Laya lingshi trek

• Fly into Paro with breathtaking views of Himalayan snow-capped peaks and lush green valleys (weather permitting)

• Experience the serene spiritual atmosphere with monasteries, stupas, prayer flags, and the scent of pine and burning juniper

• Warm welcome by your Bhutanese guide at Paro Airport

• Transfer to hotel, relax, and soak in the unique peaceful ambiance of the Dragon Kingdom

Highlight: A memorable first day with stunning landscapes, cultural charm, and the tranquil beauty of Bhutan.

• Drive from Paro to Drukgyal Dzong (2,580m), built in 1647 by Shubdrung Ngawang Namgyal; explore the ruins and ramparts

• Enjoy spectacular views of Mount Chomolhari on clear days

• Begin trek with a short downhill to the river, passing a primitive stone bath carved into the bank

• Continue through a narrow agricultural valley, observing local village life and pristine scenery

• Overnight camp at Shana Zampa (2,870m / 9,557 ft)

Highlight: A mix of Bhutanese history, stunning Himalayan views, and the first taste of trekking through alpine valleys.

• Trek gradually along the Paro Chhu River through conifers, rhododendrons, and oak forests

• Navigate small river crossings and rocky trails; pass remnants of an old bridge with a house and chorten

• Enter Jigme Dorji National Park, rich in alpine flora and fauna

• Cross several small streams while enjoying serene forest and meadow landscapes

• Overnight camp at Thangthangkha (3,630m / 12,088 ft), near a small stone shelter and Bhutanese-style house

Highlight: Immersive trekking through lush forests, pristine streams, and the gateway to Bhutan’s high-altitude wilderness.

This is not a long day, but there is 450 m /1,498 ft elevation gain, and you will be comfortably worn out when you reach camp. Chomolhari was probably covered with clouds when you arrived last night. Be sure to get up early for a view. Your camp will be at Jangothang, Chomolhari base camp, alt. 4,090 m /13,415 ft.

Trek up to Tsophu Lake for trout fishing or there is stupendous day-hike in three directions-Chomolhari and its subsidiary is directly west, Jichu Drake to the north, un-climbed summits and ridges to the east.

• Trek across wide yak pastures, passing seasonal yak hair tents and observing traditional herders

• Ascend to the Nyile La Pass (4,890m / 16,050 ft), the highest point of the day, with panoramic Himalayan views

• Descend into the Lingshi Basin, enjoying vistas of Lingshi Dzong

• On clear days, see Mount Tserim Kang and its northern glaciers

• Overnight camp at 4,010m / 13,153 ft near a large stone community hall used by locals and trekkers

Highlight: High-altitude trekking with spectacular glacier views, traditional yak culture, and Bhutanese fortress architecture.

• Cross a stream on a wooden bridge below the camp and ascend to a chorten near Lingshi Dzong

• View traditional wood-shingled houses of Lingshi village in the valley

• Enjoy distinct rock formations on Mount Tserim Kang to the east

• Gradual and easy climb to the campsite on a meadow opposite Chebisa village (3,880m / 12,920 ft)

• Nearby, see the twin village of Chobiso upstream

Highlight: Scenic highland trek with cultural glimpses of remote Bhutanese villages and dramatic mountain views.

The walk is through wild high pastures with few nomads and yaks. Cross Gobula Pass (4440m / 14564ft). The camp will be at a yak pasture, alt 4260 m /13973ft

• Trek across Sinchu La Pass, the last and highest pass of the trek (5,005m / 16,417 ft); challenging high-altitude climb with a false summit along the way

• Enjoy stunning views of the snow-covered Mount Gangchentag to the north

• Descend on a rocky trail along a moraine into a glacial valley

• Continue through cedar forests and small alpine meadows to Limithang

• Overnight camp at Limithang (4,140m / 13,786 ft) in a spacious riverside meadow

Highlight: A strenuous but rewarding day with high passes, panoramic Himalayan peaks, and scenic alpine valleys.

Today its mostly downhill along a winding river, the trail splits, one going down with the river to the camp site used by the army. The other stays high and takes you into the West Side of Laya Village. We will camp on a high flat bench above the East End of the Laya village (3800m/12464ft)

• Descend from the village toward the river, passing a Khonying (arch chorten) and another chorten at Taje-kha

• Trek along a muddy trail through deep forest, mostly isolated with a few houses along the way

• Follow the Mo Chhu River downstream toward Punakha, passing an army camp and small ups and downs

• At 3,340m / 11,122 ft, trail junction splits: Snowman Trek heads uphill; route to Gasa continues downstream

• Trail descends via a side valley, across a large stream, and enters Koina, a muddy forest bog with a single stone house and scattered camping spots

Highlight: Remote forested trek along the Mo Chhu River with traditional chortens, quiet wilderness, and rustic camping at Koina.

• After crossing Koina Bridge, begin the ascent to Bari La Pass (3,900m / 12,987 ft)

• Pass a small rock cairn and prayer flags at the summit, then walk on a relatively level section to a chorten

• Descend through bamboo forests to a stream, reaching 3,080m / 10,256 ft, where Gasa Dzong comes into view across a wooded valley

• Continue downhill to Gasa Tsachu, the hot springs, for overnight camp (2,240m / 7,459 ft)

Highlight: A challenging climb over Bari La with rewarding views of Gasa Dzong and a relaxing finish at natural hot springs.

After the climb away from Gasa Tsachu the trail winds through rolling hillsides passing through fields, villages, Oak and pine forests. Gasa Dzong will be visible behind our trail, glued to the valley wall, seeming to float in space. Overnight at Camp. 2380m / 7807ft.

• Begin a long descent through jungle, passing streams and steep rocky switchbacks

• Cross a wooden bridge at 1,960m / 6,527 ft and continue along the river with small ups and downs

• Spot wildlife such as rhesus monkeys and enjoy sub-tropical vegetation including wild bananas, orchids, and creepers

• Pass a large cave under a rock along the trail

• Reach Tashithang Forestry Office to meet your vehicle, then drive 1 hour south to Punakha for overnight stay

Highlight: Jungle descent with wildlife and tropical flora, concluding the trek with a scenic drive to Punakha.

After breakfast our car will drop you at the Paro airport for our flight back to your onward destination