This trek is an extention of the Jhomolhari Trek and offers diverse flora and fauna, including a good opportunity to spot blue sheep and Bhutan’s national animal Takin.
Spectacular campsites, beneath some of Bhutan’s most impressive peaks are also the feature of this trekking route. It also introduces you to the unusual culture of the isolated Laya people and offers a stop at the natural hot springs of Gasa.
This trek is high altitude trek and relatively difficult and challenging.
Best season: End of March- End of April. mid-September – mid-November.
Bhutan Tour Itinerary
Arrival in Paro and Sightseeing depending on the time the flight lands.
Am hike to Tigers nest to stretch our legs and acclimatize. Afternoon drive for 3hrs to Shana at 2800 meters.
First day of the trek. We start walking through thick vegetation admiring the different types of flora and brightly colored butterflies following the river gradually. After 7-8hrs of trekking we have the first proper glimpse of the majestic Mount Jomolhari towering over the campsite. Alt. 3750m.
Get up early to photograph the dawn colors on Mt. Jhomolhari which is framed at the end of the valley. Leave the tree line behind and pass through nomadic villages further on to the base of Jhomolhari. Max. alt. 4150m.
Halt at Jangothang for acclimatization with excursion to Tshophu lakes or hike towards Jhomolhari or Jitchudrake.
Good day’s walking with spectacular views of several stunning Himalayan peaks as you reach Nyele La (4860m). Coming down to Lingshi, you can obtain your first views of the truly mystical dzong atop its 300m. high hill. Alt. 4100m.
AM visit Lingshi Dzong, then climb gently to reach another delightful village, Gung-Yul, which is set right below a 400m cliff, finally to Chebisa, the land of wind! at an alt. of 3880 meters.
AM stiff climb to Gobu La (4450m). Camp on a bench above the river, a tributary to the Mo-Chu. Alt. 4260m.
AM long haul over the Jarela Pass at 4700m., where we get stunning all-round views and the Mount Tserim Khang towers above us. Steep descent to Tsheri Jathang valley where herds of Takin roam. Alt. 4160m.
AM tough climb to Shinche La Pass at 5000m. Past several yak-herders camp to Lemithang, beneath Gangche Ta. Alt. 4100m
Trek all way down along the winding river valley filled with cedar forests to a junction where the trial splits : one going down the river to the camp site used by the army ; but take the other that stays high and brings you into the west side of Laya village at 3850m.
Visit a village house, where we can arrange some refreshments and in the evening with a cultural programme.
The trail winds up and down along the river valley avoiding natural obstacles and affording breathtaking views of crashing river, feeder streams and waterfalls to Kohi Laptsa at 3350m, then, dropping to Koina where our vehicle will be waiting for us. Drive 2hrs to Gasa hot springs at 2400m.
Drive along the winding road passing through the villages of Damji and Tashitahng to Punakha. You will be able to witness a change in the vegetation while driving on this road. In the evening visit the most beautiful Dzong of Punakha.
AM drive to Thimphu crossing over the beautiful Dochula pass marked with 108 stupas and further on to Paro. Branch over to Simtokha dzong and the giant Buddha statue in Thimphu.
Departure.
Disclaimer: This itinerary is indented as a guide only. Local road conditions and weather may affect the program. Be aware that all the times stated are approximate and might vary conditionally.
