LAYA TREK
22 days
21 nights
GRADE Easy
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LAYA TREK
This route presents a variety of great trekking condition: from pictorial farmland and dense forests to alpine pastureland with lofty passes. Beautiful campsites, beneath some of Bhutan’s most magnificent peaks, of which the most prominent are Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake, are featured in this trekking route. Several isolated dzongs and scattered settlements, besides the extraordinary village of Laya, present a great deal of cultural interest en route.
Seasons: Generally, this trek is open from April to June and mid-September to mid-November. But April is the best trekking month for the Laya region.
Day 1: Arrive at Paro.
The flight to Paro will offer a life time experience trip-you can see a striking sight of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and other peaks in Bhutan such as the Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsrim Gang. Upon arrival, our guide will receive and escort you to the hotel for check – in. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 2: Paro sightseeing.
Full day of sight seeing in Paro; hike or take a horse ride to the Taktsang Monastery viewpoint. Taktsang meaning “Tiger’s Nest” is built around a cave in which Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava) meditated and clings to a cliff at 3000 feet above the valley floor. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress bringing in the teachings of Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in 8th Century. The monastery is an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. You can take refreshment at the tea house before you head to Paro for lunch.
After lunch, Visit National Museum of Bhutan built in 1651 as watchtower for Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong). In 1968, it was converted to National Museum. The museum boasts of quite a collection of ancient Bhutanese arts, artefacts, weapons, coins, stamps and a small natural history collection. Next, visit Rinpung Dzong built in 1645 A.D by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in order to defend Paro Valley from the Tibetan invaders. It is now the head quarters of Paro District and Paro’s monastic community. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
Day 3: Paro - Shana. 17 KM. walking time 5-6 hours.
Drive to the Drukgyel Dzong (2,580m) 15 km away from Paro town, at the end of the valley, the trek starts from here. The trail ascends gently passing through well maintained rice terraces and fields of millet. The route later enters through apple orchards and forests. Finally the valley widens till you reach the army post of Gunitsawa (2,810m). This is the last stop before Tibet. Continue beyond Sharna Zampa, where you will see several good places for camping in the midst of the meadows. Overnight Camp. Altitude: 2580m.
Day 4: Shana - Soi Thangthangkha. 22 KM. Walking time 6 -7 hours.
Continue the trail closely alongside the Pa-chu (Paro River), ascend and descends through pine, oak and spruce forests. Stop for lunch after crossing the bridge to the left bank of the river. After lunch continue along the river, climb upward through rhododendron forests, crossing the river once more before reaching the campsite (3,750m).
Day 5: Soi Thangthangkha - Jangothang. 19 KM. walking time 5 hours.
The path climbs uphill for sometime till we reach the army camp. Then the trail closely follows the river above the tree line, enjoy breathtaking views of the peaks that surrounds this place. Stop for lunch at a yak herder’s camp. Take a short walk from here into the valley to reach your campsite at Jangothang (4,040m). From here, the views of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake are magnificent.
Day 6: Rest day at Jangothang. (Optional walk around)
Today is a day for acclimatisation. A day at Jangothang is a highlight of the trek; the views don’t get any better than here. There are four major possibilities one can do, you may either take an excursion to Tshophu, a high-altitude lake for a fishing expedition or walk up to glacier lake of Chhmolhari base or to the Jichu Drake (6989m) base glaciers lake and capture the beautiful scenery. Overnight camp.
Day 7: Jangothang - Lingshi. 18km, 7-8 hours
The trail follows the stream for almost half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right bank. Start climbing up to the first ridge; enjoy splendid views of Chhomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserim Gang (6789m). The trail leads us across a fairly level valley floor until you reach to Nyele-la pass (4,890m), descent further down, a stop for lunch. After the pass, descent to Lingshi camp, enjoy breathtaking panoramic view of the peaks and Lingshi Dzong. Overnight at camp. Altitude: 4010m.
Day 8: Lingshi - Chebisa. 10 KM. walking time 5-6 hours.
Today’s trek is shortest; therefore you can relax and walk at your own leisure. Continue the trail beyond Lingshi Dzong, perched on the hilltop; enjoy the magnificent views of green hills, the winding river, and splendid peak as you walk. Hot lunch will be served at scenic Goyuna village. After lunch, you can visit the Chebisa village if you feel upto it. Camp for night near the stream at an altitude of 3,850 meters.
Day 9: Chebisa - Shomuthang. 17 KM. walking time 7 - 8 hours.
Trekking is stiff climb up a ridge to Gobu la pass (4,500m). On the way, you may spot few people herding yaks. After crossing Gobu la pass, descend down to the valley through rhododendrons to our lunch place. We pass the stream after lunch and continue ascending and descending path, through rhododendrons forests and yak herders’ camps. You may come across some flocks of blue sheep occasionally. Arrive at camp with an altitude of 4260m.
Day 10: Shomuthang - Robluthang. 18 KM. walking time 8 - 9 hours.
The trek begins with a climb to Jari la pass (4,600 meters). Descend to Tsharijathang valley, the summer grazing of the rare Himalayan Takin (Bhutan’s national animal). Cross the stream, you may get wet here, as quite often the footbridge is washed away. Then you reach left bank of the stream, the trail ascend to Robluthang camp at an altitude of 4400 meters.
Day 11: Robluthang - Lemithang. 19 KM. walking time 6 – 7 hours.
The trek today is a long climb up to the Shiche la passes (altitude 5005 meters), enjoy the splendid view of the mountains from here. After crossing the pass, descend to Lemithang. The path is rather narrow and you may get wet when you cross the stream again. The last part of today’s trek involve scrambling down a steep path, but you may be compensated by magnificent view of Gangchenta Peak (6,840m), along the way. Camp at 4,100m on the flat ground, above the forested area with Gangchenta towering directly above the north. If you have time, it would be advisable to spend a day here exploring the valley and meeting the people who have a unique culture and way of life.
Day 12: Lemithang - Laya. 10 KM. walking time 4 – 5 hours.
In the morning wake up with a splendid view of Gangchey Ta peak in front of our camp. Walk upto Laya is very enjoyable experience as you see beautiful sceneries. The walk takes you through damp forest, filled with moss and singing birds. Set up your camp at Laya village, the second highest settlement in the country, at an altitude of 3,800 meter.
Day 13: Rest day at Laya.
Today explore the village. You may visit some of the houses. Bhutanese are known for their hospitality, a cup of tea and chang (alcoholic drink) may be offered. The people of this village especially the women are interesting-the costumes decorative and elaborative. In the evening, witness a cultural program of dances may be performed by village girls by the camp fire, and enjoy the local alcohol (ara and chang, brewed from barley) if you have a strong stomach.
Day 14: Laya - Chamsa. 19 KM. walking time 6- 7 hours.
Descends from Laya to army camp at side of the Mo Chu (Mother River of Punakha) and follow the river till you reach the bridge. After crossing the bridge, the track winds up and down several times through juniper and fir forests. Camp at Chamsa (3,800 meters).
Day 15: Chamsa - Gasa Tshachu. 16 KM. walking time 6- 7 hours.
After half an hour over flat land to the Bele la pass, it’s downhill all the way to Gasa Tsachu (hot spring). Stop for lunch at Gasa village at the altitude of 2,700 meters. After lunch make a visit to the village and Gasa Dzong. The 17th Century Dzong was built by the first religious King, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, to protect the valley against Tibetan invaders. We then descend to Gasa Tshachu (hot spring) and camp here (2,200 meters).
Day 16: Gasa Tshachu rest day.
This is a day to relax after a long strenuous trek. After late breakfast, trek to Gasa Tshachu and relax in the hot spring. Many people come to Gasa Tshachu for treatments and Gasa hot spring is quite popular in Bhutan. Camp at Gasa Tshachu
Day 17: Gasa Tshachu – Geon Damji. 15 Km. walking time 4- 5 hours.
The path winds up and down, through the dense forest where lots of wilds orchids can be seen. One must be wary of leeches particularly in the summer. You can spot the beautiful view of the Gasa Dzong glued to the valley wall, as if floating in the empty space. Camp near Damji village (2,200 meters).
Day 18: Geon Damji – Tashithang - Punakha. 16 KM. 4 walking time 4- 5 hours.
The trail descends from the high agricultural benches above the Mochu (river) into the lush semi-tropical vegetation filled with banana trees, creepers, and various tropical trees. You may occasionally spot monkeys or few other animals. Reach Tashithang (1620m), where your transport awaits you. Drive to Punakha and halt for night.
Day 19: Punakha – Thimphu.
In morning visit Punakha Dzong. Punakha used to be the former capital of Bhutan. The Dzong is located between two rivers known as Phochu and Mochu (means Male River and Female River). The dzong was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of Bhutan in 1637 A.D, used to be the one of the most important and historical Dzongs in Bhutan. Drive to the Dochula for lunch. The Dochula Pass is an altitude of 3,050 meters. On a clear day you can see magnificent view of the eastern Himalayan range of peaks. Drive onward to Thimphu. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.
Day 20: Thimphu sightseeing.
Full day sight seeing in Thimphu: visit the Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 in memory of the Third King of Bhutan; the Indigenous Hospital (see only from outside) where traditional medicines are still practiced; the National Library where ancient texts and manuscripts are stored and the painting school where children learn the traditional technique of painting and art. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu
Day 21: Thimphu - Paro
In the morning visit the Handicraft Emporium and National Textile Museums. After lunch drive to Paro. Halt in hotel in Paro.
Day 22: Departure.
Our guide will bid you farewell at the Paro air port.
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