Classic Laya Trek

Classic Laya Trek

One of Bhutan's and one of the world's finest treks. The route offers fantastic mountain views at close range. Visit isolated dzongs and scattered settlements including the remote and unique village of Laya, a place only accessible by foot. This trek takes you across high Himalayan mountain passes and over local trading routes. You'll also visit famous Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger's Nest, perched on the cliffs overlooking Paro. Before your trek enjoy a full day sightseeing in Kathmandu, visiting key heritage and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Itinerary

• Day 01

  Arrive Kathmandu (1400m)

  Welcome to Nepal. On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you’ll need to obtain your visa and collect your luggage before heading to the exit where one of our local team will be waiting to greet you. Look out for a sign with your name and our One Himalaya company logo. On the transfer drive to your hotel, the traffic can be busy, but you’ll also have interesting views of day-to-day life in the city en route. This evening you’ll be briefed by our travel planner and then we invite you to a complimentary welcome dinner at an authentic Nepali restaurant with an interesting cultural program. Overnight at your hotel in Kathmandu. Meals Included: Welcome dinner.

• Day 02

  Kathmandu - sightseeing

  This morning begin with an easy walk through Asan Bazaar’s streets, an old Kathmandu Valley market area. Here you’ll see streets filled with vendors including farmers selling fresh vegetables and other stalls selling local spices, clothing and household items, with locals haggling on prices and beautifully dressed women visiting nearby temples. Surrounded by ancient palaces, courtyards and streets, Kathmandu Durbar Square dates back to the 12th century. Known for its unique architectural design and cultural significance, the ancient palace is one of the most important historical sites in Nepal. In 1979, it was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Kumari Ghar, Taleju Temple, and Kal Bhairav temples are all significant attractions in the area. 

  
  

  After exploring Durbar Square your tour continues. Also known as the “Monkey Temple”, the pilgrimage site of Swayambhunath, is located atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley. This fascinating UNESCO world heritage site dates to the 5th century. There’s a long set of steps to reach the temple complex and reaching the top you’ll be able to see a blend of Hinduism and Buddhism with a large dome of golden stupas surrounded by small Buddha statues, stupas, temples and small handicraft and tea shops. Enjoy mixing with the local people, the monks, and sellers. There’s also a local monastery where young monks train and a small museum holding Buddhist relics and scripts and you’ll often see locals celebrating special occasions here as well as making their regular prayers and offerings. 

  
  

  Dating back to the 16th century, the historical site of Patan Durbar Square is filled with stunning temples and structures with intricate carvings and ornate façades. This is another important UNESCO World Heritage site, and its most prominent attractions include the Krishna Mandir, Bhimsen Temple and the Golden Temple. The ancient palace houses some of the most important museums and cultural centers in Nepal. Here you’ll have a chance to meet and receive a blessing from the Kumari or Living Goddess. This revered figure in Nepalese culture, is believed to be the reincarnation of the Hindu goddess Taleju. After several physical and spiritual tests, a young girl is chosen through an elaborate selection process by a Buddhist community, to represent the Hindu deity. After reaching puberty, another Kumari will be selected with the previous Kumari able to live a more normal life. The Kumari is a prominent figure in Nepalese culture with both Hindus and Buddhists seeking guidance and blessings from her. There are lots of interesting cafes to enjoy lunch in Patan, before heading back into the city. 

  
  

  Heading back towards Kathmandu city we’ll visit Pashupathinath before the return to your hotel. One of South Asia’s most sacred Hindu temples, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the most important deities in the Hindu Pantheon. Intricate carvings and decorations make the temple an astounding architectural marvel. The holy river, Bagmati, flows alongside the temple, where the devotees take ritual baths and perform cremation ceremonies, reminding us of the cycle of life and death. There are also many shrines, meditation centers and ashrams surrounding the main temple. 

  
  

  The rest of your evening is at leisure. Overnight: Kathmandu. Meals Included: Breakfast.

• Day 03

  Fly to Paro (2300m).

  Fly to Paro, Bhutan and transfer to your hotel.

  
  

  The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in the entire Himalayas. Flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu, the route offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom of Bhutan. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you’ll be met by our representative for the short transfer drive to your hotel. The rest of your day is free to rest and relax and perhaps explore locally. 

  
  

  Overnight Paro. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

  
  

  
  

• Day 04

  Paro and hike to Tiger's Nest (3120m)

  This morning it's a short drive from Paro town to the start of the trail for the hike up to famous Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger's Nest. The monastery perches on the cliffside and overlooks the valley below. Legend says that the Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava flew on the back of a tiger from Tibet to fight five demons who were trying to stop the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan. The trail is quite a steep uphill walk through the woods, taking around 1 1/2 to 2 hours to reach a tea house where we'll stop for a break and to enjoy the wonderful views of Taktsang Monastery. Around half an hour further ascent brings us to another viewpoint across from the monastery. The final part of the walk from here goes steeply down into the gorge before it climbs up again to the monastery gate. After a visit to the monastery we follow the same trail down again to the valley floor before driving back to Paro. This afternoon there should be time for some local sightseeing with a chance to visit the ancient temple of Kyichu Lakhang, one of 108 temples built by Songtsen Gampo, an important early Tibetan king. 

  
  

  The rest of your late afternoon and evening is at leisure to rest and relax. Overnight at your hotel, Paro. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• Day 05

  Paro to Shana (2880m), trek to Thongbu Samba (3100m)

  Leaving Paro, we head west and it's a short drive of around 30 minutes to reach the start point for your trek - near the ruins of Drugyal Dzong (2530m). Leaving the surfaced road, we follow a dirt farm road for around 1 1/2 hours, passing through small hamlets of local houses, all in traditional design. Reaching Shana (2880m) there's time to rest whilst the yaks or ponies are loaded with our bags for the trek days ahead. Once that's done, we'll follow a riverside path and follow it up as it climbs to Thongbu Samba (3100m) where we'll camp tonight. Rest and relax and enjoy the surroundings. Overnight at tented camp. Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• Day 06

  Trek to Soi Thangka (3600m).

  After breakfast this morning, we set off, along the river and through mixed forest, gradually gaining height.  If it's rained the trail can be slippy with uneven rocks so it's best to take it steady and our trek crew can assist if needed. The trail continues and winds upwards as head north. At around 3560m we'll cross a bridge and from here it's a short fairly steep climb to reach a chorten which marks the place where two valleys meet.  If the weather is good, you'll be able to see beautiful Mount Chomolhari from here. From here we follow the trail along the west bank of the Paro Chu (river) to reach Soi Thangka, around half an hour or so from here. Rest and relax this evening and overnight at tented camp.  Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• Day 07

  Acclimatisation day

  Enjoy a leisurely breakfast today before we head out to explore further. We'll use today as an acclimatisation day before we trek higher over the next few days. Today we'll trek to to Hermit’s Cave to explore and enjoy the surroundings before we descend to camp at glacial meadow. Overnight at tented camp.  Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  

• Day 08

  Trek to Jangothang (4100m) - Chomolhari Basecamp.

  After breakfast today ,it's around 6 hours trek in total. We follow a herder's trail up towards a small hamlet called Jumphu. After passing through here we'll join the main trekking trail as we head towards  Jangothang (Chomolhari Basecamp). We'll stop for lunch en route, likely at a meadow near Tikithang. From here it's around another hour's trek to reach our camp location, beside the ruins of a dzong under the massive east face of Mount Chomolhari.  Overnight at tented camp. Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• Day 09

  Rest and acclimatisation day - Jangothang (4100m).

  This is another rest and acclimatisation day.  After breakfast this morning there's the option to walk up to see the twin lakes at Tshophu. It's a beautiful place and from there you'll be able to see the Himalayan peaks (including impressive Jitchu Drake) on Bhutan's northern border with Tibet.  The landscape here is of green grazing grass, yaks and beautiful mountain views, a great place to relax and take in the views. It's just a couple of hours hike to the lakes and the trail climbs up into a valley that runs south east. After time to enjoy the lakes and surrounding views, we walk back down to the campsite at Jangothang to enjoy lunch with the rest of the afternoon and evening to rest and relax.  Overnight at tented camp. Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

  
  

• Day 10

  Cross the Nyele La (4850) and camp near Lingshi (4010m).

  Today is a longer day of around 7 to 8 hours trek. The trail follows the river to begin with and then we cross the river by bridge. The trail now starts to climb steeply to begin with great views towards the mountains of Chomolhari and Jitchu Drake. Today takes us close to the Tibetan border. We follow the trail across a broad hanging valley to reach the final stage and steep slopes up to the Nyele La - a high mountain pass decorated with traditional prayer flags.  After crossing the pass we trek down with the path quite steep to start with , and we follow a ridge before the path descends through pine and rhodendron forest towards the river and Tshajithang, where we'll camp overnight.  Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• Day 11

  Trek to Chebisa (3880m) via Gang Yul.

  It's around 6 hours trek today. After breakfast we start the trek towards Lingshi Dzong. The trail follows the hillside with views across the valley to see the Basingthang Peaks.  We might also see kestrels hovering in the skies above the ridges. It's around two hours before we follow the path around a corner, with views of Tserim Gang. The path now descends towards Gang Yul. The name means 'village at the pass' and around 150 people live here in beautiful traditional houses, below limestone cliffs and the vast east face of Jitchu Drake. We leave the village and carry on around the hillside to reach Chebisa, a pretty valley with stone houses and pastures. During summer months the Bharal (Blue Sheep) come here to graze. Rest and relax overnight at tented camp.  Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• Day 12

  Cross the Gombu La (4400m) to Somothang (4221m).

  Today we'll trek for around 7 to 8 hours. The trail continues from Chebisa up towards the Gombu La (pass) at 4440m from where we can enjoy (weather permitting) wonderful views back towards Lingshi and the surrounding peaks. I'ts quite common to see lammergeier (Bearded Vultures) above the pastures here and Hill Partridges can also be seen. Leaving the pass we follow the trail down through cypress, rhododendron and spruce mixed forest to reach Shomuthang. We can either camp near the river or a little higher up the valley to get a head start tomorrow.  Rest and relax overnight at tented camp. Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• Day 13

  Cross the Jare La (4760m) to Robluthang (4160m).

  It's an early start today as we follow the path that climbs up towards the Jare La (4760m). From the pass there are wonderful views of Tiger Mountain (Gangchen Tagg  -7000m).  From here we should also be able to see across to the Shinge La which we'll be crossing tomorrow.  As we trek down through pine forest keep a look out for the Takin, Bhutan's national animal which is common in this area.  We cross the river and it's just a short walk from here to reach Robluthang (4160m) where we'll camp overnight.  Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• Day 14

  Cross the Shinge La (5000m) to Limithang (4150m).

  Today is a more challenging trek of around 7 to 8 hours to cross the Shinge pass and reach Limithang. We start following a yak trail above our camp location, for around 2 hours to reach a beautiful hanging valley. Our route follows the left side of the valley and it's not long before we'll see the Shinge La (5000m). This is the highest point on our trek. The first part of our trek is pretty strenuous so it's best to pace yourself. The climb up ends when we see four stone cairns that mark the boundary of the District of Laya. We descend into the central valley area, coming to a clearing with a large rock. Passing here we continue down until we see a moraine bank holding back a pretty lake against the backdrop of the Great Tiger Mountain, Kang Che Da. We continue on a short way down into the valley to a meadow near the river at Limithang (4150m).  Overnight at tented camp. Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• Day 15

  Arrive into Laya (3800m).

  Today is a shorter day of around 4 to 5 hours trek to reach Laya village, the key highlight of this trek.  This is a bird watchers paradise so enjoy the morning walk through this wonderful spot. It's a shorter day than the last few but includes a lot of ascents and descents. We cross a bridge and then follow the river along the left bank, through spruce and juniper forest where we'll also see Spanish moss hanging from the trees here.  Our route ascends again above the riverside until we start to see the houses on the outskirts of Laya village (3800m). Laya is a very interesting place with a unique culture and is somewhere only reachable by foot. The people from Laya are quite striking in their traditional dress including pointed hats and decorative jewellery. They're very welcoming and we'll have a chance to meet with them and learn more about their culture. We should arrive around lunch time and then you'll have the afternoon free to explore the village, meet the local people and visit the monastery. We'll camp in one of the fields near the village.  Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• Day 16

  Morning in Laya village. Trek to Tongchu Drak (3300m). Drive to Gasa (2500m).

  This morning you'll have time to explore Laya village a little more before we head off. The villagers here are semi- nomadic and depend on yak herding for their livelihood.  Cultivation is difficult at high altitudes and a challenge for most villagers in the higher regions of the Himalaya. Here, the people spend part of the year living in yak hair tents and when in the village they live in drystone walled houses. They stores grains here which they used to barter for other goods.

  We say goodbye to Laya and walk through the village passing a large chorten and descending down towards the river.  The forest here is very lush, due to the heavy monsoon rains that last from June to September. It's around 5 to 6 hours trek today. We'll pass an army camp and follow the trail along the river Mo. The trail mostly descends today with just a few ascents to negotiate a few steep spots. The trek ends at Tongchu Drak where our transport will be waiting. It's around 2 1/2 hours trek to Gasa and our last campsite near the hot springs.  Many people come to Gasa Tsachu (hot springs) to bathe. There's currently some restoration work on the springs to repair flood damage. If we can, there's the option to take a dip in the springs but if not accessible or possible we'll drive on towards Punakha and stay in a hotel.  Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• Day 17

  Drive to Thimphu, visit Punakha en route.

  We'll start early today with a drive along the Mo Chu (river), through Damji, crossing several mountain ridges. We descend into the valley where we'll see rice fields, hamlets and it'll become more populated. We reach Punakha (1350m) after around two hours. This was the winter capital of Bhutan for over 300 years. Punakha Dzong (fortress monastery) is sits at the junction of two rivers, the Mo (mother) and the Po (father) Chu. During the winter months over 1000 monks live here. From Punakha we continue the drive west on the east-west highway, winding all the way up to the Dochu La (3050m). From the pass, the road descends to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city where ancient and modern Bhutanese culture blend. The rest of our afternoon and evening is free to rest, relax and explore locally. We'll celebrate the end of our trek at dinner this evening. Overnight at hotel, Thimphu.  Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• Day 18

  Fly Paro to Kathmandu.

  The flights from Paro usually depart early morning to Kathmandu, with, weather permitting, beautiful views over Bhutan’s mountains and past Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Everest. You’ll be met on arrival for the transfer to your hotel. The rest of your day is free to relax and do any last minute shopping or exploring. Optional guided sightseeing or other activities available on request. Overnight Kathmandu. Meals included: breakfast.

• Day 19

  Depart Kathmandu.

  Today is at leisure until time to check out and head to the airport. Our representative will arrange your transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport three hours before your departure flight. Meals Included: Breakfast.