Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the stunning landscapes of Bhutan with the Beautiful Laya/Gasa Hot Spring Trek, also known as the Jomolhari Trek. This 16-day journey will take you through lush forests, picturesque valleys, and high mountain passes, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Immerse yourself in the local culture, visit ancient monasteries, and relax in natural hot springs along the way.
Highlights
- Trek through stunning landscapes of Bhutan
- Visit Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest)
- Acclimatization days with optional hikes
- Spectacular views of Himalayan peaks
- Explore traditional villages like Laya
- Relax in natural hot springs in Gasa
- Experience Bhutanese culture and local life
- Visit ancient monasteries and dzongs
Itinerary
Arrival in Paro Airport in the evening. Altitude 2300 above sea level. Warm welcome Happy Bhutan Greetings from local Bhutanese tour guide and drive to the hotel. This is the only country in the world without traffic lights, so amazing.
Morning hike to Taktsang Monastery for 5 hours and later evening drive to the campsite Shana (Alt 2800m).
Morning hike to Thangthangkha by the riverside in heavily forested county. (Alt 3750m)
Get up early to photograph the dawn colors on Jomo Lhari which is framed at the end of the valley. Leave the tree line behind and enter the home of the yak herders at the base of Jomo Lhari. (Alt 4150m) alHt at Jangothang for acclimatization lakes or hike towards Jomo Lhari and above the Jangothang village toward Jichudrake.
Al4150m at Jangothang for acclimatization lakes or hike towards Jomo Lhari and above the Jangothang village toward Jichudrake.
Good Day’s walking with spectacular views of several stunning Himalayan peaks as you reach Nye La (4860m). Coming down to Lingzhi, you can obtain your first views of the truly mystical dzong atop its 300m. (Alt 4100m)
Climb gently to reach another delightful village, Gung-Yul, which set now below a 400m cliff, finally to Chebisa, the land of wind! Then a stiff climb to Gobu La (4450m) and descend to Shomuthang at an altitude of 3880 meters
Morning long haul over the Jarela pass at 4700m., where we get stunning all around views and the Mount Tserim Khang towers above us. Steep descent to Tsheri Jathang valley where herds of Takin roam.
Morning climb to Shinche La Pass one of the highest pass in Laya trek 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 ceder forest to a junction where the trail split: 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.
Rest day in Laya. Visit the school and local farmhouse. Also see the culture program of Laya people.
Morning back to the army camp and further down to the trail junction and take the small indistinct turn off to snowman trek, walk further down till the car road (2hours walk). Drive to Gasa for the night. (Hot spring or camp)
Drive to Punakha for 4 hours and check-in to the hotel. (Alt 1200m)
Morning visit Punakha dzong which is considered as the most beautiful dzong in the country. Enjoy the view and architecture of the dzong. The Dzong is beautifully located in between one male river & one female river called Pho Chu and Mo Chu. Later then visit Chimi Lhakhang. After lunch drive to Thimphu.
After breakfast visit the Buddha Point the largest statue in the world and enjoy the wonderful view of Thimphu! Also visit the Art Craft School and in the evening drive back to Paro.
See off in airport