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
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
Customer Reviews
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.
amazing trek in Bhutan, couldn't have asked for more - everything was managed well by World Expeditions and the Bhutan ground operator. We had a very experienced guide and it was clearly notable the difference in standard between our group and the group from another company travelling in parallel with us.
It was an amazing trip in a beautiful country.
An amazing trek with such a great group of people
A truely wonderful experience on so many levels. I signed up for the physical challenge of the trekking and the high passes along with the scenery and isolation but in end it was so much more. Very personalised insights into the culture, society and history. Thoughtful discussions about Buddhism as we saw this being practiced first hand in the remote holy places. I got a sense of a World yet to be touched by the nasty sides of globalism. The chief guide was fantastic, a true gentleman and the camp staff and food was amazing for the high altitude and remote context. This is not though an easy walk and needs to be respected as such.
Good to Know
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