusum (Bhutanese arts and crafts school), National Institute of Traditional Medicine (outside only), Handicrafts Emporium, Folk Heritage and National Textile Museums. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
 

Day 22 Thimphu – Paro
Morning for shopping and at leisure. After lunch drive to Paro visiting Semtokha Dzong en route. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
 

Day 23 Depart Paro
After early breakfast in the hotel drive to Paro airport for flight to onward destination.