Laya Trek

This trek is an extension of Jhomolhari trek and offers diverse flora and fauna, including a good opportunity to spot blue sheep. The trek starts from Drugyel Dzong to the isolated valleys of Lingzhi, up to the Laya region at 4,000 meters (over 13,000 feet), where yak-herders live at the foot of Mt. Masagang, at 7,200 meters (23,620 feet) and the sub-tropical Punakha valley at 1,300 meters (4,265 feet). Lingzhi played an important role in controlling travel over Lingzhi la between Bhutan and Tibet. Goyak is another pleasant settlement; a compact village of stone houses clustered together which is very unusual in Bhutan. Also, watch for bearded vultures and Himalayan Griffons flying overhead.

There are several large herds of blue sheep living in the rocks and you are sure to spot one on this trail. Tsheri Jathang, a Takin Sanctuary where herds of Takin [Bhutan's National animal] migrate during summer and remain for about 04 months. You can see classic examples of lateral moraines where the glacier has pushed rocks up on both sides. Views of different peaks and mountains are just fabulous and probably the best that you can see from any other part of the country. It also introduces you to the unusual culture of Layap people and offers a stop at a natural hot spring in Gasa. The Laya women wear black yak-hair costumes and conical bamboo hats, a very distinct traditional costume worn nowhere else except Laya. Laya route passes by hot springs and Gasa Dzong, and through different levels of vegetation. This trek combines a variety of landscapes, villages, and majestic views of peaks.

 

Itinerary:

Day 01 Arrive Paro/transfer to Hotel/day at leisure (L, D)
Day 02 Paro Sightseeing (B, L, D)
Day 03 Trek to Sharna Zampa (B, L, D)
Day 04 Trek to Thangthangka (B, L, D)
Day 05 Trek to Jangothang (B, L, D)
Day 06 Day at Leisure Jangothang acclomitize (B, L, D)
Day 07 Trek to Lingshi (B, L, D)
Day 08 Trek to Chebisa (B, L, D)
Day 09 Trek to Shomuthang (B, L, D)
Day 10 Trek to Robluthang (B, L, D)
Day 11 Trek to Lemithang (B, L, D)
Day 12 Trek to Laya (B, L, D)
Day 13 Day at leisure Laya (B, L, D)
Day 14 Trek to Koena (B, L, D)
Day 15 Trek to Gasa (B, L, D)
Day 16 Trek to Geon Damji (B, L, D)
Day 17 Trek end at Tash ithang & drive to Punakha (B, L, D)
Day 18 Drive to Thimphu and sightseeing (B, L, D)
Day 19 Drive to Paro (B, L, D)
Day 20 Departure (B)
 
COST INCLUDES:
Twin sharing accommodation with full board, all transfers as per the itinerary, English speaking guide, All the monument entrance fees & govt. Taxes. All camping equipments, meals as per mention in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L= lunch, D= Dinner) porters and trekking permits.

COST EXCLUDES:
Airfares, visa fee of $20 (cash) payable upon arrival at airport, beverage, phone calls, laundry, medical, insurance and any other expenses that are not specified above.

Highlights

Fact About this trip:

5 Nights in hotels
14 nights camping trek

Highlights on this tour
Visit of Paro and Thimpu, Monastery visit, superb mountain views and glacier, great passes, Nomad, spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, impressive display of wild flower, picturesque settlements, friendly people and many more?

Season
March till May & Oct till November

Tour grade
STRENUOUS 

Group size
From 2 persons

Trip cost
On request

Departure date
Any day during season
Please check flight schedule