Duration : 21 Nights / 22 Days
Destination Covered : Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Gasa Dzongkhag
Tour Activities : Trekking
Tour Themes : Adventure Tours, Hill Stations & Valleys, Religious & Pilgrimage, Culture & Heritage
Price on Request
Thimphu, Paro and Punakha Tour Overview
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 OF THE LAYA TREK
The Laya Trek offers a great variety of trekking conditions, from picturesque farmland and forests to alpine pastureland and high mountain passes (16,100 ft). Numerous isolated dzongs and scattered settlements, including the extraordinary village of Laya, and Gasa make this trek one of the most popular.
Experience fabulous views of snow-capped mountains such as Mt. Jumolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake.
Traverse beautiful landscapes from lush valleys to dense forests.
Explore the isolated community of Laya.
Soak in the therapeutic waters of the Gasa Hot Springs.
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.
BHUTAN TOUR DATES:
All of our Bhutan tours are private, tailor-made journeys for independent travel on dates of your choosing. We can easily customise your Bhutan tour to spend more in the places doing the activities that you are interested in. Please click on the ‘Tailor-Design This Tour’ tab above to begin customising this tour to your requirements. This tour can be experienced all year around.
Thimphu, Paro and Punakha Tour Itinerary
Afterwards visit other sights in Paro valley. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
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.
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).
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).
Day at leisure, enjoying superb views of the south face of Chomolhari and the ruined dzong.
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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).
After a long trek, this is the place to relax! Enjoy a hot bath and try some of the local beer.
Tashi Delek.
More Details about Thimphu, Paro and Punakha Tour
Inclusions
- Hotel
- Sightseeing
- Bhutan Tourist Tariff Royalty & Visa fees.
- All private excursions and transfers in superior air-conditioned vehicle.
- Local English speaking guide/tour leader.
- Experienced driver.
- Accommodation in carefully selected, highest standard government approved hotels & guesthouses.
- All meals in Bhutan.
- All entrance fees and permits.
Exclusions
- All personal expenses such as bars, beverages, laundry, telephone and tips.
- Medical / Travel Insurance.
Payments Terms
- * 20% Advance Percentage of total booking amount
VALUE-ADDED OPTIONS
- In addition to offering independent, flexible tour options, Bhutan Travel Bureau can also arrange a variety of “add on” options to provide a more in-depth experience of Bhutan. These include:
- Cooking lessons
- A farmhouse stay
- “Ara” (rice liquor) brewing lessons
- Monastery experience
- Evening dinner & culture show
- Alternatively, you can awaken your senses with a range of wellbeing and spa retreats offering yoga, pilates, meditation, healing bodywork, hot stone baths and massage.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
- * Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount.
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