» 18 NIGHTS / 19 DAYS CLASSIC TREK TO LAYA REGION

This is one of the treks that will always rank as one of Bhutan's finest treks. The route offers fantastic mountain views at close range including Mt. Gangchey Ta (tiger mountain), mother of the female river flowing through Punakha valley. Renowned it’s diversity of Himalayan flora and Fauna. Numerous isolated Dzongs and scattered settlements including the outlandish village of Laya, a unique culture of its own provide a great deal of cultural interest. Though remote, the Laya region is known for its hospitality and your time here will be delightful. The trek will end with a dip at the Gasa Tshachu (hot spring) relaxing every bone in your body and the memories of the special trek will stay with you for a lifetime.

DAY 01 ARRIVE PARO
Arriving Paro by Druk air BAe 146-100 series, the only national carrier of Bhutan. The flight offers you beautiful view of mountains and landscapes. On arrival and after visa formalities you will be received by Our members. Afternoon time is at leisure. Overnight at Resort. BLD.

DAY 02 A DAY HIKES TO TAKTSANG MONASTERY
DAY hike to Taktsang monastery. Horses can be arranged with an extra US $ 5/- 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 17th 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.

DAY 03 DRIVES TO DRUGYEL DZONG AND TREK TO SHANA CAMP. 5/6 hours.
Drive to Drugyel Dzong where the trek begins. The path goes upstream of the Pachu River through villages gradually ascending to 2800m. Camp at Shana. BLD.

DAY 04 TREKS FROM SHANA TO SOI THANGTHANGKHA. 7/8 hours.
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 is at an altitude of 3800m near a stone shelter. BLD.

DAY 05 TREKS FROM SOI TO JANGOTHANG. 4/5 hours.
Soi to Jangothang. Climb slowly for a while till you reach an army camp. 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 4050m. The view of Chomolhari (7320m.) and Jichu Drake (6900m.) is superb. Both the mountains are still virgin peaks. BLD.

DAY 06 A REST DAY AT JANGOTHANG.
Halt at Jangothang. Explore the surrounding areas like Tshophu Lake, visit Yak herders, or simply relax. BLD.

DAY 07 TREKS FROM JANGOTHANG TO LINGSHI. 6/7 hours
Jangothang to Lingshi. 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. Some time can be coming across the herds of the blue sheep, walking in through this wide and opened valley. The climb up to the Nile la pass 4700m is not too difficult and the view is breathtaking. After the pass it’s a gradual descend and through the valley with beautiful views on all side. Nearing the camp you will see the Lingshi Dzong perched on top of a hill with commanding view of the valley. Arrive camp at 4100m near a stone shelter. BLD

DAY 08 TREK FROM LINGSHI TO CHEBISA. 4/5 hours
Lingshi to Chebisa. 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 3900m. BLD.

DAY 09 TREKS FROM CHEBISA TO SHOMUTHANG. 7/8 hours
Chebisa to Shomuthang. Today begins with a stiff climb up a ridge to Gobu la pass 4600m 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 an ideal spot. The path goes up down crossing streams and Yak herders camps. Camp at 4250m. BLD.

DAY 10 TREKS FROM SHOMUTHANG TO ROBLUTHANG. 7/8 hours
Shomuthang to Robluthang. The trek starts with a climb to Jari la pass 4650m. Then 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 4300m, BLD.

DAY 11 TREK FROM ROBLUTHANG TO LIMITHANG. 7/8 hours
Robluthang to Limithang. Today will be a long climb up to Shinje la pass at 4950 meters. 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. Arriving Limithang is a wide open valley, the summer grazing ground for the yaks of the Laya people. Camp at 4100m. BLD.

DAY 12 TREK FROM LIMITHANG TO LAYA. 4/5 hours  
Limithang 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. Arrive Laya village the second highest settlements in the country at an altitude of 3850m.BLD.