Laya Trek
Laya Trek (17 Days)
Day 1 - Arrival at Paro
Arrive at Paro Airport. You will be received by representative of Barma Tours & Treks Co. and transferred to your Hotel in Paro.
Day 2 - Paro Valley Sightseeing
After breakfast drive to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong. Along the way, one can view the sacred Mount Jhomolhari (7,314m). Visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse to experience the daily life of the local farmer. After lunch, visit Museum and then travel along the Pa-chu river and into Paro town for stroll and shopping. Halt at hotel in Paro.
Day 3 - Paro to Shana
17 Kms. Following the Paro river, the trek starts from ruins of Drugyal Dzong. The climb is gradual through the field and villages. Camp at Shana, in a meadow. Altitude 2800 meters.
Day 4 - Shana to Soi Thang Thanka
20 km. 6-7 Hrs trek. The trail is a gradual climb following Paro river through coniferous forests and rhododendron shrubs. Camp at Thang Thanka at 3850 meters. You can have a magnificent view of Jhomolhari.
Day 5 - Soi Thang Thanka to Jangothang
As we start the trek, you will notice that the valley begins to widen. The winter residence/village of yak herders would be reached. Hot lunch would be served in the village. The camp would be set at the base of Mt. Jhomolhari. Camp altitude 4040 meters.
Day 6 - Jangothang to Lingshi
The 18 km trail climbs across Nyili la pass at 4680 meteres. From there, it is a descent with a view of Lingshi Dzong and Mt. Tshering kang and its glaciers and lakes. Camp overnight. 3915 meter.
Day 7 - Lingshi to Chibesa
Proceed by Lingshi Dzong, along winding roads and magnificent peaks. Built in 17th century the Dzong played a role in controlling travel over Lingshi La (pass) between Tibet and Bhutan. Today’s walk is easy and pleasant through villages and yak herders camp. Camp by the side of a stream at 3,860m.
Day 8 - Chibesa to Shomuthang
Trail 17 km. The day begins with stiff climb to Gomby La (4,450m). Afternoon, the trail traverses high above the valley floor on stream right to Chachim, a yak pasture at 4,260m.
Day 9 - Shomuthang to Robluthang
The trek begins with a climb to Jari La pass at altitude 4,700m then descents to Tashari Jathang valley, the summer residence of rare Himalayan Takin (Bhutan’s National animal). Later the trail ascends till you reach Robluthang camp at altitude of 4,200m.
Day 10 - Robluthang to Lemithang, 19 km, 6/7 hours
After crossing Shingela Pass (4,900m), the last and highest pass on the route, you drop down and follow the valley. Blue Sheep are seen on the slopes. Lemithang is in Laya region and people here have different costume. With mesmerizing view of Mt. Gangchey Taak (Great Tiger Mountain), you will camp at the base.
Day 11 - Lemithang to Laya
10 km, 4/5 hours. The walk to Laya village is downhill and full of wonderful views. Arrive at Laya village, the second highest settlement in the country at an altitude of 3,830m.
Day 12 - Laya to Chamsa
19 km, 8/9 hours. Descend to army camp and join the Mo Chhu river. Follow the river till you cross the bridge. After the bridge it is up and down several times through juniper and fir forest until you reach the camp at Chamsa at an altitude of 3,500m.
Day 13 - Chamsa to Gasa Tsachu, 14 km, 6/7 hours
Walk for about half an hour over flat land till the Bari La Pass (3,900m). There is a small rock cairn and a few prayer flags at the pass. The route is downhill all the way to Gasa Tsachu. Afternoon visit Gasa village and Gasa Dzong. Then descend to Gasa Tsachu (hot spring) for camping.
Day 14 - Gasa Tsachu to Damji
18 km, 6 hours. After breakfast, slowly climb and descend through forests for your return journey. Night Halt at Damji.
Day 15 - Goen Damji to Tashithang - Punakha
After breakfast, it is going to be a gradual descent through agricultural fields and forests. Vehicle is going to pick you up at Tashithang. The drive till Punakha where the camp will be pitched by the riverside.
After lunch, take a walk or drive to Punakha Dzong.
Day 16 - Punakha to Thimphu - Thimphu Sightseeing
After early breakfast, proceed to Thimphu. On the way, short stopover at Dochula to view the Himalayan Mountain ranges, proceed to Thimphu. Visit Zilukha Nunnery, National Library, and Memorial Chorten. The Lunch at Hotel. After lunch visit Handicrafts Emporium, Textile Museum and Semtokha Dzong.
Evening shopping or stroll in Thimphu. Halt at hotel in Thimphu.
Day 17 - Thimphu to Paro for departure from Bhutan
After early breakfast, drive to Paro airport for your onward Journey. Wishing you a safe journey home!
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