This trek follows the same route as the Chomolhari
trek until it reaches the Lingshi campsite.
From here, the trail diverges to the left towards
Chebisa. Trek highlights include Laya villages
with their unique cultural dress code, as well
as diverse flora and fauna, including a good
opportunity to spot the famed blue sheep of
the Himalayas, yak herders’ camps, marmud
and more. On the final day, you have the opportunity
to soak in natural hot springs – renowned
in Bhutan as a medicinal treatment for physical
ailments.
Day 01 : Arrive at Paro.
Flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular
in all the Himalayas. One can see Mt. Everest,
Kanchenjunga, Makalu as well as other peaks
in Bhutan such as Chomolhari, Jichu Drakey and
Tsrim Gang. The first gift from Bhutan will
be the cool, clean fresh air as you step out
of the plane. You will be received by our representative
and escorted to the hotel.
Day 02 : Paro sightseeing.
Drive to Sartsam Chorten and walk up to the
Taktsang monastery (Tigers nest) viewpoint.
It is believed that Guru Rimpoche, who brought
Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century,
meditated here for three months.
The monastery was built later in the 17th century
on the same site. In April 1998, a fire destroyed
the main structure of the monastery and its
religious contents. A complete restoration was
done and has resulted in the monastery being
identical to the original one. This place beholds
the history of the hidden land.
The walking time is approximately five hours.
But it depends on one’s pace. When we
reach the main road we turn to the right and
dive further on to Drukgyel Dzong. Built in
1649 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal & damaged
by fire in 1951.
On the way back we will visit one of the oldest
monasteries that we have in Bhutan and it built
in the 7th century by the first king of Tibet,
Songtsen Gampo to introduce Buddhism into Bhutan.
Day 03 : Paro - Shana. 17 KM. walking
time 5-6 hours.
Drive to Drukgyel Dzong (15 km), at
the end of the valley where the trek begins.
It goes upstream of the Paro River, through
villages, gradually ascending to Shana. Overnight
Camp. Altitude: 2580m.
Day 04 : Shana - Soi Thangthangkha.
22 KM. Walking time 6 -7 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 a
bridge again, before reaching camp. Overnight
Camp. Altitude: 3750m
Day 05 : Soi Thangthangkha - Jangothang.
19 KM. walking time 5 hours.
The path ascends for a while until you reach
the army camp. Then follow the river above the
tree line enjoying the stunning views of the
surrounding peaks. Hot lunch will be served
inside a yak herder’s camp. Then take
a short walk in the valley to the camp at Jangothang.
The view of Mt. Chomolhari and Jichu Drake are
superb. Overnight Camp. Altitude: 4040 m.
Day 06 : Rest day at Jangothang. (Optional
walk around)
Today is a rest day and is free to take a hike
to Tshophu, walk towards the glacial lake of
Chhomolhari or to the Jichu Drake glacial lake.
Day 07 : Jangothang - Lingshi. 18 KM.
walking time 7-8 hours.
The trail follows the stream for half an hour
and crosses the bridge to the right. Start the
climb up to the first ridge with a breathtaking
view of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsrim Gang.
Then walk towards the valley, almost flat for
a while, until the climb to the Nyele la pass
at an altitude of 4,700 meters. After the pass
it's a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp,
enjoying the panoramic view of the peaks and
Lingshi Dzong. Overnight Camp. Altitude: 4000
m.
Day 08 : Lingshi - Chebisa. 10 KM.
walking time 5-6 hours.
Walk past the Lingshi Dzong, perched on the
hilltop with a commanding view of the green
hills, the Winding River and magnificent peaks.
This is a very easy and pleasant walk, through
villages and yak herders' camps. Lunch will
be served at scenic Goyuna village. After lunch,
a short walk to Chebisa village. We camp here
by the side of a stream at an altitude of 3,850
meters.
Day 09 : Chebisa - Shomuthang. 17 KM.
walking time 7 - 8 hours.
Today begins with a stiff climb up a ridge to
Gobu la pass at an altitude of 4,500 meters,
taking nearly 4 hours to the top.
After the pass descend to a lunch spot, through
rhododendron bushes. Afternoon continues along
an undulating path, after crossing the stream,
through rhododendron forests and across yak
herder’s camps. You may see some flocks
of Blue Sheep now and then. Arrive at camp.
Altitude: 4,250 meters.
Day 10 : Shomuthang - Robluthang. 18
KM. walking time 8 - 9 hours.
The trek starts with a climb to Jari
la pass at an altitude of 4,600 meters. Then
descend to Tsharijathang valley, the summer
residence of the rare Himalayan Takin (national
animal of Bhutan). From here we may have to
cross the stream and get wet, as most of the
time the footbridge is washed away. After crossing
the stream towards the left the trail ascends
to Robluthang camp at an altitude of 4400 meters.
Day 11 : Robluthang - Lemithang. 19
KM. walking time 6 – 7 hours.
A long climb up to the Shiche la passes
(altitude 5005 meters). The views of the mountains
from the pass are breathtaking. After the pass
descend to Lemithang. The path is quite narrow
and you may have to cross the stream and get
wet again.
The last part of the trek is very interesting,
with the view of Mount Gangchey -Ta peak. Arrive
at camp with an altitude of 4100 meters.
Day 12 : Lemithang - Laya. 10 KM. walking
time 4 – 5 hours.
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
with moss and singing birds. Arrive at Laya
village, the second highest settlement in the
country, at an altitude of 3,800 meter.
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 a unique dress, language
and ornaments. Overnight Camp.
Day 14 : Laya - Chamsa. 19 KM. walking
time 6- 7 hours.
Descend to army camp and join the Mo Chu (Mother
River of Punakha) and follow the river until
you cross the bridge. After the bridge it’s
up and down several times through juniper and
fir forests until you reach the camp at Chamsa
at an altitude of 3,800 meters.
Day 15 : Chamsa - Gasa Tshachu. 16
KM. walking time 6- 7 hours.
Walk for half an hour over flat land
to the Bele la pass. It is downhill all the
way to Gasa Tsachu (hot spring). Make a stop
for Lunch at Gasa village at the altitude of
2,700 meters. After lunch visit the village
and Dzong. The Dzong was built in 17th century
by the first religious king, Shabdrung Ngawang
Namgyal, to protect the valley against Tibetan
invaders. Then descend to Gasa Tshachu (hot
spring) for camp at an altitude of 2,200 meters.
Day 16 : Gasa Tshachu rest day.
After a long trek this is the place to relax.
Enjoy a hot spring bath and explore the surrounding
area. You may meet a lot of people coming to
this Tshachu for treatments.
Day 17 : Gasa Tshachu - Damji. 15 Km.
walking time 4- 5 hours.
The path continues descending and ascending,
through heavily forested areas with lots of
wilds orchids. In this area there are leeches
so one must be careful especially in the summer.
Camp will near the village at Damji an altitude
of 2,200 meters.
Day 18 : Damji – Tashithang -
Punakha. 16 KM. 4 walking time 4- 5 hours.
The last days of trekking will continually follow
the Mochu down through heavily forested area
until you reach Tashithang at an altitude of
1,620 meters. Our coach will be waiting to drive
you to Punakha (15km), following the river all
the way. Overnight Punakha.
Day 19 : Punakha – Thimphu.
In morning visit Punakha Dzong the old capital
of Bhutan. It was built in 1637. Drive to the
Dochula for lunch. The Dochula Pass is an altitude
of 3,050 meters. On a clear day one can have
a magnificent view of the eastern Himalayan
range of peaks. Overnight Thimphu.
Day 20 : Thimphu sightseeing.
Visit the Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 in
memory of the late king of Bhutan; the Indigenous
Hospital where traditional medicines are still
practiced; the National Library where ancient
texts and manuscripts are stored and the painting
school where children learn the traditional
technique of painting and arts.
Day 21 : Thimphu - Paro
Morning visit the Handicraft Emporium and free
time for shopping. After lunch drive to Paro.
Day 22 : Departure.
Your guide will bid you farewell!
