Laya Trek Tour

Arrive Paro by Druk air BAe 146-100 series, the only national carrier. The flight offers you beautiful view of mountains and landscapes. On arrival and after visa formalities you will be received by Our members. Afternoon / evening time at leisure.
Overnight at the Hotel in Paro.

Today's full day sight seeing in Paro valley includes, visit ti Ta Dzong (National Museum) Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang.
Overnight at the Hotel in Paro.
 

The trek starts from Drukgyel Dzong at 2580m with a short downhill walk on a wide trail. The trail climbs gently traversing through well maintained rice terraces and fields of millet. The route later enters an area of apples orchards and forests. Soon the valley widens and you reach the army post of Gunyitsawa at 2810m. This is the last stop before Tibet. At 2870m, just beyond Sharma Zampa, there are several good camping places in meadows surrounded by trees.
 

The trail again follows Pa Chu (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 crossing the bridge again, reaching to the campsite at the altitude of 3,750m.

The path ascends fpr 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 at an altitude of 4,000m. From here, the view of Mount Chomolhari and Jichu Drake is superb.

Enjoying the superb view around.

The train follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. Start the climb upto the first ridge with a breathtaking view of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsrim Khang. Then walk towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until the climb to the la pass at an altitude of 4700m. After the pass it's a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the panoramic view of the peaks and Langshi Dzong. Camo at the altitude of 4000m.

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 at the altitude of 3850m.

Today begin with a stiff climb up a ridge to Gubu la pass at an altitude of 4500m, 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. Camp at altitude of 4,250m.

The trek starts with a climb to Jari la pass at the altitude of 4700m. Then descend to Tasharijathang valley, the summer residence of rare Himalayan takin (national animal of Bhutan) From here we may have to cross the stream as most of the time the foot bridge is washed away. After crossing the stream towards the left, the trail ascends till uopu reach Robluthang camp at an altitude of 4200m.
 

It's a long climb upto Shinje la pass (altitude 4900 m). The view of the mountains from the path is stunning. After the descend to Lemithang. The path is quite narrow and you may have to cross stream again and get wet. The last part of the trek is very interesting with the view of Mount. Gangchey Ta peak. Arrive at camp site at the altitude of 4100m.
 

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 camp forest, filled with moss and singing birds. Arrive at Laya village, the second highest settlement in the country, at the altitude of 3800m.

Explore around village. You can go and visit any of the houses around. Even to perfect stranger, traditional Bhutanese hospitality is extended and a cup of tea and Chang (local drink) is always offered. The people on the this village are very interesting especially the women. They wear conical bamboo hats decorated with turquoise & silver ornaments. In the evening, witness the cultural programme (dance) performed by village girls by the camp fire and enjoy the local alcohol (ara & chang), if you have a strong stomach.

Descend to army camp and join the Mo Chu (mother river of Punakha). Follow the river till you cross the bridge. After the bridge it is up and down several times, through juniper and fir forests until you reach the camp at Chamsa at an altitude of 3800m.
 

Walk for about half an house over flat land till the Bele la pass. Its down hill all the way to Gasa Tshachu. Lunch at Gasa village at the altitude of 2700m. After lunch visit the village and Dzong. The Dzong was built in 17th century by the first religious King, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, to protect the valley against Tibetan invaders. Then proceed to Gasa Tshachu (hot spring) for camp at an altitude of 2200m.
 

After a long trek, this is the place to relax. Enjoy the hot bath and local beer that can be procured here.

The path continues ascending and descending through heavily forested areas and wild orchids. In this area, there are leeches so one must be careful. Camp nearby the village at an altitude of 2400m.

It is the last trekking day. Contnue following the Mo Chu river down throuh heavily forested area till you reach Tashithang at an altitude of 1,620m. Connecting Horizons Adventures transport will be waiting to drive you at Punakha (15 kms), following the river all the way. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Morning sight seeing in Punakha and Wangdiphodrang valleys visiting Dzong and local market. Afternoon drive to Thimphu. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
 

Today city tour of Thimphu. Visitng Memorial Chorten, Tashichhodzong, National Library, Painting School, Traditional Medicine Institute, Handicrafts Emporium. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Morning for shoping and at leisure. After luncg drive to Paro visiting Simtokha Dzong enroute. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After early breakfast in the hotel drive to Paro airport for flight to onward destination