Off The Beaten Trail Laya Gasa Trek 17days
Off the beaten trail Laya Gasa trek 17days
Itinerary
Whats included?
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Jorge and your team
We are a team of adventurers that will help you discover the best places in the world. We'll guide you throughout the adventures so you can live unique and life changing experiences.
We are a team of adventurers that will help you discover the best places in the world. We'll guide you throughout the adventures so you can live unique and life changing experiences.
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About experience
Itinerary
Day 1: Fly to Paro, Bhutan
Stop At: Rinpung Dzong, Paro Bhutan
Welcome to Bhutan. On a clear day, one will experience breathtaking views of major Himalayan peaks, Jomolhari and Jichu Darkey in Bhutan from your flight. Upon arrival Bhutan's first gift to you will be clean fresh mountain air. Obtain your Bhutan visa which will be pre-paid, and after clearing Immigration and Customs, you will be met outside at the exit point by Bhutan Sky Trails representatives and escort you around for the sightseeing, onward to your hotel.
Visit Ta Dzong (National Museum), which towers above the Paro Dzong and viewing its well-interpreted collection of historic artifacts makes for a great prologue to the journey yet to come.
Visit Paro Dzong. This massive fortress is located in the Paro valley and is approached by a gently sloping flagstone road and a beautiful wooden bridge roofed with shingles and abutted by two guardhouses. Today, the Dzong is the Administrative seat of the district of Paro and it also contains a state monastic community of about 200 monks. The central tower ("Utse") of the Dzong is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan with its superb woodwork. The Dzong was built in 1646 A.D.
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight 3 star hotel
Day 2: Paro - Paro
Stop At: Paro Taktsang, Taktsang Trail BT, Paro Bhutan
Hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery. The Icon monastery of Bhutan, This monastery clings to a cliff was built in 17th century. The monastery was burnt in 1998 and was rebuilt in its original form. The mountainside viewpoint for this dramatically situated and most sacred site is accessible by walk of about 5 hours round trip. There is also a cafeteria at mid-point, where one can enjoy refreshments and meals.
Make a visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the most sacred temples in Bhutan and built in 659 AD by Tibetan Buddhist king Songtsen Gampo.
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight 3 star hotel.
Day 3: Sharna Zampa- Thangthangkha
Stop At: Paro District, Paro District
Approx: 22km, 7 - 8 hours, 770m ascent, 10m descent, camp altitude 3,610m.
On this long day, the trail continues with lots of small ups and downs. After going uphill through the river valley, you enter the Jigme Dorji National Park. The valley finally narrows gradually to a mere path which descends to a meadow where a camp will be set up. From here, if weather permits, you will have the first great view of Mount Jomolhari.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camp
Day 4: Thangthangkha – Jangothang
Stop At: Paro District, Paro District
Approx: 19km, 5 - 6 hours, 480m ascent, camp altitude 4,080m.
If you did not see Mount Jomolhari last evening, you will have a great chance to get a great view this early morning. This morning the trek continues up the Paro Chhu valley which widens into patches of alpine meadow and scanty growths of forest. Cross an army outpost along the way and enjoy a spectacular view of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. Yaks and the herder’s homes become a regular feature of the landscape. Passing the villages Soe, Takethang and Dangochang is another asset on this day. Reaching Jangothang, one of the most beautiful campsites of the Himalayas, you will again have a spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari.
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camp
Day 5: Jangothang Halt.
Stop At: Bhutan, Bhutan
The day in Jangothang provides plenty of possibilities for day hikes with great views on lakes and snowcapped mountains such as Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. There are good chances to spot some blue sheep on the upper slopes of the valley. Jangothang is a perfect environment for your acclimatization. Trek up to Tosoh or hike around the area. There are good short hiking trails in three directions. Jumolhari and its subsidiary mountain chains lies directly west, Jichu Drake to the north and a number of unclimbed peaks to the east.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camp
Day 6: Jangothang – Lingshi
Stop At: Thimphu District, Thimphu District
Approx: 18km, 6 - 7 hours, 840m ascent, 870m descent, camp altitude 4,010m.
After 15 min. from the camp the trail climbs rapidly for about half an hour and then becomes a gradual ascend to the Nyilila pass at 4,870m. While on the climb enjoy the surrounding. You might see herds of blue sheep grazing on the slopes of the mountains. From the pass you will have spectacular views of Mt. Jomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsherimgang, all of them rising above 7,000m. On the way down to the camp you will pass by some of the yak herder’s tent, made from yak wool, where the herders take shelter while on the move to various pastures for their yaks. As you come down into the Lingshi basin, you get a wonderful view of Lingshi Dzong on a clear day. Tserimgang and its glaciers rise up at the north end of the valley. The campsite is next to a stone hut you reach just before Lingshi Dzong.
Duration: 7 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camp
Day 7: Lingshi – Chebisa
Stop At: Thimphu District, Thimphu District
Approx: 10km, 5 - 6 hours, 280m ascent, 410m descent, camp altitude 3,880m.
Today is the shortest walking day, and you can really take it easy. Shortly after starting you will reach a chorten below Lingshi Dzong. Here, you have the choice of staying on the main trail or taking a diversion up to the Lingshi Dzong (4,220m), which sits right atop a ridge. Besides a very special atmosphere of mystic silence Lingshi Dzong provides a great view over the valley. After Lingshi Dzong you will be passing the villages of Lingshi and Goyul. In Goyul, the stone houses are clustered together to a small compact village that is unusual in Bhutan where village houses are normally scattered. On reaching the campsite at Chebisa with a beautiful waterfall behind the village, you will have plenty of time to visit the village houses if you feel up to it.
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camp
Day 8: Chebisa – Shomuthang
Stop At: Thimphu District, Thimphu District
Approx: 17km, 6 - 7 hours, 890m ascent, 540m descent, camp altitude 4,220m.
You walk through a wide pastureland towards Gobu La (pass). On the way, you will see a few people herding yaks. There is also a great chance to spot large herds of blue sheep above the trail. After crossing the Gobu La (4,410m), you descend to the valley, then climb again a little bit, and descend again to Shakshepasa (3,980) where a helipad has been established. Climbing from here you will finally reach the campsite at Shomuthang, above a river, which is a tributary of the Nochu River.
Duration: 7 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camp
Day 9: Shomuthang – Robluthang
Stop At: Thimphu District, Thimphu District
Approx: 18km, 6 - 7 hours, 700m ascent, 760m descent, camp altitude 4,160m.
As the walk is a little strenuous, it is advisable to start early. Climbing up the valley to view Kang Bum (6,526 m) and some edelweiss. After two hours of climbing you will reach Jhari La (4,750m), from where you catch the first sight of Sinche La, the pass you will have to cross the day after. The big snow peak in the north is Gangchhenta 6,840 m, better known as the Great Tiger Mountain. If weather is clear, Tserim Kang and the top of Jumolhari will be visible. The camp by the river is called Tsheri Jathang. Herds of Takin, the Bhutanese National Animal, migrate to this valley in summer and remain for about four months. The valley has been declared a takin sanctuary. Climb up a little bit and you will reach the campsite at Robluthang in a rocky meadow.
Duration: 7 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camp
Day 10: Robluthang – Limithang
Stop At: Bhutan, Bhutan
Approx: 19km, 6 - 7 hours, 850m ascent, 870m descent, camp altitude 4,140m.
After crossing Sinche La (5,005m) – the last and highest pass on the trek in case you don’t intend to continue the Snowman trek from Laya onwards – you descend to a little stone house where a few Laya women – dressed in typical Laya costume with long pointed bamboo hats on their head – live and offer their weaving products. Right behind the stone house you will see an impressive terminal moraine and a glacial lake at the foot of the valley. You can see classic examples of the lateral moraines where the glacier has pushed rocks up both sides of the valley. Below the moraine, you cross the Kango Chhu and soon reach the Limithang campsite. The peak of Gangchhenta towers over the campsite even though it’s quite a distance away.
Duration: 7 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camp
Day 11: Limithang – Laya
Stop At: Bhutan, Bhutan
Approx: 10km, 4 - 5 hours, 60m ascent, 340m descent, camp altitude 3,840m.
Today, you walk all the way downhill along a narrow winding river valley. After a long time, you again trek partly through deep forest. The trail leads you to the west side of Laya village. From the west of the village you will view Gangchhenta again and catch a glimpse of Masag gang. In the village center is a community school and a basic health unit with telephone connection. The campsite is below the school.
Duration: 5 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camp
Day 12: Laya – Koina
Stop At: Bhutan, Bhutan
Approx: 19km, 6 - 7 hours, 260m ascent, 1,070m descent, camp altitude 3,050m.
The trail winds up and down along the river valley of Mo Chhu avoiding natural obstacles and affording breath-taking views of the crashing river, feeder streams and waterfalls. Lots of ups and downs will lead you to Kohi Lapcha at 3.300 m. The trek then drops down to the large stream of Koina Chhu, where you will find the campsite of Koina.
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camp
Day 13: Koina – Gasa - Punakha
Stop At: Bhutan, Bhutan
Approx: 14km, 6 - 7 hours, 740m ascent, 1,500m descent, camp altitude at Gasa Tsachu 2,240m. Today you will have your last major climb of the Laya Gasa Trek. You will cross the Bari La (3,740m), after which the trail is all the way down till you reach Gasa village (2,770m), where you will find the first restaurants since starting from Drukgyel Dzong. The Gasa Tsachu is one of the most popular hot springs in Bhutan. Late afternoon drive to Punakha.
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight 3 star hotel.
Day 14: Punakha - Punakha
Stop At: Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, Punakha Bhutan
This morning drive to the north of the valley around 30mins and take a hike, which is around 1hour to a Khamsum Yule Namgyel chorten, which took more than 9years to complete it. The walk through rice fields, passing by farm houses is very scenic and beautiful.
Visit the Punakha Dzong, which house the district administration offices. It is also the winter residence of the central monastic body and the Je Khenpo head monk of Bhutan. The dzong was damaged by fire in 1986, and recently renovated using traditional building techniques. It is one of the most beautiful Dzong in the country, located at the confluence of Pho chu (male river) and Mo chu (female river).
Walk across the longest suspension bridge across Pho chu (male river).
Duration: 5 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight 3 star hotel
Day 15: Punakha - Thimpu
Stop At: Chimi Lhakhang Temple, Punakha Bhutan
Spent the morning visiting the wolakha Nunnery and take a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility shrine, built in the 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the “the Divine Madman”. The cheerful flying phallus that one sees painted on homes throughout Bhutan is a tribute to this saint, whose presence distracts and thus repels evil spirits.
After lunch drive to Thimphu stopping along the Dochula pass.
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight 3 star hotel
Day 16: Thimphu - Thimphu
Stop At: Thimphu, Thimphu, Thimphu District
Begin the day with the visit the Memorial Chorten built in 1974, in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned the country from 1952-1972. Next visit the Buddha Dordema located at Kuenselphodrang, it is 51.5 meter bronze statue overlooking the Thimphu valley. After that stop by Changangkha temple built in 12 century; Visit the Painting School (Zorig Chusum if in session) where traditional art and craft is still kept alive, Takin preserve to see Bhutan’s national animal. Visit Zilukha nunnery to grasp the role of woman in Bhutan’s spiritual realm. Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased. Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building. This massive fortress houses part of the government Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the office and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot.
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight 3 star hotel
Day 17: Thimphu - Paro airport.
Stop At: Paro Airport Bird's Eye View Point, Paro Bhutan
After breakfast, you will then be transferred to the airport for you flight.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 1: Fly to Paro, Bhutan
Stop At: Rinpung Dzong, Paro Bhutan
Welcome to Bhutan. On a clear day, one will experience breathtaking views of major Himalayan peaks, Jomolhari and Jichu Darkey in Bhutan from your flight. Upon arrival Bhutan's first gift to you will be clean fresh mountain air. Obtain your Bhutan visa which will be pre-paid, and after clearing Immigration and Customs, you will be met outside at the exit point by Bhutan Sky Trails representatives and escort you around for the sightseeing, onward to your hotel.
Visit Ta Dzong (National Museum), which towers above the Paro Dzong and viewing its well-interpreted collection of historic artifacts makes for a great prologue to the journey yet to come.
Visit Paro Dzong. This massive fortress is located in the Paro valley and is approached by a gently sloping flagstone road and a beautiful wooden bridge roofed with shingles and abutted by two guardhouses. Today, the Dzong is the Administrative seat of the district of Paro and it also contains a state monastic community of about 200 monks. The central tower ("Utse") of the Dzong is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan with its superb woodwork. The Dzong was built in 1646 A.D.
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight 3 star hotel
Day 2: Paro - Paro
Stop At: Paro Taktsang, Taktsang Trail BT, Paro Bhutan
Hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery. The Icon monastery of Bhutan, This monastery clings to a cliff was built in 17th century. The monastery was burnt in 1998 and was rebuilt in its original form. The mountainside viewpoint for this dramatically situated and most sacred site is accessible by walk of about 5 hours round trip. There is also a cafeteria at mid-point, where one can enjoy refreshments and meals.
Make a visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the most sacred temples in Bhutan and built in 659 AD by Tibetan Buddhist king Songtsen Gampo.
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight 3 star hotel.
Day 3: Sharna Zampa- Thangthangkha
Stop At: Paro District, Paro District
Approx: 22km, 7 - 8 hours, 770m ascent, 10m descent, camp altitude 3,610m.
On this long day, the trail continues with lots of small ups and downs. After going uphill through the river valley, you enter the Jigme Dorji National Park. The valley finally narrows gradually to a mere path which descends to a meadow where a camp will be set up. From here, if weather permits, you will have the first great view of Mount Jomolhari.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camp
Day 4: Thangthangkha – Jangothang
Stop At: Paro District, Paro District
Approx: 19km, 5 - 6 hours, 480m ascent, camp altitude 4,080m.
If you did not see Mount Jomolhari last evening, you will have a great chance to get a great view this early morning. This morning the trek continues up the Paro Chhu valley which widens into patches of alpine meadow and scanty growths of forest. Cross an army outpost along the way and enjoy a spectacular view of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. Yaks and the herder’s homes become a regular feature of the landscape. Passing the villages Soe, Takethang and Dangochang is another asset on this day. Reaching Jangothang, one of the most beautiful campsites of the Himalayas, you will again have a spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari.
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camp
Day 5: Jangothang Halt.
Stop At: Bhutan, Bhutan
The day in Jangothang provides plenty of possibilities for day hikes with great views on lakes and snowcapped mountains such as Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. There are good chances to spot some blue sheep on the upper slopes of the valley. Jangothang is a perfect environment for your acclimatization. Trek up to Tosoh or hike around the area. There are good short hiking trails in three directions. Jumolhari and its subsidiary mountain chains lies directly west, Jichu Drake to the north and a number of unclimbed peaks to the east.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camp
Day 6: Jangothang – Lingshi
Stop At: Thimphu District, Thimphu District
Approx: 18km, 6 - 7 hours, 840m ascent, 870m descent, camp altitude 4,010m.
After 15 min. from the camp the trail climbs rapidly for about half an hour and then becomes a gradual ascend to the Nyilila pass at 4,870m. While on the climb enjoy the surrounding. You might see herds of blue sheep grazing on the slopes of the mountains. From the pass you will have spectacular views of Mt. Jomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsherimgang, all of them rising above 7,000m. On the way down to the camp you will pass by some of the yak herder’s tent, made from yak wool, where the herders take shelter while on the move to various pastures for their yaks. As you come down into the Lingshi basin, you get a wonderful view of Lingshi Dzong on a clear day. Tserimgang and its glaciers rise up at the north end of the valley. The campsite is next to a stone hut you reach just before Lingshi Dzong.
Duration: 7 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camp
Day 7: Lingshi – Chebisa
Stop At: Thimphu District, Thimphu District
Approx: 10km, 5 - 6 hours, 280m ascent, 410m descent, camp altitude 3,880m.
Today is the shortest walking day, and you can really take it easy. Shortly after starting you will reach a chorten below Lingshi Dzong. Here, you have the choice of staying on the main trail or taking a diversion up to the Lingshi Dzong (4,220m), which sits right atop a ridge. Besides a very special atmosphere of mystic silence Lingshi Dzong provides a great view over the valley. After Lingshi Dzong you will be passing the villages of Lingshi and Goyul. In Goyul, the stone houses are clustered together to a small compact village that is unusual in Bhutan where village houses are normally scattered. On reaching the campsite at Chebisa with a beautiful waterfall behind the village, you will have plenty of time to visit the village houses if you feel up to it.
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camp
Day 8: Chebisa – Shomuthang
Stop At: Thimphu District, Thimphu District
Approx: 17km, 6 - 7 hours, 890m ascent, 540m descent, camp altitude 4,220m.
You walk through a wide pastureland towards Gobu La (pass). On the way, you will see a few people herding yaks. There is also a great chance to spot large herds of blue sheep above the trail. After crossing the Gobu La (4,410m), you descend to the valley, then climb again a little bit, and descend again to Shakshepasa (3,980) where a helipad has been established. Climbing from here you will finally reach the campsite at Shomuthang, above a river, which is a tributary of the Nochu River.
Duration: 7 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camp
Day 9: Shomuthang – Robluthang
Stop At: Thimphu District, Thimphu District
Approx: 18km, 6 - 7 hours, 700m ascent, 760m descent, camp altitude 4,160m.
As the walk is a little strenuous, it is advisable to start early. Climbing up the valley to view Kang Bum (6,526 m) and some edelweiss. After two hours of climbing you will reach Jhari La (4,750m), from where you catch the first sight of Sinche La, the pass you will have to cross the day after. The big snow peak in the north is Gangchhenta 6,840 m, better known as the Great Tiger Mountain. If weather is clear, Tserim Kang and the top of Jumolhari will be visible. The camp by the river is called Tsheri Jathang. Herds of Takin, the Bhutanese National Animal, migrate to this valley in summer and remain for about four months. The valley has been declared a takin sanctuary. Climb up a little bit and you will reach the campsite at Robluthang in a rocky meadow.
Duration: 7 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camp
Day 10: Robluthang – Limithang
Stop At: Bhutan, Bhutan
Approx: 19km, 6 - 7 hours, 850m ascent, 870m descent, camp altitude 4,140m.
After crossing Sinche La (5,005m) – the last and highest pass on the trek in case you don’t intend to continue the Snowman trek from Laya onwards – you descend to a little stone house where a few Laya women – dressed in typical Laya costume with long pointed bamboo hats on their head – live and offer their weaving products. Right behind the stone house you will see an impressive terminal moraine and a glacial lake at the foot of the valley. You can see classic examples of the lateral moraines where the glacier has pushed rocks up both sides of the valley. Below the moraine, you cross the Kango Chhu and soon reach the Limithang campsite. The peak of Gangchhenta towers over the campsite even though it’s quite a distance away.
Duration: 7 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camp
Day 11: Limithang – Laya
Stop At: Bhutan, Bhutan
Approx: 10km, 4 - 5 hours, 60m ascent, 340m descent, camp altitude 3,840m.
Today, you walk all the way downhill along a narrow winding river valley. After a long time, you again trek partly through deep forest. The trail leads you to the west side of Laya village. From the west of the village you will view Gangchhenta again and catch a glimpse of Masag gang. In the village center is a community school and a basic health unit with telephone connection. The campsite is below the school.
Duration: 5 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camp
Day 12: Laya – Koina
Stop At: Bhutan, Bhutan
Approx: 19km, 6 - 7 hours, 260m ascent, 1,070m descent, camp altitude 3,050m.
The trail winds up and down along the river valley of Mo Chhu avoiding natural obstacles and affording breath-taking views of the crashing river, feeder streams and waterfalls. Lots of ups and downs will lead you to Kohi Lapcha at 3.300 m. The trek then drops down to the large stream of Koina Chhu, where you will find the campsite of Koina.
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camp
Day 13: Koina – Gasa - Punakha
Stop At: Bhutan, Bhutan
Approx: 14km, 6 - 7 hours, 740m ascent, 1,500m descent, camp altitude at Gasa Tsachu 2,240m. Today you will have your last major climb of the Laya Gasa Trek. You will cross the Bari La (3,740m), after which the trail is all the way down till you reach Gasa village (2,770m), where you will find the first restaurants since starting from Drukgyel Dzong. The Gasa Tsachu is one of the most popular hot springs in Bhutan. Late afternoon drive to Punakha.
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight 3 star hotel.
Day 14: Punakha - Punakha
Stop At: Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, Punakha Bhutan
This morning drive to the north of the valley around 30mins and take a hike, which is around 1hour to a Khamsum Yule Namgyel chorten, which took more than 9years to complete it. The walk through rice fields, passing by farm houses is very scenic and beautiful.
Visit the Punakha Dzong, which house the district administration offices. It is also the winter residence of the central monastic body and the Je Khenpo head monk of Bhutan. The dzong was damaged by fire in 1986, and recently renovated using traditional building techniques. It is one of the most beautiful Dzong in the country, located at the confluence of Pho chu (male river) and Mo chu (female river).
Walk across the longest suspension bridge across Pho chu (male river).
Duration: 5 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight 3 star hotel
Day 15: Punakha - Thimpu
Stop At: Chimi Lhakhang Temple, Punakha Bhutan
Spent the morning visiting the wolakha Nunnery and take a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility shrine, built in the 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the “the Divine Madman”. The cheerful flying phallus that one sees painted on homes throughout Bhutan is a tribute to this saint, whose presence distracts and thus repels evil spirits.
After lunch drive to Thimphu stopping along the Dochula pass.
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight 3 star hotel
Day 16: Thimphu - Thimphu
Stop At: Thimphu, Thimphu, Thimphu District
Begin the day with the visit the Memorial Chorten built in 1974, in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned the country from 1952-1972. Next visit the Buddha Dordema located at Kuenselphodrang, it is 51.5 meter bronze statue overlooking the Thimphu valley. After that stop by Changangkha temple built in 12 century; Visit the Painting School (Zorig Chusum if in session) where traditional art and craft is still kept alive, Takin preserve to see Bhutan’s national animal. Visit Zilukha nunnery to grasp the role of woman in Bhutan’s spiritual realm. Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased. Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building. This massive fortress houses part of the government Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the office and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot.
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight 3 star hotel
Day 17: Thimphu - Paro airport.
Stop At: Paro Airport Bird's Eye View Point, Paro Bhutan
After breakfast, you will then be transferred to the airport for you flight.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.