Bhutan Laya-Ghasa Trek Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive Paro

The flight to Paro crosses the Himalayan Mountains, affording spectacular views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. On arrival you will be greeted by the guide and transfer to the hotel. After lunch, visit Rinpung Dzong meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels,” with a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the courtyard of the Rinpung Dzong are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore. You will walk downhill till the road point crossing the wooden bridge. Your vehicle will be waiting here to take you to Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country. In the evening, you can stroll through Paro town. Walking through the market and meeting with the people will be an enjoyable experience. Overnight in Paro.

Day 2 – Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery

After breakfast hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most famous monastery as acclimatization for the next day’s trek. The 8th century Spiritual Master, Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up on the mountain. Explore the Monastery and hike back to Paro. Overnight in Paro.

Trekking Profile:
Starting Elevation:  8,500 ft
Ending Elevation:  10,100 ft
Highest:  10,260 ft
Total Ascent:  2,314 ft
Distance:  5.1 Miles Round Trip

Day 3 – Drive to Zangkipang

Drive to Zangkipang and begin the trek to Shingkarap. On the drive, you’ll pass areas of apple orchards and forests. It is a light trek moving slowly on a gradual slope through conifers and rhododendrons flanking the Paro Chhu. In about 2-3 hours of continuous hiking and crossing several streams, you will reach Shingkharap, our rest stop. It is a wide-open area with a single travelers stop for meals and rest. You will walk a little further to your campsite.

Trekking Profile:
Start: 8,810 ft
End: 9,960 ft
Total Ascent: 1,772 ft
Distance: 7.66 miles

Day 4 – Trek Shingkarap to Soi Thangthangkha

The trail again follows Pa Chhu (Paro River) ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. Hot lunch will be served after crossing the bridge towards the left side of the river. After lunch, follow the river climbing up through rhododendron forests and finally cross the bridge again, reaching our campsite.

Trekking Profile:
Start: 9,960 ft
End: 11,880 ft
Total Ascent: 1,920 ft
Distance: 7.53 miles

Day 5 – Soi Thangthangkha to Jangothang

The path ascends for a while till you reach the army camp. Then follow the river above the tree line enjoying the stunning view of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch will be served inside a yak herder’s camp. A short walk into the valley will take you to the camp at Jangothang. From here, the view of Mt. Jumolhari and Jichu Drake are superb.

Trekking Profile:
Start: 11,880 ft
End:   13,448 ft
Total Ascent: 1,811 ft
Distance: 8.0 mile

Day 6 – Acclimatization day at Jangothang (Base Camp)

You may choose from four day hikes: a 3-4 hours hike up to a ridge that gives a good view of Jichu Drake; a hike up to the end of the valley, toward Jumolhari; a trek up the main valley toward Jichu Drake’ or a hike to Tsophu, a pair of lakes with a good supply of brown trout.

Example Trekking Profile:
Start: 13,448 ft
End: 13,448 ft
Total Ascent: 1,770 ft
Distance: 5.37 Roundtrip
High Point: 14,500 ft

Day 7 – Trek Jangothang to Lingshi

The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. Start the climb up to the first ridge with a breathtaking view of Jumolhari, Jichu Drake and Tshering Gang. Then walk towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until the climb to the Nyele La pass at an altitude of 16,030 ft. After the pass, it’s a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the panoramic view of the peaks and Lingshi Dzong.

Trekking Profile:
Start: 13,448 ft
End: 13,180 ft
Total Ascent: 2,731 ft
Distance: 9.51 miles
High Point (Pass): 16,030 ft

Day 8 – Lingshi to Chebisa

Proceed ahead passing Lingshi Dzong, perched on the hilltop with a commanding view of green hills, the winding river and magnificent peaks. It is an easy day and pleasant walk through villages and yak herders camp. After lunch, a short walk will take you to Chebisa village. Camp by the side of stream.

Trekking Profile:
Start: 13,180 ft
End: 12,690 ft
Total Ascent: 1,687 ft
Distance: 7.87 miles

Day 9 – Chebisa to Shomuthang

Today begin with a stiff climb up a ridge to Gubu La pass at an altitude of 14,572 ft, taking nearly four hours. After the pass, descend to a lunch stop through rhododendron bushes. Afternoon continue along the up and down path, after crossing the stream, through rhododendron forests and yak herders camp. You may see herds of Blue Sheep now and then.

Trekking Profile:
Start: 12,690 ft
End: 13,880 ft
Total Ascent: 3,487 ft
Distance: 7.57 miles
High Point (Pass): 14,572 ft

Day 10 – Shomuthang to Robluthang

The trek starts with a climb to Jerela pass at altitude 15,574 ft. Then descend to Tasharijathang valley, the summer residence of rare Himalayan Takins (national animal of Bhutan). From here we may have to cross the stream as most of the time the footbridge is washed away. After crossing the stream towards the left, the trail ascends till you reach Robluthang camp.

Trekking Profile:
Start: 13,880 ft
End: 13,660 ft
Total Ascent: 2,440 ft
Distance: 5.71 miles
High Point (Pass): 15,574 ft

Day 11 – Robluthang to Lingmithang

It is a long climb unto Shingela pass. The view of the mountains from the path is stunning. After the pass, descend to Lingmithang. The path is quite narrow and you may have to cross a stream again and get wet. The last part of the trek is very interesting with the view of Mt. Gangchey Ta.

Trekking Profile:
Start: 13,660 ft
End: 14,543 ft
Total Ascent: 2,838 ft
Distance: 7.27 miles
High Point (Pass): 16,474 ft

Day 12 – Lingmithang to Laya.

In the morning you wake up with a superb view of Gangchey Ta peak 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 altitude of 3850m.

Trekking Profile:
Start: 14,543 ft
End: 12,565 ft
Total Ascent: 1,039 ft
Total Descent: 2,812 ft
Distance: 8.46 miles

Day 13 – Trek Laya to Koena then drive to Gasa and Punakha.

Descend to army camp and join the Mo Chhu (Mother River of Punakha). Follow the river till you cross a bridge. After the bridge, there are several ascents and descents through juniper and fir forests until you reach Koena at an altitude of 3800m. You will meet your car and driver here to transfer you to Gasa village. The drive is through the fir, spruce, and rhododendron forest and after descending almost 1250m you reach Gasa. Here you can have a relaxing dip in the Tshachu or the hot spring. It is going to be a treat relieving you from any muscle aches after a long trek. Then you will drive to Punakha which is about two and a half hours away. The drive is through high agricultural benches above the Mochu (Chu means River) into a lush semi-tropical gorge filled with banana trees and creepers. Overnight in Punakha.

Day 14 – Drive Punakha to Thimphu

After breakfast, visit Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated in between the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. This is known to be one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan. Start walking from the dzong to the suspension bridge. The bridge is the longest suspension bridge spanning to 180 meters over the Pho Chhu (male river). Next you will drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. On the way, you will stop at Lobesa to hike through rice paddies and up to the Chimi Lhakhang Temple. This temple is dedicated to the great Yogi in the 14th century known as Drukpa Kuenley, or the “Divine Madman,” who is believed to bless women who seek fertility. Continue drive to Thimphu via Dochula pass, where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 15 – Explore Thimphu

In the morning, head to Tashichho Dzong to attend the annual festival of Thimphu. The festival is an honor to the teachings of Guru Rinpoche who came to Bhutan in 746 AD and introduced Buddhism in Bhutan. It is believed that the mask dances bless onlookers, cleanses sins, and bring good fortune. People of all ages dress up in their best attires and come to witness the festival. It is a good opportunity to mingle with the locals. Later in the afternoon drive to Kuenselphodrang where the 169ft giant Buddha sits overlooking Thimphu. It is supposedly the largest bronze statue in the world. In the evening explore the Craft Bazar, where small bamboo houses are lined up displaying interesting and unique locally made arts and crafts. Then walk for about 15 minutes to the Weekend Market, the largest vegetable market in the country. Overnight in Thimphu. If the flight departure is early tomorrow, you will drive to Paro for the night.

Day 16 – Depart Paro.

In the morning, you will drive to airport for departure (1 hour). Our representative will bid you farewell. You will fly to Delhi/Bangkok or another connecting country for your flight home.