Bhutan High Trails via Laya
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Overview
Highlights
- Gain magnificent views of the sacred peak, Jomolhari and Jichu Drake
- Discover pristine wilderness trekking over high mountain passes
- Experience Laya, one of the most remote settlements on earth and home to the indigenous Layap
- Ascend to 'Tiger's Nest' Monastery for an insight into Buddhist culture
- Explore the ancient dzongs and market places of Thimphu and Paro
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Trip includes
- 17 breakfasts, 17 lunches and 17 dinners
- airport transfers on Day 1 and Day 18
- expert bilingual guide
- Safety equipment including portable altitude chamber, group medical and satellite phone for emergency use
- good quality accommodation in Paro
- the use of a World Expeditions trek pack which includes a quality sleeping bag, down or fibre fill jacket and insulated mat (valued at over US$500)
- all group camping equipment
- private transportation
- all park entrance fees and trekking permits
- animals to carry 20kgs personal equipment
- sightseeing and site entry fees as listed
- souvenir World Expeditions kit bag
- Bhutan visa
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Itinerary
After clearing customs and immigration you will meet your Bhutanese leader and drive a short distance via the main street of Paro to our accommodation. At some stage of our visit, we have planned visits to the main part of town, and a visit to the National Museum. It ...
Today is a really exciting and informative day as an introduction to this wonderful country. The Paro Valley is truly beautiful, being a location for various farming activities, including commercial quantities of asparagus, strawberries and shitake mushrooms for expor...
It is a short drive of approx 20 minutes up the Paro valley to Drukyel Dzong, which was originally built as a fortress in 1647 to guard against Tibetans invading the Paro Valley. We continue the drive to Shana (1-1.5h drive) from where our trek commences. On this sce...
We are now trekking within Jigme Dorje National Park, the largest protected area in the country (4350 sq kms.) which extends beyond Laya to Lunana in the east and all the territory to the south. Whilst it is a protected wilderness, the park management which is based a...
We continue higher to the camp at the base of Jomolhari, a superb alpine setting. Jichu Drake (6794m) rises to our right, with a fine, elegant ridge running down toward the pass that we will cross on our next trekking day. We camp in the vicinity of yak herders from...
Today we are at Jangothang, an important day for acclimatisation. A side trip up the small valley towards Jomolhari takes us to a dramatic viewpoint towards the glacier beneath. Alternatively we may make a scenic excursion up to Sopu Lake set adjacent to Nye La pass,...
From camp we commence our ascent over rolling slopes of grassland and small brush to the Nyile La (4850 metres). This is a relatively long day on the trail, so if this is your first Himalayan pass just take your time, particularly on the final steeper stages just belo...
While those trekking just to the base of Jomolhari head out towards the roadhead today, we continue to head northeastward, ascending past the Lingshi Dzong across high alpine pastures dotted with rhododendron and daphne to Chebisa. It is a picturesque valley of pastur...
From Chebisa the trail gradually ascends to the Gombu La (4440 metres). The views back to Lingshi and the surrounding peaks are spectacular. Here, hill partridges have been sighted, while the griffons may be seen soaring above the alpine pastures. The descent to our c...
Our route takes us directly upwards this morning, traversing around many grassy slopes to the Jare La. Blue sheep and griffons can often be seen here. Once at the gap, marked by flags and several cairns we can look expansively across to the adjacent valley and our n...
It will take us approximately four hours to make our ascent of Sinche La. A slow steady pace is essential to gain it comfortably and make the long descent on the other side. At the pass itself there are glimpses of peaks to our left including Gangchenta. Descending, ...
This morning we walk directly away from the mountain environment before us, descending the valley to Laya and our first principle village of the trek. The forests are thick for the several hours; and the trail winds down beside the river steeply, until we reach pastur...
A day set aside to relax and rejuvenate after the exertions of the past few days. After a leisurely start to the day, we will enjoy some additional visiting time in Laya, threshing wheat with the locals, visiting the school or perhaps enjoying a soda in one of the sma...
Initially our route takes a broad trail down, fairly steeply, through tall conifers to the river and army post. It then follows the course of the Mo Chu to the roadhead. The Mo Chu is a major Himalayan river that flows on through Punakha and then directly south to for...
Today is our final day of the trek. We will be picked up by our car half way from Ponjothang road point. This road was built to connect Laya with the rest of Bhutan as part of the government initiative to upkeep the nomadic traditions of the people in these areas and ...
This morning we drive to the rich fertile valley of Punakha. The drive is around 2-3 hrs passing by the various villages and settlements on the way. The drive is beautiful through idyllic countryside past agricultural fields and sub tropical forest with waterfalls on ...
We aim to stop in Thimphu for enough time to get a feel for the country's capital. The main Secretariat building, the Tashichho Dzong is the most prominent building consisting of the main Secretariat, the National Assembly Hall, the Office of the King and the Throne ...
The trip concludes after breakfast with a transfer to the airport.
meals : B
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Dates & Availability
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
World Expeditions Reviews & Ratings
Our trip to Bhutan in April 2024, was a great success
Our guide, Kinzang and his crew looked after our group of 4 very well. The campsites are spacious and equipment excellent, even a hot water bottle at night when need...
Just completed the Laya Trek in Bhutan which was amazing
The whole experience from booking to the fabulous guide...
This was a great trip in an amazing country
The team really looked after us on the trail. The route is challenging, so preparation is essential as is having the right gear for changing conditions. The reward...
This was an awesome trek but not an easy one
Ground crew in Bhutan were first class. Make sure you fully understan...
This trip was fantastic! It was a beautiful blend of culture and wilderness
Bhutan's mountain passages provided ever-changing breathtaking views, the villages a rich display of traditional culture, and monasteries gave an anchoring of histor...
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A great mixture of activities allowing us to experience wilderness areas and tourist attractions.
An amazing adventure through Laos and Cambodia
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What's excluded
- International flights
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Accommodation
- 4 nights hotel
- 13 nights camping
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