This trek offers a great variety of trekking conditions, from picturesque farmland and forests to alpine pastureland and high passes. Spectacular campsite, beneath some of Bhutan’s most impressive peaks, of which the most notable are Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake, are also the features of this trekking route. Numerous isolated Dzongs and scattered settlements, including the outlandish village of Laya, provide a great deal of cultural interest en-route.

Season: This trek is generally open from April to June and mid September to November. However the best trekking month in Laya region is April.

Day 01: Arrive Paro
Meeting & assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Evening, visit to Paro Market and town. Over night at the hotel in Paro.

Day 02: Paro
Morning visit to Ta Dzong, built in 17th century, as watch tower to defend Paro Dzong and valley. This fortress was later converted into the national museum in 1967 and is filled with antique thangka paintings, textiles, weapons and Bhutan’s renowned postage stamps. Below Ta Dzong, is fascinating Rinpung Dzong meaning” fortress on the heap of the jewel” which has interesting story. Afternoon see, Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most scared shrines of Bhutan. Over night at the hotel in Paro.

Day 03: Paro – Shana, 17km, 5 – 6 hours
The trek starts from Drugyel Dzong at 2580m 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 Gunyitsawa at 2810m. This is the last stop before Tibet. At 2870m, just beyond Sharma Zampa, there are several good camping places in meadows surrounded by trees.

Day 04: Shana – Soi Thangthankha, 20 km, 7 – 8 hours
The trail again follows Pa chu (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.

Day 05: Soi Thangthangka – Jangothang, 19km, 7 – 8 hours
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 4040m. From here the view of Mount. Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake are superb

Day 06: Rest day at Jangothang
Enjoy the superb view around.

Day 07: Jangothang – Lingshi, 18km, 7 – 8 hours
The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right side view of Jhomolhari, Jichu Darke and Tsrim Khang. The walk towards the valley is almost flat for a while until, the climb to the Nyele la pass at an altitude 4700m. After the pass it’s a gradual descend to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the panoramic view of the peaks and Lingshi Dzong. Camp at the altitude of 4000m.

Day 08: Lingshi – Chebisa, 10km, 4 – 5 hours.
Proceed ahead passing Lingshi Dzong, perched on the hilltop with a commanding view of green hills, the winding river and magnificent peaks. It is an easy day and pleasant walk through villages and yak herders camp. After lunch, a short walk will take to Chebisa village. Camp by the side of a stream, at the altitude of 3850m.

Day 09: Chebisa – Shumuthang, 17km, 6 / 7 hours
Today begin with a stiff climb up a ridge to Gubu la pass at an altitude of 4500m, taking nearly four hours. After the pass descend to a lunch stop, through rhododendron bushes. Afternoon continue the up and down path, after crossing the stream, through rhododendron forests and yak herder camp. You may see herd of blue sheep now and then. Camp at the altitude of 4250m

Day 10: Shumuthang – Robluthang, 18km, 6 – 7 hours
The trek starts with a climb to Jari la pass at the altitude 4700m. The descend to Rasharijathang valley, the summer residence of a rare Himalayan takin ( National animal of Bhutan). From here we may have to cross stream as most of the time the foot bridge is washed away. After crossing the stream towards the left, the trail ascend till you reach Robluthang camp at an altitude of 4200.

Day 11: Robluthang – Limithang, 19km, 7 / 8 hours.
It’s a long climb up Shinje la pass (4900m). The view of the mountains from the path is stunning. After the pass descend to Lemithang. The path is quite narrow and you may have to cross stream again and get wet. The last part of the trek is very interesting with the view of Mount. Gangchey Ta. Arrive at the campsite at the altitude of 4100m

Day 12: Limithang – Laya, 10km, 3 – 4hours
In the morning you wake up with a superb view of Gangchey Ta peak in front of you. The walk to Laya is very pleasant with wonderful views. You will pass through a damp forest, filled moss and singing birds. Arrive at Laya village, the second highest settlement in the country, at altitude of 3800m.

Day 13: Rest day at Laya
Explore around village. You can go and visit any of the houses around. Even to perfect stranger, traditional Bhutanese hospitality is extended and a cup of tea and Chang (local drink) is always offered. The people in this village are very interesting especially the women. They wear conical bamboo hats decorated with turquoise & silver ornaments. In the evening, witness the cultural program (dance) performed by village girls by the camp and enjoy the local alcohol (ara & Chang), if you have a strong stomach.

Day 14: Laya – Chamsa, 19km, 8 / 9 hours
Descend to army camp and join the Mo chu (female 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 an altitude of 3800m.

Day 15: Chamsa – Gasa Tshachu, 14km, 6/ 7 hours
Walk for about half an hour over flat land till the Bele la pass. It’s down hill all the way to Gasa Tshachu. Lunch at Gasa village at the altitude of 2700m. After lunch visit the village and the Dzong. The Dzong was built in 17th century by the first religious King, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, to protect the valley against the Tibetan Invaders. Then descend to Gasa Tshachu( Hot spring) for camp at an altitude 0f 2200m.

Day 16: Gasa Tshachu Rest day
After a long trek, this is the place to relax. Enjoy the hot bath and local beer that can be procured here.

Day 17: Gasa Tshachu – Damji, 18km, 5/ 6 hours
The trail continues ascending and descending through heavily forested areas and wild orchards. In this area, there are leeches so one must be careful. Camp nearby the village at an altitude of 2400m.

Day 18: Damji – Tashithang – Punakha, 16km, 5/ 6 hours
It is the last trekking day. Continue follow the Mo chu river down through heavily forested area till you reach Tashithang at an altitude of 1520m. Your transport will be waiting to drive you at night at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 19: Punakha – Thimphu
Morning sightseeing in Punakha and Wangdiphodrang valleys visiting Dzong and local market. Afternoon drive to Thimphu. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 20: Thimphu – Thimphu
Today city tour of Thimphu visiting; Memorial Chorten, Tashiochhodzong, National Library, Painting School, Traditional Medicine Institute, Handicraft Emporium. Over night 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: Paro Depart
After early breakfast in the hotel drive to Paro airport for the flight to onward destination.