Beautiful Laya-Lingshi Trek
Quick Facts
- Total Distance: 186.5kms
- Duration: 17 Days (13 days trek)
- Grade: Moderate
- Altitude Gain: 5,200m
- Altitude Loss: 7,010m
This trek is sometimes referred to as the Laya Trek and is one of the finest and the most beautiful trek in Bhutan. The route starts from Paro-Shana-and continues onwards to Jumolhari camp. It then goes via Lingshi to Laya and exists at Gasa.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Paro, Bhutan
The flight into Bhutan takes you over the Himalayas, offering glimpses of the highest glacial peaks. On arrival at the airport, your local guide will receive you and transfer to the hotel. After check-in and refreshments, visit the National Museum housed in a 17th century watch tower. Visit the Rinpung Dzong. O/N at Hotel in Paro. Elevation: 2,300m.
Day 2: Paro Halt, Hike to Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang)
After breakfast, start the hike up to the Tiger’s Nest, perched 900m high above the valley floor. It takes 5 hours to go up, visit the shrines inside and to come down. Then visit the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong and Kyichu lhakhang. O/N at Hotel in Paro.
Day 3: Paro-Shana-Thangthangkha
22kms, 8-9hrs, altitude gain=685m. Start hiking following the river on the right. Camp altitude 3,575m.
Day 4: Thangthangkha-Jangothang
17kms, 4-6hrs, altitude gain=469m. Walk through the forest following the river upstream. Camp altitude 4,044m.
Day 5: Jangothang Halt (Acclimatization Day)
Rest day at Jumolhari Base camp. Hike to Twin Lakes Tsho Phu or up the steep ridge for views of Jitchu Drakey and Jumolhari.
Day 6: Jangothang-Lingshi
21kms, 6-7hrs, altitude gain=845m. Cross Nyile La Pass (4,890m). Views of Mt. Tsherim Kang and Great Tiger Mountain. Camp at Chazithang (4,010m).
Day 7: Lingshi-Chebisa
16kms, 4hrs. Visit Lingshi Dzong. Explore Gangyul village. Camp at Chebisa (3,990m).
Day 8: Chebisa-Shakeypasa
14.5kms, 5hrs, Altitude gain=450m. Climb to Gogu La pass (4440m). Camp altitude 4,000m.
Day 9: Shakeypasa-Tsari Jathang/Tsheri Yango
16kms, 7-8hrs, Altitude gain=945m. Climb to Jharila Pass (4785m). Camp altitude 4,160m.
Day 10: Tseri Yango-Limithang
14kms, 7-8hrs, altitude gain=840m. Cross Shinche La Pass (5,000m). Camp altitude 4,160m.
Day 11: Limithang-Laya
9kms, 4hrs. Easy day of gradual downhill to Laya Gewog. Camp altitude 3,800m.
Day 12: Laya Halt
Explore the village and visit the school, or hike up to the lakes.
Day 13: Laya-Koina
16kms, 6-7hrs, altitude loss=560m. Drop down to river, climb to Kohi Laptsa (3,380m), descend to Koina. Camp altitude 3,240m.
Day 14: Koina-Gasa
12kms, 6hrs, altitude gain=660m. Cross Barila Pass (3,900m). Descend to Gasa. Optional hot springs. Camp altitude 2,200m.
Day 15: Gasa to Punakha
Drive to Punakha (4-5 hours). Visit Punakha Dzong. O/N at Hotel in Punakha.
Day 16: Punakha-Thimphu
Hike to Chimed Lhakhang. Drive over Dochula pass into Thimphu. Visit Memorial Chorten, Giant Buddha, Takin Preserve, Tashicho Dzong. O/N at Hotel in Thimphu.
Day 17: Departure
Drive to Paro airport for onward destination.