TRIP OVERVIEW
DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO
DAY 02: PARO
DAY 03: PARO – SHANA (6hrs)
DAY 04: SHANA – SOIL THANGTHANGKHA (8hrs)
DAY 05: SOIL T’HANGKHA – JANGOTHANG (8hrs)
DAY 06: REST DAY AT JANGOTHANG
DAY 07: JANGOTHANG – LINGSHI (8hrs)
DAY 08: LINGSHI – CHEBISA (6hrs)
DAY 09: CHEBISA – SHOUMUTHANG (7hrs)
DAY 10: SHOUMUTHANG – ROBLUTHANG (7hrs)
DAY 11: ROBLUTHANG – LIMITHANG (8hrs)
DAY 12: LIMITHANG – LAYA (5hrs)
DAY 13: REST DAY AT LAYA
DAY 14: LAYA – CHAMSA (9hrs)
DAY 15: CHAMSA – GASA TSHACHU (7hrs)
DAY 16: GASA TSHACHU REST DAY
DAY 17: GASA TSHACHU – DAMJI (6hrs)
DAY 18: DAMJI – TASHITHANG – PUNAKHA (6hrs)
DAY 19: PUNAKHA – THIMPHU
DAY 20: THIMPHU
DAY 21: THIMPHU – PARO
DAY 22: DEPART PARO
This route offers a great variety of trekking conditions, from picturesque farmland and forests to alpine pastureland and high mountain passes (16,100 ft). Spectacular campsites, beneath some of Bhutan’s most impressive peaks, of which the most notable are Chomolhari and Jichu Drake, are also features of this trekking route. Numerous isolated dzongs and scattered settlements, including the extraordinary village of Laya, and the Gasa hot springs make this trek one of the most popular.
Season: This trek is generally open from April to June and mid- September to mid-November. However, April is the best trekking month for the Laya region
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. After lunch enjoy afternoon sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum housing many religious relics, works of art and handicrafts. Next, visit the Rimpong Dzong. Dzong’s are large monasteries and district administrative centres, which were once strategic forts. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
DAY 02: PARO
After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery, walking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill. The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor is spectacular. Afterwards visit 7th Century KyichuLhakhang. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
DAY 03: PARO – SHANA, 17km, 5-6 hours
The trek starts from DrukgyalDzong (2,580m). The trail climbs gently through rice terraces and fields of millet before entering an area of apple orchards and forests. Soon you reach the army post of Gunitsawa (2,810m). This is the last stop before Tibet. The trail continues up to 2,870m, where there are several good camping places in meadows surrounded by trees.
DAY 04: SHANA – SOIL THANGTHANGKHA, 20km, 7-8 hours
The trail again follows the Pa Chu (Paro river), traversing through pine, oak and spruce forests. After crossing a bridge to the left bank of the river, stop for lunch. Then we continue along the river, climbing upwards thought forests, and crossing the river once more before reaching our campsite (3,750)
DAY 05: SOIL THANGTHANGKHA – JANGOTHANG, 19km km, 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 a Jangothang (4,040m)
DAY 06: JANGOTHANG
Rest Day
Day at leisure, enjoying superb views of the south face of Chomolhari and the ruined dzong.
DAY 07: JANGOTHANG – LINGSHI, 18km, 7-8 hours
The trail follows a stream before crossing over to the right bank. We now start our climb up to the first ridge with views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang. The trail then crosses a valley until climbing up to Nyele – La Pass (4,700m). We descend gradually to our campsite at Lingshi (4,000m).
DAY 08: LINGSHI – CHEBISA, 10km, 5-6 hours
We continue on the trail past LingshiDzong, perched on its hilltop, enjoying exhilarating views of hills, the winding river and magnificent peaks. It is an easy day and a pleasant walk through villages. After lunch, a short walk takes us to Chebisa village, where we camp by the side of a stream of a stream (3,850m).
DAY 09: CHEBISA – SHOUMUTHAN, 17km, 6-7 hours
Today begins with a stiff climb of nearly four hours up a ridge to Guba – La (4,500m). We descend from the pass through rhododendrons to our lunch location before crossing a stream and continuing through rhododendron forests and past yak herders’ camp. Tonight’s campsite is at an altitude of 4,250 m.
DAY 10: SHOUMUTHANG – ROBLUTHANG, 18km, 6-7 hours
This 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. After crossing a stream, the trail ascends to Robluthang (4,200m) where we set up our camp for the night.
DAY 11: ROBLUTHANG – LIMITHANG, 19km, 7-8 hours
We start the day with a long climb up to Shinji-La Pass (4,900m), enjoying stunning mountain views from the path. After crossing the pass we descend to Lingithang. The last part of today’s trek is steep, with splendid views of Gangchenta peak (6,840). Tonight’s campsite is at an altitude of 4,100 m.
DAY 12: LIMITHANG – LAYA, 10 km, 4 – 5 hours
In the morning we walk to a superb view of Gangchenta peak in front of our camp. The walk to Laya is very pleasant 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 13: LAYA
Rest Day
Explore Laya village. You can go and visit one of the local houses. Traditional Bhutanese hospitality is extended even to a stranger, and a cup of tea and chang (alcohol brewed from barley) is always offered.
DAY 14: 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 15: 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 GasaTshachu. We take lunch at Gasa village (2700m), afterwards visiting the village and GasaDzong. The Dzong was built in the 17th century. We then descend to GasaTshachu (hot spring), where we set up our camp (2,200m).
DAY 16: 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 17: GASA TSHACHU – DAMJI, 18km, 5-6 hours
The path winds up and down through heavily forested area where you can see many wild orchids. Take care, as there are leeches too! We camp overnight near Damji village (2,400m).
DAY 18: DAMJI – TASHITHANG – PUNAKHA, 16km, 5-6 hours
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). Bhutan Travel Bureau will be waiting here to drive us along the valley to Punakha, 15km down the road. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha
DAY 19: PUNAKHA – THIMPHU
Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. Visit spectacular PunakhaDzong, built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’. After lunch, enjoy a walk to ChimiLhakhang, temple of DrukpaKuenly. In the late afternoon drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 20: THIMPHU
Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, including a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, 12th century Changangkha Temple, the Zilukha Nunnery and Tashichhodzong. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 21: THIMPHU – PARO
Visit the School for Arts and Crafts, The National Library housing a collection of 8th century scriptures, the Traditional Paper Factory and the Folk Heritage Museum. If your visit coincides with the weekend, you can walk through the Thimphu Market. Late afternoon transfer to Paro for overnight.
DAY 22: DEPART PARO
Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. TashiDelek.