Snow Leopard Trek/ Lingshi Laya Trek
Trip Overview
Despite the opening up of a number of new trekking possibilities in Bhutan, the long-established route from Jumolhari across to Laya, (which we like to call it Above the Clouds) will always rank as one of Bhutan’s finest treks. The reason for this is not hard to find. It offers a great variety of trekking conditions; from picturesque farmland and forest to a breathtakingly beautiful lunar landscape, dwarfed by immense glistening peaks, abundant wildlife, including blue sheep, Takin, a wide variety of birds and the elusive snow leopard. Numerous isolated Dzongs and scattered settlements, including the outlandish village of Laya, provide a great deal of cultural interest’s en route.
Although long and challenging, as the trek that traces a loop along Bhutan’s northwestern border with Tibet, this is probably the most aesthetically beautiful of any trek in Himalayas.
Itinerary
Day 01 - BKK/CCU/DEL/KTM - PARO
Arrive to Paro International Air-port from the druk-air sectors mentioned above and after the formalities of Immigration and customs you will be transferred to hotel. After well settled with accommodation, depending on time, drive around the paro valley to visit the places of interests or walk around the town. Overnight Hotel.
Day 02 - PARO - SIGHTSEEING
Morning visit DrugyelDzong the victorious fortress of Bhutan which withstood the Tibetan invaders in the 17th century but unfortunately destroyed by fire and now stands in ruin. On the clear day you could enjoy the view of Mount Jumolhari and the valley to the north. Also take the opportunity to visit a farm house to witness how the Bhutanese family dwells at home, Kichu Lhakhang of 7th century. After lunch, visit the National Museum where it displays the ancient Artifacts from Bhutan, Paro Dzong which houses the main administration center and the state monastery for Paro region and stroll around the town. Overnight Hotel
Day 03 - PARO - TAKTSANG/PARO
Hiking excursion trip to Taktsang monastery (Tiger Nest) built on the cliff of a rock, where Guru Rimpoche an indian saint meditated in a cave in 8thC, followed by other great lamas from the neighboring countries. To-day, very holy and sacred pilgrimage site for the Buddhist and daring and adventurous for the visitors/tourists. The hike is 3 hours up to the monastery and 1 & ½ hours to down the parking place of the transport. Overnight Hotel.
Day 04 - SHANA - THANGTHANKA
Today, the trek day and with your gears, drive for an hours to Shana the trek point where your trek team and caravan horses wait for your arrival. Start the trek slowly leaving the main river with gradual ascends and crossing several steams but every now and then following the Paro River to Thongzampa for lunch break. After lunch, continue the trek with gradual ascend gaining to the altitude and cross the river to keep the trial on the left side of the river. After short climb one will spot a chorten at confluence of two rivers where it is possible to view the Mt. Jumolhari on the clear day. Make short rest enjoying the sight of the mountain and continue the hike crossing back the stream and keeping on the left side of the river which will reach to the campsite Thanthangka Alt. 3880 M. Its 7-8 hours hike and overnight tented camp.
Day 05 - THANGTHANKA - JANGOTHANG
Begin the hike with gradual ascend, by passing the Army Post and slowly the trial come to the level to cross a stream and follow the river, passing yak herders homes slowly gaining to the altitude as you walk and view the snowcapped mountains with ascend to Jangothang the base camp of the Mt. Jumolhari Alt. 7200m. The walk is 6-7 hours, campsite Alt. 4080m., overnight tented camp.
Day 06 - JANGOTHANG - HALT
To-day is the rest day for acclimatization for the high altitude. But one could keep busy by exploring the surrounding mountains with day hike. Overnight tented camp
Day 07 - JANGOTHANG - LINGSHI
The trial on level for few minutes and start the climb on the slope of mountain with winding path and hike along the valley on gradual ascend for an hour to start the climb on rocky and gravel path to Nyeli-la pass Alt. 4725m. On this hike you may be lucky to see snow leopard but definitely you will come across the herd of wild blue sheep and from the top of the pass you feel that you are near to the top of Mt. Tsirimgang Alt. 6990m. From the pass it’s all the way down on open space and slowly nearing Lingshiwith views the LingshiDzong and the valley.Lingshi campsite Alt. 3980m., and the walk is 6/7 hours and overnight tented camp.
Day 08 - LINGSHI - CHEBISA
The trek is of 5-6 hours of hike with gradual ascend through the base of LingshiDzong, government official building and school with view of Lingshi village in the deep valley and come to a ridge with view of Mt. Tsiremgang Alt. 6990m and to Gangyul village and short ascend till the level trial to Chebisa village, campsite Alt. 4045m. Overnight tented camp near the village.
Day 09 - CHEBISA - SHOMUTHANG
The trek is of 6-7 hours hike. The hike will begin with leaving the village to steep climb on the open pasture to cross the Gophu-la pass Alt. 4610m., and all the way down hill to cross a small stream than on level for sometime and slowly way down to cross a river to meet the gradual climb to reach the campsite Shomuthang At Alt. 4090m. Overnight tented camp.
Day 10 - SHOMUTHANG - ROBLUTHANG
The trek is of 7-8 hours hike with gradual climb to cross the Jari-la pass Alt. 4830m and all the way down on open space slowly getting into the fir forest to reach Tsarijathang valley (where the national animal Takin migrate in the summer from Gasa valley), and cross the Tsarijathang-chu (river) and climb gradually to reach the campsite Robluthang at Alt. 4330m. Overnight tented camp.
Day 11 - ROBLUTHANG - LEMTHANG
The trek is of 7/8 hours hike with the gradual climb through the barren and rocky path to cross the Shinje-la pass Alt. 4982m and all the way down hill with winding trial of barren and rocky path, with view of Mount Gangchen Tag (Tiger Mountain) Alt. 6993m., and with its glacial lake to Lemthang the base camp of th Mt. GangchenTag Alt. 3880 m.. Overnight tented camp.
Day 12 - LEMTHANG - LAYA
The trek is of 5-6 hours hike. The trial is following a stream for sometime with decent and on level, through the conifer forests, and leaving the stream with gradual climb slowly viewing the Laya village the campsite Alt. 3820m. Overnight tented camp.
Day 13 - LAYA - HALT
To-day at leisure but one could explore around the laya village and its surrounding mountains. Laya villagers are the inhabitants of Yak herders who live on the animal products beside the very little farm land where they grow wheat and some vegetables. Layabs had to get their main supply from Punakha valley at Alt. 1550 M. where all kind of grain could be grown beside the rice. Overnight tented camp.
Day 14 - LAYA - KOENA
The trek is 5-6 hours hike through the farmland with descend to the army post. After the registration, continue the walk with gradual downhill, crossing several streams and following the main river with the trails up and down through the conifer forest to Koina campsite Alt. 3300m. The campsite is bit muddy as it is near a stream and a hut was built for the travelers but it is used mainly by the locals. If the hut is empty you could use it as well. Overnight tented camp.
Day 15 - KOENA - GASA
Today hike for few hours to meet the transport as the motor road construction are on progress to Laya village. After you meet your transport with your belonging drive to GasaTsachu (Hot Spring) for few hours. The drive will be through the green forests with view of GasaDzong and the villages. If you are interested you could visit the beautiful GasaDzong. Continue the drive to hot spring where you
could have nice and comforting soak into the hot spring after a long time. The drive and hike will be 5-6 hours and campsite 2559m and overnight in tented camp.
Day 16 - GASA TSACHU - PUNAKHA
After satisfactory wash in the hot spring, you will leave the hot spring with farewell to your trekking team. The drive is through the green forests with winding road to cross the gasa riverand passing by the villages and agricultural fields and slowly drive along the Mo-chu (female river) to Puankha valley with view of the Punakha Dzong for 4-5 hours. You will directly chech-in to the hotel ad after lunch visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong and the Chimi Lhakhang of 15thcentrury and walk around the Khuru Local Town. Overnight hotel..
Day 17 - PUNAKHA - THIMPHU
Start the journey to Thimphu the capital of Bhutan across the dochu-la pass 3150 M where one could enjoy the magnificent view of Himalayan snow peaks on the clear days. However it is very outstanding to make a short stop to enjoy the sights of the chortens and the temples built by the queen of Bhutan for the well being of the country and sentient beings. Lunch is organized at Dochu-la hotel. After lunch continue the drive all the way down passing the immigration check point, passing the road side stalls and the apple orchards to Thimphu. Overnight Hotel.
Day 18 - THIMPHU - SIGHTSEEING
Morning visit National Library, Arts and Craft School, Folk Heritage Museum, National Herbal Institute and Hospital, Handicraft Emporium, Memorial Chorten of the 3rd King of Bhutan, The biggest Buddha Statue, Zelukha Nunnery, Changangkha monastery of 13th century, Tashichho-dzong the main secretariat building, small zoo of Takin the national animal of Bhutan, and walk around the city. Overnight Hotel
Day 20 - THIMPHU - PARO/EXIT
Drive to Paro International Airport for the flight to your next destination. The drive from Thimphu to Paro International Air-port is 1 hour and the reporting time for the flight is two hours ahead of the flight departure time. Your guide and driver will see you to the Airport and bid farewell.
Included
- Bhutan Tourist Tariff Royalty & Visa fees.
- All private excursions and transfers in superior air-conditioned vehicle.
- Local English speaking guide/tour leader.
- Experienced driver.
- Accommodation in carefully selected, highest standard government approved hotels & guesthouses.
- All meals in Bhutan.
- All entrance fees and permits.
- Extensive sightseeing as indicated in itinerary and entrance fees as applicable
- In trek - accommodation high quality wind and water proof A-shaped 2 men sleeping tent with comfortable mattress, pillows, hot water bag, dinning tent, sleeping tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent.
- Pack ponies, trekking staff: Cook & helpers and well trained and licesed trekking guide.
Excluded
- Airfare
- All personal expenses such as bars, beverages, laundry, telephone and tips.
- Medical / Travel Insurance.
- Sleeping bags (you can hire one but let us know before)
Good to Know
Itinerary
Day 01 - BKK/CCU/DEL/KTM - PARO
Arrive to Paro International Air-port from the druk-air sectors mentioned above and after the formalities of Immigration and customs you will be transferred to hotel. After well settled with accommodation, depending on time, drive around the paro valley to visit the places of interests or walk around the town. Overnight Hotel.
Day 02 - PARO - SIGHTSEEING
Morning visit DrugyelDzong the victorious fortress of Bhutan which withstood the Tibetan invaders in the 17th century but unfortunately destroyed by fire and now stands in ruin. On the clear day you could enjoy the view of Mount Jumolhari and the valley to the north. Also take the opportunity to visit a farm house to witness how the Bhutanese family dwells at home, Kichu Lhakhang of 7th century. After lunch, visit the National Museum where it displays the ancient Artifacts from Bhutan, Paro Dzong which houses the main administration center and the state monastery for Paro region and stroll around the town. Overnight Hotel
Day 03 - PARO - TAKTSANG/PARO
Hiking excursion trip to Taktsang monastery (Tiger Nest) built on the cliff of a rock, where Guru Rimpoche an indian saint meditated in a cave in 8thC, followed by other great lamas from the neighboring countries. To-day, very holy and sacred pilgrimage site for the Buddhist and daring and adventurous for the visitors/tourists. The hike is 3 hours up to the monastery and 1 & ½ hours to down the parking place of the transport. Overnight Hotel.
Day 04 - SHANA - THANGTHANKA
Today, the trek day and with your gears, drive for an hours to Shana the trek point where your trek team and caravan horses wait for your arrival. Start the trek slowly leaving the main river with gradual ascends and crossing several steams but every now and then following the Paro River to Thongzampa for lunch break. After lunch, continue the trek with gradual ascend gaining to the altitude and cross the river to keep the trial on the left side of the river. After short climb one will spot a chorten at confluence of two rivers where it is possible to view the Mt. Jumolhari on the clear day. Make short rest enjoying the sight of the mountain and continue the hike crossing back the stream and keeping on the left side of the river which will reach to the campsite Thanthangka Alt. 3880 M. Its 7-8 hours hike and overnight tented camp.
Day 05 - THANGTHANKA - JANGOTHANG
Begin the hike with gradual ascend, by passing the Army Post and slowly the trial come to the level to cross a stream and follow the river, passing yak herders homes slowly gaining to the altitude as you walk and view the snowcapped mountains with ascend to Jangothang the base camp of the Mt. Jumolhari Alt. 7200m. The walk is 6-7 hours, campsite Alt. 4080m., overnight tented camp.
Day 06 - JANGOTHANG - HALT
To-day is the rest day for acclimatization for the high altitude. But one could keep busy by exploring the surrounding mountains with day hike. Overnight tented camp
Day 07 - JANGOTHANG - LINGSHI
The trial on level for few minutes and start the climb on the slope of mountain with winding path and hike along the valley on gradual ascend for an hour to start the climb on rocky and gravel path to Nyeli-la pass Alt. 4725m. On this hike you may be lucky to see snow leopard but definitely you will come across the herd of wild blue sheep and from the top of the pass you feel that you are near to the top of Mt. Tsirimgang Alt. 6990m. From the pass it’s all the way down on open space and slowly nearing Lingshiwith views the LingshiDzong and the valley.Lingshi campsite Alt. 3980m., and the walk is 6/7 hours and overnight tented camp.
Day 08 - LINGSHI - CHEBISA
The trek is of 5-6 hours of hike with gradual ascend through the base of LingshiDzong, government official building and school with view of Lingshi village in the deep valley and come to a ridge with view of Mt. Tsiremgang Alt. 6990m and to Gangyul village and short ascend till the level trial to Chebisa village, campsite Alt. 4045m. Overnight tented camp near the village.
Day 09 - CHEBISA - SHOMUTHANG
The trek is of 6-7 hours hike. The hike will begin with leaving the village to steep climb on the open pasture to cross the Gophu-la pass Alt. 4610m., and all the way down hill to cross a small stream than on level for sometime and slowly way down to cross a river to meet the gradual climb to reach the campsite Shomuthang At Alt. 4090m. Overnight tented camp.
Day 10 - SHOMUTHANG - ROBLUTHANG
The trek is of 7-8 hours hike with gradual climb to cross the Jari-la pass Alt. 4830m and all the way down on open space slowly getting into the fir forest to reach Tsarijathang valley (where the national animal Takin migrate in the summer from Gasa valley), and cross the Tsarijathang-chu (river) and climb gradually to reach the campsite Robluthang at Alt. 4330m. Overnight tented camp.
Day 11 - ROBLUTHANG - LEMTHANG
The trek is of 7/8 hours hike with the gradual climb through the barren and rocky path to cross the Shinje-la pass Alt. 4982m and all the way down hill with winding trial of barren and rocky path, with view of Mount Gangchen Tag (Tiger Mountain) Alt. 6993m., and with its glacial lake to Lemthang the base camp of th Mt. GangchenTag Alt. 3880 m.. Overnight tented camp.
Day 12 - LEMTHANG - LAYA
The trek is of 5-6 hours hike. The trial is following a stream for sometime with decent and on level, through the conifer forests, and leaving the stream with gradual climb slowly viewing the Laya village the campsite Alt. 3820m. Overnight tented camp.
Day 13 - LAYA - HALT
To-day at leisure but one could explore around the laya village and its surrounding mountains. Laya villagers are the inhabitants of Yak herders who live on the animal products beside the very little farm land where they grow wheat and some vegetables. Layabs had to get their main supply from Punakha valley at Alt. 1550 M. where all kind of grain could be grown beside the rice. Overnight tented camp.
Day 14 - LAYA - KOENA
The trek is 5-6 hours hike through the farmland with descend to the army post. After the registration, continue the walk with gradual downhill, crossing several streams and following the main river with the trails up and down through the conifer forest to Koina campsite Alt. 3300m. The campsite is bit muddy as it is near a stream and a hut was built for the travelers but it is used mainly by the locals. If the hut is empty you could use it as well. Overnight tented camp.
Day 15 - KOENA - GASA
Today hike for few hours to meet the transport as the motor road construction are on progress to Laya village. After you meet your transport with your belonging drive to GasaTsachu (Hot Spring) for few hours. The drive will be through the green forests with view of GasaDzong and the villages. If you are interested you could visit the beautiful GasaDzong. Continue the drive to hot spring where you
could have nice and comforting soak into the hot spring after a long time. The drive and hike will be 5-6 hours and campsite 2559m and overnight in tented camp.
Day 16 - GASA TSACHU - PUNAKHA
After satisfactory wash in the hot spring, you will leave the hot spring with farewell to your trekking team. The drive is through the green forests with winding road to cross the gasa riverand passing by the villages and agricultural fields and slowly drive along the Mo-chu (female river) to Puankha valley with view of the Punakha Dzong for 4-5 hours. You will directly chech-in to the hotel ad after lunch visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong and the Chimi Lhakhang of 15thcentrury and walk around the Khuru Local Town. Overnight hotel..
Day 17 - PUNAKHA - THIMPHU
Start the journey to Thimphu the capital of Bhutan across the dochu-la pass 3150 M where one could enjoy the magnificent view of Himalayan snow peaks on the clear days. However it is very outstanding to make a short stop to enjoy the sights of the chortens and the temples built by the queen of Bhutan for the well being of the country and sentient beings. Lunch is organized at Dochu-la hotel. After lunch continue the drive all the way down passing the immigration check point, passing the road side stalls and the apple orchards to Thimphu. Overnight Hotel.
Day 18 - THIMPHU - SIGHTSEEING
Morning visit National Library, Arts and Craft School, Folk Heritage Museum, National Herbal Institute and Hospital, Handicraft Emporium, Memorial Chorten of the 3rd King of Bhutan, The biggest Buddha Statue, Zelukha Nunnery, Changangkha monastery of 13th century, Tashichho-dzong the main secretariat building, small zoo of Takin the national animal of Bhutan, and walk around the city. Overnight Hotel
Day 20 - THIMPHU - PARO/EXIT
Drive to Paro International Airport for the flight to your next destination. The drive from Thimphu to Paro International Air-port is 1 hour and the reporting time for the flight is two hours ahead of the flight departure time. Your guide and driver will see you to the Airport and bid farewell.
Included
- Bhutan Tourist Tariff Royalty & Visa fees.
- All private excursions and transfers in superior air-conditioned vehicle.
- Local English speaking guide/tour leader.
- Experienced driver.
- Accommodation in carefully selected, highest standard government approved hotels & guesthouses.
- All meals in Bhutan.
- All entrance fees and permits.
- Extensive sightseeing as indicated in itinerary and entrance fees as applicable
- In trek - accommodation high quality wind and water proof A-shaped 2 men sleeping tent with comfortable mattress, pillows, hot water bag, dinning tent, sleeping tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent.
- Pack ponies, trekking staff: Cook & helpers and well trained and licesed trekking guide.
Excluded
- Airfare
- All personal expenses such as bars, beverages, laundry, telephone and tips.
- Medical / Travel Insurance.
- Sleeping bags (you can hire one but let us know before)
Good to Know
Top Reviews
Lhomen Tours Trekking
2019-12-18 07:50:57
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