A STUNNING CIRCUIT TREK IN THE LAND OF THE THUNDER DRAGON
17 days - Bhutan's classic mountain walk - Paro to Punakha - Colorful Laya Village

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Despite the opening up of a number of new trekking possibilities in Bhutan, the long-established route from Chomolhari Base Camp across to Laya still ranks as one of Bhutan's finest mountain walks. This trekking route offers a great variety of conditions; from picturesque farmland and magical forest, to alpine pastureland and high mountain passes. We will camp beneath a number of Bhutan 's most impressive peaks, of which the most notable are Chomolhari and Jitchu Drake. Numerous isolated dzongs (fortress monasteries) and scattered settlements, including the secluded village of Laya, provide a great deal of cultural interest en route.

Bhutan has a special magic, which is derived from the combination of its colorful culture and religion, together with its unspoiled and outstandingly beautiful mountain scenery. Buddhist philosophy is influential throughout the kingdom, as it has been since the 7th century and a deep and traditional reverence for nature has led to Bhutan imposing some of the strictest standards of environmental preservation in the world. In this country known as Druk Yul, ‘‘the Land of the Thunder Dragon,” the fortunate visitor will find a rare combination of harmony and accord, among incredible natural beauty. The air is clean and unpolluted, the mountains are magnificent and the architecture is inspiring.

2012 TRIP DEPARTURE DATE:
September 23 to October 9, 2012

The Laya Trek of Bhutan is part of our Himalayan Classic Trek Series. Our Classic Treks are led by an experienced, English-speaking Sherpa Guide and full support crew. In 2012, we are also able to arrange this trek starting on any day of the week during the months of late March to May and late September to mid-November for groups of 1 to 12 people.

Please contact us with any questions or to receive a detailed day to day Trip Itinerary.

2012 LAND ONLY PER PERSON TRIP PRICE:
1 Person: $5670.00
2 People: $5510.00
3 to 12 People: $5030.00
Single hotel room (upon availability) and single tent supplement: $400.00

Bangkok / Paro / Bangkok airfare: proposed to be $920.00 for Economy-Class.
Druk Air prices and schedules are subject to change.

TRIP SNIPPETS:
Hotels: 4 nights hotels
Camping: 12 nights camping
Trek Grade: 13 days MODERATE to STRENUOUS trekking
Max. altitude: 16,070 feet at the Shinge La Pass

Moderate to Strenuous Trekking = physically challenging and more suited to hikers who are used to extended days (6-9 hours) and who are competent over uneven and hilly terrain. This trek involves lengthy periods at high altitudes.

TRIP OUTLINE:
Day 1: Fly from Bangkok to Paro, Bhutan. Hotel.
Day 2: Sightseeing in the Paro Valley. Hotel.
Day 3: Trek to Shana. 9,220 feet. 5-6 hour trek. 17km.
Day 4: Trek to Soi Thangka. 11,905 feet. 6-7 hour trek. 22km.
Day 5: Trek to Jangothang. 13,415 feet. 5-6 hour trek. 19km.
Day 6: Rest and exploration day at Jangothang.
Day 7: Trek over the Nyele La pass (16,040 feet) to Lingshi. 13,150 feet. 5-6 hour trek. 18km.
Day 8: Trek to Chebisa. 12,630 feet. 5 hour trek. 10km.
Day 9: Trek to Somothang. 12,695 feet. 6-7 hour trek. 17km.
Day 10: Trek to Robluthang. 13,300 feet. 6-7 hour trek. 18km.
Day 11: Cross the Shinge La Pass (16,070 feet) to Limithang. 13,185 feet. 6-7 hour trek. 19km.
Day 12: Trek to Laya Village. 12,595 feet. 4-5 hour trek. 10km.
Day 13: Trek to a camp below the Bale La pass. 12,000 feet. 8-9 hour trek. 20km.
Day 14: Trek to Gasa. 7,000 feet. 6-7 hour trek. 14km.
Day 15: Trek to Damji and drive to Thimphu. 4 hour trek. 18km. Hotel.
Day 16: Sightseeing in Thimphu and drive to Paro. Hotel.
Day 17: Fly from Paro to Bangkok.

Country Information: About Bhutan
Mount Chomolhari in Bhutan: About Mount Chomolhari
Gross National Happiness: About Life in Bhutan