Laya Ghasa Trek - 18 Days

Recommended by 99% of travelers

Also known as Jumolhari Trek, this intimate wilderness trek offers a great variety of trekking conditions, from remote farmland and blue pine forests, to alpine pastureland and breathtaking mountain views.

Country
Bhutan
Duration
18 Days
Laya Ghasa Trek
Difficulty
Demanding
Activity
Trekking/Hiking
Max. altitude
5,000 m/16,400 ft
Best season
Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Accomodation
Hotel & Tented Camp
Meals
Included
Start/End Point
Paro

Trip Highlights

  • City tour and sightseeing around Paro.
  • Gasa Hot springs
  • Sightseeing in Thimphu.
  • Laya the second highest settlement in the country
  • Crossing the Shinchela Pass at 5,000m

Trip Overview

Laya Ghasa trek heads northwest from Paro, offering a great variety of trekking conditions, from picturesque farmland and sub-tropical forests to alpine pastureland and high passes. This trekking route has a combination of thick forests of rhododendron, willow, oak, blue pine, golden birch, juniper.

The Laya Ghasa trek takes you through the isolated, unique and traditionally rich villages of Chebisa and Laya, passing through several nomadic campsites. Wild life such as Takin and Blue Sheep can be seen and even snow leopards can sometimes be spotted on this trek. Relax at the hot springs. It is truly a rewarding trek!

Short Itinerary

Day 01 :

Arrival at Paro Airport (2,280m). Overnight at a hotel.

Day 02 :

Sightseeing around Paro. Overnight at a hotel.

Day 03 :

Drive from Paro to Shana (2,890m) – Distance: 15 kms – 5 hrs. Overnight at tented camps.

Day 04 :

Trek to Thangthangka (3,575m) – Distance: 22 kms – 7 hrs. Overnight at tented camps.

Day 05 :

Trek to Jangothang (4,044m) – Distance: 17 kms – 5 hrs. Overnight at tented camps.

Day 06 :

Rest day in Jangothang. Overnight at tented camps.

Day 07 :

Trek to Lingshi (4,010m) – Distance: 21 kms – 7 hrs. Overnight at tented camps.

Day 08 :

Trek to Chebisa – Distance: 16 kms – 4 hrs. Overnight at tented camps.

Day 09 :

Trek to Shakya Pasang (4,000m) – Distance: 14 kms – 5 hours. Overnight at tented camps.

Day 10 :

Trek to Robkuthang (4,160m) – Distance: 16 kms – 8 hrs. Overnight at tented camps.

Day 11 :

Trek to Limithang (4,160m) – Distance: 14 kms – 7 hours. Overnight at tented camps.

Day 12 :

Trek to Laya (3,800m) – Distance: 9 kms – 4 hrs. Overnight at tented camps.

Day 13 :

Rest day in Laya. Overnight at tented camps.

Day 14 :

Trek to Koina (3,240m) – Distance: 16 kms – 6 hrs. Overnight at tented camps.

Day 15 :

Trek to Gasa Hot Springs (2,220m) – Distance: 12 kms – 6 hrs. Overnight at tented camps.

Day 16 :

Trek to Damji Village, and drive to Punakha – Trekking Distance 14 kms – 5 hours. Overnight at a hotel.

Day 17 :

Drive from Punakha to Thimphu, then to Paro in the evening. Overnight at a hotel.

Day 18 :

Transfer to the international airport for your final departure.

Departures & Availability

We do not have fixed departure date for this trip. This trip can only be organized upon your request. There is an option of private and tailor-made journey best suited for you, your family and friends. We have price discounts according to the group size, the bigger your group, the bigger your group discounts. We allow complete flexibility on your departure date, please choose your preferable date.

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Price Includes

  • All (international and domestic) airport transfers on a tourist vehicle
  • Guided city tour in Paro by private tourist vehicle.

  • Standard government-approved accommodation (in twin sharing rooms) for the duration of the tour.

  • Full-board meals – breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea & snacks – for the duration of your stay.

  • Tented accommodation and equipment during the camping trek. (We will provide fully water proof two men tents, dining tents, kitchen gear, dining table, chairs, toilet tents, shower tent etc.)

  • Drinking water for the duration of the tour.

  • Country presentation and tour Briefing on the evening of Day1 with welcome drinks.

  • Licensed English-speaking Bhutanese tour guides.

  • The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage and camping equipment during the trek.

  • Private transportation and a designated driver within Bhutan. Toyota 4WD luggage vans and light trucks for group travel. Luggage will be hauled by horses, mules or yaks at higher elevations.

  • Monument and museums entrance fees for all sightseeing locations detailed in the itinerary.

  • Cultural afternoon/evening sessions with traditional mask and folk dances (with beverages). Only for group tours.

  • Bhutan visa fees and processing assistance.

  • Government royalty (35% of $200), which goes to the country’s health and education projects.

  • All trekking, route and monument access permits and fees.

  • All government taxes, official expenses and tourist service charges.

Price Excludes

  • International airfare and airport departure tax.

  • Travel insurance along with high-altitude emergency evacuation coverage
  • Tips to trekking staff and driver
  • All items of personal nature like drinks, laundry etc.

  • Any expenses other than the Price Include section

Detailed Itinerary

Expand All

Day 01: Arrival at Paro Airport (2,280m)

ou can take flight to Paro from Bangkok, New Delhi, Kathmandu, Dhaka etc. We recommend you to fly from Bangkok because Druk air offer everyday flight from Bangkok – Paro – Bangkok whereas Druk air do not operate everyday flights from other sectors.

Our airport representative will welcome you at the airport and transfer to your hotel on a private tourist vehicle. After lunch visit the Paro Dzong and the National Museum. The evening ends with a walk through Paro’s main shopping district.

Overnight at a Hotel
Lunch and Dinner included

Day 02: Sightseeing around Paro

Day excursion and sightseeing at the Taktsang Monastery or the Tiger’s Nest, the most spectacular monastery and probably the most photographed one in Bhutan, in a way also a symbol of the country. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery, hence its name. The excursion to monastery’s view point takes about 5 hrs for round trip. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria, followed by a short walk back. We’ll have a leisure evening to take some rest before the trekking starts the following day.

Overnight at a Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 03: Drive from Paro to Shana (2,890m) - Distance: 15 kms

Duration: 5 hours trek

Drive up to Drukyel Dzong (north of Paro) where the motorable road ends. The ruins of Drukgyel Dzong with Mount Chomolhari behind – a wonderful vista for the start of our trek. The trek to Shana starts along a dirt road for 1 hr through a wide, rich, cultivated valley, beneath forest-covered mountains, following the Paro Chu (river). Beware of the sun, which can be very fierce at this altitude. The first small settlement encountered is Tsento Zampa, where the traditional Bhutanese farmhouses with bright red chillies drying on their roofs in season. Farmers in this upper valley mostly grow red rice, potatoes and wheat.

The trek continues on the east side of the river, gently through the forests alive with numerous birds and brightly colored butterflies. After 2.5 hrs the big military camp at Gunitsawa is reached. The camp has a school and some shops, and your trekking permit will be checked at the camp entrance. After 20 minutes through forest, you will suddenly see the camp in a big open field at Shana, near the river. Looking back from camp you can see a big snowy peak, Jo Drakey.

Overnight at tented camps.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 04: Trek to Thangthangka (3,575m) - Distance: 22 kms

Duration: 7 hours trek

Today is a hard day, with a lot of distance to cover. The altitude gain is also above the limit. The trail after lunch is rough and stony with many rises and drops.

Following the river upstream from the campsite we pass old ruins Shana Bridge, destroyed by major flood caused by glacial lake outbursts in 1950’s. This bridge was used in the old days by travelers coming from or going to Phari in Tibet. The trail climbs steadily through a heavily forested area of oak, rhododendron, bamboo and ferns. After crossing a small house, Shing Karap is reached. Not far after Shing Karap, we pass a junction en-route, where another path leads up the easy, forbidden pass of Tremo La and onwards to the city of Phari in Tibet. This used to be the old trading route.

The trail makes a short steep climb and descent followed by a big bridge at 3,250m, crossing to the east side of the river is Thongo Zam, a possible lunch spot. The trek to Thangthangka continues through the forest consisting of birch, fir, larch, maple and blue pine. After a short climb we reach Seyende Zam where there is a big chorten (stupa). On clear weather we can see Mt. Chomolhari to the North. Further up about 20-30 minutes until we reach our camp in a meadow.

Overnight at tented camps.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 05: Trek to Jangothang, also called Chomolhari Base Camp (4,044m) - Distance: 17 kms

Duration: 5 hours trek

After enjoying the view to Chomolhari and breakfast, the trail slowly leaves the forest line and gradually climbs into a beautiful valley, passing Tegethang, a winter home of yak herdsmen. Continuing until we arrive at Jangothang, Chomolhari base camp. This valley is wide and high with mountains like Chomolhari. Jichu Drake overlooks the camp which is visibly nearby are the ruins of an old fortress.

Overnight at tented camps.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 06: Rest day in Jangothang

A rest day at Chomolhari camp to acclimatize. There are some good hikes from Chomolhari camp, and is important to take one hike today. The best walk is towards the east up to the twin lakes of Tsho Phu. From the lakes there is a spectacular view back to Chomolhari and Jichu Drake mountains. Watch out for a herd of Himalayan Blue Sheep in this valley.

Overnight at tented camps.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 07: Trek to Lingshi (4,010m) - Distance: 21 kms

Duration: 7 hours trek

After breakfast a steep switchback trail starts climbing out of the valley into another that leads to the final climb and pass. It is a long climb about 3-4 hrs to reach the first high and very windy pass of this trek, the Nyelela Pass “sleepy pass” (4,890m). From Nyelela Pass one you can see far towards the east-northeast into the trekking area that we will be covering over the next couple of days. Mt. Takaphu dominates the view towards the north. Gangchen Ta “Tiger Mountain” is the main mountain to be seen looking east.

Less than 30 minutes down is a flat, more sheltered area – a good lunch spot. We continue to descend passing a narrow gorge with a small river crossing. The trail leads to a viewing point from which Lingshi Dzong can be seen. Our campsite is located next to a river.

Overnight at tented camps.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 08: Trek to Chebisa - Distance: 16 kms

Duration: 4 hours trek

This is the most pleasant walk of the whole trek. Leaving Lingshi we gently climb to another village, Gom Yu, set right below a 300m cliff. Another hour walk brings us to a little valley with a huge waterfall at one end of the Shangri La village of Chebisa, where we camp by the side of the river.

Overnight at tented camps.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 09: Trek to Shakya Pasang (4,000m) - Distance: 14 kms

Duration: 5 hours trek

The day begins with stiff climb to Gogu La (4,440m) then a long descent to a stream at 4,170m. It is a long climb over the ridge, the trail descends on a muddy path into Jholethang valley deep in the forest of fir and birch. The trail traverses high above the valley floor on stream to Chachim, a yak pasture at 4,260m. The camp is beside a stream at the bottom of the valley.

Overnight at tented camps.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10: Trek to Robkuthangd (4,160m) - Distance: 16 kms

Duration: 8 hours trek

A long haul over the Jarela pass at 4,785m where we get stunning views of the Himalayan mountains. We drop steeply down a forest trail to the Tsarigathang valley, the summer residence of rare Himalayan Takin (Bhutan’s National animal). After crossing the stream, the trail ascends till you reach Robluthang camp at altitude of 4,160m.

Overnight at tented camps
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 11: Trek to Limithang (4,160m) - Distance: 14 kms

Duration: 7 hours trek

This day is long as well as tough crossing Shinchela pass (5,000m/16,400 ft), the last and highest pass en route. You may be able to spot Blue Sheep high on the slopes, eagles, griffin vultures and yaks. The descent is a rough and rocky trail that follows moraine into another glacial valley. The last part of the trek is very interesting with fascinating views of Mt. Gangchey Ta. Our campsite is in a meadow by the riverbank.

Overnight at tented camps.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 12: Trek to Laya (3,800m) - Distance: 9 kms

Duration: 4 hours trek

A very pleasant walk to Laya with wonderful views along of the river, one of the tributaries of the Mochu. You will pass through a damp forest, filled with moss and singing birds. Arrive at Laya village, the second highest settlement in the country at altitude of 3,800m.

Overnight at tented camps.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 13: Rest day in Laya

The rest day is spent at your leisure or you can visit village houses and mixing with the Layaps. People in Laya are semi-nomadic yak-herders. In contrast to women in the rest of the country, Laya women wear their hair long and wear a distinctive dress made of yak hair and sheep’s wool – a black skirt with brown vertical stripes, a black jacket a special conical bamboo hat.

Overnight at tented camps.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 14: Trek to Koina (3,240m) - Distance: 16 kms

Duration: 6 hours trek

Descend to army camp and follow the Mo Chhu River till you cross the bridge after which it is up and down several times through juniper and fir forest until you reach the camp at Koina.

Overnight at tented camps
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 15: Trek to Gasa Hot Springs (2,220m) - Distance: 12 kms

Duration: 6 hours trek

Beginning with a long climb to Balela pass (3,900m). There is a small rock cairn and a few prayer flags at the pass. The route starts down again, through a bamboo forest to a stream. Later it is downhill all the way to Gasa Hot Springs. If time permits we will visit Gasa village and Dzong built in 17th century. Then descend to Gasa Hot Springs for camping.

Overnight at tented camps
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 16: Trek to Damji Village, and drive to Punakha - Trekking Distance 14 kms

Duration: 5 hours trek

Beginning with a long climb to Balela pass (3,900m). There is a small rock cairn and a few prayer flags at the pass. The route starts down again, through a bamboo forest to a stream. Later it is downhill all the way to Gasa Hot Springs. If time permits we will visit Gasa village and Dzong built in 17th century. Then descend to Gasa Hot Springs for camping.

Overnight at tented camps
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 17: Drive from Punakha to Thimphu, then to Paro in the evening

We visit the Punakha Dzong (the winter residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot and the central monastic body) then depart to Paro across Dochula pass. Lunch and sightseeing in Thimphu. Evening drive to Paro.

Overnight at a Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 18: Transfer to the international airport for your final departure

After breakfast our airport representative will drop you at the Paro International Airport for your flight departure from Bhutan.

Breakfast included

Gears and Equipment

The following gives you a general idea of the personal items that you can bring for the trek. The personal items are of individual interest, and choice. The most important fact that one should keep on mind is that one should have enough clothes to tackle the cold weather in the Himalayas.

In a supported trek, heavy items are carried by porters or horse/donkeys and personal belongings that you may need for the day like money, water bottle, rain gear, camera, sun cream and toilet paper etc. should be carried by yourself. So you are briefed to pack items in two different bags.

If you are flying from kathmandu, we will supply complimentary water and wind proof duffel bag which you can use on the trek and is carried by porter/s. The duffel bag is yours to keep after the trek.

general GEARS AND EQUIPMENT

General

  • 4 seasons Sleeping bag (Optional/You can rent one if you really need)
  • Duffel or Rucksack bag or suitcase (Porter or horse will carry during the trek
  • Daypack
  • Down Jacket (Optional/You can rent one if you really need)

upper_body GEARS AND EQUIPMENT

Upper Body

  • Shade hat or baseball cap – some people drape a bandana down the back of their head and then put a baseball cap on to hold it is place. This can be a flexible alternative while keeping the sun off your ears and neck.
  • Warm wool or synthetic hat that cover your ears.
  • Balaclava – lightweight, thinner variety.
  • Glacier glasses-100% UV protection with side shields and a hard-sided storage case (i.e. Julbo or Cebe). This is to protect your eyes from the stronger rays of the sun due to the thinner atmosphere which can cause a painful condition known as snow blindness. Regular sunglasses are not sufficient. If you wear prescription glasses, speak to your doctor about prescription glacier glasses, perhaps with transitional lenses.
  • Headlamp – Black Diamond and Petzl both make several good ones. Make sure to bring extra batteries and that they are lithium batteries so that they will last in the colder temperatures. These are indispensable for getting around at night, reading, etc. so, don’t go cheap here.
  • Some people like ear-muffs; These are optional; a good hat, balaclava, and hooded jacket should really be sufficient, but this is a personal choice for some people (optional).
  • A neck warmer is another piece of gear for extra warmth if you feel you will need it (optional).

torso GEARS AND EQUIPMENT

Torso

  • T-shirts (2).
  • Light and expedition weight thermal tops.
  • Fleece jacket or pullover.
  • Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional).
  • Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket.
  • 2 women sports bras, Synthetic, no cotton!

lower_body GEARS AND EQUIPMENT

Lower Body

  • 2 pairs nylon hiking shorts – Quick drying type, not cotton!
  • Underwear, stay away from cotton (4).
  • 2 pairs lightweight long underwear – capilene or other synthetic.
  • 1 pair soft shell pants – synthetic, full zip from top and bottom preferable.
  • 2 pairs trekking pants, preferably that zip on/off at the knees so they double as shorts.
  • 1 pair hard shell pants. Waterproof / breathable, Gore-Tex or equivalent is best. Should zip from the top and bottom – this makes it easier to put on over boots without getting undressed should the weather change once you are underway for the day.
  • 1 pair cotton pants (loose jeans/khakis).
  •  All clothing should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks or large puncture resistant plastic bags.

hands GEARS AND EQUIPMENT

Hands

  • 1 pair liner gloves, thin wool or synthetic, useful alone on mild days or as a layer inside other gloves / mitts for additional warmth.
  • 1 pair warm gloves (heavier fleece or wool).
  • 1 pair shell gloves or mitts; Gore-Tex is preferred for keeping hands dry.
  • Instant hand warmers are always nice in a pinch, but really shouldn’t be necessary on the trek. Bringing appropriate hand protection as recommended above, should be sufficient (optional).

feet GEARS AND EQUIPMENT

Feet

  • 4 pairs of liner socks, synthetic or capilene.
  • 3 pairs heavy weight socks to be worn over liner socks.
  • 1 pair light weight socks, a good option for the lower / warmer parts of the trail.
  • 1 pair light to medium weight water proof hiking/trekking boots. Ensure a good fit with layered socks and you have worn then before to get used to it (otherwise you will get lots of blister).
  • 1 pair light trekking shoes or sneakers. Good for around the camp/lodges and in Kathmandu.
  • 1 pair hiking gaiters, good for keeping dust and rocks out of your shoes / boots as well as keep your feet dry as necessary (Optional).
  • 1 pair sandals (Optional).

first_aid_kits_and_medications GEARS AND EQUIPMENT

Medicines and First Aid Kits

(Please note our guide will also carry the first aid kit bag during the trek. However we still recommend you to bring your personal first aid kit as well)

  • Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude related headaches.
  • Ibuprofen for general aches and pains.
  • Immodium or Pepto bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea.
  • Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide) 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness. Please discuss with us before starting to take this medicine.
  • 1 small personal sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as mole skin, band-aids, some waterproof tape, anti-infection ointments, etc. Your guides will have more extensive medical gear, but you should have the basics for general use.

other_essentials GEARS AND EQUIPMENT

Other Essentials

  • Passport and extra passport photos (4 copies).
  • Airline ticket (Please make a copy and leave on at our office in KTM just in case if you need to change the date of your).
  • Durable wallet / pouch for travel documents, money & passport.
  • Lip balm. At least SPF 20, 2 sticks. A string taped to the stick is helpful, to hang around your neck and some are now being sold with a cord already attached. Handy as it avoids you from having to stop and look for it.
  • Sunscreen. SPF 40 is recommended and should be relatively new since it loses its’ effectiveness over time.
  • Pocket knife or small Swiss Army type.
  • Water purification Iodine tablets or Polar-pure crystals.
  • Toiletry kit. Be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc.
  • 2 bandanas.

optional GEARS AND EQUIPMENT

Optional

  • 1 pair adjustable trekking poles. Although these are listed as optional, these can be of great assistance to people who may think of themselves and generally clumsy or with bad knees, ankles, etc, especially when going downhill (Optional).
  • Favorite snack foods, no more than 2 pounds (Optional).
  • Paperback books, cards, mp3 player (there are a couple of stops where you could recharge. Avoid players with moving hardware as it may not function. Remember, keep these items light weight (Optional).
  • Binoculars (Optional).
  • 1 light weight point & shoot camera or 1 large SLR. Digital cameras are ok, but you must keep the batteries warm when not in use (Optional).
  • Hydration bladder with drinking tube and tube insulator (Optional).
  • A pee bottle for men and pee funnel for woman, some swear by them to avoid that chilly late night trip (Optional).
  • 1 small stainless steel thermos (Optional).

This list is only a guide. While you are required to bring everything on this list, there are numerous options, brands, and versions of each piece of equipment. Use your experience and the listed features to find the best gear for you.

Please Note: Tight fitting, figure-hugging clothing, such as those made with Lycra can often be offensive to locals, especially to women. If you find these items comfortable as a base layer, please pack something to wear on top of them.

Trip Video

FAQs for Laya Ghasa Trek

General

Why trek with Ace the Himalaya?

Ace has a reputation for successfully leading treks with knowledgeable leaders and staff taking care of all your travel needs. We are a certified sustainable travel company that also endorses the idea of giving back to the community by participating in various philanthropic activities. Here are 17 reasons why you should choose Ace the Himalaya for your next adventure!

What essential documents do I need to bring with me on tours?

Here are some documents that you will need to carry with you:

  • Valid Passport – must be valid for up to 6 months after you return from your tour (Keep a separate photocopy)
  • Travel insurance (Keep a separate photocopy)
  • Cash and Traveller’s Cheques (Keep numbers and proof of purchase separately)
  • Flight tickets
  • Emergency contact numbers for T/C’s, banks, insurance, family contacts

Weather and Temperature

What is the best season for this trekking?

The best time for this trekking is from March to May, and from September to November.

What is the weather and temperature like in trekking?

The weather in the mountains is notoriously difficult to predict. Nights are generally colder (-2°C to -15°C) than the daytime (5°C to 30°C). It is also important to make sure that you stay warm and dry in just about any conditions. Expect the unexpected! depending on season the temperature could range from -10°C to 30°C

Arrival and Visas

Do I need to obtain VISA for Bhutan?

We will handle the visa procedures for you. The Govt. will sanction the VISA only after the receipt of full payment in advance. The visa fee is included with our tour price. Actual Bhutan VISA will be stamped in your passport on arrival on Paro airport. Without visa clearance number, tourists cannot board the flight or enter the country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs forwards a copy of this visa clearance to the concerned Druk Air stations and other entry points; we also fax a copy of the visa clearance document to our clients for their reference. While the actual visa is stamped on arrival, the initial visa clearance is also required at the time of issuing Druk Air Tickets.

All you need is to carry 2 copies of original passport-sized photographs, which are required on arrival in the country. Please e-mail us the clear color copy of the passport for the visa procedures.

Will somebody come to pick me up at the airport upon my arrival?

Yes, our airport representative will be there to greet you at the airport. S/he will be displaying a sign board with your name on it at outside the airport terminal. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel by our tourist vehicle.

Payments and extra costs

How much additional money do I need per day?

It depends on your spending habits. Generally, all the foods, accommodation and hot drinks are included in the price. You can allocate USD 10 to USD 15 for chocolates and a few drinks during the trip.

Can I use credit cards in the places visited in trekking?

There are just a few ATM’s in Bhutan for credit card (Master card / Maestro) & only few establishments in Bhutan accept credit card payments hence US Dollars (cash or Amex travelers cheques) or Euros Cash is suggested and convenient to cover any personal expenses (eg. beverages , laundry ,phone bills , tipping , shopping etc) that the Pax may make in the Kingdom. 1US$ is equivalent to Nu. 55 & 1 Euro is equivalent to Nu.69 as of today (the day we writing this text). . NU= Ngultrum, the Bhutanese currency

Who Can Trek?

How fit do I have to be and is this trekking for me?

Chomolhari trek is suitable for average people who are moderately fit, thus no previous experience is required. Some physical fitness programs such as running, swimming, hiking is recommended before you embark on your journey. Whilst on the trek, it is common to experience some discomfort before being fully acclimatized.

To prepare for a strenuous trek you should begin training at least two to three months before your departure. As a guideline, an hour of aerobic exercise three to four times per week would be considered a minimum requirement. The best preparation is bushwalking involving relatively steep ascents and descents. If you can manage a couple of valley floor to ridgeline ascents per comfortable and able to enjoy the trek to the fullest. They are physically strong, sharp-witted and have an incredibly positive attitude towards a life that we would consider extremely tough. There is something about a trek in the Himalaya that draws you back time and time again. For keen walkers it is a paradise and even avowed non-walkers find that one foot just seems to follow the other, drawn by the appeal of what lies beyond.

Accommodation

What sort of accommodation can I expect in Paro, Thimpu and in trekking?

Standard government-approved three star hotel accommodation (in twin sharing rooms) for the duration of tour in Paro and Thimpu. In trekking routes we provide the best possible camping service complete with comfortable two-person tents with good mattress. A kitchen, dining, shower, toilet tents and chairs with tables are also provided. Refer to the equipment list for items you will need to bring. You will also get a bucket of hot water each morning in your tent for a quick scrub up.

What sort of food can I expect?

Most of the restaurants serve Bhutanese, Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine with plenty to choose from. Whiling camping our expert camping cook will prepare Bhutanese, Indian, Chinese and Continental fare. If you have any special dietary requirements please advise us in advance so that we can make the necessary arrangements.

I m a Vegeterain, is that a Problem ?

No problem at all because our camping cooks will mostly serve the vegetarian meals. We always recommend our clients to eat vegetarian meals to avoid the food poisoning, eating heavy meals and non- vegetarian meals at the high altitude is not really safe for the stomach.

Is the water available drinkable? Do I need to bring purifying tablets/filter?

The trip price included the drinking water for the all Bhutan trip. You don’t need to bring any bring purifying tablets/filter or pay for the water.

Will it be possible to get any clothes washed along the way, to enable load to be kept as light as possible?

Laundry service is difficult to find, except in cities. For other trips, laundry is done by self at the taps.

What opportunities will I have for shower along the trek?

Yes, we provide you shower facilities during your trek. We erect a shower tent and provide you with Buckets of hot water.

Can I charge my digital camera or other equipments on my trip?

These facilities will not be available on this trekking, but you can definitely in Paro. Remember to bring travel adapters!

Health and Safety

Is Ace the Himalaya's staff insured?

Our company insures all our trekking staff members, including guides, cooks, Sherpa, and porters. Please browse through our legal docment page to view insurance details.

What immunizations will I need?

No vaccinations are compulsory fro traveling in Nepal, but we do recommend you are covered for diphtheria & TB, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, *malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus.

We also recommend:

  • A dental check-up prior to traveling
  • That you know your blood group in case of emergency

If you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and Ace the Himalaya at the time of your booking.

Practical Matters

What is your cancellation policy?

Notice should be provided 20 days before the trip start date in case of cancellation. The trip can be canceled for justifiable reasons. Once the trip is canceled, a fee of 30% of the trip cost is retained for administrative costs.

However, the trip amount is entirely non-refundable if the cancellation is not made before the 20 days as per our terms and conditions. For submitting a claim to your insurance company after the cancellation, we can assist with documentation such as a receipt of monies paid. Refund will not be provided for unused accommodation in case of trip cancellation caused by personal reasons/sickness/weather.

More information about our cancellation policy can be found here in Terms and Conditions page.

Do I need to tip my guide and porters? How much would that be?

This is a difficult thing to gauge. We have seen everything from USD 20 to USD 1000 per person for guides and porters. Tipping is not required, but a small gesture of thanks to your guides and local porters thanks for their help. The level of the tip should reflect the level of satisfaction from and personal involvement with your guide.

Are there any communication facilities during the trek?

Most hotels have communication services for international calls with fax, but along the camping route they are limited.

Are there any photography restrictions?

You will have many photo opportunities during the trip. Please ask for permission before taking a person’s photo. Photography in, monasteries, shrine rooms of Dzongs and religious institutions is generally not permitted, but outdoor photography is. To be sure when visiting such places, you may consult with your guide just to make sure. Carry plenty of films and batteries. Photo shops in Bhutan do not sell equipment or accessories.

Can I add extra days to my trek?

No, because we can’t change your Druk air flight once it is booked.

Is there a minimum and a maximum number for your groups?

We cater to all group sizes, while maintaining the field staff ratio to give you the best quality and experience.

Transportation and flights

Do we book our international flights and Druk air flights?

Yes, you need to book your own International flights. We are a local agent and it would cost you significantly higher to book through us. Please find more information in the International Flight page.

Druk air is the only airline to and from Bhutan. We can ebook the Druk air flight to and from Bhutan and e-mail you the e-ticket.

Druk air flight cost is not included in the trip price. Druk air flights cost are different as per the flights sectors that you are taking. Druk air offer flights from following location. We recommend you to book your flight to Bangkok as they have every day flight to Paro and from Paro as well.

Please let us know which route is more convenient to you, the cost of the flights are as below. Please contact us for the up-to-date Druk air flight rate.

  • Bangkok – Paro – Bangkok = US$890
  • New Delhi – Paro- New Delhi = US$875
  • Calcutta – Paro- Calcutta = US$510
  • Kathmandu – Paro- Kathmandu = US$520
  • Bangkok – Paro – Kathmandu = US$ 860
  • Bangkok – Paro – New Delhi = US$ 875

What mode of transportation do you use?

We use comfortable and reliable Japanese Toyota SUVs, micro-buses and coaches to transport our guests. All our drivers are licensed by the Road surface transport authority (RSTA). Our vehicles are also certified and inspected by the RSTA frequently to comply with the road worthiness and safety standards. The guests will have a vehicle, a guide and a driver at their disposal at all times.

Druing the trekking we use horse, donkeys or yaks to carry the food, luggage and camping equipment from one to another camping spot every day.

Are there any weight restrictions on Druk air flights?

Druk Air allows only up to 20 kgs of luggage per person, after which the excess baggage charge is USD 5 per kg.

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What makes this trip different ?

Our CSR with Sambhav Nepal

Our CSR with Sambhav Nepal
Our CSR with Sambhav Nepal

  • Ace the Himalaya believes in giving back to the communities that surround and support tourism in Nepal. Ace provides logistical support and, if needed, cash donations to the projects of Sambhav Nepal (a local NGO).
  • Sambhav Nepal and Ace work together to plan volunteer programs that will bring in foreign volunteers and make use of their enthusiasm, time, and talents in a variety of projects.
Sustainability and Responsible Tourism

Sustainability and Responsible Tourism
Sustainability and Responsible Tourism

  • Of the few Travelife Partners in Nepal, Ace the Himalaya is one. We respect the procedures for sustainable tourism. Our excursions are socially and environmentally conscious, leaving the lowest possible impact in the Himalayas.
  • About 80% of Ace the Himalaya’s staff members are natives of the regions where our trips are organized. It is one of our sustainable and responsible efforts to help local communities, support small businesses, and promote regional culture and way of life.

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