This 16 days treks takes you through gorgeous alpine meadows, high mountain passes and dense sub-tropical jungles. Seasons:The Lingshi-Laya trek is generally open from April to June and mid-September to mid-November. However, April is the best trekking month for the Laya region.
DAY 01: Arrival Paro
On arrival at Paro International Airport, the representative of Radhi Bhutan Tours will receive you and escort you/group to the hotel. Overnight at hotel, Paro, at elevation 2280m.
DAY 02: Paro/Sightseeing – Sharna
Visits Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan King in 7th century. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Later, visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower, which now houses Bhutan’s National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkas paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.
Drive to the trek point, Sharna (17 kms) in the afternoon where your trekking crew will receive you. Overnight at camp at 2810m.
Trekking:
DAY 03: Sharna-Soi Thangthangkha
20km, 8-9 hours
The first day of your trek is a long day with lots of ups and down through pine, oak and spruce forests making strenuous of rock hopping to avoid mud and holes. Hot lunch will be served on the way. Overnight at campsite at 3,750m.
DAY 04: Soi Thangthangkha-Jangothang
17km, 4-5 hours
Today, you will go above tree lines. Comparing to the trek of yesterday today will relatively easy but the elevation gain is significant. On arrival at the campsite, spectacular view of mountain Jhomolhari (7326m) and Mount Jichu Drake are superb. Overnight camp at Jongothang at 4080m.
DAY 05: Jangothang-Halt
(Acclimatization Day & Exploration of Jangkothang)
Enjoy a leisurely day at this scenic spot, enjoying a superb view of the south face of Jhomolhari and the ruined dzong Or hike-up to the ridges to get the good view of the Himalayas.
DAY 06: Jangothang-Lingshi
18km, 7-8 hours
The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right bank. We now start our climb up to the first ridge, enjoying breathtaking views of Jhomolhari (7,326m), Jichu Drake (6,794m) and Tserimgang. The trail then takes you across a fairly level valley floor until the climb up to Nyele-la pass (4,700m). Then descend gradually from the pass to our campsite at Lingshi (4,010m), enjoying a panoramic view of the mountain peaks and Lingshi Dzong.
DAY 07: Lingshi – Chebisa
(10km, 5-6 hours)
Continue on the trail past Lingshi Dzong, perched on its hilltop, enjoying exhilarating views of mountain ranges, the winding river and magnificent peaks as we walk. It is an easy day, and a pleasant walk through villages and yak herders’ camps. After lunch, a short walk takes us to Chebisa village, where we camp by the side of a stream (3,850m).
DAY 08: Chebisa – Shoumuthang
(17km, 6-7 hours)
Today begins with a stiff climb of nearly four hours up a ridge to Gubu-la pass (4,500m). After the pass, the trail takes us through the rhododendrons down to the stream, where we will stop for hot lunch. The trail continues through rhododendrons until the camp and it is common to sight blue sheep along the trail. Campsite is at an altitude of 4,250m.
DAY 09: Shoumuthang – Robluthang
(18km, 6-7 hours)
The trek starts with a climb up to Jari-la pass (4,750m). Then descend from here to Tasharijathang, where herds of takin (Bhutan’s national animal) migrate to this valley in summer and remain about four months. The valley has been declared a special takin sanctuary. After crossing to the left bank of the stream, the trail ascends to Robluthang (4,200m) where we set up our camp for the night.
DAY 10: Robluthang – Limithang
(19km, 7-8 hours)
We start the day with a long climb up to Shinje-la pass (4,900m), enjoying stunning mountain views from the path. After crossing the pass we descend to Limithang. Tonight we camp at 4,100m on flat ground above the river in a forested area, with Gangchenta towering directly above us to the north.
DAY 11: Limithang – Laya
(10km, 4-5 hours)
The walk to Laya is very pleasant with wonderful views along the way. We pass through a damp forest, filled with moss and singing birds. We set up camp on arrival at Laya village, the second highest settlement in the country, at 3,840m.
DAY 12: Rest Day at Laya
Explore the village and environs. You can go and visit any of the houses around. Traditional Bhutanese hospitality is extended even to a perfect stranger, and a cup of tea and chang (an alcoholic drink) is always offered. The people in this village are very interesting, especially the women, whose plain black yak wool garments are set off by elaborate necklaces and conical bamboo hats decorated with turquoise and silver ornaments.
DAY 13: Laya–Chamsa
(19km, 8-9 hours)
We descend from Laya to the army camp at the side of the Mo Chu (Mother river of Punakha), and then walk alongside the river till reaching a bridge. After crossing the bridge, the track winds up and down through juniper and fir forests. We camp in the forest at Chamsa (3,800m).
DAY 14: Chamsa–Gasa Tshachu
(14km, 6-7 hours)
After a 30 minute walk over flat land to Bele-la pass, it’s downhill all the way to Gasa Tshachu. En-route visit Gasa Dzong, built in the 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, to protect the valley against Tibetan invaders. We then descend to Gasa Tshachu (hot) spring), where we set up our camp (2,200m).
DAY 15: Gasa Tshachu – Thimphu
Drive to Thimphu (6 hrs). En-route visits Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. Punakha was Bhutan’s capital until 1955, and Punakha Dzong still serves as the winter residence of the central monk body. Bhutan’s first king, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned here in 1907. The fortress has withstood damage from fire, earthquake and flood over the centuries. Overnight at hotel, Thimphu.
DAY 16: Thimphu-Sightseing
Visits_ Optional: Giant Buddha at Kuenselphodrang. This massive statue of Shakyamuni (51.5 meters), making it one of the largest statues of Bhutan; Memorial Chorten; Tashichhodzong (“the fortress of the glorious religion”); Textile Museum; National Library; Institute for Zorig Chusum (Bhutanese arts and crafts school); National Institute of Traditional Medicine (outside only); Takin Zoo, the national animal of Bhutan. Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts shops known as Craft Bazar, which displays wide assortment of beautifully hand-woven textiles, crafted products, thangkha, masks, ceramics, slate and woodcarvings, jewelleries, and other interesting items made from local materials by the local artisans. Overnight at hotel, Thimphu.
DAY 17: Paro-Fly out
After breakfast, drive to Paro international airport for your onward flight.
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