Laya Gasa Trek

Best Season: Trek is open from April to June and mid September to mid November. Best trekking month in Laya region is April.
Start of Trek: Drukgyal Dzong (Paro)
End of Trek: Tashithang (Punakha)
Duration: 20-21 days
Group condition: Minimum 3 but individual is also acceptable.

This trek offers from picturesque farmland, alpine pastureland and high passes. Spectacular campsites beneath some of Bhutan's most impressive peaks-- of which the most notable are Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake--make this trekking route truly exhilarating. Numerous isolated Dzongs and scattered settlements, including the outlandish village of Laya, provide a great deal of cultural interest en route.

Day 01: Arrive Paro

During the flight on a clear day you can see Himalayan Mountains, including the sacred Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. Our representative will greet you on your arrival and transfer you to your hotel. In the evening, stroll through the Paro market and town. Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 02: Paro

Full day sightseeing in Paro valley includes a visit to Ta Dzong (National Museum), the Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang. Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 03: Paro-Shana

The trek starts from Drukgyal Dzong at 2,580m with a short downhill walk on a wide trail. The trail climbs gently traversing well-maintained rice terraces and fields of millet. The route later enters an area of apple orchards and forests. Soon the valley widens and you reach the army post of Gunitsawa at 2,810m. This is the last stop before Tibet. At 2,870m, just beyond Shana Zampa, there are several good camping places in meadows surrounded by trees. The trek is 17 Km and it takes nearly 5/6 hours.

Day 04: Shana- Sio Thangkha

The trek follows Pa Chhu (Paro River) ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. A hot lunch will be served after crossing the bridge towards the left side of the river. After lunch follow the river climbing up through rhododendron forests and finally crossing the bridge again, reaching to the campsite at the altitude of 3,750m.The trek is 20 Km and it takes nearly 7/8 hours.

Day 05: Sio Thangkha- Jangothang

The trek ascends for a while till you reach an army camp. Then follow the river above the tree line enjoying the stunning view of the surrounding peaks. A hot lunch will be served inside a yak herder's camp. A short walk into the valley will take you to the camp at Jangothang at an altitude of 4,040m. From here, the view of Mt. Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake are superb.The trek is 9 km and it takes around 7/8 hours.

Day 06: Rest day at Jangothang.

The day for you to enjoy the stunning view of the Jhomolhari south face, and the ruined Dzong.

Day 07: Jangothang -Lingshi)

The path follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. Start the climb up to the first ridge with scenic view of Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tshering Gang. Then walk towards the valley, an almost flat terrain for a while, until the climb to the Nyele La pass at an altitude of 4,700m. After the pass, it's a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp., You can enjoy the panoramic view of the peaks and Lingshi Dzong. Camp at the altitude of 4,000m.The trek is 18 km and it takes 7/8 hours.

Day 08: Lingshi-Chebisa

Proceed ahead passing Lingshi Dzong perched on the hilltop with a commanding view of green hills, the winding river and magnificent peaks. It is an easy day and a pleasant walk through villages and yak herders camp. After lunch, a short walk will take you to Chebisa village. Camp by the side of the stream at an altitude of 3,850m.The trek is 10 km and takes 5/6 hours

Day 09: Chebisa-Shoumuthang

Trek with a stiff climb up a ridge to Gugu La pass at an altitude of 4,500m, taking nearly four hours. After the pass, descend to a lunch stop through rhododendron bushes. In the afternoon continue along the up and down path after crossing the stream. Walk through rhododendron forests and a Yak herder’s camp. You may see herds of Blue Sheep now and then. Camp at an altitude 4,250m.The trek is 17 km and takes 6/7 hours.

Day 10: Shoumuthang - Rogluthang

The trek starts with a climb to Jari La pass at altitude 4,700m. Then descend to Tasharijathang valley, the summer residence of rare Himalayan Takins (National animal of Bhutan). From here we may have
to cross the stream. After crossing the stream towards the left, the trail ascends till you reach Robluthang camp at an altitude of 4,200m. The trek is 18 km and takes 6/7 hours

Day 11: Robluthang- Limithang)

It is a long climb towards Shinjela pass (alt. 4,900m). After the pass, descend to Limithang. The path is narrow and you have to cross a stream. The last part of the trek is very interesting with the view of Mt. Gangchey Ta peak. Arrive at the campsite at an altitude of 4,100m.The Trek is 19 km and takes 7/8 hours

Day 12: Limithang -Laya

In the morning, you can see view of Gangchey Ta peak in front of you. The walk to Laya is very pleasant and full of wonderful views. 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.The Trek is 10 km and takes 4/5 hours.

Day 13: Rest day at Laya

Explore beautiful Laya village. You can go and visit any of the houses around. Traditional Bhutanese hospitality is extended even to strangers, and a cup of tea and Chang (local, wine) is always offered. The people in this valley are very interesting. The women wear conical bamboo hats decorated with turquoise and silver ornaments. In the evening, you will witness the cultural programme (dance) performed by village girls with campfire, and enjoy the local alcohol if you have a strong stomach.

Day 14: Laya-Chamsa

Trek towards the army camp and join the Mo Chhu (Mother River of Punakha). Follow the river till you cross the bridge. After the bridge it is up and down several times through juniper and fir forests until you reach the camp at Chamsa at an altitude of 3,800m. The trek is 9 km and it takes 8/9 hours.

Day 15: Chamsa -Gasa Tshachu

Walk for about half an hour over flat land till you reach the Bele La pass. Its downhill all the way to Gasa Tshachu. Lunch at Gasa village at an altitude of 2,700m. After lunch visit the village and Dzong. The Dzong was built in 17th century by the first religious King (CHECK), Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to protect the valley against Tibetan invaders. After visiting the Dzong, descend to Gasa Tshachu (hot spring) for your camp at an altitude of 2,200m. The trek is14 km and it takes 6/7 hours.

Day 16: Gasa Tshachu rest day

The day will be to relax and enjoy the hot bath and local beer that is produced here.

Day 17: Gas Tshachu -Damji)

The path continues up and down through heavily forested areas rich with wild orchids. There are leeches in this area in summer, so one must be careful. Camp nearby in the village at an altitude of 2,400m.The trek is 18 km and it takes 5/6 hours.
Day 18: Damji- Tashithang-Punakha

It is the last trekking day. Continue following the Mo Chhu River through dense jungle till you reach Tashithang at an altitude of 1,620m. Our bus will be waiting to drive you to Punakha (15 km) following the river all the way. Overnight stay at hotel in Punakha.The trek is16 km and takes 5/6 hours.

Day 19: Punakha Thimphu

Morning sightseeing in Punakha and Wangduephodrang valleys, visiting the Dzongs and local markets. In the afternoon drive to Thimphu and overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 20: Thimphu

Today you will tour the capital city Thimphu visiting; Memorial Chorten, Tashichhodzong, National Library, Art School, Traditional Medicine Institute, Handicraft Emporium, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum. Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu.

DAY 21: Thimphu –Paro

The morning is free for shopping and leisure. After lunch, drive to Paro visiting Semtokha Dzong en route.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro.

Day 22: Paro
 
After an early breakfast in the hotel, drive to Paro airport for the flight to your onward destination.

Season: April, May, June, September, October, and November

Climate: Days are normally warm. Nights can at times be (general) very cool and in winter even below the freezing point. Monsoon showers in summer (heaviest in July, August) and sometimes even in spring and Autumn.