LAYA TREK (13 day trek/22 days total)
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.
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 mosts popular.

DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO
On arrival at Paro airport, you will be met by your Bhutan Travel Bureau and transferred to your hotels after completion of arrival formalities. Evening visit to Paro market and town. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

DAY 02: PARO
Today's full day sightseeing in Paro valley include visits to Ta dzong (National Museum), Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) and Kyichu Lhakhang. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

DAY 03: PARO - SHANA
17km, 5-6 hours
The trek starts from Drukgyal Dzong (2,580m) with a short downhill walk on a wide trail. The trail climbs gently 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 (2,810m). This is the last stop before Tibet. The trail continues up to 2,870m, just beyond sharma Zima, 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), ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. After crossing a bridge to the left bank of the river, we stop for a hot lunch. Then we continue along the river, climbing upwards thought rhododendron forests, and crossing the river once more before reaching our campsite (3,750).

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) From here, the views of chomolhari and Jichu Drake are superb.

DAY 06: JANGOTHANG
Rest Day
Enjoy a leisurely day at this scenic spot, enjoying a superb view of the south face of Chomolhari and the ruined dzong.

DAY 07: JANGOTHANG - LINGSHI
18km, 7-8 hours
The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right bank. We now start our climb up to the first ridge, enjoying breathtaking views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang. The trail then us across a fairly level valley floor, untill the climb up to Nyele - la pass (4,700m) We descend gradually from the pass to our campsite at Lingshi (4,000m), enjoying a panoramic view of the mountain peaks and Lingshi Dzong as we walk.

DAY 08: LINGSHI - CHEBISA
10km, 5-6 hours
We continue on the trail past Lingshi Dzong, perched on its hilltop, enjoying exhilarating view of green hills, the winding river and magnificent peaks as we walk. It is an easy day, and a pleasant walk thought village and yak herders' camps. 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 - SHOUMUTHANG
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 Place. We cross the stream after lunch, and continue along the up and down path, through rhododendron forests and yak herders' camp, occasionally sighting flocks of blue sheep as we walk. 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 (Bhutan's National animal). We may have to ford the stream here, as the footbridge is frequently washed away. After crossing to the left bank of the 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 path is quite narrow, and we may have to ford the stream again and get wet. The last part of today's trek is a rather a scramble down a steep path, with the compensation of splendid views of Gangchenta peak (6,840) along the way. Tonight we camp at 4,100m on flat ground above the river in a forested area, with Gangchenta towering directly above us to the north.

DAY 12: LIMITHANG - LAYA
10 km, 4 - 5 hours
In the morning we walk to a superb view of Gangchenta peak in front of our camp. The walk to Laya is very pleasant with wonderful views along the way. We pass 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
Today we explore the village and environs. You can go and visit any of the houses around. Traditional Bhutanese hospitality is extended even to a perfect stranger, and a cup of tea and chang (an alcoholic drink) is always offered. The people in this village are very interesting, especially the woman, whose plain yak wool garments are set off by elaborate necklaces and conical program of dances performed by village girl by the camp fire, and enjoy the local alcohol (ara and chang, brewed from barley) if you have stong stomach.

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 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, to protect the valley against Tibetan invaders. 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 -DAMJI
18km, 5-6 hours
The path wind up and down through heavily forested area where you can see many wild orchids. Take care, as there are leeches too! We camp overnight near Damji village (2,400m).

DAY 18: DAMJI - TASHITHANG - PUNAKHA
16km, 5-6 hours
This is our last trekking day. The trail descends through heavy forest, following the course of the Mo Chu, till reaching the road head at Tashithang (1, 620m). Bhutan Travel Bureau will be waiting here to drive us along the valley to Punakha, 15km. down the road. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

DAY 19: PUNAKHA - THIMPHU
Morning sightseeing in the Punakha and Wangduephodrang valleys, visiting Punakha Dzong and local market. Afternoon drive to Thimphu. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

DAY 20: THIMPHU
Today tour Thimphu, visiting the following as time permits: National Memorial Chorten, Tashichhodzong, National Library, institute for Zorig Chusum (Bhutanese arts and crafts school), National institute of Traditional Medicine (outside only), Handicrafts Emporium, Folk Heritage and National Textile Museums. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

DAY 21: THIMPHU - PARO
Morning for shopping and at leisure. After lunch drive to Paro visiting Simtokha Dzong en route.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro

DAY 22: DEPART PARO
After early breakfast in the hotel, your guide will escort you to the airport for your onward flight.

For full more information, please email tours@btb.com.bt