LAYA Trek

Highlights: The flight into Paro offers one of the most spectacular mountain views in the world, showcasing a panorama of some of the highest peaks on Earth. After lunch, explore Paro with visits to the Ta Dzong Museum, which houses religious relics, art, and handicrafts, followed by a visit to the Rimpong Dzong, a large monastery and district administrative center.

Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Highlights: Hike to Taktsang Monastery, also known as the "Tiger's Nest," which takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill. The monastery is perched on a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor, offering breathtaking views.

Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Highlights: The trek begins at Drukgyal Dzong (2,580m), with a gentle climb through rice terraces, millet fields, apple orchards, and forests. Pass the army post of Gunitsawa (2,810m) and continue to your campsite at 2,870m in a meadow surrounded by trees.

Highlights: Follow the Pa Chu (Paro River) through pine, oak, and spruce forests. After crossing a bridge, the trail climbs through forests, reaching your campsite at 3,750m.

Highlights: Ascend to an army camp before following the river above the tree line with views of the surrounding peaks. Camp at Jangothang (4,040m), with a short walk into the valley after lunch.

Highlights: A day at leisure, enjoying stunning views of the south face of Chomolhari and exploring the ruined dzong.

Highlights: Follow a stream and cross over to the right bank before climbing to the first ridge, offering views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tserimgang. Continue to Nyele-La Pass (4,700m) and descend to the campsite at Lingshi (4,000m).

Highlights: Pass Lingshi Dzong, enjoying views of hills, rivers, and peaks. A pleasant walk through villages leads to Chebisa village, where you camp beside a stream (3,850m).

Highlights: Begin with a climb up to Guba-La (4,500m) before descending through rhododendrons. Cross a stream and continue through rhododendron forests, camping at 4,250m.

Highlights: Climb to Jari-La Pass (4,700m) and descend to the Tasharijathang valley, summer grazing ground of the rare Himalayan Takin. Camp at Robluthang (4,200m).

Highlights: Start with a climb to Shinji-La Pass (4,900m), with stunning mountain views. Descend to Lingithang, with a steep final stretch offering views of Gangchenta peak (6,840m). Camp at 4,100m.

Highlights: Enjoy a walk through damp forest and moss-covered trees with singing birds. Arrive at Laya village, the second highest settlement in Bhutan, at 3,800m. Camp on arrival.

Highlights: Explore Laya village and experience traditional Bhutanese hospitality with visits to local homes, where you’ll be offered tea and chang (alcohol brewed from barley).

Highlights: Descend from Laya to the army camp at the side of the Mo Chu (Mother River of Punakha), then walk alongside the river to a bridge. After crossing, the trail winds through juniper and fir forests. Camp in the forest at Chamsa (3,800m).

Highlights: After a 30-minute walk to Bele-La Pass, descend to Gasa Tshachu, stopping for lunch at Gasa village (2,700m) and visiting the 17th-century Gasa Dzong. Camp at Gasa Tshachu (2,200m), a hot spring location.

Highlights: Relax in the hot springs after a long trek, and enjoy local beer.

Highlights: Drive through scenic mountains to Punakha (3-4 hours). Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

Highlights: Visit Punakha Dzong, situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father Rivers). Explore the three-story main temple and the temple of Drukpa Kuenly, the “Divine Madman.” Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

Highlights: Drive to Thimphu via the Dochu-La pass (3,100m), offering incredible views of the Himalayas. Visit local sights in Thimphu. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

Highlights: Full day of sightseeing, including visits to the National Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Temple, the Zilukha Nunnery, and Tashichhodzong. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

Highlights: Visit the School for Arts and Crafts, the National Library, the Traditional Paper Factory, and the Folk Heritage Museum. If visiting on a weekend, explore the Thimphu Market. Transfer to Paro in the late afternoon for an overnight stay.

Highlights: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to the airport for your flight to your onward destination. Tashi Delek!