CLASSIC LAYA TREK

This trek offers you a luxury of experiencing the most amazing trekking adventure along.

  • Trip Duration :
    22 Days
  • Rating :
  • Highest Altitude :
    N/A m.
  • Difficulty :
    N/A
  • Season :
    N/A
  • Activity :
    Bhutan Trekking
  • Price:
    USD 0
  • Start-End :
    -
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This trek offers you a luxury of experiencing the most amazing trekking adventure along the off the beaten path with plenty of acclimatization. Reckoned synonymous to warmth hospitality and a dotted trekking destination, Laya is a perfect hub to capture a complete picture of Bhutan; you can taste Bhutan’s famous butter tea, yak milk and local brewed wine, watch cultural program and remain mute witness to the authentic Bhutanese culture and custom.

En route to Laya the trekking trail weaves past Shana camp, Soi Thangthangkha, Jangothang, Lingshi, Chebisa, Shomuthang, Robluthang and Limithang. You cannot help yourself soak in the tranquility and exotism of nature. Further ahead, you trek along Koina, Gasa Hot spring, Goen Damji and Tashithang on a network of well-maintained and rock-strewn trails. Each of these destinations has its own distinct character: unique geographical features, surreal mountain vegetation, quaint hamlets, dzongs, open pastures, indigenous people, art and history are juxtaposed amid the seclusion and simplicity of Bhutan. Hot spring bath at Gasa Tshachu is an additional treat that makes your trek more memorable and undeniably worthwhile.

Day 1 :  ARRIVE KATHMANDU
Day 2 :  SIGHTSEEING TOUR
Day 3 :  FLY TO PARO AND DRIVE TO THIMPHU
Day 4 :  DAY HIKE TO TAKTSANG MONASTERY
Day 5 :  DRIVE TO DRUGYEL DZONG AND TREK TO SHANA
Day 6 :  TREK FROM SHANA TO SOI THANGTHANGKHA
Day 7 :  TREK FROM SOI THANGTHANGKHA TO JANGOTHANG
Day 8 :  A REST DAY AT JANGOTHANG
Day 9 :  TREK FROM JANGOTHANG TO LINGSHI
Day 10 :  TREK FROM LINGSHI TO CHEBISA
Day 11 :  TREK FROM CHEBISA TO SHOMUTHANG
Day 12 :  TREK FROM SHOMUTHANG TO ROBLUTHANG
Day 13 :  TREK FROM ROBLUTHANG TO LIMITHANG
Day 14 :  TREK FROM LIMITHANG TO LAYA
Day 15 :  A REST DAY IN LAYA
Day 16 :  TREK FROM LAYA TO KOINA
Day 17 :  TREK FROM KOINA TO GASA HOT SPRING
Day 18 :  TREK FROM GASA HOT SPRING TO GOEN DAMJI
Day 19 :  TREK FROM DAMJI TO TASHITHANG AND DRIVE TO PUNAKHA
Day 20 :  DRIVE FROM PUNAKHA TO PARO VIA THIMPHU
Day 21 :  TRANSFER TO AIRPORT FLY TO KATHMANDU
Day 22 :  FINAL DEPARTURE

It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. At the hotel you will be briefed about your daily activities. Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, commence the sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city, Swayambhunath and Patan city. KATHMANDU CITY: Kasthamandap, the source of the name Kathmandu means ‘made from the timber of a single tree’. Also known as Kantipur, the capital Kathmandu is the hub of Nepal's art and culture. It is a place for rest, relaxation and easy-day sightseeing of historic and artistic temples and monuments. Kathmandu Durbar Square with its arrays of temples, Seto Machhindranath and the ancient palace of the former Nepali Royals enriches your experience of the centuries old civilisation. Before setting out for Bhutan’s Laya trek, sightseeing of Kathmandu serves as a rejoicing tour. SWAYAMBHUNATH STUPA: Said to be around 2000 years old, this Buddhist Stupa sits atop a hill. The main stupa is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire crowned by a pinnacle of Copper gilt. Painted on the four sided base of the spire are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. The hill of Swayambhunath is a mosaic of small Chaityas and Pagoda temples. You’ll get a scenic view of Kathmandu city from there. PATAN CITY: Located about 5 km south of Kathmandu, Patan is one of 3 royal cities in the valley. A destination for connoisseurs of fine arts, Patan is filled with wood and stone carvings, metal statues, ornate architecture, including dozens of Buddhist and Hindu temples, and over 1200 monuments. Patan is believed to have been built in the third century B.C. by the Kirat dynasty later expanded and enriched by the Licchavi and the Malla rulers in the medieval period. Patan Durbar Square, like its counterpart in Kathmandu, is an enchanting mélange of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. The former Royal palace complex is the centre of Patan’s religious and social life, and houses a beautiful museum. Overnight at Hotel Malla or Hotel Manang.
After breakfast at the hotel transfer to airport fly to Paro. After leaving Kathmandu for Laya Trek, you arrive Paro by Druk air BAe 146-100 series, which is the only national carrier of Bhutan. The flight into the Himalayas is truly a memorable experience. As the aircraft enters the Paro valley of Bhutan, look down and you will see the Paro Dzong overlooking the Paro chu (river) with Ta Dzong (National Museum) above it. On arrival to Bhutan for Laya trek and after visa formalities you will be received by your Bhutanese guide. You will be driven to Thimphu. In the evening you visit the Tashicho Dzong, the head seat of the King and the Je Khenpo, the highest abbot of Bhutan. Upon arrival, you check in at the hotel. Check in Dinner and Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, horses can be arranged with an extra US$ 5.00 per house per day. The hike which is all the way uphill takes about 2/3 hours through villages and pine forests. The monastery which clings to a huge granite cliff 800 meters from the Paro valley was devastated by fire in 1998 but the Royal Government has taken immediate steps to restore the monastery to its original structure. It is believed that the great saint Padmasambhava came in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months. The demons were subdued who were trying to stop the spread of Buddhism and converted the Paro valley into Buddhism. During the end of the 17 century a monastery was built on the spot where the saint meditated and it is a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese to visit once in their life time. Stroll back to Resort. Dinner and Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5 of Laya trek starts with a drive to Drugyel Dzong where the trek begins. The path goes upstream of the Pachu River through villages gradually ascending to 2800 meters at Shana camp. Walking time 5/6 hours. Dinner and Overnight at the CAMP.
On day 6, we travel from Shana to Soi Thangthangkha. The trail again follows the Pachu River ascending through pine, oak and spruce forest. Lunch will be served near a wooden bridge. The camp at Shana is at an altitude of 3800 meters near a stone shelter. Walking time 7/8 hours. Dinner and Overnight at the CAMP.
On your 7th day of Laya trek, you will climb slowly for a while till you reach an army camp. The goal is to reach to Jangothang. Then follow the river above tree line with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch will be served inside a Yak herder’s camp. An easy walk will reach you to Jangothang at an altitude of 4050 meters. The view of Chomolhari (7320 meters) and Jichu Drake (6900 meters) is superb. Both the mountains are still virgin peaks. Walking time 4/5 hours. Dinner and Overnight at the CAMP.
Halt at Jangothang. Explore the surrounding areas like Tshophu Lake, visit Yakherders or simply relax. Dinner and Overnight at the CAMP.
Trekking from Jangothang to Lingshi will be the main goal for the 9th day of the trek. The trail follows the stream for half hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. Climb up the ridge and enjoy stunning views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tshrim Khang mountains.Than walk through the wide open valley sometimes coming across herds of blue sheep. The climb upto the Nyele la pass 4700 meters is not too difficult and the view is breathtaking. After the pass its a gradual descend and through the valley with beautiful views on all side. Trekking in this trail is one of the most important parts of Laya trek. Nearing the camp, you will see the Lingshi Dzong perched on top of a hill with commanding view of the valley. You will finally arrive camp at 4100 meters near a stone shelter. Walking time 6/7 hours. Dinner and Overnight at the CAMP.
Lingshi to Chebisa. You walk pass the Lingshi Dzong and magnificent peaks. Today is a very pleasant walk through villages, yak herders camps and keep a sharp eye on herds of blue sheep that looks like rock boulders on the mountain side.. lunch will be served at scenic Goyuna village. A short walk after lunch will reach you to Chebisa village at an altitude of 3900 meters. Walking time 4/5 hours. Dinner and Overnight at the CAMP.
On the 11th day of Laya trek, you will travel from Chebisa to Shomuthang. Today begins with a stiff climb up a ridge to Gobu la pass 4600 meters taking nearly 3/4 hours to the top but rewarded with magnificent views of the Himalayas. This is a blue sheep area so always keep a sharp eye. After the pass descend through rhododendrons bushes and lunch will be served at a ideal spot. The path goes up down crossing streams and Yak herders camps. Arrive camp at 4250 meters. Walking time 7/8 hours. Dinner and Overnight at the CAMP.
Shomuthang to Robluthang. The trek to Robluthang starts with a climb to Jari la pass 4650 meters. Then you descend all the way through alpine forest and rhododendron shrubs to Tsharijathang a summer feeding ground for the rare Takins (national animal of Bhutan). During summer/monsoon the path is all wet so be prepared to get wet as the small wooden bridges are all washed away. After crossing the stream the trail ascends for a while till you reach the camp at 4300 meters. Walking time 7/8 hours. Dinner and Overnight at the CAMP.
Robluthang to Limithang. Today will be a long climb up to Shinje la pass at 4950 meters. What makes Laya trek different from other Bhutan treks is the fact that it allows you an opportunity to observe the culture of the Laya people and Limithang being the main dwelling place of the Laya people, makes it one of the most important parts of Laya trek. The view of Gangchey ta mountain 6800 meters from the pass is breathtaking. From the pass descend all the way with a wider view of the mountain. You then arrive at Limithang, a wide open valley and summer grazing ground for the yaks of the Laya people. Camp at 4100 meters. Walking time 7/8 hours. Dinner and Overnight at the CAMP.
Limithang to LayaThis will be the day when you complete your ascend to Laya. Wake up with great view of Gangchey Ta Mountain in front of you. The walk to Laya is pleasant passing through damp forest filled with moss and singing birds. Then you arrive to Laya village the second highest settlements in the country at an altitude of 3850 meters. Walking time 4/6 hours. Dinner and Overnight at the CAMP.
From Gunsa, our route out of the mountains follows the beautiful Gunsa and Tamur Kholas and passes through spectacular forests of rhododendron, conifer, birch and oak. The valley sides here are steep and the trail follows the river as it cascades downwards. We pass through Kyapra, the last of the Tibetan villages, and, an hour or so further on, we camp in the forest at a spot called Tang. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at Camp.
Laya to Koina. Trek down to the army base camp and follow the river crossing small streams. During the winter months you will see the rare Takins grazing on the bamboo shoots. The trail from Laya to Koina is up and down. Camp will be near a river next to a stone shelter at 3400 meters. Walking time 5/6 hours. Dinner and Overnight at the CAMP.
Koina to Gasa Hot spring. The trail ascends for some time and gradually to the Bamela pass at 3750 meters. The path is all the way down hill till the camp. During monsoon the trail is filled with leaches but it is surprising not finding any leaches near the hot spring. The hot spring was discovered by Guru Rinpoche and it is believed that who has faith in him can cure sickness which was impossible by modern medicine. The spring has a small shop selling beer imported from India and is a sure way to relax after a long trek. Camp altitude at 2200 meters. Walking time 6/7 hours. Dinner and Overnight at the CAMP.
Hot Spring to Goen Damji. The walk begins through semi tropical vegetation filled with wild orchids crossing rivers and streams. Walking across huge suspension bridges and one bridge is over 150 meters in height which is all a part of the thrill. It is a easy walk and you can take your time in admiring the scenic beauty of the country side. Camp at 1850 meters. Walking time 4/5 hours. Dinner and Overnight at the CAMP.
Damji to Tashithang. Today is the last DAY of Laya trekking. Continue walking gradually downhill following the Mochu River through heavily forested area till you arrive Tashithang at 1550 meters. The bus will be waiting and proceed for 1 hour to Punakha. Visit the 17 centaury dzong and drive 45 minutes to Wangdue Kichu resort. Relax and enjoy the modern comfort. Overnight at Resort.
Drive 4 hours to Paro via Thimphu. On arrival in Paro commence sightseeing. Laya trek is one of the most popular among Bhutan treks and you will feel a great sense of accomplishment upon your descent to Paro. A visit to the Memorial Chorten, Folk Heritage Museum and the Arts & Crafts centre is also included on this day. The Memorial Chorten is a stupa built in memory of Bhutan's third king, the late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, popularly regarded as the Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside the monument offer a deep insight into Bhuddhist philosophy. The Folk Heritage Museum was established in the year 2001.This museum houses some original and ancient artefacts used in the Bhutanese rural areas. Arts & Crafts School teaches the techniques of traditional thangkha paintings. One can see students at work producing intricate designs on cloth. Overnight at Kichu resort.
Transfer to airport where the guide will help you with the final departure formalities. On arrival at the Kathmandu airport meet, assist by our airport representative and transfer to Hotel. Check in at Hotel Malla or Hotel Manang. Overnight at Hotel Malla or Hotel Manang.
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the wairport fly to onward destination. You will finally have lots of memory to take back home from your unforgettable Laya trek adventure. We ensure that you will leave your hotel with cherishing memory and an experience of a lifetime. Our representative from Nepal Himalayan Voyages will drive you to the airport in time for your flight back. home.

Includes

  • Assisted upon arrival at the airport by our office representative.
  • All arrival and departure transfers as per the itinerary by a/c vehicles.
  • 03 Nights single/twin/double room accommodation as per the above hotel in Kathmandu on BB basis.
  • 18 nights / 19 days Bhutan tour and trek on full board basis using 3 star hotels and tented accommodation as per the itinerary on twin/double room/tent sharing basis.
  • All sightseeing tour and transfers as per the itinerary with English speaking local guide in Bhutan.
  • Private transfers by comfortable car/van/minibus as per the group strength in Bhutan.
  • Tourism development fee and entrance fee.
  • FIT Surcharges [1 pax and 2 pax].
  • All sightseeing tours mentioned above itinerary with our local English speaking guide including entrance fees in Kathmandu.
  • All applicable taxes presently 24.3%.

Excludes

  • International Airfare and taxes.
  • Nepal visa fee.
  • Bhutan Visa fee [as above].
  • Any meals in Kathmandu.
  • Extra baggage charge in the airport.
  • Personal gears and clothing [will send you once we receive the confirmation].
  • Tips, any expenses incurred in emergency evacuation / road block due to any reason.
  • Table drinks, snacks while trekking.
  • Personal expenses & insurance.
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