Welcome to Bhutan - Arrival in Paro

Paro - The flight into Bhutan offers breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayas, showcasing some of the world’s highest glacial peaks.

If time allows and you’re eager to explore Bhutan, a visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, believed to be the oldest Buddhist temple in Bhutan from the 7th century, can be arranged. Enjoy a welcome dinner and trip briefing before retiring for the night.

Excursion to Tiger’s Nest and Paro Sightseeing

Paro - Today, experience Bhutan’s most treasured attractions, including the highlight of your trip! This hike will help you acclimate to the altitude before your trek. The excursion to the renowned Taktshang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery, is a two-hour hike that rewards you with a stunning temple perched on a 1000-foot cliff.
On the return, visit the ruins of Drugyal Dzong fortress, a significant Bhutanese heritage site that served as a strategic watchtower and fortress against Tibetan invasions in the 1600s.

In the afternoon, visit Paro Rimpung Dzong, the center of civil and religious authority in the valley. Enjoy an evening stroll around town before heading to your resort.

Shana-Soi Thangthangka, 3580m, Duration 8 hours, Distance 22 Km

Paro - This is a long trekking day, taking eight hours to reach the campsite. The trail follows the river, gradually ascending through a mixed forest of blue pine and oak, and later tall rhododendron trees, birch, fir, and maple. Although the trail is rough and rocky, it is not overly strenuous. In rainy conditions, it can be quite muddy. There are several simple wooden bridges to cross, and sometimes the river reaches the trail. Shing Karap or Thombuzam are popular stopping points at around 3,305m. Several trails lead in other directions, such as the trail to Tremo La (LA: Pass), the old salt-trading route to Tibet. Shortly before reaching the campsite, the trail ascends a ridge with a chorten (CHORTEN: Buddhist monument).

After an 8-hour walk, you arrive at the campsite in a spacious clearing facing Jumolhari. The morning view of the sun’s rays striking the peak is breathtaking.

Soi-Thangthangka-Jangothang, 4080m, Duration 5-6 hours, Distance 19 Km

Paro - The third day’s trek is shorter, allowing for a later start and a leisurely pace. Upon reaching an army outpost, you must stop and register your entry permits issued by the army headquarters in Thimphu. Your guide will handle this. It takes less than six hours to reach Jangothang. The camp’s altitude is 4,080m, a beautiful place to spend the night. The imposing, rounded bulk of Jomolhari fills the view to the Northeast, and in the evening, the profile of the ruined Jangothang Dzong, populated by huge ravens, creates a mystical atmosphere. The area is rich in birdlife, including the fire-tailed sunbird, ibis bill, white-throated dipper, yellow-billed chough, rosy pipit, snow pigeon, blue-fronted redstart, plumbeous water redstart, blood pheasant, snow partridge, and many more.

Jangothang, 4080m, Rest and Acclimatization

Paro - Today is a day to rest and acclimatize to the altitude. The body also needs time to adjust to the falling temperatures, especially at night. There are numerous opportunities to explore the valley and enjoy wonderful mountain views. To aid acclimatization, a walk to a higher altitude and then returning to sleep at a lower altitude is a recommended strategy. A 2-hour leisurely hike will take you to the twin lakes of Tshophu, offering excellent views of the cone-shaped Jichu Drakye (6989m), resembling the Matterhorn. It is a sight to behold! Many consider this the most beautiful mountain in Bhutan.

Jangothang – Lingshi, 4000m, Duration 6-7 hours, Distance 18 Km

Thimphu - As you climb steeply into an area of glacial moraine, the views of Jichu Drakye and Jomolhari change along with your perspective. A steep and steady climb, possibly through snow, brings you to the Nyile La, a pass at 4890m. From the top of the windy pass, enjoy a 360-degree view. Tshering Gang (6,789) also comes into full view. A fairly tough trek over scree or snow leads down to the valley and then follows the side of a ridge towards the impressively situated Lingshi Dzong (4,370m). The campsite is some distance below the Dzong on a flat area near a community building made of stones, at an altitude of 4000m.

Lingshi – Chebisa, 3990m, Duration 5-6 hours, Distance 10 Km

Thimphu - Shortly after leaving camp, cross a stream on a wooden bridge and ascend to reach a chorten below Lingshi Dzong, perched on the hilltop with a commanding view of the green hills, a winding river, and magnificent peaks. Descend to Lingzhi village, notable as a center for medicinal herbs. From Lingzhi, it’s an easy, pleasant walk through villages and yak herders’ camps. Lunch will be served at scenic Goyuna village. After lunch, it’s a short walk to Chebisa village and then to camp by the side of a stream at an altitude of 3990 meters.

Chebisa – Shomuthang, 4220m, Duration 6-7 hours, Distance 17 Km

Thimphu - Today begins with a stiff climb up a ridge to Gogu La at an altitude of 4440 meters, taking nearly 4 hours to the top. After the pass, the trail descends through a rhododendron forest to a valley of dense forests of birch and fir trees. The trek continues along an undulating path. After crossing a stream, proceed through rhododendron forests and across yak herder’s camps. You may see some flocks of Blue Sheep grazing among the rocky crags above the trail. This is the Shakshepasa valley, one of the most beautiful valleys on the trek. Ascend on a steep trail up the side of the valley to 4220m before a traverse past yak herders’ huts. Camp is beside a stream at Shomuthang.

Shomuthang – Robluthang, 4160m, Duration 6-7 hours, Distance 18 Km

Thimphu - The trek starts with an ascent up the valley, criss-crossing the stream. Climb to Jhari La (4,600m) then descend on a switchback trail that becomes rough and rocky as it enters a rhododendron forest. The trail enters the Tsheri Jathang valley, the summer grazing ground of the rare Himalayan Takin (Bhutan’s National animal). From here, we may have to wade across the stream as the footbridge is frequently washed away. After crossing the stream towards the left bank, the trail ascends to Robluthang camp at an altitude of 4160 meters.

Robluthang – Lemithang, 4140m, Duration 7-8 hours, Distance 19 Km

Thimphu - A long climb up to the Shinche La (5005 meters). Blue sheep may be seen from the trail. The views of the mountains from the pass are breathtaking. After the pass, descend on a rough trail that crosses numerous streams. After lunch, the trail descends steeply to the valley floor, then climbs through a rhododendron forest. Reach a plateau and pass through a cedar forest to our camp. The last part of the trek offers fine views of the peak of Gangchey Ta (6840m).

Lemithang – Laya, 3800m, Duration 4-5 hours, Distance 10 Km

Thimphu - In the morning, wake up to a superb view of Gangchey Ta in front of you. The walk to Laya is very pleasant with wonderful views. You will pass through a damp forest, filled with moss and singing birds. Arrive at Laya village, the second-highest settlement in the country, at an altitude of 3,800 meters. The administrative name for the area is Layagewog, and the main villages are Toko, Pashi, Neilo, Lubcha, Tonfra, and Lungo. Laya is also part of the Jigme Dorji National Park. In the afternoon, proceed to the village to witness the annual Royal Highlander Festival, where various events showcase the life of the nomads of Bhutan.

Royal Highlander Festival

Thimphu - Today, witness the annual Royal Highlander Festival for the entire day. It is a great opportunity to interact with locals, high-ranking officials, and other spectators from near and far. There will be sporting events, and you are welcome to join if interested.

Laya – Tongchu Zam Koina (Riverside Camp) 3240m, Duration 4 hours, Distance 12 Km

Punakha - Descend to an army camp and join the Mo Chu, following the river until you cross the bridge. After the bridge, it’s up and down several times through juniper and fir forests until you reach the camp at Koina at an altitude of 3,240 meters. The campsite at Koina is muddy, with no proper space for tents in case of rain. We may need to continue for another 2 hours to a better campsite beside the Mo Chu. Bears and Takins have been sighted in this area.

Koina (Riverside) – Gasa Hot Springs

Punakha - Begin early as it is the last and longest day of your trek. Although heading downstream, the climbs on this trek are not yet finished. There is another major climb ahead to get over Bari La Pass at an altitude of 3900m. After the pass, it’s downhill until you reach Gasa village at an altitude of 2760 meters. We will camp beside the small bazaar in Gasa. Proceed to the Hot Springs for an overnight camp to soak in the natural geysers, soothing your body and mind after a long trek.

Gasa Tshachu – Punakha

Punakha - Start the drive towards Punakha. The drive descends through heavily forested areas on a winding road, high above the valley floor. The gradient eases as we stop in a small park for lunch beside the river. The afternoon drive continues alongside the Mo Chhu through scenic farmland and past Royal Family residences to the town of Punakha. Proceed to Punakha valley to visit Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal stupa, which involves a short scenic hike through paddy fields for about 45 minutes to the hilltop where the temple is located.
In the afternoon, drive to visit Punakha Dzong, the most beautiful fortress in Bhutan, situated at the confluence of two rivers. This ancient fortress is the winter residence of the monastic order’s leadership and still serves as the administrative headquarters for the Punakha region. Congratulations, your trek has ended.

Punakha – Thimphu

Thimphu - Pay respects to one of Bhutan’s most charming and eccentric historic figures, nicknamed ‘The Divine Madman,’ at the Chhimi Lhakhang, also called the fertility monastery. Our guide will explain the entire story about it. The visit involves a short, pleasant hike through a beautiful village surrounded by paddy fields. Drive to Thimphu over the Dochula Pass (3140m). Situated atop the pass, against the backdrop of fluttering prayer flags, is the Druk Wangyal Chortens, a collection of 108 chortens (stupas) built to exemplify the greatness of the Fourth King. Head straight to the Pizzeria for dinner and some local craft beer. Stroll around town in the evening. Visiting a Massage Spa is also a good idea.

Cultural Exploration and Optional Hiking in the Capital City

Thimphu - Visit the Zorig-Chusum school of 13 traditional arts/crafts to see local students hone their skills in various forms of traditional art. Visit the Folk Heritage Museum, then proceed to the Royal Textile Museum and Academy to appreciate the work of Bhutanese weavers and the rich textiles of Bhutan. Stroll around town and visit the Bhutan Post Office, where you can see the famous Bhutanese stamps. If you like, you can make stamps with your photos on them and send them to your loved ones. Drive to Kuensel Phodrang, where the gigantic 169ft statue of Buddha Dordenma sits majestically overlooking the valley. Enjoy a panoramic view of Thimphu city and visit the temple inside the big statue. If you feel like hiking, take a beautiful hike on the Kuenselphodrang trail, the capital city’s favorite hiking trail, lasting 2 hours.

Farewell

Paro - After breakfast at your hotel, your driver will take you to the airport. Your guide will assist with the formalities and bid you farewell on your onward journey.

• English-speaking Guide
• All necessary permit fees
• Lunch, Dinner, and Breakfast
• Visa Fees ($40 per person)
• All trekking equipment and haulage
• All transfers
• Bhutan Tourism Royalty/Levy

• Airfare
• All personal expenses like laundry, telephone,shopping expenses
• Travel Insurance

The Laya-Gasa Trek is one of the most scenic treks in Bhutan, offering amazing views of some of the most pristine and unspoiled landscapes in Bhutan. This trek begins in Paro and takes you through gorgeous alpine meadows and through Jigme Singye National Park and offer awe-inspiring views of Mt. Jomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsherimgang. Along the trail you’ll be able to spot indigenous animals such as blue sheep and Takins, the national animal of Bhutan. You’ll travel through remote mountain villages inhabited by Layaps (people of Laya), a distinct segment of the Bhutanese society with unique culture, traditions and appearance. The trek also offers a day of relaxation at the famous Gasa hot springs that is sure to rejuvenate you. This is one of the more difficult treks offered in Bhutan due to the high altitudes and steep ascents and descents along the path. The best seasons to complete this challenge are in April-June and Mid-September-Mid-November.

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.