This route offers a great variety of trekking conditions, from picturesque farmland and forests to alpine pastureland and high mountain passes (16,100 ft). Spectacular campsites, beneath some of Bhutan’s most impressive peaks, of which the most notable are Chomolhari and Jichu Drake, are also features of this trekking route. Numerous isolated dzongs and scattered settlements, including the extraordinary village of Laya, and the Gasa hot springs make this trek one of the most popular. Season: This trek is generally open from April to June and mid- September to mid-November. However, April is the best trekking month for the Laya region.

1. This route offers a great variety of trekking conditions, from picturesque farmland and forests to
alpine pastureland and high mountain passes (16,100 ft). Spectacular campsites, beneath some of
Bhutan’s most impressive peaks, of which the most notable are Chomolhari and Jichu Drake, are
also features of this trekking route. Numerous isolated dzongs and scattered settlements,
including the extraordinary village of Laya, and the Gasa hot springs make this trek one of the
most popular.
Season: This trek is generally open from April to June and mid- September to mid-November.
However, April is the best trekking month for the Laya region.
DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly
changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. After lunch enjoy afternoon
sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum housing many religious
relics, works of art and handicrafts. Next, visit the Rimpong Dzong. Dzong’s are large
monasteries and district administrative centres, which were once strategic forts. Overnight at
your hotel in Paro.
DAY 02: PARO
After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery, walking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill. The
view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor is
spectacular. Afterwards visit 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
DAY 03: PARO – SHANA
17km, 5-6 hours
The trek starts from Drukgyal Dzong (2,580m). The trail climbs gently through rice terraces and
fields of millet before entering an area of apple orchards and forests. Soon you reach the army
post of Gunitsawa (2,810m). This is the last stop before Tibet. The trail continues up to 2,870m,
where there are several good camping places in meadows surrounded by trees.
DAY 04: SHANA – SOIL THANGTHANGKHA
20km, 7-8 hours
The trail again follows the Pa Chu (Paro river), traversing through pine, oak and spruce forests.
After crossing a bridge to the left bank of the river, stop for lunch. Then we continue along the
river, climbing upwards thought forests, and crossing the river once more before reaching our
campsite (3,750).

2. DAY 05: SOIL THANGTHANGKHA – JANGOTHANG
19km km, 7-8 hours
The path ascends for a while until we reach the army camp. We then follow the river above the
tree line, enjoying stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch is served at a yak herder’s
camp. A short walk from here into the valley takes us to our campsite a Jangothang (4,040m).
DAY 06: JANGOTHANG
Rest Day
Day at leisure, enjoying superb views of the south face of Chomolhari and the ruined dzong.
DAY 07: JANGOTHANG – LINGSHI
18km, 7-8 hours
The trail follows a stream before crossing over to the right bank. We now start our climb up to
the first ridge with views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang. The trail then crosses a
valley until climbing up to Nyele – La Pass (4,700m). We descend gradually to our campsite at
Lingshi (4,000m).
DAY 08: LINGSHI – CHEBISA
10km, 5-6 hours
We continue on the trail past Lingshi Dzong, perched on its hilltop, enjoying exhilarating views
of hills, the winding river and magnificent peaks. It is an easy day and a pleasant walk through
villages. After lunch, a short walk takes us to Chebisa village, where we camp by the side of a
stream of a stream (3,850m).
DAY 09: CHEBISA – SHOUMUTHAN
17km, 6-7 hours
Today begins with a stiff climb of nearly four hours up a ridge to Guba – La (4,500m). We
descend from the pass through rhododendrons to our lunch location before crossing a stream and
continuing through rhododendron forests and past yak herders’ camp. Tonight’s campsite is at an
altitude of 4,250 m.
DAY 10: SHOUMUTHANG – ROBLUTHANG
18km, 6-7 hours
This trek starts with a climb up to Jari – La Pass (4,700m). We descend from here to
Tasharijathang valley, the summer grazing ground of the rare Himalayan Takin. After crossing a
stream, the trail ascends to Robluthang (4,200m) where we set up our camp for the night.
DAY 11: ROBLUTHANG – LIMITHANG
19km, 7-8 hours
We start the day with a long climb up to Shinji-La Pass (4,900m), enjoying stunning mountain
views from the path. After crossing the pass we descend to Lingithang. The last part of today’s
trek is steep, with splendid views of Gangchenta peak (6,840). Tonight’s campsite is at an
altitude of 4,100 m.
DAY 12: LIMITHANG – LAYA
10 km, 4 – 5 hours

3. In the morning we walk to a superb view of Gangchenta peak in front of our camp. The walk to
Laya is very pleasant through a damp forest filled with moss and singing birds. We set up camp
on arrival at Laya village, the second highest settlement in the country, at 3,800m.
DAY 13: LAYA
Rest Day
Explore Laya village. You can go and visit one of the local houses. Traditional Bhutanese
hospitality is extended even to a stranger, and a cup of tea and chang (alcohol brewed from
barley) is always offered.
DAY 14: LAYA – CHAMSA
19km, 8-9 hours
We descend from Laya to the army camp at the side of the Mo chu (Mother river of Punakha),
and then walk alongside the river till reaching a bridge. After crossing the bridge, the track winds
up and down through juniper and fir forests. We camp in the forest at Chamsa (3, 800m).
DAY 15: CHAMSA – GASA TSHACHU
14km, 6-7 hours
After a 30 minute walk over flat land to Bele-La Pass, it’s downhill all the way to Gasa Tshachu.
We take lunch at Gasa village (2700m), afterwards visiting the village and Gasa Dzong. The
Dzong was built in the 17th century. We then descend to Gasa Tshachu (hot spring), where we
set up our camp (2,200m).
DAY 16: GASA TSHACHU
Rest day
After a long trek, this is the place to relax! Enjoy a hot bath and try some of the local beer.
DAY 17: GASA TSHACHU – PUNAKHA
Drive through scenic mountains from Gasa to Punakha (3-4 hrs). Punakha was the ancient capital
of Bhutan. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha.
DAY 18: PUNAKHA
Visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’. It is situated at
the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father Rivers) and is the winter
headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move en masse from Thimphu to this
warmer location. The three story main temple of the Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example
of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress
and decorated in gold and silver. It was here in 1907 that Bhutan’s first king was crowned.After
lunch, enjoy a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of Drukpa Kuenly. He inherited the Divine
Madman title since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism in his time. He taught the people
that religion is an inner feeling and it’s not necessary that one should be an ordained monk. He is
also considered a symbol of fertility. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha.
DAY 19: PUNAKHA – THIMPHU
Drive to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu via the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day
offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks (about 3 hrs total driving time). The drive through

4. the countryside affords a glimpse of everyday life in this most remote of Himalayan kingdoms.
In the Dochu-La area there are vast Rhododendron forests that grow to tree size and bloom in
late April/early May covering the mountains in a riot of glorious spring colour. After lunch,
enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 20: THIMPHU
Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, including a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, 12th century
Changangkha Temple, the Zilukha Nunnery and Tashichhodzong. Overnight at your hotel in
Thimphu.
DAY 21: THIMPHU – PARO
Visit the School for Arts and Crafts, The National Library housing a collection of 8th century
scriptures, the Traditional Paper Factory and the Folk Heritage Museum. If your visit coincides
with the weekend, you can walk through the Thimphu Market. Late afternoon transfer to Paro for
overnight.
DAY 22: DEPART PARO
Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Tashi Delek.
BHUTAN TREK DATES:
All of our Bhutan tours and treks are private, tailor-made journeys for independent travel on
dates of your choosing, subject to the trek taking place during the trekking season as identified in
the itinerary overview above. We can easily customise your Bhutan tour and trek’ tab above to
begin customising this tour to your requirements.
Travel Time. 4 pax 6 Pax & above
1. April,June,Septemberand
November. 2. USD 5670 3. USD 5460
WHAT WE INCLUDE IN OUR TAILOR MADE BHUTAN TREKS:
 Bhutan Tourist Tariff Royalty & Visa fees.
 All private excursions and transfers in superior air-conditioned vehicle.
 Local English speaking trekking guide/tour leader.
 Cook and camp hand who will take care of camp chores and provide wholesome meals.
 Services of horsemen who will look after the yaks & ponies that transport luggage and
camp gear.
 Experienced driver.
 Accommodation in carefully selected, highest standard government approved hotels &
guesthouses.

5.  All meals in Bhutan.
 All entrance fees and permits.
NOT INCLUDED:
 All personal expenses such as bars, beverages, laundry, telephone and tips.
 Medical / Travel Insurance.
VALUE-ADDED OPTIONS
In addition to offering independent, flexible tour options, National Adventure can also arrange a
variety of “add on” options to provide a more in-depth experience of Bhutan. These include:
 Cooking lessons
 A farmhouse stay
 “Ara” (rice liquor) brewing lessons
 Monastery experience
 Evening dinner & culture show
Alternatively, you can awaken your senses with a range of wellbeing and spa retreats offering
yoga, pilates, meditation, healing bodywork, hot stone baths and massage.
These activities can easily be incorporated into any itinerary. Please note that some activities
may attract additional fees.