Bhutan is a tiny, remote and impoverished kingdom nestling in the Himalayas between its powerful neighbors, India and China. Almost completely cut off for centuries, it has tried to let in some aspects of the outside world while fiercely guarding its ancient traditions. The Bhutanese name for Bhutan, Druk Yul, means “Land of the Thunder Dragon” and it only began to open up to outsiders in the 1970s. Bhutan’s ancient Buddhist culture and breathtaking scenery make it a natural tourist attraction. Tourists must travel as part of a pre-arranged package or guided tour.
Bhutan is known for the best holiday destination in the world. People from all over the world come to Bhutan to experience tradition, culture, landscape, trekking, kayaking, rafting and most of all HAPPINESS!
As Bhutan is the neighboring country of Nepal, we can arrange for perfect holiday plan in Bhutan for our guests. We ensure you are fully satisfied and extremely happy. We give you holiday of a life time.
Beautiful Laya Gasa Trek is one of the stunning treks in Bhutan our guests will love much.
Detail Itinerary:
Day 01: arrival to Kathmandu (1337m)
Day 02: sighseeing in Kathmandu (1337m)
Day 03: departure from kathmandu to paro
Day 04: excursion to takshang & acclimatization
Day 05: shana to soi-thangthangkha
Day 06: soi-thangthangkha to jangothang
Day 07: jangothang to lingshi (18 kms, 5-6 hours)
Day 08: lingshi to chebisa (10 kms, 5-6 hours
Day 09: chebisa to shomuthang (17 kms, 6-7 hours
Day 10: shomuthang to robluthang (18 kms, 6-7 hours
Day 11: robluthang to limithang (19 kms, 6-7 hours
Day 12: limithang to laya (10 kms, 4-5 hours Walk for a while to enter through the deep Day 13: day halt at laya
Day 14: laya to koina (19 kms, 6-7 hours
Day 15: koina to gasa (14 kms, 6-7 hrs.) and drive to punakha
Day 16: punakha to thimphu
Day 17: departure to kathmandu
Day 18: rest/shopping in kathmandu or visit to bhaktapur (1401) 3-4 hours
Day 19: departure from Kathmandu (1337m)
Important Information:
Our Guest’s security is of dominant concern while traveling with Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition. The trekking leader has the authority to adjust or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is necessary due to unfavorable circumstances. Unfavorable weather conditions, the health condition of a group member, or an unexpected natural disaster can force changes to the itinerary. However, every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary. The lead guide will try his/her best to ensure that the trip goes smoothly and according to plan, but please be ready to be flexible if necessary.Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition is capable, experienced, and prepared to give 24-hour emergency response to any accident or condition that requires attention or evacuation.
Important Also:
Himalayan Vacation Treks & Expedition requires that trekking and expedition guests have Insurance Policies. A Travel Insurance Policy should cover the cost of emergencies (including altitude sickness), injuries, and evacuations. Please, it is essential to bring your Travel Insurance Policy, or copies of your pertinent existing insurance coverage with you to Nepal. HV Treks will require a copy for our office records. We, as well, advise you to inform your existing insurance agent/company of your itinerary, including trekking, climbing, and hiking, and insure your current policy provides sufficient coverage.
Day 01: arrival to Kathmandu (1337m)
You are welcomed to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal renowned for historical monuments, Hindu Temples, and Buddhist Stupas/Monasteries. We meet our guests at the Tribhuvan International Airport. A representative will be waiting with a Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition placard with our guests’ names displayed. After dropping luggage at the hotel, guests are taken for a short sightseeing tour. In the evening, guests are invited to a Welcome Dinner at a Nepali restaurant.
Day 02: sighseeing in Kathmandu (1337m)
A local guide will be available. According to your wishes, the guide will escort you for sightseeing. Sightseeing may include the Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupati, Boudhanath, Patan Durbar Square, and the Swoyambhunath areas. Starting after breakfast, usually at 9.00am, the exploration of Kathmandu Valley can continue until 5.00pm. Lunch and dinner, you will be responsible for.
Day 03: departure from kathmandu to paro
Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition will manage vehicle and a staff to drop our valuable guests at the airport in Kathmandu. Our guests will be received at Paro airport by our Bhutanese agent(s) and transfer to the hotel, afternoon visits the National Museum (Taa Dzong), Rimpong Dzong and drive to visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong. Later visit the 7th century Kyichu Monastery; Dinner and overnight Hotel
Day 04: excursion to takshang & acclimatization
Following early breakfast, excursion to view & visit the spectacular Takshang Monastery; “Takshang” literally means Tiger’s Nest. The Monastery is believed to have been built in 1684 on the spot where Guru Rimpoche (founder of Buddhism in Bhutan) flew on the back of a Tigress and meditated to subdue the demons in Paro valley. The trail to the Monastery climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. This incredible Monastery clings vertically to the edge of a granite rock cliff that plunges 900 meters above the valley floor.Lunch at Takshang Cafeteria; Evening at leisure in town Dinner & overnight Hotel
Day 05: shana to soi-thangthangkha
Drive to Shana Zampa where trek starts to Soi-Thangthangkha. The trail continues along the side of Pa Chu through thick conifers and rhododendron vegetation which also falls under the demarcation of Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Park. With a gentle climb on the rock through Oak forests and crossing streams, you will see Phari Dzong of Tibet. Further climbing the ridge, cross the Paro Chu on a wooden bridge, you will reach Soi-Thangthangkha at an altitude of 3630 Mtrs. Distance is 22 kms, and takes not less than 7 hours to reach the campsite. Overnight Camp Soi-Thangthangkha.
Day 06: soi-thangthangkha to jangothang
You will start to have closer view of Mt.Jumolhari from the campsite; you should try viewing early in the morning. Your today’s journey begins with short and gentle climb across an army post and Takethang, a sparsely populated village with stone made houses on a plateau at an altitude of 3940 Mtrs. Distance is 19 kms, takes appx. 5-6 hours. Campsite is at the base of Mt.Jumolhari. Overnight Camp Jangothang.
Day 07: jangothang to lingshi (18 kms, 5-6 hours)
Today you are trekking across Nyelela pass at an altitude of 4890 Mtrs. You should make sure you are feeling perfectly fine and fit. You will come across a settlement shortly after you start the journey, which is the last settlement in the valley. From along the trail you can continue to view Mt.Jumolhari and Mt.Jichu Drake from a closer range. Dropping down to the valley at 4450 Mtrs, you will stop briefly for lunch. Trekking further away, you will see Mt.Jumolhari in its full bloom Further you will reach Nyelela pass and descend down to reach Lingshi. Overnight camp Lingshi.
Day 08: lingshi to chebisa (10 kms, 5-6 hours
Today you will start with a walk down through the wooden bridge below Lingshi Dzong, along side of a single house, which is a part of Lingshi village; you will have a close view of the Dzong which is at an elevation of 4220 Mtrs. After an hour of walk, you will come to the ridge of prayer flags and further, settlement of Goyak at 3870 Mtrs. Leaving Goyak, you will come across Chebisa village at 3880 Mtrs. Overnight Camp Chebisa.
Day 09: chebisa to shomuthang (17 kms, 6-7 hours
The route today climbs through ridges passing few houses, where Blue Sheep are visible. Also you will have chance to see Vultures and Himalayan Griffons flying over head; further climb to reach Gombu La (4440 Mtrs.0 and further, you will reach yak Herders huts and then over the side of the valley, down to Shakshepasa at 3980 Mtrs. And an army helipad, marked by big H. Then drop down to Shomuthang and camp by the river at Shakshepasa Overnight Camp shomuthang.
Day 10: shomuthang to robluthang (18 kms, 6-7 hours
A gradual climb up the valley, you will have great view of the snow caped Kang Bum Peak (6526 Mtrs.) After two hours of climb up hill, you will come across Jharila Pass (4747 Mtrs.), from where you can have view of Sincha La. The big snow capped in the north is Mt.Gangchhenta (Great Tiger Mountain) 6840 Mtrs. And Mt.Tshering Gang; also top of Mt.Jumolhari is visible in clear winter.Camp by the river is called Tsheri Jathang, where Takkin, the national animal of Bhutan are available; this area is declared as Takkin Sanctuary. Climb up and reach Robluthang at 4160 Mtrs. Overnight Camp Robluthang.
Day 11: robluthang to limithang (19 kms, 6-7 hours
Today you will come across Sinche La (5005 Mtrs.), the last and highest pass on this trek route. It is at high altitude and the trail gradually descends down. Passing through the prayer flags at this pass, you will reach Kango Chu; continue further to Limithang camp, there is a huge glacial lake at the foot of the valley. Crossing the Kango Chu at 4260 Mtrs. You will reach Limithang at 4140 Mtrs. You can view Mt.Gangchhenta from a distance. Overnight Camp Limithang.
Day 12: limithang to laya (10 kms, 4-5 hours
Walk for a while to enter through the deep vegetation and descend down to the river valley at 3800 Mtrs. Further walk through dense forest to find a stone house with paddy field and monastery up above. From the west of village, you can view Mt.Gangchhenta and some part of Mt.Massagang 7165 Mtrs. In the center of the village is a community school and hospital. Camp below school at 3840 Mtrs. Overnight camp Laya
Day 13: day halt at laya
Day at leisure visiting the remote population of Bhutan and their lifestyle Overnight camp Laya.
Day 14: laya to koina (19 kms, 6-7 hours
The trail ends at Khonying Stupa, passing to another Stupa at Jaje-kha. Crossing the river through a wooden bridge, you will arrive at army camp and check post, where all foreign travelers are required to register their movement. The peak of Mt.Massagang (7165 Mtrs.) is barely visible. The route follows down to Mo Chu downstream all the way to Punakha; you will climb lots of ups and down to reach Kohi Lapcha at 3300 Mtrs. And then drop down to Koina at 3050 Mtrs. Camping here is not very pleasant due to its geographical location. Overnight Camp Koina.
Day 15: koina to gasa (14 kms, 6-7 hrs.) and drive to punakha
Crossing the bridge at Koina and climbing up hill through muddy trail to Bari La at 3900 Mtrs the route descends down through Bamboo forest. Descending at 3080 Mtrs you can see Gasa Dzong; you will further descend down to the stream at 2780 Mtrs and pass through four Chortens on the ridge at 2810 Mtrs. The trail passes through Jigme Dorji National Paro, which leads through the Dzong and School. After reaching Gasa, drive to Punakha. Dinner & Overnight Hotel.
Day 16: punakha to thimphu
After breakfast, visit Punakha Dzong, a historic monument which was once the central secretariat building of Bhutan until the time Punakha was the old capital. This Dzong looks like a floating ship between two rivers Pho Chu and Mo Chu and was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This Dzong is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo, the chief abbot. Later drive to Thimphu; enroute visit Wangduephodrang & Chime Lhakhang, a monastery popularly known as Temple of Fertility and is regarded as pilgrimage site for barren couple. Lunch at Dochula Pass cafeteria; and continue drive to Thimphu/transfer to hotel. In Thimphu, visit Textiles Museum & Handicrafts Emporium; visit the National Library, Indigenous Hospital, Folk Heritage Museum & Bhutanese Handmade Paper factory; Visit Post & telegraph office to view Bhutanese Stamps. Evening visit Tashichhodzong, the main Secretariat building that houses Headquarters of all Ministries, office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot. Overnight Hotel
Day 17: departure to kathmandu
Today we travel to Kathmandu by air. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition will manage vehicle and a staff to receive our valuable guests at the airport. If we have time, we can go to look around or go for shopping in Kathmandu.
Day 18: rest/shopping in kathmandu or visit to bhaktapur (1401) 3-4 hours
This day is free too. If you wish, a sightseeing trip to the ancient temple/king’s seat of the world heritage site of incredible Bhaktapur can be arranged. The tour lasts 4 hours, and will cost an additional upcharge. In the evening, a Farewell Dinner is given by Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition.
Day 19: departure from Kathmandu (1337m)
Today, we check the list of all necessary documents and goods of our guest. We confirm the flight tickets before 72 hours of departure flight. We advise our guest to put passport and tickets at their handbag for convenience. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition staff representative will take our valuable guests to the airport (3 hours prior to your flight) and bid goodbye. It will be not only goodbye, but also the welcome for next visit to Nepal.
Minimum number of participants: 2
Maximum number of participants: 12
December ,January and February
It is called the winter season in Nepal. It is a season for snowfall in mountain region above 4300m in Nepal. So trekking is possible below 4500m during this period. This season is noted for occasional snowfall at higher elevations in Himalayas. Though it gets colder in night, often it offers the clear day / blue sky and relatively less trekkers on the trail.Sunrise and Sunset are seen very clear and beautiful in this season. So tourist who wants to pass short holidays during this period Himalayan vacation Treks and Expedition welcomes to see splendid view of nature. During this period, we arrange family tour to experience natural beauty with short hikings and cultural tour.It is suitable for homestay tour through which different rituals and culture can be experienced during this period. The famous homestay like Sailung Timal homestay,Timal homestay, Tamang Heritage Homestay, Ghalegaon Homestay are the special places to visit. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges tour for this places. Chitawan National park Bardiya National Park are also the places to have live experience of culture and rituals.
March , April and May
It is spring season which is known as trekking season in Nepal. A smooth wind and gentle breeze is felt all over the country. Sunny days and clear weather are the supportive factors for trekking in this season. Presence of cloud can be seen in the sky during this season.So a short rainfall can be felt during this period. It is the season of expedition and climbing high peaks in Nepal .So many tourist from different parts of the world come to climb peaks above 7000m in this season. Himalyan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges tour and journey for climbing during this period.Peak climbing period can be enlength upto June so Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges attractive programmes during this period.This period offer plenty of opportunities for clear mountain views. It is also the time for flowers to blossom, and the national flower of Nepal – rhododendrons – coat the mountainsides with its colorful beauty throughout the spring.Except rhododendrons , many kind of natural flora and fauna makes Nepal very beautiful during this season
June ,July and August
It is rainy season in Nepal. As it is the season of heavy rainfall. it is also known as the crops harvesting season in Nepal. In this season, trekking is slight difficult in Nepal. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. Trekking in the rain-shadow (places are out of reach of the rain clouds because of the high mountains) areas north of the Himalaya like Upper Mustang and Dolpo could be an ideal trek selection. However, Himalayan vacation Treks and Expedition arranges tour and trek during this period in dry areas. We arrange treks and tour in dry areas like Mustang , Upper Dolpa , Leh Ladakh (India) and Tibet.
September , October and November
Moderate temperatures, clear sky with outstanding views, making it a great time to do any of our trek. Occasional short storms may dump snow at high altitudes.This is the season of feast and festivals. This is also known as the special season for flowers in Nepal. Marigold is the popular and found best in this season. Temples and holy places are visited during this period. Festivals like Dashain , Tihar and Chhath are celebrated during this season. Long national holidays are offered for this festival for civil workers. This season is known as the king of the season. No rainfall, sunny days and moderate temperature are the most favourable factors of this season for treks and tours in Nepal.Every kind of treks and tours can be done during this period.So many tourist come to see beautiful Nepal in this season. Many trekking routes are full of tourist during this season. Peaks 6000m to 7000m are the best destination for climbing in this season.Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition welcomes tourist to feel the splendid view of nature of Nepal in this season.
This list is a guideline to help you pack for your adventure. Please understand that the items listed below will vary according to the season and the duration of the trek. The weight limit for your luggage is 33 pounds or 12 kg. Your gear will be carried by your porter and you will be required to carry your own day-pack (with your valuables and things of immediate importance to you). We also suggest that you pack only what is necessary. Our list of equipment is prepared on the basis of our long experience. The Himalayan Vacation Trek & Expedition Team leader will check your gear to insure you have all necessary equipment at the start of the trek. If necessary, the HVTreks’ guide will request additions of necessary equipment when and where it is available.
Important documents and items
Head
Upper Body
Hands
Lower Body
Feet
Sleeping
Rucksack and Travel Bags
Medical
-Note: In the larger towns and cities of Nepal, pharmacies have available common over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. Western/foreign brand name products and prescription drugs are not. We suggest you bring the pharmaceuticals you use in enough quantity.
Practical Items
