- Good Karma Trekking - https://goodkarmatrekking.com -

Laya Trek-22 days

  • Destination

    Bhutan

  • Region

    Bhutan

  • Trip Grade

    Grade 3: Hard/challenging

  • Accommodation

    Hotel

  • Total Distance

    90 km/ 55 miles

  • Start / End Point

    Kathmandu/Kathmandu

  • Durations

    22 days

  • Max. Altitude

    4920m/16141ft

  • Meals Included

    Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

  • Group Size

    above 1 pax

  • Best Season

    March to May/sept to Nove

  • Activity per day

    8 hr

  • Transportation

    Hiking/Drive/flight


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.

Highlights

  • The Laya trek in Bhutan is renowned for its diverse landscapes, unique cultural encounters, and stunning mountain views, particularly of Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. Trekking through Jigme Dorji National Park, you'll encounter remote villages like Laya, experience high mountain passes like Sinche La, and relax in the Gasa hot springs.
  • Experience fabulous views of snow-capped mountains such as Mt. Jumolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake.
  • Traverse beautiful landscapes from lush valleys to dense forests.
  • Remote Laya Village: The trek offers a unique opportunity to interact with the Layap people, known for their distinctive attire and traditional way of life, and to experience their culture firsthand.
  • Spectacular Mountain Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks like Jomolhari and Jichu Drake, as well as diverse landscapes ranging from lush valleys to high-altitude passes.
  • High Mountain Passes: Cross several high passes, including Sinche La, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan range.
  • Gasa Hot Springs: Relax and rejuvenate in the natural hot springs near Gasa, a perfect way to unwind after a day of trekking.
  • Flora and Fauna: Explore Jigme Dorji National Park, home to a variety of wildlife, including snow leopards, blue sheep, and takins.
  • Explore the isolated community of Laya.
  • Soak in the therapeutic waters of the Gasa Hot Springs.
  • Ancient Monasteries and Dzongs: Visit ancient monasteries and dzongs, including those in Punakha and Paro, and learn about Bhutan's rich spiritual heritage.
  • Tiger's Nest Monastery: Hike to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery, perched on a cliffside, for an unforgettable cultural experience.
  • Cultural Immersion: The trek provides a chance to engage with local communities, witness traditional ceremonies, and gain a deeper understanding of Bhutanese culture.
  • Camp overnight beneath some of Bhutan’s most impressive mountain peaks.
  • Spend time Marvelling at the ancient wall paintings and carvings in Dzongs and temples.
  • Discover some of the most sacred Buddhist monasteries and temples in the Himalaya.
  • Visit many cultural attractions including medieval fortresses (Dzongs), markets and museums.
  • Hike up to the famous Taktsang Monastery, perched on a cliff 900m above the valley floor.
  • Incorporate a Value-Added Option such as a cooking lesson or meditation session with a monk.

Outline Itinerary

  • DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO
  • DAY 02: PARO
  • DAY 03: PARO – SHANA-17km, 5-6 hours
  • DAY 04: SHANA – SOIL THANGTHANGKHA-20km, 7-8 hours
  • DAY 05: SOIL THANGTHANGKHA – JANGOTHANG-19km km, 7-8 hours
  • DAY 06: JANGOTHANG-Rest Day
  • DAY 07: JANGOTHANG – LINGSHI-18km, 7-8 hours
  • DAY 08: LINGSHI – CHEBISA-10km, 5-6 hours
  • DAY 09: CHEBISA – SHOUMUTHAN-17km, 6-7 hours
  • DAY 10: SHOUMUTHANG – ROBLUTHANG-18km, 6-7 hours
  • DAY 11: ROBLUTHANG – LIMITHANG-19km, 7-8 hours
  • DAY 12: LIMITHANG – LAYA-10 km, 4 – 5 hours
  • DAY 13: LAYA-Rest Day
  • DAY 14: LAYA – CHAMSA-19km, 8-9 hours
  • DAY 15: CHAMSA – GASA TSHACHU-14km, 6-7 hours
  • DAY 16: GASA TSHACHU-Rest day
  • DAY 17: GASA TSHACHU – PUNAKHA-4 hrs drive.
  • DAY 18: PUNAKHA
  • DAY 19: PUNAKHA – THIMPHU-3 hrs drive.
  • DAY 20: THIMPHU
  • DAY 21: THIMPHU – PARO-2 hrs drive.
  • DAY 22: DEPART PARO

Cost Includes

  • Bhutan Tourist Tariff Royalty & Visa fees.
  • All private excursions and transfers in superior air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Local English speaking trekking guide/tour leader.
  • Cook and camp hand who will take care of camp chores and provide wholesome meals.
  • Services of horsemen who will look after the yaks & ponies that transport luggage and camp gear.
  • Experienced driver.
  • Accommodation in carefully selected, highest standard government approved hotels & guesthouses.
  • All meals in Bhutan.
  • All entrance fees and permits.

Cost does not Include

  • All personal expenses such as bars, beverages, laundry, telephone and tips.
  • Medical / Travel Insurance.

Detail 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.
  • Altitude:2200m/7217ft
  • Duration:2 hrs
  • Accommodation:Hotel

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 other sights in Paro valley. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

DAY 03: PARO – SHANA-17km, 5-6 hours

The trek starts from Drukgyal Dzong (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.
  • Altitude:2870m/9416ft
  • Duration:6 hrs
  • Accommodation:tented camp

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).
  • Altitude:3750m/12303ft
  • Duration:7 hr
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

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).
  • Altitude:4050m/13288ft
  • Duration:8 hrs
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

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).
  • Altitude:4,000m / 13,160ft
  • Duration:8 hr
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

DAY 08: LINGSHI – CHEBISA-10km, 5-6 hours

We continue on the trail past Lingshi Dzong, 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).
  • Altitude:3850m/12696ft
  • Duration:8 hrs
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

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.
  • Altitude:4250m/13944ft
  • Duration:6 hr
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

DAY 10: SHOUMUTHANG – ROBLUTHANG-18km, 6-7 hours

Jari – La Pass (4,700m)/15420ft 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.
  • Altitude:4,200m/13,943ft
  • Duration:8 hr
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

DAY 11: ROBLUTHANG – LIMITHANG-19km, 7-8 hours

Shinji-La Pass (4,900m)/16077ft 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.
  • Altitude:4100m/13451ft
  • Duration:9 hr
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

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.
  • Altitude:3800m/12467ft
  • Duration:5 hrs
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

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).
  • Altitude:3800m/12467ft
  • Duration:9 hr
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

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 Gasa Tshachu. We take lunch at Gasa village (2700m), afterwards visiting the village and Gasa Dzong. The Dzong was built in the 17th century. We then descend to Gasa Tshachu (hot spring), where we set up our camp (2,200m).
  • Altitude:2200m/7217ft
  • Duration:8 hr
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

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 – PUNAKHA-4 hrs drive.

Drive through scenic mountains from Gasa to Punakha (3-4 hrs). Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha.
  • Altitude:1200m/3937ft
  • Duration:4 hrs
  • Accommodation:Hotel

DAY 18: PUNAKHA

Visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’. It is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father Rivers) and is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move en masse from Thimphu to this warmer location. The three story main temple of the Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. It was here in 1907 that Bhutan’s first king was crowned.After lunch, enjoy a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of Drukpa Kuenly. He inherited the Divine Madman title since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism in his time. He taught the people that religion is an inner feeling and it’s not necessary that one should be an ordained monk. He is also considered a symbol of fertility. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha.

DAY 19: PUNAKHA – THIMPHU-3 hrs drive.

Drive to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu via the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks (about 3 hrs total driving time). The drive through the countryside affords a glimpse of everyday life in this most remote of Himalayan kingdoms. In the Dochu-La area there are vast Rhododendron forests that grow to tree size and bloom in late April/early May covering the mountains in a riot of glorious spring colour. After lunch, enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
  • Altitude:2400m/11155ft
  • Duration:3 hrs
  • Accommodation:Hotel

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-2 hrs drive.

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.
  • Altitude:2200m/7217ft
  • Duration:2 hrs
  • Accommodation:Hotel

DAY 22: DEPART PARO

Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight.