BHUTAN
HIGH HIMALAYA TREKKING
LAYA-GASA TREK
This challenging, 13-day trek takes you along the remote northwestern border with Tibet, connecting the main valleys of Paro and Punakha. The alpine scenery we traverse is rarely seen by visitors to the country, passing beneath the second-highest peak in Bhutan, Jhomolhari (7,314m), and crossing five mountain passes ranging from 10,000’-16,500’. Flora and fauna are diverse and abundant at every stage of the journey, with the opportunity to spot Bharal, or Blue Sheep. One of the highlights of this trek is the local people we meet along the way—from semi-nomadic yak herders to the inhabitants of tiny and remote Himalayan villages.
Before embarking on our trekking adventure, we’ll acclimate with daily hikes in the region, including a highlight hike to Taktsang Monastery, perched dramatically on the side of a cliff above Paro. We’ll venture to the secluded Haa Valley, and learn the intricacies of Bhutanese culture and daily life while meeting our local hosts. At the end of our trek, we’ll be rewarded with a relaxing stay at an eco-resort in Punakha before returning to the bustling capital city of Thimpu, where we’ll conclude our adventure.
LAYA-GASA TREK DETAILS
Duration: 19 nights/20 days in Bhutan.
Trek: 11 nights/12 days.
Best Times of Year: April-May/ October to Mid-November.
Difficulty: This challenging trekking adventure is rated ‘5’ on a scale of 1-5.
Tour Cost 2023: You can expect all-inclusive tour costs to be approximately $450+/- per person, per day (for groups of 3+ guests); $475+/- per person, per day (for 2 guests). Additional single supplements apply. Please note that this is inclusive of the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of $200 per person, per night, which goes directly to the government of Bhutan. Regional airfare is not included, however we book these flights for you.
DAGA-LA TREK
For those with less time to spend in Bhutan, the Daga-La Trek is an ideal option for visitors still looking for a remote and immersive Himalayan trekking experience. Taking place over six days, our Daga-La trek ventures into a remote region of the country just south of Thimpu—part of a much less frequented region than the well-known Druk Path trek. Aptly named for its numerous alpine lakes, we’ll pass by several unique Bhutanese settlements and yak herder camps along our route, enjoying the ruggedly beautiful alpine scenery in the backdrop. If the weather is clear, we’ll take in Himalaya views to the north, including some of the world’s highest peaks: Mt. Everest, Jomolhari, Masang Gang, Jichu Drake, and Gangche Ta. With time to explore far-flung mountain villages both before and after our journey, this route strikes the perfect balance between cultural immersion and classic, Himalayan trekking adventure.
DAGA-LA TREK DETAILS
Duration: 14 nights/15 days in Bhutan | Trek: 5 nights/6 days in camps.
Best Time of Year: April, May, June, September, October, and the first half of November (depending on snow).
Difficulty: This moderate trekking adventure is rated '4' on a scale of 1-5.
Tour Cost 2023: You can expect all-inclusive tour costs to be approximately $450+/- per person, per day (for groups of 3+ guests); $475+/- per person, per day (for 2 guests). Please note that this is inclusive of the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of $200 per person, per night, which goes directly to the government of Bhutan. Additional single supplements apply. Regional airfare is not included, however we book these flights for you.