The mysterious land of Happiness (20 nights & 21 days)

Explore western, central, eastern & Northern Bhutan and experience the true essence of the country and its people. This 21 days package assures you a wonderful and memorable experience of the tiny Himalayan nation of Bhutan. The adventure begins by trekking through the Himalayan ranges of Bhutan, winding roads through the valleys of Gasa, Punakha, Trongsa, Bumthang, and Mongar, and trashing to the east of Bhutan.  Visiting sacred temples, monasteries, and dzongs (forts), and Museums, cross some of the highest mountain passes and have a spectacular view of the Himalayas ranges. Explore Phobjikha valley the winter home of the endangered bird Black-necked crane. Destinations are Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha valley Wangdue, Trongsa and Bumthang, Mongar & Trashigang.

 

Trekking in Bhutan is very different from the neighboring regions in the Himalayas and it’s pretty much reserved for adventurous people and well-fit trekkers, and if you want to walk through truly wild countryside, and see mountain peaks, glacial lakes, experience the life of yak herders and Himalayan flora and fauna. Bhutan is the right place. In Bhutan, we use horses and mules to transport our trekking gear & food, and on the trek, we don’t have log houses and lodges we have to spend a night in tents at a designated campsite chosen by the Tourism Council of Bhutan.

 

Laya Gasa Trek & Cultural tours

LayaGasa trek takes about 12 days and starts from Paro Valley and terminates at Gasa. The route goes up to the high Laya region at 4000m where yak herders live at the foot of mount Masagang (7200m). You have to cross some high passes at 5000m and sees different vegetation, fabulous views of the mountain peaks, magnificent landscape, lakes, and exceptional flora and fauna. The best season to do this trek is in spring and autumn.

 

Day 1: Arrival at Paro

Arrive at Paro International Airport where you will meet your tour guide & driver and then drive to Paro town.

Attractions:  National Museum, Paro Rinpung Dzong (1647 the fortress of the heap of jewels, Dungtse Lhakhang (15th-century temple) and Kyichu Lhakhang (7th century the oldest temple) and visit Farmhouse.

Overnight: hotel in Paro

 

Day 2: Paro, Hike to Tiger’s nest Temple

In the morning after breakfast hike to Taktshang Goemba(Tiger’s nest temple)or ride a pony till halfway to the temple, you will walk through the blue pine forest, and on the way, there is a cafeteria where you can have tea & snacks or Lunch.

Distance & Time: 7 km, 2- 3 hours     Altitude: Tiger’s nest temple 3000m

Attractions:  Tiger’s nest temple, 8th-century Buddhist temple, Paro town for Shopping.

Overnight: hotel in Paro

 

Day 3: Paro to Thangthangka

The trek begins today, drive towards Sharna Zampa which is 40 km, and 1 hour approximately. You will cross Gunitsawa Village where you pass the army post. At the army checkpost your trek permit (provided by your tour operator) will be checked and endorsed. Our trekking crew will wait for us at Sharna Zampa (2850m) where our trek begins. On this long day, the trail continues with lots of small ups and downs. After going uphill through the river valley the valley finally narrows gradually to a mere path that descends to a meadow where a camp will be set up. From here, if weather permits, you will have the first great view of Mt. Jomolhari.

 

Day 4: Thangthangka to Jangothang Base camp

You will still have a chance to get a great view of Mt. Jomolhari early this morning. This morning the trek continues up the Paro Chhu valley which widens into patches of alpine meadow and scanty growths of forest. You will cross an army checkpoint along the way and enjoy a spectacular view of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. In this area yaks and their herder’s homes become a regular feature of the landscape. Passing the villages of Soe, Takethang, and Dangochang is another asset on this day. After reaching Jangothang, one of the most beautiful campsites of the Himalayas, you will again have a spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari.

 

Day 5: Jangothang Base camp (Halt)

The rest day in Jangothang provides plenty of possibilities for day hikes with great views of lakes and snowcapped mountains such as Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. There are good chances to spot some blue sheep on the upper slopes of the valley. Jangothang is a perfect environment for your acclimatization. You can also trek up to Tshophu, a pair of lakes towards the east, or hike around the area. There are good short hiking trails in three directions. Jomolhari and its subsidiary mountain chains lie directly west, Jichu Drake to the north and there are a number of unclimbed peaks to the east.

 

Day 5: Jangothang to Lingshi

This is one of the longest days of the trek. A short distance from the camp the trail begins climbing rapidly for about half an hour and then becomes a gradual ascent to the Nyilila pass at 4,870m. While on the climb enjoy the surroundings. You might see herds of blue sheep grazing on the slopes of the mountains. From the pass you will have spectacular views of Mt. Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tsherimgang, all of them rising above 7,000m. It's a gradual descent to the camp where you will pass by some of the yak herder’s tents, made from yak wool. The herders use these tents while traveling to various pastures for their yaks. As you come down into the Lingshi basin, a beautiful U-shaped valley, you get a wonderful view of Lingshi Dzong on clear days. Tserimgang and its glaciers rise up at the north end of the valley. The campsite is next to a stone hut you reach just before Lingshi Dzong.

 

Day 6:  Lingshi to Chebisa

Today is the shortest walking day, and you can really take it easy. Shortly after starting you will reach a Chorten below Lingshi Dzong. Here, you have the choice of staying on the main trail or taking a detour up to the Lingshi Dzong (4,220m), which sits right atop a high ridge. This Dzong is under reconstruction from a 2011 earthquake that damaged its central building. In addition to a very special atmosphere of mystic tranquility, Lingshi Dzong provides a great view over the valley. After Lingshi Dzong you will be passing the villages of Lingshi and Goyul. In Goyul, the stone houses are clustered together to form a small compact village which is unusual in Bhutan where settlements are usually scattered. On reaching the campsite at Chebisa you will have plenty of time to visit the village houses if you feel up to it. There is also a beautiful waterfall located behind the village that is worth visiting.

 

Day 7: Chebisa to Shombuthang

The morning starts with a long ascent behind Chebisa Village (2-3 hours) through a wide pastureland towards Gobu La (pass). On the way, you will see a few people herding yaks. There is also a great chance to spot large herds of blue sheep above the trail. After crossing Gobu La (4,410m), you descend into the valley, then climb again a little bit, before descending again to Shakshepasa (3,980), a large U-shaped valley. Climbing from here you will finally reach the campsite at Shomuthang, above a river, which is a tributary of the Nochu River.

 

Day 8: Shomuthang to Robluthang

The trail begins by climbing up the valley to view Kang Bum (6,526 m) and some edelweiss. After two hours of climbing you will reach Jhari La (4,750m), from where you catch the first glimpse of Sinche La, the pass you will have to cross the day after. The big snow peak in the north is Gangchhenta 6,840 m, better known as the Great Tiger Mountain. If the weather is clear, Tserim Kang and the top of Jomolhari will be visible. The camp by the river is called Tsheri Jathang located in a beautiful wide and remote valley. Herds of takin, the Bhutanese National Animal, migrate to this valley in summer and remain for about four months. The valley has been declared a takin sanctuary. Climb up a little bit and you will reach the campsite at Robluthang in a rocky meadow.

 

Day 9: Robluthang to Limithang

The trek starts out with an initial 40-60mins ascent before gradually raising for another 1.5 hours through a boulder field. It is then a 1-hour steep ascent before reaching Sinche La (5,005m) – the final and highest pass on the trek if you don’t intend to continue the Snowman trek from Laya onwards. As you descend the far side of the pass you will see an impressive terminal moraine and a glacial lake at the foot of the valley. You can see classic examples of lateral moraines where the glacier has pushed rocks up both sides of the valley. Below the moraine, you cross the Kango Chhu and soon reach the Limithang campsite. The peak of Gangchhenta towers over the campsite even though it’s quite a distance away.

 

Day 10: Limithang to Laya

Today, you walk downhill all the way along a narrow, winding river valley. After a long time, the trail takes you through the densely forested regions. The trail leads you to the west side of Laya village. From the west of the village, you will have spectacular views of Mt. Gangchhenta and catch Mt. Masagang. In the village, center are a community school and a basic health unit with a telephone connection. The campsite is located below the school.

 

Day 11: Laya to Koina

The trail winds up and down along the river valley of Mo Chhu avoiding natural obstacles and affording breath-taking views of the raging river, feeder streams and waterfalls. Lots of ups and downs will lead you to Kohi Lapcha at 3.300 m. The trek then drops down to the large stream of Koina Chhu, where you will find the campsite of Koina.

 

Day 12: Koina to Gasa

Today you will have the last major climb of the Laya Gasa Trek. You will cross Bari La (3,740m), after which the trail descends all the way until you reach Gasa village (2,770m), where you will find the first restaurants since you started from Drukgyel Dzong. There also is a campsite close to Gasa Dzong. You will have to decide whether you want to stay in Gasa village or descend for another hour to the Gasa Tsachu (hot springs) and relax in the rejuvenating mineral waters. The Gasa Tsachu is one of the most popular hot springs in Bhutan.

 

Day 13: Gasa to Punakha or Helicopter services toward Tashigang

Drive to Punakha the old capital and winter home of the central monk body along the Mochu river via Damji and Kabisa village.

Distance &Time: 70 km, 3 hours

Altitude: Punakha 1200m,

Attractions: Punakha Dzong (1637, the fortress of great happiness), Chimmi Lhakhang (15th-century temple of fertility), and Sangchen Dorji Lhendup Dratshang(2008, Buddhist nunnery).

Overnight: hotel in Punakha

 

Day 14: Punakha to Bumthang

Today after breakfast you will drive to Bumthang valley via Wangdue, Pelela pass (3300m), Trongsa, and Yotong la pass (3400m).

Distance & Time: 198km, 7 hours   Altitude: Bumthang 2500m

Attractions: Chendebji Chorten (18th century Nepali style stupa), Trongsa Dzong (ancient homes of the royal families) Jakar Dzong (1549 the fortress of white bird), Chamkhar town, Jampa Lhakhang (7th-century temple)

Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang

 

Day 15: Bumthang (Halt)         

After breakfast you will do some sightseeing in Bumthang, the valley is known as the cradle of Buddhism in Bhutan, Guru Rinpoche spread Buddhism in the 8th century and he first visited Bumthang & founded many temples. In this valley, you will see many old and sacred temples.

Attractions: Kurjey Lhakhang (1652 temple of body imprint), Tamshing Lhakhang (1501 temple), Mebartsho(the burning lake), local  Cheese & beer factory, and Kenchosum Lhakhang (9th-century temple).

Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang

 

Day 16: Bumthang to Mongar

It takes about seven hours to travel between Jakar and Mongar. You will drive through the dense forest and scenic and spectacular waterfalls. A small number of binocular-armed visitors will be hoping to catch a glimpse of a rufous-necked hornbill or a nuthatch. The trip crosses two passes and takes in numerous sheer drops on what is one of the most spectacular drivers in the country, descending 3200m over a distance of 84km. during winter the Thrumshing la Pass (3750m) is occasionally closed for days during heavy snowfall. Overnight at Mongar.

Distance & Time: 193km, 7 hours   Altitude: Mongar 1600m

Attractions: Namling waterfall, Shongar Dzong, Mongar Dzong.

Overnight: Hotel in Mongar

 

Day 17: Mongar to Trashigang

The Mongar to Trashigang (eastern part of Bhutan) is easier and shorter than the journey from Jakar to Mongar but still will take 3 to 4 hours. Trashigang (Auspicious Mountain) is one of Bhutan’s more interesting towns.

Distance & Time: 91km, 3.5 hours   Altitude: Korila pass (2400m), Tashigang 1070m

Attractions: Tashigang  Dzong, Ranjung monastery, Drametse monastery

Overnight: Hotel in Tashigang

 

Day 17: Trashigang (Radhi) to Merak

Today drive to Merak, which will start from Chaling reached by following an unsealed road from Rangjung. After Mindrula which lies at about 3,316m / 10,880ft the trail to Merak goes along the river bank with gradual ups and downs.

 

Day 18: Merak to Mongar

Early morning drive back to Mongar by the same road.

Distance & Time: 166km, 6 hours   Altitude: Korila pass (2400m), Mongar 1600m

Attractions: scenic drive through the winding roads.

Overnight: Hotel in Mongar.

 

Day 18: Mongar to Bumthang

Drive to Bumthang.

Distance & Time: 193km, 7 hours   Altitude: Mongar 1600m

Attractions: Namling waterfall, Shongar Dzong, Mongar Dzong.

Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang

 

Day 19: Bumthang to Phobjikha valley or Domestic flight to Paro

In the morning after breakfast begins your journey to the next destination Phobjikha Valley, Wangdue formed by the glacial and winter home for the endangered bird Black Necked Crane escaping the harsh winter of the Tibetan plateau.   You have to drive the same road back via Pele la pass.

Distance & Time: 120 km, 4 hours

Altitude: Phobjikha valley 2800m

Attractions: Gangtey Monastery (17th-century temple, the only Nyingmapa Buddhist monastery in western Bhutan), Black-necked crane in winter, & 1-hour Hike through the Valley. Overnight: Hotel in Phobjikha

Take a flight from Bumthang to Paro which will take 30 mins approximately,

Day 20: Phobjikha valley to Paro

Today drive back to Paro via Wangdue, Dochula pass & Thimphu

Distance & Time: 175 km 5 hours

Altitude: Paro 2200m

Attractions: scenic drive through the winding roads, Himalaya ranges & Mt.Jomolhari the second highest mountain of Bhutan on clear blue sky, 15th century Iron Chain Bridge

Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

 

Day 21: Paro (Departure)

Drive to Paro International Airport to catch a flight to your onward destination