Tour Overview
This trek is an extension of the Jhomolhari trek; it introduces you to the atypical culture of the Layaps (People of Laya) and offers you the opportunity to indulge in Natural Hot Spring baths (Tsachhu). You can see blue sheep, Blue Poppy, the national flower of Bhutan and Takin, the national animal of Bhutan in their natural habitat.
Trek Duration: 21 Days / 20 Nights
- Maximum Elevation: 5,005 m
- Standard: Medium – Hard
- Best Seasons: April to June and September to November
- Start: Drugyel Dzong, Paro
- Finish: Tashithang, Punakha
Tour Details
Day 1: Arrival at Paro
During the flight, you will experience breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks like the sacred Mt. Jhumolhari & Jichu Drakey in Bhutan. Upon arrival you will be welcomed by the representative from Bhutan Ratna Yoebar Tours. Take a stroll around Paro town in the evening, followed by welcome dinner and overnight stay at Paro.
Attractions of the day:
- Paro Dzong or the Rinpung Dzong – Fortress of the heap of Jewels.
- Ta Dzong: It is the National Museum, a conical watch tower overlooking the Rinpung Dzong.
- Kichu Lhakhang: One of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan king Songsten Gampo in the 7th century to subdue an ogress. There is another temple said to be built on the same day called Jampey Lhakhang in Bumthang.
Day 2: Excursion to Taktshang, Paro
To acclimatize to the change in elevation, we shall hike to the famous Taktshang – the Tiger’s Nest. It takes about 2 hours to reach Taktshang. This magical monastery clings to vertical granite cliff 3000 m above the valley. The legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew to the site of the monastery on the back of a tigress, a manifestation of his consort Yeshe Tshogyal, to subdue a local demon. He then meditated in a cave for three months. For the local people it is a place of pilgrimage, but for a tourist, a hike up to the view point opposite the monastery is exhausting, thrilling and a mystical experience.
Day 3: Drugyel Dzong, Paro to Sharna (Start of Trek)
Distance 17km; Time 5 – 6 hours, 360m ascent, 80m descent.
Day 4: Shana to Thangthangka
Altitude 11,843 feet; Distance 22km; Time 7 – 8 hours.
Day 5: Thangthangka to Jangothang
Distance 19km; Time 5 – 6 hours, 770m ascent, 10m descent.
Day 6: Jangothang (Jhomolhari Base Camp)
Today is a rest day to relax and take a break as you will have ascended nearly 6,000 feet in the previous 3 days. If you like you can take up local hikes around Jangothang.
Day 7: Jangothang to Lingshi
Distance 18km; Time 6 – 7 hours, 840m ascent, 870 descent.
Day 8: Lingshi to Chebisa
Distance 10km; Time 4 – 5 hours, 280m ascent, 410m descent.
Day 9: Chebisa to Shomuthang
Distance 17 km; Time 6-7 hours, 890m ascent, 540m descent.
Day 10: Shomuthang to Robluthang
Distance 18 km; Time 8 – 9 hours, 700m ascent, 760m descent.
Day 11: Robluthang to Lemithang
Distance 19 km; Time 6 – 7 hours, 850 ascent, 870 descent.
Day 12: Lemithang to Laya
Distance 10 km; Time 4 – 5 hours, 60m ascent, 340m descent.
Day 13: Rest day at Laya
Explore the village. You can go and visit many of the houses in the village. By tradition one can go to any house without an Invitation. A cup of tea or chang (local drink) is always offered. The people in this village are very interesting with unique dress, language and ornamental jewelry. Overnight stay at Camp.
Day 14: Laya to Chamsa
Distance 19 km; Time 6- 7 hours.
Day 15: Chamsa to Gasa Tshachhu
Distance 16 km; Time 6- 7 hours, Gasa Tsachhu camp site elevation – 2,200m.
Day 16: Gasa Tshachu rest day
After a long trek this is the place to relax. Enjoy the hot spring bath and explore the surrounding area.
Day 17: Gasa Tshachu to Damji
Distance 15 Km Time 4- 5 hours, Altitude 2,200 m.
Day 18: Damji to Tashithang to Punakha (End of Trek)
Distance: 16km; Time 4- 5 hours.
Day 19: Punakha to Thimphu
Visit Punakha Dzong and Chhimi Lhakhang in the morning. Travel to Thimphu in the evening. Overnight stay at Thimphu.
Attractions of the day:
- Punakha Dzong: The second of Bhutan’s Dzongs built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Rinpoche. The official name is Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang, which translates as “The Palace of Great Bliss”.
- Chhimi Lhakhang: The fertility temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, a Tibetan Buddhist saint and a folk hero popularly known as The Divine Madman
Day 20: Thimphu sightseeing
Spend the day at Thimphu visiting places like:
- Ride to Sangaygang viewpoint
- Mini Zoo Mini Zoo at Motithang
- Zilukha Nunnery
- Visit Arts and crafts school
- Visit Traditional Medicine Institute where the ancient healing arts are still practiced
- Memorial Stupa
- The Painting school
- Buddha Point
- Handicraft Emporium and local stores
Travel to Paro in the evening. Farewell dinner and overnight stay at Paro.
Day 21: Departure
Depart from Paro International Airport to your homeland. Your Guide will escort you to bid you farewell and safe journey back home.
Services Offered
Daily Tariff (High tourist season):
US $250 per person per day on twin sharing basis during the Month of March, April, May, September, October, November
Daily Tariff (low tourist season):
US $ 200 per person per day on twin sharing basis during the month of January, February, June, July, August, December
All the tours can be customized and clients can request extra services.
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLIMENT US $ 30 PER NIGHT PER PERSON.
FIT surcharges 1 pax US $ 40 per day per person.
FIT surcherges 2 pax US $ 30 per day per person.
Cost Includes:
1. All Permits
2. Museum Fees
3. All Sightseeing
4. Walks and Hikes
5. Bottled Mineral Water
6. English Speaking Guide
7. Double/Twin in 2/3 Star Accomodation
8. Receive and Transfer to Airport
9. 3 Meals every day with Evening Tea
10. Toyota SUV for FIT & Toyota Bus for Group with Driver
Cost Does Not Include:
1. Insurance
2. Inbound Airfare
3. Gifts & Souvenirs
4. Alcohol & Beverages
5. Round Trip Air fare
6. Donations to Monasteries
7. International Telephone Calls
8. Tips for Guide, Driver & other Staff
Note:
TCB Licensed language Speaking Guides US $ 100 per day.
Tour price is based on High Season Tariff of US $ 250. For low season months it will be based on Low Season Tariff of US $ 200
