Bhutan High Trails via Laya

BM-16215

5.0Based on

18 days

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“

I would HIGHLY recommend World Expeditions. I have done a few treks now with other companies. WE was, by far, the best. They were professional, organized, and so on top of everything. Our guide Kinzang was absolutely wonderful and truly seemed to enjoy showing us his country, customs, and the mountains we trekked. Moreover, one of our trekkers fell ill (mountain sickness and stomach issues), and Kinzang was incredibly professional. He immediately noticed the trekker's symtpoms and was very thoughtful in handling the situation. High praise for our guide, the porters and chef, and WE. What a fantastic company! I will use them again.

Anonymous | Traveled in May

5 - Excellent

Carbon neutral

18 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants

16 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Strenuous

Highly demanding activities designed for individuals with excellent physical fitness.

Starts

Ends

Paro, Bhutan

Select Date

Best price guaranteedNo credit card or booking fees.Carbon neutral tours.

1 other person is considering this tour right now.

Highlights

Traverse five Himalayan passes - including Sinche La (5005m) - on one of Bhutan’s most demanding and rewarding trekking routes

Experience life in Laya, a high-altitude village home to the resilient Layap people and their distinctive culture

Begin and end your adventure with visits to Bhutan’s iconic dzongs and sacred sites, including Paro’s cliffside Taktsang Monastery

Camp deep in remote alpine wilderness, among yak pastures, birch forests and glaciated valleys framed by high ridgelines

Itinerary

For those who seek adventure at the roof of the world, the Bhutan High Trails via Laya trek is the ultimate challenge. Over 18 days, experienced travelers and adventurous seniors cross high passes near 5000 meters, camping beneath sacred peaks and traversing breathtaking alpine meadows. The journey leads through vibrant forests and yak herder settlements, offering both natural wonders and deep cultural immersion. Time in Paro and Thimphu rounds out the experience, highlighting Bhutan’s rich heritage.

The USP of this trekking tour is its rare opportunity to access Bhutan’s remote heartland, providing an unmatched combination of high-altitude adventure and authentic local encounters.

day 1Join Paro (2,200 m / 7,218 ft)

After clearing customs and immigration, you will be met by your World Expeditions representative and transferred a short distance through the town of Paro to our accommodation.
Depending on your arrival time and the completion of trek preparations, we plan to explore parts of the town and visit several important cultural sites. Our sightseeing includes the impressive Paro Rinpung Dzong, a magnificent fortress monastery that dominates the valley and serves as both a religious and administrative centre. Considered one of Bhutan’s finest dzongs, it has long served as the architectural model for many others across the kingdom.
Above the dzong stands Ta Dzong, a historic watchtower that now houses the National Museum of Bhutan. The museum contains a fascinating collection of artefacts including traditional costumes and battle dress, priceless jewellery, religious objects, and displays showcasing Bhutan’s unique flora and fauna.
There may also be time to stroll through Paro town, where small shops sell everyday goods alongside traditional handicrafts made from wood, cloth and metal. Along the valley you may notice archery ranges, reflecting Bhutan’s national sport, often set beside willow-lined fields and traditional wooden bridges.
Accommodation: Hotel in Paro

Meals

Dinner

day 2Paro Valley – Taktsang Monastery and National Museum (3,100 m / 10,171 ft, walk 4–5 hrs)

day 3Drive past Drukyel Dzong (2,580 m / 8,465 ft) to Shana (2,860 m / 9,383 ft) and Trek to Thongo Zampa (3,250 m / 10,663 ft, 11 km, walk 4 hrs)

day 4Trek to Soi Thangthangkha (3,700 m / 12,139 ft, 9 km, walk 3–4 hrs)

day 5Trek to Jangothang (4,100 m / 13,451 ft, 12 km, walk 4–5 hrs)

day 6Jangothang Acclimatisation Day – Hike to Tshophu Twin Lakes (4,520 m / 14,829 ft, 12 km, walk 4–5 hrs)

day 7Cross Nyile La to Lingshi (4,890 m / 16,043 ft, 14.5 km, walk 6–7 hrs)

day 8Trek to Chebisa Village (3,880 m / 12,730 ft, 12 km, walk 5–6 hrs)

day 9Cross Gombu La to Shomuthang (4,440 m / 14,567 ft; camp 4,221 m / 13,849 ft, 16 km, walk 7–8 hrs)

day 10Cross Jare La to Robluthang (4,785 m / 15,699 ft; camp 4,165 m / 13,665 ft, 18 km, walk 8–9 hrs)

day 11Cross Shinge La to Lemithang (5,005 m / 16,421 ft; camp 4,150 m / 13,615 ft, 16 km, walk 8–9 hrs)

day 12Trek to Laya Village (3,800 m / 12,467 ft, 13 km, walk 5–6 hrs)

day 13Laya Rest Day and Village Exploration (3,800 m / 12,467 ft)

day 14Trek from Laya via Tongchudra to Taktsimakha, Drive to Gasa (2,850 m / 9,350 ft, walk 2–3 hrs, drive 2 hrs)

day 15Drive to Punakha (1,200 m / 3,937 ft, drive 2–3 hrs)

day 16Drive to Thimphu via Dochula Pass (2,320 m / 7,612 ft, drive 2–3 hrs)

day 17Drive to Paro (2,200 m / 7,218 ft, drive 1–2 hrs)

day 18Trip Concludes in Paro (2,200 m / 7,218 ft)

What's Included

Accommodation

Good quality accommodation in Paro and ThimphuAccommodation in fully serviced wilderness campsites

Meals

All meals during the trek: 17 breakfasts, 16 lunches and 17 dinners

Transport

Private transportation

Guide

Expert bilingual guide

Others

Bhutan visa feesAll park entrance fees and trekking permitsAirport transfers if arriving on Day 1 and Day 18Safety equipment including portable altitude chamber, group medical kit and satellite phone for emergency useAnimals to carry up to 20kg of personal equipmentAll group camping equipmentSightseeing and entrance fees as listed

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

4.6

based on 11 reviews

Availability

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Good to Know

Travel Insurance

Visa

Other Practical Information

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Excellent based on 848 customer reviews from

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2 weeks ago

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Highlights

Itinerary

day 1Join Paro (2,200 m / 7,218 ft)

day 2Paro Valley – Taktsang Monastery and National Museum (3,100 m / 10,171 ft, walk 4–5 hrs)

day 3Drive past Drukyel Dzong (2,580 m / 8,465 ft) to Shana (2,860 m / 9,383 ft) and Trek to Thongo Zampa (3,250 m / 10,663 ft, 11 km, walk 4 hrs)

day 4Trek to Soi Thangthangkha (3,700 m / 12,139 ft, 9 km, walk 3–4 hrs)

day 5Trek to Jangothang (4,100 m / 13,451 ft, 12 km, walk 4–5 hrs)

day 6Jangothang Acclimatisation Day – Hike to Tshophu Twin Lakes (4,520 m / 14,829 ft, 12 km, walk 4–5 hrs)

day 7Cross Nyile La to Lingshi (4,890 m / 16,043 ft, 14.5 km, walk 6–7 hrs)

day 8Trek to Chebisa Village (3,880 m / 12,730 ft, 12 km, walk 5–6 hrs)

day 9Cross Gombu La to Shomuthang (4,440 m / 14,567 ft; camp 4,221 m / 13,849 ft, 16 km, walk 7–8 hrs)

day 10Cross Jare La to Robluthang (4,785 m / 15,699 ft; camp 4,165 m / 13,665 ft, 18 km, walk 8–9 hrs)

day 11Cross Shinge La to Lemithang (5,005 m / 16,421 ft; camp 4,150 m / 13,615 ft, 16 km, walk 8–9 hrs)

day 12Trek to Laya Village (3,800 m / 12,467 ft, 13 km, walk 5–6 hrs)

day 13Laya Rest Day and Village Exploration (3,800 m / 12,467 ft)

day 14Trek from Laya via Tongchudra to Taktsimakha, Drive to Gasa (2,850 m / 9,350 ft, walk 2–3 hrs, drive 2 hrs)

day 15Drive to Punakha (1,200 m / 3,937 ft, drive 2–3 hrs)

day 16Drive to Thimphu via Dochula Pass (2,320 m / 7,612 ft, drive 2–3 hrs)

day 17Drive to Paro (2,200 m / 7,218 ft, drive 1–2 hrs)

day 18Trip Concludes in Paro (2,200 m / 7,218 ft)

What's Included

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

4.6

Availability

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

Why Book with Bookmundi

What are customers saying about Bookmundi

Bronwyn

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Journeys: Wonders of Bhutan

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Keep Exploring Bhutan

Tour Types

Departures

Durations

Customer Reviews

4.6

What's Included

Availability

Itinerary

day 1Join Paro (2,200 m / 7,218 ft)

day 2Paro Valley – Taktsang Monastery and National Museum (3,100 m / 10,171 ft, walk 4–5 hrs)

day 3Drive past Drukyel Dzong (2,580 m / 8,465 ft) to Shana (2,860 m / 9,383 ft) and Trek to Thongo Zampa (3,250 m / 10,663 ft, 11 km, walk 4 hrs)

day 4Trek to Soi Thangthangkha (3,700 m / 12,139 ft, 9 km, walk 3–4 hrs)

day 5Trek to Jangothang (4,100 m / 13,451 ft, 12 km, walk 4–5 hrs)

day 6Jangothang Acclimatisation Day – Hike to Tshophu Twin Lakes (4,520 m / 14,829 ft, 12 km, walk 4–5 hrs)

day 7Cross Nyile La to Lingshi (4,890 m / 16,043 ft, 14.5 km, walk 6–7 hrs)

day 8Trek to Chebisa Village (3,880 m / 12,730 ft, 12 km, walk 5–6 hrs)

day 9Cross Gombu La to Shomuthang (4,440 m / 14,567 ft; camp 4,221 m / 13,849 ft, 16 km, walk 7–8 hrs)

day 10Cross Jare La to Robluthang (4,785 m / 15,699 ft; camp 4,165 m / 13,665 ft, 18 km, walk 8–9 hrs)

day 11Cross Shinge La to Lemithang (5,005 m / 16,421 ft; camp 4,150 m / 13,615 ft, 16 km, walk 8–9 hrs)

day 12Trek to Laya Village (3,800 m / 12,467 ft, 13 km, walk 5–6 hrs)

day 13Laya Rest Day and Village Exploration (3,800 m / 12,467 ft)

day 14Trek from Laya via Tongchudra to Taktsimakha, Drive to Gasa (2,850 m / 9,350 ft, walk 2–3 hrs, drive 2 hrs)

day 15Drive to Punakha (1,200 m / 3,937 ft, drive 2–3 hrs)

day 16Drive to Thimphu via Dochula Pass (2,320 m / 7,612 ft, drive 2–3 hrs)

day 17Drive to Paro (2,200 m / 7,218 ft, drive 1–2 hrs)