Others

All entrance fees and sightseeing. Bhutan (SDF) Sustainable Development fee. Bhutan visa fees. Bhutan local taxes. Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours. All hotel tax & service charges. Mineral bottled water throughout your tour. An experienced licensed driver. A tour vehicle.

Guide

A qualified & licensed English-speaking guide.

Hygieneprotocol

The Ministry of Health would like to notify that all individuals wishing to travel into Bhutan are required to produce a COVID-19 negative certificate on arrival into the country along with Covid-19 vaccination certificates.

Transport

All touring & transfers throughout your journey.

Meals

All meals (buffet system /include evening tea/snacks per pax each day)

Accommodation

Bhutanese style 3 star hotels with private bathrooms or homestay to experience the local life of Bhutanese.

Not included:

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance against medical and personal accident risks (including repatriation costs, air ambulance and helicopter rescue services) , as well as cancellation insurance. You should be aware that some policies may not cover travel to Bhutan and may not cover activities such as trekking,mountain biking and rafting. Please ensure that your policy provides a sufficient level of protection and covers you for the activities involved in this package. You must carry proof of insurance (e.g. your insurance certificate) with you in Bhutan.

Others

Drukair/ Bhutan Airlines flights to/from Paro Bhutan Personal items – phone calls, laundry, drinks etc. Travel Insurance – which is mandatory to enter Bhutan

Flights

Flight into Bhutan can be arranged with us.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Arrive Paro
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Arrive Paro

The flight to Paro crosses the Himalayan Mountains, affording spectacular views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. On arrival you will be greeted by our guide and transferred to the hotel.

After lunch, visit Rinpung Dzong meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels”. It has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the courtyard of the Rinpung Dzong are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore. You will walk downhill till the road point crossing the wooden bridge. Your vehicle will be waiting here to take you to Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country. In the evening, you can stroll through Paro town. Walking through the market and meeting with the people will be an enjoyable experience. Overnight hotel in Paro
Day 2 Acclimatization Hike To Tiger’S Nest Monastery, Elev 3180M
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Acclimatization Hike To Tiger’S Nest Monastery, Elev 3180M

After breakfast hike to Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most famous monastery, which stands at 3180m gives you acclimatization for the next day’s trek. The 8th century Spiritual Master, Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands.

It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Lunch will be served in the Taktsang Cafeteria, located about halfway up on the mountain. Explore the Monastery hike back to Paro. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 3 Paro To Shana ( Start Of Trek )
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Paro To Shana ( Start Of Trek )

17KM | 5-6 HOURS | 500M ASCENT | CAMP ALT 2850M

The trek starts from Drukgyal Dzong at 2300m with a short downhill walk on a wide trail. The trail climbs gently traversing through well-maintained rice terraces and fields of millet. The route later enters an area of apple orchards and forests. Soon the valley widens and you reach the army post of Gunitsawa at 2,810m. This is the last stop before Tibet. At 2,850m, just beyond Shana Zampa, there are several good camping places in meadows surrounded by trees. Overnight at Camp in Shana.
Day 4 Shana To Soi Thangthangkha
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Shana To Soi Thangthangkha

21KM | 6-7 HOURS | 900M ASCENT | CAMP ALT 3750M

The trail again follows Pa Chhu (Paro River) ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. Hot lunch will be served after crossing the bridge towards the left side of the river. After lunch follow the river climbing up through rhododendron forests and finally crossing the bridge again, reaching to the campsite at the altitude of 3,750m. Overnight at Camp in Soi Thangthangkha.
Day 5 Soi Thangthangkha To Jangothang
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Soi Thangthangkha To Jangothang

19KM | 4-5 HOURS | 300M ASCENT | CAMP ALT 4050M

The path ascends for a while till you reach the army camp. Then follow the river above the tree line enjoying the stunning view of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch will be served inside a yak herder’s camp. A short walk into the valley will take you to the camp at Jangothang at an altitude of 4,050m. From here, the view of Mt. Jumolhari and Jichu Drake are superb. Overnight at Camp in Jongothang.
Day 6 Halt At Jangothang Base Camp
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Halt At Jangothang Base Camp

Today is a day of acclimatization. You may choose from four day hikes: a 3-4 hours hike up to a ridge that gives a good view of Jichu Drake; a hike up to the end of the valley, toward Jumolhari; a trek up the main valley toward Jichu Drake’ or a hike to Tsophu, a pair of lakes with a good supply of brown trout. Altitude 4050m. Overnight at Camp in Jongothang base camp.
Day 7 Jangothang To Lingshi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Jangothang To Lingshi

19KM | 6-7 HOURS | 780M ASCENT | 820M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 4010M

The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. Start the climb up to the first ridge with a breathtaking view of Jumolhari, Jichu Drake and Tshering Gang. Then walk towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until the climb to the Nyele La pass at an altitude of 4830m. After the pass, it’s a gradual descent to the camp at Chashi Thang (4010m) enjoying the panoramic view of the peaks and Lingshi Dzong. Overnight at Camp in Lingshi.
Day 8 Lingshi To Chebisa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Lingshi To Chebisa

12KM | 5-6 HOURS | 160M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 3850M

Visit the Lingshi Dzong, perched on the hilltop with a commanding view of green hills, the winding river and magnificent peaks. For centuries, Lingzhi Dzong was a way station for weary Buddhist pilgrims and defense fort against Tibetan and Mongol invaders. It is an easy day and pleasant walk through villages and yak herders camp. After lunch, a short walk will take you to Chebisa, a charming little village adorned with a beautiful crystal clear waterfall. Camp by the side of stream at an altitude of 3,850m. Overnight at Camp in Chebisa.
Day 9 Chebisa To Shomuthang
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Chebisa To Shomuthang

17KM | 6-7 HOURS | 570M ASCENT | 290M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 4130M

Today begin with a stiff climb up a ridge to Gubu La pass at an altitude of 4420m, taking nearly four hours. After the pass, descend to a lunch stop through rhododendron bushes. Afternoon continue along the up and down path, after crossing the stream, through rhododendron forests and yak herders camp. You may see herds of Blue Sheep now and then. Camp at an altitude 4130m. Overnight at Camp in Shomuthang.
Day 10 Shomuthang To Robluthang
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Shomuthang To Robluthang

15KM | 5-6 HOURS | 620M ASCENT | 590M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 4160M

The trek starts with a climb to Jerela pass at altitude 4,750m. Then descend to Tasharijathang valley, the summer residence of rare Himalayan Takins (national animal of Bhutan). From here we may have to cross the stream as most of the time the footbridge is washed away. After crossing the stream towards the left, the trail ascends till you reach Robluthang camp at an altitude of 4160m. Overnight at Camp in Robluthang.
Day 11 Robluthang To Lingmithang
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Robluthang To Lingmithang

19KM | 7-8 HOURS | 850M ASCENT | 870M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 4140M

It is a long climb unto Shingela pass (5010m). The view of the mountains from the path is stunning. After the pass, descend to Lingmithang. The path is quite narrow and you may have to cross a stream again and get wet. The last part of the trek is very interesting with the view of Mt. Gangchey Ta. Arrive at campsite at altitude of 4140m. Overnight at Camp in Lingmithang.
Day 12 Lingmithang To Laya
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Lingmithang To Laya

10KM | 3-4 HOURS | CAMP ALT 3850M

In the morning you wake up with a superb view of Gangchen Ta peak in front of you. The walk to Laya is very pleasant with wonderful views. You will pass through a damp forest, filled with moss and singing birds. Arrive at Laya village, the second highest settlement in the country, at altitude of 3850m. Overnight at Camp in Laya.
Day 13 Laya Sightseeing
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Laya Sightseeing

Altitude: 12,465ft/3800 m

Today is a day you can temper to your taste. Explore Laya village and go visit any of the houses around. Hospitality is a big part of Bhutanese tradition. Even to a perfect stranger, traditional Bhutanese hospitality is extended and a cup of tea and Chang (local, wine) is always offered. You will notice that the people in this valley are very interesting especially their attire. Women in particular have very conspicuous attire, wearing conical bamboo hats decorated with turquoise and silver ornaments. Overnight at Camp in Laya.
Day 14 Laya To Gasa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Laya To Gasa

25KM | 6-7 HOURS | 50M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 3800M

Descend to army camp and join the Mo Chhu (Mother River of Punakha). Follow the river till you cross the bridge. After the bridge it is up and down several times, through juniper and fir forests until you reach the camp at Koena at an altitude of 3,800m.

Walk for about half an hour over flat land till the Barila La pass (4100m). After this it is downhill all the way to Gasa Tshachu. Lunch will be served at Gasa village. After lunch visit the village. Then descend to Gasa Tshachu (hot spring) for camp at an altitude of 2900m. Overnight at Camp in Gasa.
Day 15 Gasa To Punakha ( End Of Trek )
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Gasa To Punakha ( End Of Trek )

Today you will drive to Punakha on unpaved roads. The drive is through the high agricultural benches above the Mochu (Chu means River) into a lush semi-tropical gorge filled with banana trees and creepers. Check into your hotel on arrival. In the afternoon, you can visit the Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated in between the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. Overnight hotel in Punakha.
Day 16 Punakha To Thimphu
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Punakha To Thimphu

After breakfast, you will drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. On the way, you will stop at Lobesa to hike through rice paddy fields and up to the Chimi Lhakhang Temple.

This temple is dedicated to the great Yogi in the 14th century known as Drukpa Kuenley, or the “Divine Madman,” who is believed to bless women who seek fertility.

Continue drive to Thimphu via Dochula pass (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. After lunch in Thimphu, you can stroll through Thimphu city. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 17 Thimphu Sightseeing – Paro
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Thimphu Sightseeing – Paro

After breakfast, visit Centenary Farmers’ Market where most of the locals gather on the banks of the river every weekend. Villagers from the nearby valley come here to sell agricultural products and handmade crafts.

Later we will take you to National Folk Heritage Museum, dedicated to connecting Bhutan to its past with exhibitions, demonstrations, and artifacts. Designed to resemble a rural home, this 19th-century building houses three stories of art, culture, and relics.

At The National Textile Museum, you will witness the art of weaving and learn about the significance of textile design. Bhutanese weaving is considered a living art form and traditional weaving methods are preserved by the Royal Government.

The National Memorial Chorten was built in 1974 to honor the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. A chorten is a hemispherical shaped memorial stupa. Known as the most visible religious landmark in Bhutan, it is used as a place of meditation.

At Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, you will witness the art of papermaking. Craftsmen demonstrate how Deh-sho paper is made using the bark of two local tree species. Buddhist monks use Deh-sho to write prayers and for woodblock printing.

Outside Thimphu is Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in Bhutan. Legend says it was built to imprison a demon that was terrorizing the area. The first fortress of its kind, it features beautiful Buddhist paintings and carvings.

Thimphu Tashichho Dzong, a traditional fortress and Buddhist Monastery, is the largest in the city. Featuring distinctive Bhutanese architecture, using neither nails nor written plans, the structure serves as the current seat of the King of Bhutan. In the evening drive to Paro for halt. Overnight stay in Paro.
Day 18 Departure From Paro International Airport
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Departure From Paro International Airport

In the morning, after breakfast our representative will see you off at the Paro international airport for your onward flight.

+15

18 days tour

Laya Gasa Trek - Meet Semi-Nomadic People

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Laya Gasa Trek - Meet Semi-Nomadic People

Arrive Paro

Acclimatization Hike To Tiger’S Nest Monastery, Elev 3180M

Paro To Shana ( Start Of Trek )

Shana To Soi Thangthangkha

Soi Thangthangkha To Jangothang

Halt At Jangothang Base Camp

Jangothang To Lingshi

Lingshi To Chebisa

Chebisa To Shomuthang

Shomuthang To Robluthang

Robluthang To Lingmithang

Lingmithang To Laya

Laya Sightseeing

Laya To Gasa

Gasa To Punakha ( End Of Trek )

Punakha To Thimphu

Thimphu Sightseeing – Paro

Departure From Paro International Airport

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