12-day co-ed tour of Bhutan including trekking through Laya
Itinerary dates: October 11 – 22, 2011
Tour leader: Beth Whitman
* Itinerary
* Costs
* Registration form
* Packing list
* Itinerary PDF
The co-ed Bhutan Laya Trek takes you over high mountain passes (16,100 feet) and into the wilderness above the tree line — a world of snow peaks, glacial lakes, herds of blue sheep, alpine blossoms and home to the hospitable Layap people. The group will enjoy the pristine mountain air, the therapeutic hot springs of Gasa and the sub-tropical valley of Punakha.
The group meets in Bangkok prior to departure to Bhutan. Flights depart Bangkok very early in the morning. Plan to arrive at least one day in advance of departure to Bhutan in case of flight delays.
Read these Bhutan Holiday and Vacation Tips
Read Bhutan FAQs and learn what to expect in Bhutan.
See the Bhutan Packing List.
See Beth’s Recommended Books about Bhutan.
View Beth’s Bhutan Photo Gallery.
Itinerary
October 11, 2011Â
Day 1 – Arrive from Bangkok – Paro
The flight into Paro on Bhutan’s national carrier, Druk Air, is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of the country. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks give way to the lush green Paro Valley as you land. Your first experience will be that of breathing in the cool, clean, fresh air. After clearing customs and visa control, the group will be met by our in-country guide and driven to our hotel.
After lunch, we will visit Rinpung Dzong and then spend time walking along Paro’s main street and shopping district. In the late afternoon, if there is time, we’ll visit Ta Dzong, which was converted into the National Museum in 1967. There, we can see antique thangkas, textiles, weapons, armor, household objects and other historic artifacts. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Paro.
October 12, 2011
Day 2 – Hike to Taktsang – Thimphu
Today we’ll get an early start to hike 2+ hours up to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), Bhutan’s most photographed and iconic monastery. We’ll have time to enjoy the views and visit the temples here. We’ll then hike down, stopping at the tea shop/cafe, located at the halfway point, where there are stunning views of Tiger’s Nest. We’ll then continue down and enjoy a picnic lunch in the forest.
In the afternoon, we’ll drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, located about 1.5 hours away. There may be time for walking around town before dinner and overnighting at the hotel in Thimphu.
October 13, 2011
Day 3 – Thimphu — Punakha
After breakfast, the group will depart for the drive over Dochu La Pass (10,000 feet), climbing steeply through a forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen. We’ll then have a chance to enjoy a downhill walk through the forest, meeting up with the road where we’ll board the van and drive into the Punakha Valley. Lunch will be served at the hotel.
In the afternoon, we’ll drive a short distance to the Punakha Dzong.
HIGHLIGHT! Punakha Dzong is considered the most beautiful of all dzongs in Bhutan. We’ll explore this complex of buildings that houses hundreds of monks during the winter. We’ll visit the spectacular main temple which includes large Buddhas at the altar and thousands more around the walls.
October 14, 2011
Day 4 – Punakha — Gasa (start of hike)
After breakfast, we’ll drive to Tashithang and then start our hike through the subtropical forest. This route is a fairly gentle climb up to Damji Village (7,800 feet).
A picnic lunch will be served at the village. Afterward, we’ll continue the walk until we reach the Gasa Hot Springs.
Dinner and overnight at camp.
Approximate trekking distance on this day is 11 miles
Approximate trekking time on this day is 7-8 hours.
HIGHLIGHT! The Gasa Hot Springs are famous for their curative powers and people come from all over the country to bathe here.
Note – On trekking days, you will only be responsible for your daybag. The bulk of your items will be carried by yaks and/or horses. It’s best to have a your items packed in a soft-sided bag or duffel to make it easier to pack on the yaks/horses.
October 15, 2011
Day 5 – Gasa — Chamsa
After breakfast, we will have a steep climb of about 2 hours until we reach Gasa Dzong. From here, it is another hard climb to Bele-la Pass (12,000 feet). This will take us through bamboo, rhododendron, juniper and fir forests. From the pass, we’ll descend for about half an hour to Chamsa where we’ll camp within the deep forested meadow.
Approximate trekking distance on this day is 8.5 miles
Approximate trekking time on this day is 6-7 hours.
October 16, 2011
Day 6 – Chamsa — Laya
Today’s trail descends to the bank of Mo-chu (chu is Bhutanese for river) where we’ll cross it by suspension bridge. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch nearby. From the bridge, there is a gradual climb up to the village of Laya (12,5000 feet) passing by an army camp along the way.
Approximate trekking distance on this day is 13.5 miles
Approximate trekking time on this day is 8-9 hours.
October 17, 2011
Day 7 – Laya — Halt
Today will be a much-needed rest day. The group will have the chance to explore the village of Laya, visiting homes and talking with the locals. There will be an evening cultural program by campfire with singing and dancing performed by the Layaps. Dinner and overnight at camp.
HIGHLIGHT! Laya people are very friendly and will happily pose for photographs. The women of Laya wear a special dress and typical bamboo hats which are pointy and decorated with turquoise and silver ornaments.
October 18, 2011
Day 8 – Laya — Chamsa
After breakfast, we’ll begin our trek with a descent back down the mountain until we reach Chamsa. Dinner and overnight at camp.
October 19, 2011
Day 9 – Chamsa — Gasa
After breakfast, it’s another gradual climb until we reach the Bele-la Pass and then descend until we reach the Gasa Hot Springs again for another night of warm bathing. Dinner and overnight at camp.
October 20, 2011
Day 10 – Gasa — Tashithang — Wangdue
Today the trail leads us gradually to Damji Village. From the village, we’ll descend through the deep forest until we reach the motorable road where we will be served refreshments before meeting the bus and driving on to Wangdue. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Wangdue.
October 21, 2011
Day 11 – Wangdue — Thimphu — Paro
From Wangdue, we will drive to Thimphu for lunch and a last chance for shopping and sightseeing. We’ll then proceed to Paro where we’ll have dinner and overnight at hotel.
October 22, 2011
Day 12 – Paro — Departure (by Druk Air)
After an early breakfast, we’ll depart for the airport for a bittersweet goodbye to the Kingdom of Bhutan and fly back to Bangkok. Though it’s possible to connect with your flight home on the same day, consider overnighting in Bangkok in case flights out of Paro are delayed (not uncommon).
________________________________________________________________
Costs
Price:$4,950
Single supplement: $475
Interested in sharing? We do our best to pair up same-sex travelers so as to avoid the single supplement. However, priority is given to the first deposits received. If you’re interested in sharing – PLEASE send in deposit as soon as possible in order to take advantage of this benefit.
(Why a single supplement charge? See this about page for an explanation.)
Price includes: Roundtrip flights from Bangkok to Paro, transportation in Bhutan, all meals, hotels, bottled water, visa, airport tax and tourist development fund charge.
Price does not include: International flights to and hotel in Bangkok, evacuation insurance (highly recommended), souvenirs, personal purchases (such as books and snacks), beverages other than water, and tips.
Because of the remote nature of this journey, it is limited to 15 people and requires an $800 deposit on a first come, first served basis. Please register early to ensure your spot.
Registration Form Bhutan Laya Trek 2011 (PDF)
Please make payable and send check with registration form to:
Beth Whitman
PO Box 16102
Seattle, WA 98116
For questions, please contact Beth:
beth (at) wanderlustandlipstick (dot) com
206-937-6789
Deposits and full payment may also be made with a credit/debit card through PayPal. Simply send payment to: beth (at) wanderlustandlipstick (dot) com.
Bhutan Packing List for Laya Trek (PDF)
Bhutan Laya Trek Itinerary 2011 (PDF)
About Beth
Your tour leader, Beth Whitman, has been traveling the world for more than twenty-three years and has a deep respect for cultures and the environment. She is the author of the Wanderlust and Lipstick series of guides and the editor of www.WanderlustAndLipstick.com. This will be her 6th trip to Bhutan but the first to this region.
About Bhutan
Few tourists visit Bhutan due to the country’s lack of infrastructure. While hotel accommodations are generally quite comfortable, they are basic. Meals are usually served buffet-style at the hotel and consist of lots of cooked vegetables, rice and some meat. Vegetarians will have no problem finding plenty to eat.
Bhutan is located in the Himalayas. The altitude should not be an issue for most but occasionally some people react to it with slight headaches or stomach upsets. Participants should be fit and able to carry their own daybags throughout the trek.
Related links:
Beth’s Bhutan Gallery