The Laya Trek

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

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DAY 2

Trek to Thongbu Samba

It's around a 90 minute private vehicle transfer to Shana (2860m) and the start of the trek. Once everything is loaded up with your support crew you'll then set off following a path beside the river before climbing to the first night's camp at Thongbu Samba (3104m). It's a relatively short walk today of around 3hrs.

Accommodation: Camp, Thongbu Samba
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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DAY 3

Trek to Soi Thangka

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, 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 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 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 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 11

Down 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. If you want you can always add an extra night to further explore and experience the fascinating village of Laya and a bit of a rest up before moving on and this could also serve as a useful contingency day.

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

DAY 12

To Punakha

It's around a 3 hour walk as you descend through woodlands to the recently extended jeep road that now reaches beyond Ghasa. From the roadhead you'll travel to Punakha by private jeep. The drive takes around 3.5 hours, so along the way you can stop off in Ghasa and take a dip in the hot springs here.

Accommodation: Meri Phuensum Resort Hotel or similar, Punakha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13

Visit Punakha Dzong and drive to Paro

Before leaving the beautiful Punakha Valley you'll visit the magnificent Dzong. After admiring the Dzong you'll then travel back to Paro by private vehicle. If you'd also like to incorporate a visit to Thimphu as part of the journey back to Paro it would be advisable to add an extra night in Thimphu.

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

DAY 14

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 15

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.