Laya – Lingzhi Trek

On your flight to Paro the journey affords spectacular views of the snow-capped Himalaya, including Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. Our representative will receive you at Paro Airport. If you arrive before noon you can start your trip after lunch, visiting the 8th-century Kyichu Lhakhang. In the evening, explore the town. Overnight in Paro.

The morning hike to the Tiger's Nest makes a fine half-day excursion with beautiful views of the Paro valley. Lunch at the Taktshang cafeteria, then a free stroll in town and the nearby village settlements. Overnight in Paro.

In the morning we drive to Gunitsawa, where there is an army camp, and start our trek. The trail continues uphill through the river valley, which gradually becomes narrower and closes in after some distance. The winding trail with frequent climbs and descents leads us to our campsite in a meadow with a stone shelter at 3,720 m.

Continue the trail along the Pa Chhu; the valley opens again after crossing a small army outpost. Trekking through the open valley affords views of high ridges and snow-capped mountains, with yaks and yak-herder camps on the valley floor. The day brings us near the ruined fortress at the base of Mt. Jomolhari at 4,040 m. Camp here for the night.

After two long trekking days you have a good chance to relax under the sun right in front of Jomolhari. If you are interested, you may go further from the base camp and climb to Tsho Phu at 4,300 m. Night at camp.

Climb gradually toward the pass through wide pastureland. On your way, depending on the season, you will find yak herders in their camps. Descending from the pass to Lingshi you have a beautiful view of Lingshi Dzong, the valley, Tserim Kang and its glaciers. At 4,150 m, camp in a stone shelter with a built-in fire pit, or in the tent.

Today is the shortest of all days on our trip. Upon reaching Chebisa at 3,850 m, having trekked three to four hours, we camp alongside the village settlement. You can visit the village houses and experience Bhutanese rural life.

Trekking through wide pastureland leads up to the Gobu La. Along the way you find some yak herders. Conquering the Gobu La at 4,305 m, we descend to the valley. The campsite is above a river bank, a tributary of the Mo Chhu, at 4,260 m.

We start early, for the trek is a little strenuous. Upon crossing the Jhari La at 4,600 m we descend to the Tsharijathang valley, where you can see herds of takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Camp at Tsharijathang at 4,390 m.

Crossing the Shinge La at 4,900 m, you take a downhill trek following the valley. Lingmithang, a beautiful village under Laya county, offers an opportunity to see people dressed in typical Laya costume with long bamboo hats. Camp at Lingmithang at 4,140 m after a day-long trek of six to seven hours.

The trek for the day is a downhill walk along the narrow winding river valley. The trail leads you to the west side of Laya village. At 3,850 m the campsite is on a high flat bench above the village.

A day halt at Laya gives us time to go around and explore the village to the fullest — its houses, its people and their unique costume and way of life.

After a short descent to the army camp you meet the car and drive to Punakha. On the way we stop at the Gasa hot spring to relax the muscles and aches earned over ten days of trekking. Gasa is one of the most famous hot springs in Bhutan; in winter thousands of people come to soak here, believing in its power to heal joints, backs and many other pains and ailments. After spending enough time there, drive on to Punakha for the night.

Drive to Paro via Thimphu. As the capital city, Thimphu is quite crowded — but there are no traffic lights. We visit the National Memorial Chorten, Buddha Point and the weekend market, have lunch, and drive to Paro for overnight.

After breakfast, we see you off at the airport.