Arrive Paro International Airport & Sightseeing in Paro (2200m)

National Museum of Bhutan འབྲུག་གི་འགྲེམས་སྟོན་ཁང་། - Arrive at Paro International airport by either of only two airlines operating in and out of Bhutan; Drukair, the national flag carrier or Bhutan Airlines, a private airline that was started in 2011. You will be received by our guide and driver at the arrival hall and then transfer to the hotel. After checking in and settling yourself in the new surroundings, you will be taken on your first adventure into the ‘Kingdom of Thunder Dragon’.

We will visit the National Museum of Bhutan, to get a glimpse of the history and rich cultural traditions of Bhutan. Located below the National Museum is the 17th-century Paro Rinpung Dzong which serves as the office of the Paro District Governor and residence of the district clergy. From there drive to visit Sangchoekhor Monastery located on a hilltop overlooking the Paro valley. You’ll have an opportunity to meet the monks and offer prayers at the serene monastery.
Leisure time around Paro town.

Full Day Acclimatization - Hike to Taktsang Monastery, Tiger’s Nest (3120m)

Paro Taktsang - After breakfast, drive to Ramthangka, the base of the Taktsang monastery. Taktsang monastery is built on the face of an 800-meter rock cliff in Paro. The hiking normally takes about 4-5 hours round trip. The trail takes you through the ancient path shaded by pine trees. After an hour of steep uphill hiking, you will reach a nice cafeteria from where you can see spectacular views of Taktsang monastery perched on the face of a steep rock cliff and beautiful valley below. Hot tea and snacks will be served here. From this viewpoint, it takes a further 1 hour to reach the monastery, receive blessings from many sacred relics and artifacts and enjoy grand views of the Paro valley below.

After lunch at the cafeteria, we retrace our steps back to the base where our driver will be waiting. Leisure time in Paro town.

Trek Begins] Paro Drukgyal Dzong / Shana Zampa (2850m)

Shana Zampa / Thang Thanka (3610m)

Thang Thanka / Jangothang, Jomolhari Basecamp (4080m)

Halt at Jangothang & Explore the Pristine Area (4080-4500m)

Jangothang / Lingzhi (4010m)

Lingzhi / Chebisa (3880m)

Chebisa / Shomuthang (4220m)

Shomuthang / Robluthang (4160m)

Robluthang / Limithang (4140m)

Limithang / Laya Village (3840m)

Laya / Koina (3050m)

Koina / Gasa (2850m)

Gasa / Punakha Valley (1200m)

Punakha - Today, you will spend the morning leisurely soaking up in the hot spring and after lunch, transfer to Punakha valley for an overnight stay.

Distance 95km | Time 3.5-hours | Punakha Altitude 1,200m/3,937ft

Punakha / Capital City Thimphu (2334m)

Thimphu - After breakfast, visit the 17th-century historic Punakha Dzong considered as the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture and walk to Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge that stretches across glacial-fed Phochu (male) river. We then drive to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility) popularly known among tourists as “Temple of Fertility”. A gentle walk through the terraced rice fields and traditional farmhouses painted with phalluses will give you a unique experience. Explore the nearby village. After lunch, transfer to Thimphu via the sacred Dochula Pass.

Stop briefly at Dochula, a sacred mountain pass at an elevation of 3150m and enjoy a grand view of some of the highest mountains of Bhutan on a clear day. From there continue driving towards Thimphu and gradually descend to the capital city of Bhutan.

Arriving in Thimphu, visit Buddha Dordhenma Statue located on a hilltop overlooking the Thimphu valley.

Distance 74km | Time 2.5-hours | Thimphu Altitude 2,334m/7,655ft

Transfer to Paro International Airport for Departure

Paro International Airport - After breakfast, drive to Paro and transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey. Your guide will assist you to complete all exit formalities before you check in.

Distance 55km | Time 1 hour | Paro Altitude 2,195m/7,200ft

• All internal taxes for the services listed above
• Porters & Ponies
• Sleeping bag liner (not sleeping bag)
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• Experienced English-speaking licensed tour guide
• Medical treatment at a hospital in Bhutan if you sustain injuries while in Bhutan
• All ground transportation including round trip airport transfers
• 12 nights full-service outdoor camping in pristine wilderness
• 4 nights accommodations at a 3-star hotel on a twin sharing basis
• All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
• Entry fee for National Museum and trekking permit
• Visa Fee & Processing. You’ll receive your e-Visa within 4-5 business days.

• Travel insurance is mandatory
• Emergency evacuation
• International flights. Let us know if you need help with arranging flights to and from Bhutan
• Alcoholic beverages, laundry services, telephone call charges
• Tips to Guide and Driver
• Sleeping bag & travel pillow (you need for camping during trekking)
• Guide speaking other major languages can be arranged for an additional fee
• Any other expenses of personal nature
• All Entry fees except for National Museum

The Laya-Gasa Trek is considered one of the most scenic treks in Bhutan, offering amazing views of some of the most pristine and unspoiled landscapes in Bhutan. This 17-day, 217 km journey begins at Drukgyel in Paro and takes you through gorgeous alpine meadows, high mountain passes and dense sub-tropical jungles before terminating in Damji in Tashithang in the district of Gasa.

Along the trail, you’ll be able to spot indigenous animals such as blue sheep and Takins, the national animal of Bhutan. You’ll travel through remote mountain villages inhabited by Layaps (people of Laya), a distinct segment of the Bhutanese society with unique culture, traditions and appearance. The trek also offers a day of relaxation at the famous Gasa hot springs that is sure to rejuvenate you.

This is one of the more difficult treks offered in Bhutan due to high altitudes and steep ascents and descents. The best seasons to complete this challenge are in April-June and Mid-September to Mid-November.

• A minimum of 3 participants are required to run this tour and can be run on a private basis.
• We highly recommend booking at least a few months before the departure date so that we have enough time to ensure the flights are available. If you already have flight tickets to and from Bhutan, we can take bookings up to a week before the departure date. To process visa, it only takes 4-5 business days.
• There are only two airlines that connect Bhutan with the outside world and so securing air tickets can be difficult, especially during the months of high season. Currently, Bhutan is connected with these cities - Bagdogra, Bangkok, Delhi, Dhaka, Guwahati, Kathmandu, Kolkata, Singapore. We recommend you book your international flights a few months in advance especially if you plan to visit during the high season months of March to May and September to November. If you need help in arranging flights to/from Bhutan, please let us know much in advance.
• After you book the tour, kindly send us clear copies of passports and passport-size photos of all the participants. A biodata page including the machine-readable zone must be seen clearly. Passports should have a minimum of 6 MONTHS validity from the day you depart from Bhutan. You may also want to check the passport requirements by your next destination country after Bhutan. A copy of your e-Visa will be emailed to you once it is approved. It only takes 4-5 business days to get visa approval and it is 100 percent guaranteed as long as we receive clear passport copies of all the participants. The actual visa will be stamped on your passport upon arrival. Send the passport copies to the Local Supplier E-mail address.
• Travelers should have a strong physical fitness level

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.