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The Laya Trek

Chomolhari & Jitchu Drake - The delights of Laya - Taktsang Monastery & Punakha Dzong - "Short" Snowman Trek

All Meals Included

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Duration

18 Days
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Grade

Challenging
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Max Altitude

4900m
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Walking Days

13 Days
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Accommodation

4 Nts Hotels - 13 Nts Camping
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Trip Overview

Often considered a short version of The Snowman Trek,

It is definitely one of the most beautiful and scenically magnificent treks in Bhutan. The Laya Trek is essentially most of the first half of the Snowman Trek, as you walk up to Chomolhari Base Camp, onto Lingshi, and to the fabled village of Laya. From Laya, the trek then splits from the Snowman route and begins to head south, following the Mo Chu River Valley. Some of the BBC's Lost Land of the Tigers was filmed here, with the surprising discovery that there were tigers in Bhutan living at elevations of up to 4,000m! If you are ever going to get the chance to do one of our Private Bhutan Treks in your lifetime and enjoy spectacular mountain scenery and unique cultures, then this is the one to do. This is a superb on-foot Himalayan journey. Sightseeing at Punakha and Thimpu is incorporated into this suggested itinerary, as is the hike to the famous Tiger’s Nest-Taktsang Monastery.

Sleeping bags (4-season) will be required for nights spent camping


Often considered a short version of The Snowman Trek,

  • It is definitely one of the most beautiful and scenically magnificent treks in Bhutan. The Laya Trek is essentially most of the first half of the Snowman Trek, as you walk up to Chomolhari Base Camp, onto Lingshi, and to the fabled village of Laya. From Laya, the trek then splits from the Snowman route and begins to head south, following the Mo Chu River Valley. Some of the BBC's Lost Land of the Tigers was filmed here, with the surprising discovery that there were tigers in Bhutan living at elevations of up to 4,000m! If you are ever going to get the chance to do one of our Private Bhutan Treks in your lifetime and enjoy spectacular mountain scenery and unique cultures, then this is the one to do. This is a superb on-foot Himalayan journey. Sightseeing at Punakha and Thimpu is incorporated into this suggested itinerary, as is the hike to the famous Tiger’s Nest-Taktsang Monastery.

    Sleeping bags (4-season) will be required for nights spent camping


Example Itinerary

    • Day 1
      Arrive Paro. Transfer to Paro Hotel
    • Day 2
      Begin the Laya trek at Shana
    • Day 3
      Trek up to Soi Thangka
    • Day 4
      Trek to Jangothang-Chomolhari Base Camp
    • Day 5
      Acclimatisation walk beneath Chomolhari
    • Day 6
      Over the Nyele La to Lingshi
    • Day 7
      Trek to Chebisa
    • Day 8
      Gobu La to Somothang
    • Day 9
      Over the Jhari La to Robluthang
    • Day 10
      Across the Shinge La to Limithang
    • Day 11
      Gradual descent to Laya
    • Day 12
      Rest day in Laya
    • Day 13
      Trek to Koena
    • Day 14
      End of trek at Ghasa
    • Day 15
      Visit Punakha & Thimpu
    • Day 16
      Thimpu sightseeing & Drive to Paro
    • Day 17
      Tigers Nest hike
    • Day 18
      Depart Paro
  • DAY
    1

    Arrive Paro. Transfer to Paro Hotel

    Arrive at Paro Airport. You’ll be met upon arrival and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in Paro.

    Accommodation: Tenzinling Hotel or similar, Paro
    Meals: Dinner


    For detailed information, choices and advice for International flight options to Paro, Bhutan - please click here

    DAY 1

    Arrive Paro. Transfer to Paro Hotel

    Arrive at Paro Airport. You’ll be met upon arrival and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in Paro.

    Accommodation: Tenzinling Hotel or similar, Paro
    Meals: Dinner


    For detailed information, choices and advice for International flight options to Paro, Bhutan - please click here

    DAY
    2

    Begin the Laya trek at Shana

    It’s usually a private vehicle transfer of just under 2 hours to reach the trailhead at Shana (2860m). From here, you walk up through the forest to a clearing, which is the site of tonight’s camp. Walking time is approximately 3 hours.

    Accommodation: Camp, beyond Shana
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FULLY SUPPORTED CAMPING IN BHUTAN

    DAY 2

    Begin the Laya trek at Shana

    It’s usually a private vehicle transfer of just under 2 hours to reach the trailhead at Shana (2860m). From here, you walk up through the forest to a clearing, which is the site of tonight’s camp. Walking time is approximately 3 hours.

    Accommodation: Camp, beyond Shana
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FULLY SUPPORTED CAMPING IN BHUTAN

    DAY
    3

    Trek up to Soi Thangka

    Following the course of a river upstream, you walk up through pine forests, with the occasional stream crossing. There are both ascents and descents during today’s walk, but more in the way of ascents. Reaching a bridge at around 3560 m, the trail becomes quite steep as you climb up to where two valleys meet. Passing a chorten and over another bridge camp (3575m) is by the Paro Chu River and is reached in a further 30 minutes. Walking time is approximately 4-5 hours.

    Accommodation: Camp, Soi Thangka
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 3

    Trek up to Soi Thangka

    Following the course of a river upstream, you walk up through pine forests, with the occasional stream crossing. There are both ascents and descents during today’s walk, but more in the way of ascents. Reaching a bridge at around 3560 m, the trail becomes quite steep as you climb up to where two valleys meet. Passing a chorten and over another bridge camp (3575m) is by the Paro Chu River and is reached in a further 30 minutes. Walking time is approximately 4-5 hours.

    Accommodation: Camp, Soi Thangka
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    4

    Trek to Jangothang-Chomolhari Base Camp

    It’s around 5–6 hours of hiking today to reach Jangothang, sometimes referred to as Chomolhari Base Camp. It's a mostly gradual ascent with some steeper sections to eventually emerge above the tree line and into open yak pastures. Camp (4104m) beneath Chomolhari is the most spectacular location so far. But there will be more. Walking time is approximately 5–6 hours.

    Accommodation: Camp, Jangothang
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 4

    Trek to Jangothang-Chomolhari Base Camp

    It’s around 5–6 hours of hiking today to reach Jangothang, sometimes referred to as Chomolhari Base Camp. It's a mostly gradual ascent with some steeper sections to eventually emerge above the tree line and into open yak pastures. Camp (4104m) beneath Chomolhari is the most spectacular location so far. But there will be more. Walking time is approximately 5–6 hours.

    Accommodation: Camp, Jangothang
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    5

    Acclimatisation walk beneath Chomolhari

    Before moving on, an acclimatisation day is essential. There are several walking options to aid with the acclimatisation process possible today, all with the aim of “climbing up to descend and sleeping low”.

    Accommodation: Camp, Jangothang
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 5

    Acclimatisation walk beneath Chomolhari

    Before moving on, an acclimatisation day is essential. There are several walking options to aid with the acclimatisation process possible today, all with the aim of “climbing up to descend and sleeping low”.

    Accommodation: Camp, Jangothang
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    6

    Over the Nyele La to Lingshi

    A hard, long day It’s a stiff climb out of camp, and this continues most of the way to reach Nyela La (4850m). There are good views of Chomolhari and Jitchu Drake to occupy your mind during this ascent. The descent is also steep to begin with, but eases a little as you head along a ridge and then drop down into the forest once more to camp (4150m) by a river. Walking time is approx. 6-7 hours.

    Accommodation: Camp, Lingshi
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 6

    Over the Nyele La to Lingshi

    A hard, long day It’s a stiff climb out of camp, and this continues most of the way to reach Nyela La (4850m). There are good views of Chomolhari and Jitchu Drake to occupy your mind during this ascent. The descent is also steep to begin with, but eases a little as you head along a ridge and then drop down into the forest once more to camp (4150m) by a river. Walking time is approx. 6-7 hours.

    Accommodation: Camp, Lingshi
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    7

    Trek to Chebisa

    Walking up to Linsghi Dzong, you follow a path that contours the mountainside to reach the impressively located village of Gang Yul, with a 300-metre cliff hanging over it. There are views of the peaks of Basingthang, particularly Tserim Kang, before descending to Gang Yul. From this village of just 10–15 homes, a further hour leads you into a very scenic valley and passes an impressive waterfall. Camp at Chebisa (3850m) is by a river, and from here you could walk into Tibet in just a matter of a few hours. Walking time: approx. 5–6 hrs.

    Accommodation: Camp, Chebisa
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 7

    Trek to Chebisa

    Walking up to Linsghi Dzong, you follow a path that contours the mountainside to reach the impressively located village of Gang Yul, with a 300-metre cliff hanging over it. There are views of the peaks of Basingthang, particularly Tserim Kang, before descending to Gang Yul. From this village of just 10–15 homes, a further hour leads you into a very scenic valley and passes an impressive waterfall. Camp at Chebisa (3850m) is by a river, and from here you could walk into Tibet in just a matter of a few hours. Walking time: approx. 5–6 hrs.

    Accommodation: Camp, Chebisa
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    8

    Gobu La to Somothang

    At 4405m, the Gobu La is your next pass to negotiate. It's an ascent all the way and takes around 4 hours to reach the pass. Needless to say, there are some great mountain views from the pass, from where you descend into rhododendron forests and to the Shagipasa River. Here the trail then heads along the hillside before rising sharply into a small, side valley to camp at Somothang (3985m). Walking time is approx. 6-7 hours.

    Accommodation: Camp, Somothang
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 8

    Gobu La to Somothang

    At 4405m, the Gobu La is your next pass to negotiate. It's an ascent all the way and takes around 4 hours to reach the pass. Needless to say, there are some great mountain views from the pass, from where you descend into rhododendron forests and to the Shagipasa River. Here the trail then heads along the hillside before rising sharply into a small, side valley to camp at Somothang (3985m). Walking time is approx. 6-7 hours.

    Accommodation: Camp, Somothang
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    9

    Over the Jhari La to Robluthang

    Although this is a long and challenging day it is arguably one of the most stunning walking days too. It’s a long ascent all the way up to the Jhari La (4725m). From the pass you’ll see tomorrows objective, Shinge La, which looks a long way away. Dropping down steeply from the pas it’s back into forest once more and after wading across a small river, camp (4210m) is about 40mins further. A tough 7-8hrs walking.

    Accommodation: Camp, Robluthang
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 9

    Over the Jhari La to Robluthang

    Although this is a long and challenging day it is arguably one of the most stunning walking days too. It’s a long ascent all the way up to the Jhari La (4725m). From the pass you’ll see tomorrows objective, Shinge La, which looks a long way away. Dropping down steeply from the pas it’s back into forest once more and after wading across a small river, camp (4210m) is about 40mins further. A tough 7-8hrs walking.

    Accommodation: Camp, Robluthang
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    10

    Across the Shinge La to Limithang

    Another tough day It’s a slog of around 5 hours to reach the Shinge La (4900 m), initially following an obvious yak trail, and the final climb to the pass is rather a challenge. But, there are good views of Gangchentak as compensation. Crossing the prayer flagged pass, what goes up must come down (eventually) and you descend into the Laya region, all the way down into a valley and past a glacial moraine lake to camp by a river at around 4100m. Walking time approx. 6-8hrs.

    Accommodation: Camp, Limithang
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 10

    Across the Shinge La to Limithang

    Another tough day It’s a slog of around 5 hours to reach the Shinge La (4900 m), initially following an obvious yak trail, and the final climb to the pass is rather a challenge. But, there are good views of Gangchentak as compensation. Crossing the prayer flagged pass, what goes up must come down (eventually) and you descend into the Laya region, all the way down into a valley and past a glacial moraine lake to camp by a river at around 4100m. Walking time approx. 6-8hrs.

    Accommodation: Camp, Limithang
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    11

    Gradual descent to Laya

    A bit shorter today and a particularly beautiful walk through forests of pine and juniper to reach Laya (3800m). Renowned for their pointed headwear and turquoise jewellery, as well as their welcoming nature you should be able to explore this fascinating village in the afternoon. Walking time approx.4-5hrs.

    Accommodation: Camp, Laya
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 11

    Gradual descent to Laya

    A bit shorter today and a particularly beautiful walk through forests of pine and juniper to reach Laya (3800m). Renowned for their pointed headwear and turquoise jewellery, as well as their welcoming nature you should be able to explore this fascinating village in the afternoon. Walking time approx.4-5hrs.

    Accommodation: Camp, Laya
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    12

    Rest day in Laya

    A chance to rest up. Maybe do a  little trek laundry and try out a local hot stone bath. Today also serves as a contingency day should there have been any difficulties encountered so far.

    Accommodation: Camp, Laya
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 12

    Rest day in Laya

    A chance to rest up. Maybe do a  little trek laundry and try out a local hot stone bath. Today also serves as a contingency day should there have been any difficulties encountered so far.

    Accommodation: Camp, Laya
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    13

    Trek to Koena

    Beginning to now head south, today is quite a longish trekking day. Although most of today is generally downhill and losing elevation, there are sections of uphill too as you make your way through the Mo Chu Gorge mostly through dense forests and generally following the course of the Mo Chu River to camp at Koena (3250m). Walking time is around 7-8hrs.

    Accommodation: Camp, Koena
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 13

    Trek to Koena

    Beginning to now head south, today is quite a longish trekking day. Although most of today is generally downhill and losing elevation, there are sections of uphill too as you make your way through the Mo Chu Gorge mostly through dense forests and generally following the course of the Mo Chu River to camp at Koena (3250m). Walking time is around 7-8hrs.

    Accommodation: Camp, Koena
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    14

    End of trek at Ghasa

    There’s one final pass to cross, the 3910m Bale La. It’s mostly gradual climbing, but there are some steeper sections and at times it may well be rather muddy underfoot. But, from the pass it’s virtually downhill all the way and you may see the Dzong above Ghasa on the way down. The hot springs just below the town of Ghasa may well be worth a visit to soak your now Laya trekked body. If possible you’ll camp by the springs (about an hours walk from Ghasa). It’s also worth mentioning that these final two days of trekking may be affected by road building between Laya and Ghasa. Tonight’s final camp is at around 2750m and the walking today is around 7hrs.

    Accommodation: Camp, Ghasa
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 14

    End of trek at Ghasa

    There’s one final pass to cross, the 3910m Bale La. It’s mostly gradual climbing, but there are some steeper sections and at times it may well be rather muddy underfoot. But, from the pass it’s virtually downhill all the way and you may see the Dzong above Ghasa on the way down. The hot springs just below the town of Ghasa may well be worth a visit to soak your now Laya trekked body. If possible you’ll camp by the springs (about an hours walk from Ghasa). It’s also worth mentioning that these final two days of trekking may be affected by road building between Laya and Ghasa. Tonight’s final camp is at around 2750m and the walking today is around 7hrs.

    Accommodation: Camp, Ghasa
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    15

    Visit Punakha & Thimpu

    You’ll travel by private vehicle on the recently constructed jeep road that links Gasa to Punakha. Here you’ll see the famous Dzong and then head to the Bhutan capital of Thimpu.

    Accommodation: Galingkha Hotel or similar, Thimpu
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 15

    Visit Punakha & Thimpu

    You’ll travel by private vehicle on the recently constructed jeep road that links Gasa to Punakha. Here you’ll see the famous Dzong and then head to the Bhutan capital of Thimpu.

    Accommodation: Galingkha Hotel or similar, Thimpu
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    16

    Thimpu sightseeing & Drive to Paro

    In the morning, you can enjoy a guided tour of Thimpu, and later in the day, you’ll be driven by private vehicle back to Paro.

    Accommodation: Tenzinling Hotel or similar, Paro
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 16

    Thimpu sightseeing & Drive to Paro

    In the morning, you can enjoy a guided tour of Thimpu, and later in the day, you’ll be driven by private vehicle back to Paro.

    Accommodation: Tenzinling Hotel or similar, Paro
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    17

    Tigers Nest hike

    You can’t really come to Bhutan without seeing the Tiger's Nest. It’s actually a stiff 2-hour walk up through woodland and a rather steep climb of around 350 m. Thankfully, there’s a teahouse at one of the classic Taktsang Monastery view points where you can rest and refresh before a further 30 minutes of climbing brings you to Takstang (3110m) itself. On the final climb, you pass what is probably the most famous view point, which looks directly across to the monastery. It’s usually possible to enter the monastery, but if there’s something going on at the monastery (religious or VIP visit), then it may not be possible. Heading steeply down, a descent of around 100m leads into a gorge before climbing back up to the main monastery gate, from which it’s down to the valley floor and your ride “home”. Walking time is around 4-5 hours, with around 750m of ascent and descent.

    Accommodation: Tenzinling Hotel or similar, Paro
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 17

    Tigers Nest hike

    You can’t really come to Bhutan without seeing the Tiger's Nest. It’s actually a stiff 2-hour walk up through woodland and a rather steep climb of around 350 m. Thankfully, there’s a teahouse at one of the classic Taktsang Monastery view points where you can rest and refresh before a further 30 minutes of climbing brings you to Takstang (3110m) itself. On the final climb, you pass what is probably the most famous view point, which looks directly across to the monastery. It’s usually possible to enter the monastery, but if there’s something going on at the monastery (religious or VIP visit), then it may not be possible. Heading steeply down, a descent of around 100m leads into a gorge before climbing back up to the main monastery gate, from which it’s down to the valley floor and your ride “home”. Walking time is around 4-5 hours, with around 750m of ascent and descent.

    Accommodation: Tenzinling Hotel or similar, Paro
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    18

    Depart Paro

    A private vehicle transfer to Paro Airport for your departing flight.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Of course there's no reason to depart today, your Bhutan holiday can be readily tailor-made.

    DAY 18

    Depart Paro

    A private vehicle transfer to Paro Airport for your departing flight.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Of course there's no reason to depart today, your Bhutan holiday can be readily tailor-made.

    IMPORTANT

    This is an EXAMPLE ITINERARY and can be customised for you accordingly.

    Please consider whether you want your customisable, private trip itinerary to also include CONTINGENCY.

    See our ABOUT CONTINGENCY Information

    Please CONTACT US to discuss CONTINGENCY and ADDITIONAL ACCLIMATISATION, as well as other CUSTOMISATION POSSIBILITES for your PRIVATE CUSTOM TREK

Price Guide

Price based on a private party of 4 persons, twin share rooms, low season.

  • $ US 4195

IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT OUR PRICE GUIDES

Prices include the compulsory Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee.
For more, see: BHUTAN TOURIST CHARGES EXPLAINED


What's included

The price shown is for guideline purposes. The price is inclusive of the DAILY SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FEE, all accommodation described in the detailed itinerary (twin share in hotels), all airport and land transfers, private overland travel, Full Camp Crew Service (incl. Cook), Porterage on Trek (usually pack animals), and all camping equipment (except sleeping bags). Tents on a twin-share basis, all meals as indicated in the itinerary, permits and fees, sightseeing where specified, Bhutan visas and Tourist taxes, and an English-speaking Bhutanese guide.
B = Breakfast, L= Lunch, and D=Dinner

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