The Laya trek

12 days

The Laya trek route is an extension of the Jomolhari trek, and so is also called the Jomolhari Laya trek. You follow a beautiful and varied route north into the mountains, and cross four mountain passes. You see the spectacular and sacred Mt Jomolhari, hopefully spot wild animals like bharals and takins, and meet the small, culturally distinct community known as the Layaps.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Fly into Paro

Today is just about flying into Paro International Airport, where your local leader meets you. You're driven to your hotel, where you can rest after your travels. Paro is a beautiful part of the world, and the views just upon landing will have you super excited for the adventure to come!

Courtyard of Rinpung Dzong, Paro District

Day 2: Trek to Thangthangka (6 hr)

Your first day on the trail drops you into the thick of things: the route can be muddy and there are plenty of ups and downs to get you working hard. But the scenery is already breathtaking. You overnight in the meadow campsite of Thangthangka.

Pur. Mt Chomolhari, Jhomolhari, Jomolhari, Bhutan

Day 3: Trek to Jangothang (5 hr)

Today you get your first view of the mighty mountain that inspired this trek: Mt Jomolhari! You stay at the famous and bustling meadow campsite of Jangothang, which offers an incredible view of Jomolhari to the northwest on the border with Tibet. You should start to see yaks grazing in meadows during your trek today.

Pur. View of Jomolhari in spring with flowers, Bhutan

Day 4: Acclimatisation day

You stay put today to help the body acclimatise to the increased elevation. This means time for a local hike! A popular choice is hiking up the northern slope of the campsite to see both Mt Jichu Drake and Mt Jomolhari. In spring, the area is awash with pretty flowers.

Pur. Mt Jichu Drake, Jitchu Drakye, Bhutan

Day 5: Trek to Chha She Thang (6 hr)

Today you head north once again and leave lush valleys for glacial moraines and sparse vegetation. Keep your eyes open for takins and blue sheeps on the mountain slopes. Excitingly, you summit Nyile La (4,870 m), which offers you your first view of Mt Tserim Kang.

Pur. Nyele La, Nyile La, mountain pass, Bhutan, Jigme Dorji NP

Day 6: Trek to Chebisa (5 hr)

This morning you pass close to Lingzhi Dzong, which can be visited via a small diversion if you wish. You then pass through the farming village of Lingzhi, which grows wheat and barley. Interestingly, the National Institute of Traditional Medicine of Thimphu collects and dries medicinal herbs here.

Day 7: Trek to Shomuthang (6 hr)

You start the day by climbing out of Chebisa valley. Keep an eye open for bharals, bearded vultures and Himalayan griffons. Expect a good leg workout today, as you tackle some stiff ups and downs, including the mountain pass Gogu La (4,440 m). You overnight in another pretty meadow.

Day 8: Trek to Robluthang (6 hr)

This morning you must crisscross the river as you head up valley. To the SE you can see the peak of Mt Kang Bum. The trail then ascends into more barren territory as you take on Jhari La (4,750 m). Look for herds of takins, as they migrate to the valley in summer.

Pur. Himalayan valley in northern Bhutan on the Laya Trek

Day 9: Trek to Limithang (6 hr)

You walk through glacial valleys and moraines today, but end up in the lovely meadow campsite of Zamdo Nangi Chhu, which boasts a view of Mt Gangchhenta. The big highlight today is the view when you summit Sinche La (5,005 m), the highest point of the whole trek!

Day 10: Trek to Laya (4 hr)

Today is one of the highlights of the trip: visiting the unique Layap community! After a day of tackling various ascents and desents, you finally reach the mountainside settlement. Laya is a farming town with a long and fascinating history, and you’ll have time to chat with some locals and learn all about it.

Day 11: Trek to Koina (6 hr)

Most of today is spent walking along the Mo Chhu valley and crisscrossing its river at intervals. The valley tightens into a canyon at one point, so you must also climb up and over ridges in places. At Koina, you're fetched and driven to the hotel in Thimphu for a glorious clean up and sleep.

Day 12: Departure

Today your local leader either drives you to Paro Airport, or heads with you to the next destination in your Bhutanese adventure!

Inclusions

All ground transport, including airport transfers

Accommodation before and after trek in Paro (dinner and breakfast included)

Highly qualified, experienced, English-speaking trek guide

All camping equipment

Experienced trek cook

All meals and drinking water on trek

Porter

International flights

Bhutan daily visa

Travel insurance

Tips for mountain crew

The Laya trek

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Fly into Paro

Day 2: Trek to Thangthangka (6 hr)

Day 3: Trek to Jangothang (5 hr)

Day 4: Acclimatisation day

Day 5: Trek to Chha She Thang (6 hr)

Day 6: Trek to Chebisa (5 hr)

Day 7: Trek to Shomuthang (6 hr)

Day 8: Trek to Robluthang (6 hr)

Day 9: Trek to Limithang (6 hr)

Day 10: Trek to Laya (4 hr)

Day 11: Trek to Koina (6 hr)

Day 12: Departure

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