The beautiful Laya and Gasa Trek

Upon arrival at the airport, a local representative will greet you and assist you throughout your stay in Bhutan. In Paro, you will immediately embark on a cultural journey to visit one of Bhutan's most iconic sites.

Rinpung Dzong, built in the 17th century, is a stunning example of Bhutanese architecture. It currently houses 200 monks and the district administration. The dzong’s central tower, the Utse, is renowned for its exceptional beauty. You can explore the Kuenrey, the prayer and study hall for the monks, and take photographs in the dzong's courtyard.

After your visit, you will hike down to the old wooden bridge, which was once the sole entrance to the dzong and was guarded at night in ancient times. Later, you can stroll around the town, visit local restaurants, and fully immerse yourself in the Bhutanese atmosphere. Overnight at the hotel

Altitude: 2300m

Today, you will embark on a warm-up hike to one of Bhutan's most scenic and significant pilgrimage sites, Taktsang, also known as Tiger's Nest. This iconic temple, which has served as a refuge for over 1,200 years, is perched 200 meters above a steep cliff overlooking the Paro Valley. Its rich history dates back to the 8th century when Guru Rimpoche, the founder of tantric Buddhism in the Himalayan region, visited the site.

The original temple was constructed in the 17th century but was destroyed by a fire in 1998. It was meticulously rebuilt to its former glory in 2003. In the evening, you will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. Overnight at the hotel

Altitude: 3150m, Distance :7km Trek: 5hrs, Ascent: 600m, Descend :600m 

Start your day with a drive to the picturesque Dzongdrakha village, a charming settlement perched on a cliff high above the Paro Valley, offering stunning views of the surrounding rice fields and the valley below.

After exploring the village, continue your drive to Kila Gompa monastery, home to around 30 nuns. At the monastery, you can enjoy a cup of tea with the nuns, who are delighted to share their insights and stories with visitors. Once you’ve absorbed the serene atmosphere of Kila Gompa, continue your hike towards Chela Pass, located at an altitude of 3,988 meters. From this vantage point, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Himalayas, a sight that will leave you feeling inspired and invigorated.

After the hike, return to Paro Valley and spend some time exploring the town. Towards the afternoon, drive to Shana, passing Drugyel Dzong, and spend the night at the camp. Overnight camp

Altitude: 2870m, Distance :120km, Drive: 4hrs

Today will be the longest day of the trek, featuring numerous ups and downs that may leave you feeling quite exhausted. You will trek across the isolated farm of Shing Karap, situated at an altitude of around 3,100 meters. Soon, you will reach a trail junction marked by piles of rocks adorned with colorful prayer flags. Taking the left trail will lead you towards Tibet, crossing the Tremo La Pass. However, you will follow the right trail, marked by a rock with "way to Soi" and an arrow pointing in that direction.

This trail involves a steep climb followed by a descent to a bridge, which will allow you to cross the river. From there, continue your ascent through the forest until you reach Thongo Samba, a clearing that serves as an ideal spot for lunch.

The forest is stunningly beautiful, with diverse vegetation. At this high altitude, you may encounter yaks. It’s important to exercise caution around them, as they may not be very friendly towards strangers. If you do encounter yaks on the trail, maintain a safe distance and let them pass first. It’s advisable to stay above them on the trail rather than below.

The trail will eventually lead you to a small white stupa and a bridge. Do not cross this bridge as it leads to Yaktsa village. Your campsite for the night, Soi Thangthangkha, is located just half an hour from the bridge. Overnight camp

Altitude: 3750m, Distance :17km Trek: 8 to 9hrs, Ascent: 900m 

Your early raise will be rewarded with the view of Jomolhari (7,325m) with the sun rays illuminating on its peak, nestled between two steep valleys. After an hour's walk along the left side of the Pa Chhu (Paro River), you will leave the tree line behind and enter a breathtaking valley. As the valley widens, you’ll be treated to stunning views of high, snow-capped peaks.

You will pass a military campsite that guards the border with Tibet before encountering yaks and their winter camps. Continuing your trek, you will come across several small houses in Soia Yutey. It’s worth stopping here for a cup of butter tea and lunch. The campsite is just a few minutes' walk from the village, making it an ideal spot to spend the night. Overnight camp

Altitude : 4040m, Distance :12km Trek : 5hrs, Ascent: 300m

Today, on your rest day, you have the opportunity to engage in some acclimatization activities. One option is to take a walk to Tshophu, a stunning spot featuring two lakes and breathtaking views of the majestic Jomolhari and Jichu Drakey peaks. Alternatively, you can embark on a hike in various directions. Head west towards the towering Jomolhari and its subsidiary peaks, or venture north to encounter the imposing Jichu Drakey. For a more adventurous option, explore the eastern region by scaling summits and ridges and forging your own trail. However, be aware that this hike lacks a defined trail, so exercise caution and be vigilant for potential hazards. Regardless of the option you choose, you are guaranteed to be surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty while acclimatizing to the high altitude of the region.

Altitude: 4040m

This part of the trek offers magnificent view of the Jomolhari, Jichu Drakey, and Tserim Gang. Departing from the last house in Jangothang, the trail crosses a small bridge and ascends a steep hill to a stunning open area. Along the way, keep an eye out for Himalayan vultures and herds of marmots.

As you climb through the beautiful valley to the left, you’ll be captivated by the scenery. It takes about three hours to reach the Nyle La pass at 4,880 meters. From the pass, enjoy a steep descent to the stream before veering left along the mountain. This section of the trail is relatively flat until you reach the ridge, where you’ll be greeted by the mystical Dzong of Lingshi. The dzong dominates the landscape, offering breathtaking views of Jichu Drakey and Tserim Gang.

After soaking in the stunning vistas, descend through the forest to your campsite at Chha Chi Thang for overnight. Overnight camp

Altitude: 4010m, Distance :15km Trek: 6hrs, Ascent: 800m, Descend :730m 

Nestled atop a hill, Lingshi Dzong offers a spectacular vista of emerald green hills, winding rivers, and majestic peaks. This fortified structure has stood as a sanctuary for Buddhist devotees for centuries, while also serving as a defensive bastion against invasions from Tibet and Mongolia. Today's itinerary is relaxed, offering a delightful stroll through picturesque villages and pastures occupied by yak herders. After a sumptuous lunch, a brief trek will lead you to the charming hamlet of Chebisa, where a dazzling crystal-clear waterfall awaits. Overnight camp

Altitude : 3850m, Distance :12km Trek : 5- 6hrs, Descend :250m 

After breakfast, we will ascend towards Gogu La Pass (4,500 meters), which will take approximately four hours. Along the way, you might catch a glimpse of the elusive blue sheep grazing on the rocky terrain near the top of the pass. From the pass, you will descend through a breathtaking landscape of vibrant rhododendron bushes until you reach a picturesque spot for lunch.

In the afternoon, the trek continues with a series of gentle ascents and descents, crossing streams and meandering through lush forests, past traditional yak herder camps, and finally arriving at Shakepasa, situated at an altitude of 3,980 meters.

From Shakepasa, the trail climbs steeply towards the northern side of the valley, enjoying magnificent views of the Himalayan range. As you pass a few more yak herder camps, the trail leads you to a serene campsite beside a babbling stream, at an altitude of 4,250 meters.

Altitude : 4130m, Distance :16km Trek : 6-7hrs, Ascent: 600m, Descend :290m 

The trek begins with a walk along a trail adorned with edelweiss, leading you to Jari La Pass at an altitude of 4,750 meters, where you'll be treated to stunning views of the snow-capped Kangbum Peak (6,526 meters) to the southeast. From the pass, you'll descend into the Tsarijathang Valley, which serves as the summer residence of the rare Himalayan Takin, Bhutan's national animal. After crossing the stream and veering to the left, the trail will continue to ascend until you reach Robluthang, a rocky meadow camp. Overnight camp

Altitude : 4130m, Distance :17km Trek : 6-7hrs, Ascent: 600m, Descend :290m

Today's trek promises to be an exhilarating experience as you traverse the highest pass of the entire journey. As you make your way up through boggy patches, you'll cross streams, spot marmot holes, and navigate moraines. At last, you will reach the top of Shingchen La Pass (5,005 meters), where you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the snow-covered Gangchenta, or Tiger Mountain (6,840 meters), dominating the northern horizon.

From the pass, you'll descend via a rough and rocky trail, following the moraine river valley until you reach the Kango Chhu River. After a refreshing walk-through cedar forests, you'll arrive at Lingmithang (4,140 meters), a picturesque campsite with scattered meadows by the river and the majestic Tiger Mountain (Gangchenta) towering behind you. Overnight camp

Altitude : 4140m, Distance :15km Trek: 6-7hrs, Ascent: 850m, Descend :870m

As the morning light breaks through the clouds, you'll be greeted by the awe-inspiring view of the majestic Gangchenta Peak. The trail towards Laya winds through a dense forest, adorned with lush greenery and the sweet melody of singing birds. The path will lead you through an uninhabited valley, where you'll encounter the grace of a cascading waterfall, its crystal-clear water flowing down the rocks.

Continuing on, you will reach a junction where the upper path leads to fields dotted with charming stone houses. Finally, at an altitude of 3,800 meters, you'll arrive at Laya Village, the second-highest settlement in the country, where the crisp air and breathtaking views create an unforgettable experience. Overnight farmhouse

Altitude: 3850m, Distance :10km Trek: 5hrs

Descend to the army camp and join the Mo Chhu (Mother River of Punakha). Follow the river until you reach the bridge, then ascend and descend several times, passing through juniper and fir forests. Continue along the trail until you reach Koena at an altitude of 3,800 meters. There, you will meet your car and driver, who will transfer you to Gasa Village and then on to Punakha.  Overnight at hotel

Altitude : 1200m, Distance :16km Trek : 6hrs, Drive :3hrs, Descend :600m

In the morning, visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 at the confluence of the Po Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). This dzong is renowned as the most stunning in Bhutan.

Continue your journey towards Thimphu, making a stop at Dochula Pass. The pass is adorned with the 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens, and from here, you can view the Himalayan ranges that you crossed during the trek. Upon arrival in Thimphu, check into your hotel and explore the weekend market and the craft market. Overnight at hotel

Altitude: 2300m, Drive 2hrs

Drive to Paro airport for departure

Drive: 1hr