Laya & Lunana

Sometimes called the Snowman Trek, this is one of the most rigorous adventures in all of the Himalaya.  From the lush, subtropical Punakha Valley we trek north to Laya (12,600’) at the very foot of the Bhutan Himalaya.  After a day’s visit with the friendly Layaps, we begin our trek into the high altitude valley of Lunana, crossing a total of six passes getting in and out of this isolated valley, totally encircled by rugged mountains.  The villagers of Lunana are predominantly yakherders, most of whom have very little contact with the outside world.  Despite a hard life in an unforgiving terrain, they are among the happiest people in this land of Gross National Happiness, and our encounters with them are likely to be some of the highlights of our trek.  Another, of course, will be almost daily views of some of the world’s most impressive snow-capped peaks, weather permitting.

Day 1: Depart USA / Day 2: Bangkok overnight / Day 3: Fly Bangkok-Paro, drive Thimphu / Day 4: Drive Thimphu-Punakha / Day 5: Drive to Goem Damji, begin trek / Days 6-24: On trek / Day 24: Arrive Nikachu, drive Wangdiphodrang / Day 25: Drive Thimphu / Day 26: Drive Paro / Day 27: Fly Paro-Bangkok / Day 28: Arrive home 

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