Laya Lingzhi Trek

Laya Lingzhi Trek in Bhutan

Thujidrag Gompa, Thimphu

This is 19 days Bhutan tour package combined with 12 days Laya Lingzhi Trek or Laya Gasa Trek which is considered one of the most scenic treks in Bhutan, offering amazing views of some of the most pristine and unspoiled landscapes in Bhutan. This fourteen day, 217 km journey begins at Drukgyel in Paro and takes you through gorgeous alpine meadows, high mountain passes and dense sub-tropical jungles before terminating in Damji in Tashithang. Laya Lingzhi Trek can be tailored to suit your preferences, both in advance and on the ground. HBT guides are well experienced for trekking tours in Bhutan. We offer best treks in Bhutan. Enjoy the trekking tours of Bhutan. Heavenly Bhutan is trekking organizer in Bhutan. Book your Bhutan Tours with Heavenly Bhutan. Laya Lingzhi Trek. 12 Days Laya Lingzhi Trek in Bhutan. 19 Days Bhutan Tour Package. 

Day 01: Arrival in Paro
Fly on the wings of the Dragon to Bhutan, on arrival in Paro International Airport, complete the immigration formalities and exit through only one arrival gate where HBT dedicated team who will be holding placard, no one will be missed. We welcome with khaddar and proceed to hotel and relax. Visit 17th century Paro Dzong: ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’, is ranked one of the best Bhutanese architecture. The massive buttressed walls that tower over the town are visible throughout the valley, particularly when landing at Paro Airport.  The Dzong also offers administrative seat of the district of Paro. The Dzong was built in 1644 under the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Ta Dzong unique national museum: Perched above Paro Dzong it was watchtower built in 1649 to protect the undefended Paro Dzong located below, renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum. Today this museum houses the best collections of all time historical items making worth for a visit. Enjoy outdoor activities wearing Gho/Kira, play archery: Nicely made and well maintained activity place attached to whole sell Buddha statue store, offers wearing Bhutanese dress, playing archery and darts for guests visiting Bhutan. The center is maintained and operated by HBT herself and its free of cost for all HBT guests.

Day 02: Paro Sightseeing
This picturesque region in the kingdom is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley. Paro has more of historical sites, high-end tourist resort and many souvenir shops for shopping including world famous Takstang. Taktsang Monastery (Tiger Nest Temple): is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious Buddhist site in the world. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. The temple is one of the holiest sites in Bhutan which clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley. Although good trekkers can make it to the top in two hours, most of the guests take whole day to complete the hike. Kyichu Lhakhang: Temple considered sacred Jewel of Bhutan was established by the Buddhist King Songstsen Gampo of Tibet to overcome the giant ogress that laid across Tibet and Himalayas preventing the spread of Buddhism. The king is believed to have built the temple at the left foot of the enormous ogress. Kichu Lhakhang was among 12 temples in Bhutan out of 108 temples said to have been constructed over single night. Kichu Lhakhang was initially small in size however later, the temple expanded both in grandeur and size to its form that we see today. Hot stone bath with dinner at the farmhouse: Hot stone bath is very unique which offers great medicinal values. In most cases, the bathtub is made of wood placed on a ground level in quite hut for the privacy. A couple can get into one bathtub to soak. Enjoy the great ancient techniques of curing body aches, joint pains and harness many other values. This is on additional cost check with guide/driver.

Day 03: Paro – Shana – Thangthangkha (Trek start). Distance: 21k, Walking time: 8h, Sleeping altitude: 3630m.
The Drukgyel Dzong was built in 1654 by the Zhabdrung to commemorate one of the many war victories against the Tibetans. Over the centuries, it guarded the trail from Tibet into the Paro valley. We will drive to Shana. Just before reaching our trekking starting point, we will have to pass through an army check post, where your guide will produce your trekking permit. The trail from Shana to Thangthangkha is a very rocky series of small ups and downs along the Paro Chu and can be very muddy if it rains. About 2 ½ hours into the trek, you will come at a junction where a trail branches to go to Tibet. Don’t go to Tibet

Day 04: Thangthangkha to Jangothang, Distance: 16k, Walking time: 6hrs, Sleeping altitude: 4090m
Today you will come across small sparse settlements, and herds of yaks. You will also be crossing the tree line (4000m). Our camp at Jangothang will bring us face to face with the majestic Chomolhari. Jangothang means the land of ruins; you will see ruins of some old settlements, which no one seems to know much about.

Day 05: Jangothang Halt
Acclimatization and rest day. A good optional hike is to climb to the Tshophu Lake at 4300m, which is about 2h from Jangothang.

Day 06: Jangothang to Lingshi, Distance: 17k, walking time: 7hrs, sleeping altitude: 4090m, Pass to cross: Nyele La, 4890m
Heading uphill from Jangothang we cross the first of the many passes. 4 hours of uphill climbing will take us over the very windy Nyele La pass at 4090m. Scree makes it a little tricky to go down the pass on the other side. Lingshi dzong will soon be visible in a distance.

Day 07: Lingshi to Chebisa, Distance: 12k, walking time: 5hrs, sleeping altitude: 3880m
Since today’s hike will not be as long, we can afford to wander around a bit. We will start off by visiting the Lingshi dzong, built on a commanding hill by the Shabdrung in the 1600s. About 3 hours into our trek is the dramatic village of Gangyul, surrounded by a natural amphitheater of cliffs. Our camp is in windy Chebisa, a small village with 2 stories stone houses.

Day 08: Chebisa to Shakaypasa, Distance: 16k, walking time: 6hrs, Pass to cross: Goku La, 4350m, sleeping altitude: 3880m
2 hours of climbing from Chebisa will get us over the Goku La pass at 4350m. From the pass, we descend into a rhododendron filled valley and continue past some yak herder camps to Shakaypasa.

Day 09: Shakaypasa to Tsheringyangu, Distance: 17k, walking time; 7hrs, Pass to cross: Jari La, 4747m, sleeping altitude: 4000m
An early morning start will get us on the way to Jari La pass at 4747m. From the pass, it’s all the way downhill into the picturesque valley of Tsharijatha where herds of takin (the national animal of Bhutan) are normally seen in the summers. From here a small climb will take us to our camp at Tsheringyangu.

Day 10: Tsheringyangu to Limithang, Distance: 18k, walking time: 7hrs, Pass to cross: Sinche La, 5005m. sleeping altitude: 3890m
Snow Leopard country. Being highly elusive animals, it is very rare to spot one but their paw marks can be seen occasionally. Starting early, a strenuous hike will get us over the Sinchey La, the highest pass on our trek. Descending to Limithang we’ll see the snow-covered peak of Gangchenta (6840m) and the glacially carved Gangchenta valley. Gangchenta means Great Tiger Mountain.

Day 11: Limithang to Laya, Distance: 10k, Walking time: 5hrs, Sleeping altitude: 3840m
Since we are nearing Laya, we will come across Layaps going to tend to their yaks. We will be entering Laya from the west, through narrow cobblestone paths between houses, to camp in the wheat field that belongs to a friend.

Day 12: Laya Halt
Rest day. Explore Laya.

Day 13: Laya to Gasa, Distance: 16k, Walking time: 6hrs, Sleeping altitude: 3010m
2 hours downhill from Laya is Taktsimakhang, a small army check post. A little further from the army camp the trail branches and the left trail are to go to Lunana, on the Snowman trek. Junipers and spruce give way to pine trees. The circular Gasa dzong can be seen as you climb down the very rocky trail. Despite its remoteness and lack of motor roads, Gasa is an administrative district, with the office of the district governor in the Gasa dzong. The hot springs are a good 1½ hour downhill from the dzong.

Day 14: Gasa Tshachu to Punakha
Gasa dzong can be seen as you look back. After lunch at the village of Damji, a further 2 hours and our trekking crew will wave us goodbye at Kabina, where our transport will be waiting for us. From Kabina, it is about 2 hours drive on a dirt road to our hotel in Punakha. Visit the most beautiful Punakha Dzong: Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo religious head of Bhutan. King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first National Assembly here in 1952.  This is one of the finest and must see Dzongs of Bhutan. The Dzong stands inbetween meeting point of two rivers, Phochu and Mochu making the most photogenic Dzongs of Bhutan. Enjoy the walks on the suspension bridge: Punakha suspension bridge is considered one of the longest of its kind in Bhutan. The bridge connects the dzong with the villages Shengana, Samdingkha and Wangkha on the other bank of the Po Chhu river. In these small villages, locals sell their wares in tiny, traditional shops. Visitors can stop here for a quick and authentic view of true Bhutan.  In order to access the suspension bridge from the dzong, one must walk past the King’s palace and the cremation ground.

Day 15: Punakha to Thimphu (2. 5 hrs)
We will retrace the journey back to Thimphu crossing over Dochula. The entire stretch of drive will refresh your mind and give you second chance to enjoy the great snowcapped mountain views of the Himalayas from Dochula. Hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility: This temple is known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that childless couples can visit this temple to pray for better fertility to conceive the child. There are stories and incidences that many visitors dream came true however one must truly need to believe and follow the lama’s instruction. The hike through the lovely villages of Mesina gives truly amazing experience. Enjoy the gentle walks from the road head. Visit Lamperi Botanical Garden: The park has many varieties of plants, herbs, birds and animals. If you visit between April and June, you can find about 38 out of Bhutan’s 46 species of rhododendrons and spot some of the 220 species birds. This park is one of the must visit place for birds and nature lovers. You may enjoy the hot packed lunch here if you had planned picnic. Dochula pass 3150m: The pass is at a popular location as it offers a stunning 180 degree panoramic view of the Great Himalayan mountain ranges. The view is especially scenic and very clear on winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass. Visit the weekend market (Thu-Sun): An interesting well organized permanent set of stalls built for vegetable vendors across the country. It’s open from Wednesday to Monday and closed on Tuesdays. One can find wide range of local vegetables and fruits. Other side of the river is place for indigenous goods and handicrafts section, where locally produced goods, including religious objects, cloth, baskets and hats etc from various minority groups are sold here. These shops are open from Friday to Sunday only. In the evening we will explore the city by walk: If time permits, walking through the city gives you immense joys and understanding of modern city. Good option for imported garments and local souvenir, beside unique local handicrafts. Thimphu offers mixed style of personalities. Take the street walk in Thimphu- only city in the world without traffic lights. Visit Tashichho Dzong: Houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan and government secretariat buildings, beautiful arts and crafts, built in 17th century. Visitors are open for an hour in the evening and closed during official meeting or gathering.

Day 16: Thimphu Sightseeing
Thimphu- This bustling little city is the main centre of commerce, religion and government in the country. Thimphu is the most modern city with an abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping centers. However it still retains its cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernization, often referred as world only city without traffic lights. Cheri Monastery: In 1627 the first Buddhist Monastic School for Bhutan was started by Shabdrung in Cheri, which to these days has become a Meditation center for higher level Buddhist studies. The Monastery buildings are old and still contains many sacred relic from past. Drive pass by Memorial Chorten: It is located close to the center of Thimphu city and is one of its most iconic monuments. Visitors will find elderly Bhutanese people circumambulating the Chorten throughout the day. The National Memorial Chorten was built in memory of Late Third King of Bhutan and dedicated to World Peace. Third King is regarded as father of modern Bhutan. Visit Buddha viewpoint: The Buddha Dordenma is located at a top of the hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park and overlooks the southern entrance to Thimphu valley. Changangkha Lhakhang: Changangkha Lhakhang is located at the lower part of Motithang in upper Thimphu, on a small hill overlooking the Thimphu Town below. The main relic of Changangkha Lhakhang is the Chenrigzi in an 11 headed thousand arms manifestation. Visit textile museum: The National Textile Museum which opened in June 2001, is worth a leisurely visit to get to know the living national art of weaving. Changing exhibitions introduce the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and textiles made by women and men. The small shop features work from the renowned weaving centers in Lhuntshe Dzongkhag, in north-eastern Bhutan. Each item is leveled with the name of the weaver and price. The textile museum’s exhibition are centered around six major themes – warp pattern weaves, weft pattern weaves, role of textiles in religion, achievements in textile arts, textiles from indigenous fibres and the royal collection.

Day 17: Thimphu to Paro
We will start the journey back to Paro through Chuzom and further to Paro. Visit the temples of Dzongdrakha on foot: Temple is situated on the western region of Paro Valley on the Cliffside and often referred as “Mini Taktsang” of Bhutan. Tucked in a cliff above Bondey village, visit to temple offers pictorial hikes and one of the must visit places in Paro for inquisitive guests while in Paro. Chelela Pass at 3988m: Highest motor-able road pass connecting two districts Paro and Haa, an elevation of 3988m above the sea level. On clear days, one can enjoy view of the most sacred Mt. Jomolhari (7314m). The pass is dotted with beautiful prayer flags and offers amazing walks around, worth a visit while in Bhutan. You can also plan to ride mountain biking from Pass to Paro valley with the stretch of 36-48km, mostly downhill and easy ride. En-route, hike to Kila Gompa nunnery: Kila Nunnery also called Chele La Gompa has around 100 nuns, seven little temples and several residential buildings that straddle on the cliff-side facing Paro. It has great views of Paro, and Jele Dzong across on the far ridge and also seen to the north are Mt Chomolhari and Jichu Drake on a clear day.This amazing nunnery is far away from the hustle and bustle of the towns people but their view probably never misses anything. From the roadside near Chele La, it takes about 40 mins to climb about 300m

Day 18: End of the Tour
Departure from the Kingdom of Bhutan

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