Beautiful Laya Gasa Trek
Join the elite league of people who have had an opportunity to taste this wonderful trek along the northern frontiers of Bhutan. This is one of the most beautiful long distance trek in Bhutan. Running along the border with Tibet, the trek offers amazing views of some of the most pristine and unspoiled landscapes in Bhutan. Starting in the Paro valley and ending in Punakha, the trek stretches through the majestic high altitude trails of the Western Tibetan border including the Jhomolhari Base camp, the scenic Lingzhi Dzong and the picturesque village of Laya Along the trail you’ll be able to spot indigenous animals such as blue sheep. The first five days of this trek follow the same route as the Jomolhari Trek I through Jigme Singye National Park and offer awe-inspiring views of Mt. Jomolhari and Jichu Drake.
You’ll travel through remote mountain villages inhabited by Layaps (people of Laya), a distinct segment of the Bhutanese society with unique culture, traditions and appearance. The unique culture of the friendly Layap people is fascinating to experience and gives one a sense of being in a truly remote corner of our world. The trek also offers a day of relaxation at the famous Gasa hot springs that is sure to rejuvenate you. This is one of the more difficult treks offered in Bhutan due to the high altitudes and steep ascents and descents along the path. The best seasons to complete this challenge are in April-June and Mid-September-Mid-November. Along with the trek you would be embarking on Cultural Tour where you would visit some of the key sightseeing places in Thimphu, Paro and Punakha.
Brief Description of Cities covered in this tour
Thimphu: Capital and the largest city of Bhutan - Only capital city in the world that does not have traffic lights - Main center of Commerce, Religion and Government in the country - Most modern city of Bhutan and has abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping center. It is one of the few cities of Bhutan having ATM facilities.
Paro: Small town in the western part of Bhutan - Also home to Paro Airport, Bhutan’s only International Airport - The valley has many isolated small villages and is known for red rice - Also home to most of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries.
Punakha and Wangdue: Punakha and Wangdue is located in the same valley. These two places are located within a distance of 13 km. Punakha was the capital of Bhutan and the seat of government until 1955 - The valley is fed by the Pho Chhu and the Mo Chhu rivers - It is one of very few places in Bhutan which offers Rafting facilities - It is the winter seat of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the monk body at present.
- 13 Days of trekking into un-spoilt landscapes in the Land of Thunder Dragon.
- Enjoy at Hot Spring
- Breathtaking view of the Himalayas, nomadic yak herders camp, exotic flaura & fauna.
- Visit old Monasteries and majestic fortresses
- Explore a capital city with no traffic lights.
- Feast on Ema Datsi and Red Rice, two of the most popular dishes of Bhutan
- First-hand experience of untouched Nature and unique Culture
- Experience the Sacred Spirituality and see the Prayer flags fluttering in the wind.
- Village houses and rural life
- Shop for Silks, Souvenirs and More
- Marvel at structures adorned with Phallus paintings.
- Hike through pine forests to visit “Tiger’s Nest”
- The must visit Dochula Pass and the Druk Wangyal Chhortens
Day 1. Arrival at Paro :
Altitude of Paro: 2,280 m
Your flight to Paro on a clear day, is marked with the panoramic views of the Himalayas including the Everest and other famous Peaks. The approach through the foothills and the landing (including few steep turns) at the tiny airstrip of Paro has been termed as adventurous by many travelers. After the completion of immigration formalities at the Paro Airport exit door, you will be received by your Bhutanese guide with traditional “Tashi Khadar”. Thereafter you are driven to your hotel and do your check in. Lunch would be provided at the hotel itself. You can relax for the rest of the day. In the evening, explore the Paro Town and valley.
Meals – Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Paro.
Day 2. Paro Sightseeing:
Altitude 2,820 m; Distance from Paro 17 Kms, Driving time – 1 hr. (farm road)
After breakfast, start your day with a hike to
- Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's nest), the abode of gods and monks situated at an altitude of 3100m on the Upper Paro Valley, Bhutan. As per the legend, Guru Padmasambhana (Guru Rinpoche), the tantrum mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, came in the form of Dorje Droloe riding a flying tigress to subdue the demon that was obstructing the spread of Buddhism in the Himalayas.
After the completion of the hike, you would be served picnic Lunch among the woods. After lunch, visit
- Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan built in the 7th century by the Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo.
In the evening, drive to Shana Overnight in Camp.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight at the Camp.
Day 3. Shana - Thangthangka:
Altitude 3,610 m, Distance: 21 Kms, Time 7 - 8 hrs.; Ascent 770 m; Descent 10 m
The trail follows the river through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses. It narrows and closes in and the trail winds up and down along the drainage. We pass a junction enroute, where another path leads north over the Tremo La to Tibet. Camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight at the Camp.
Day 4. Thangthangka - Jangothang:
Altitude: 4,115 m, Distance: 15 Kms, Time: 5 - 6 hrs; Ascent 480 m
In the morning after passing a small army post, the trail slowly leaves the forest line and gradually climbs into a beautiful valley, passing Tegethang, a winter home of yak herdsmen. Lunch will be served in one of these huts. Lots of yaks will be seen today before we arrive at the Jhomolhari base camp (4,115 m). High mountains overlook the camp and visible nearby are the ruins of an old fortress used to guard Bhutan against Tibetan invasions.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight at the Camp.
Day 5. Jangothang - Lingshi:
Altitude: 4,150 m, Distance: 19 kms, Time: 5-6 hrs; Ascent 810 m; Descent 1,090 m
Walk up toward the pass through a wide pastureland. Depending on the season you are there, you might find some yak herders in their camping tents along the way. As you come down after the pass to the Lingshi basin, you will see some beautiful views of the Lingshi Dzong, valley, Tserim Kang (mountain) and its descending glaciers at the north end of the valley. Camp in a stone shelter with a built-in fire pit or in the tent.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight at the Camp.
Day 6. Lingshi - Chebisa:
Altitude: 3,850 m, Distance: 12 kms, Time 3-4 hrs; Ascent 280 m; Descent 410 m
Today is the shortest walking day and you can really take it easy. You can visit the Lingshi Dzong, perched on the hilltop with a commanding view of green hills, the winding river and magnificent peaks. For centuries, Lingshi Dzong was a way station for weary Buddhist pilgrims and defense fort against Tibetan and Mongol invaders. On reaching the campsite at Chebisa, you may visit the village houses.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight at the Camp.
Day 7. Chebisa - Shomuthang:
Altitude: 4,260 m, Distance: 17 kms, Time: 5-6 hrs; Ascent 890 m; Descent 540 m
You walk through a wide pastureland towards Gobu-la (pass). On the way, you will see few people herding the yaks. After crossing the Gobu-la (Alt. 4,350 m) descend down to the valley. The trail further climbs over a small ridge through a cedar forest then into the main Jholethang Chhu valley in a deep forest of fir and birch and then to the village of Shakshepasa. The campsite is on a bench above a river, which is a tributary of the Nochu River.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight at the Camp.
Day 8. Shomuthang - Robluthang:
Altitude: 4,390 m, Distance: 15 kms, Time: 6-7 hrs; Ascent 700 m; Descent 760 m
As the walk is little strenuous, it is advisable to start little early. After crossing the Jerela (pass) alt. 4,600 m you come down to Tsharijathang valley where you can normally see herds of Takin. Camp at Tsharijathang valley which has been declared a special Takin sanctuary.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight at the Camp.
Day 9. Robluthang - Lingmithang:
Altitude: 4,140 m, Distance: 19 kms, Time: 6-7 hrs; Ascent 850 m; Descent 870 m
After crossing the Shingela pass, alt. 4,900 m, you come down and follow the valley. Lingmithang is under the Laya District and you will see people dressed in typical Laya costume with long pointed bamboo hats on their head. Camp at Lingmithang. If you have time, it would be advisable to spend a day here exploring the valley and meeting the people who have a different and unique culture.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight at the Camp.
Day 10. Lingmithang - Laya:
Altitude: 3,850 m, Distance: 10 kms, Time: 3-4 hrs; Ascent 60 m; Descent 340 m
Today, you walk all the way downhill along a narrow winding river valley. The trail leads you to the west side of Laya village. Campsite is on a high flat bench above the Laya village.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight at the Camp.
Day 11. Laya (Halt):
Today is a day of rest. Spend the day relaxing visiting village houses or going on short hikes above the camp.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight at the Camp.
Day 12. Laya - Koena:
Altitude: 3,800 m, Distance: 19 kms, Time: 6-7 hrs; Ascent 260 m; Descent 1,070 m
The trail winds up and down along the river valley avoiding natural obstacles and affording breath-taking views of the crashing river, feeder streams and waterfalls. The route offers interesting view of Masang Gang peak (7,165 m).
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight at the Camp.
Day 13. Koena - Gasa:
Altitude: 2,900 m, Distance: 17 kms, Time: 6-7 hrs; Ascent 740 m; Descent 1,500 m
You cross the Babela pass, Alt.3,740 m, after which The route starts down again, sometimes steeply through a bamboo forest to a stream at 3,080m, the view point of Gasa Dzong. The trail further traverses above Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park onwards to Gasa.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight at the Camp.
Day 14. Gasa - Gasa Tsachu (Hot Spring):
Time: 2 Hours
After a late breakfast, trek to Gasa Tsachu. After lunch relax in the hot spring. The Gasa Tsachu is one of the most popular hot springs in Bhutan. Camp at Gasa Tsachu.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight at the Camp.
Day 15. Gasa Tsachu - Tashi Thang - Punakha (Trek ends):
Altitude of Punakha: 1,310 m
After breakfast drive through the rolling hills and passes through the pine and oak forests, villages and wheat fields. You will also see a beautiful view of the Gasa Dzong glued to the valley wall seeming to float in space. You will drive through the high agricultural benches above the Mo Chhu (Chhu means River) into a lush semi-tropical gorge filled with banana trees, creepers and various tropical vegetation till Tashi Thang. Continue driving to Punakha. Check in Hotel. Rest of the day for leisure.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight at the Hotel in Punakha.
Day 16. Punakha - Thimphu:
Driving Distance: 76 kms, Driving Time: 2.5 – 3 hrs., Altitude of Thimphu: 2,350 m
After a leisure breakfast, visit the
- Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. For many years until the time of the second King, it served as the seat of the Government. It is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo (The Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan)
- Chhimi Lhakhang, a famous Temple, which is also known as “The Temple of Fertility” built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley
On the way visit
- Royal Botanical Park, Lamperi, also known as the Rhododendron Garden, is the first Botanical Garden of Bhutan. It is famous for 46 species of rhododendrons.
Later stop at
- Dochula Pass, lies at an elevation of 3,150 m and is a great place to view the higher Himalayas. The landmarks around the pass includes 108 Druk Wangyal Stupas built under the patronage of Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk
You continue your drive till Thimphu. In the evening, explore Thimphu town and valley.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight at the Hotel in Thimphu.
Day 17. Thimphu Sightseeing:
Today you would be driven in and around Thimphu covering key places of interest. After breakfast you would visit
- Kuensel Phodrang, the gigantic Buddha Dordenma Statue located atop a hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park.
- National Memorial Chhorten, a Stupa built in 1974 to honor the third Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Every morning till night old people and young people circumambulate the Chhorten.
- Zorig Chusom, Premier institute of traditional arts and crafts in Thimphu built of preserve “thirteen arts and crafts of Bhutan”.
- Folk Heritage, traditional house giving an insight to the Bhutanese lifestyle, and artifacts from the rural households
Thereafter you would be taken to a local restaurant for lunch. In the afternoon you would be taken to
- Sangaygang View Point, also known as BBS Tower offering panoramic view of Thimphu Town situated at an elevation of 2,685 m.
- Changangkha Monastery, popular fortress like temple perched on a ridge above Central Thimphu built in 15th Century by Lama Phajo Drugom Zhipo.
- Takin Preserve Centre, see Takin (National animal of Bhutan) It is a unique combination of Goat and an Antelope
- Tashichhodzong, or ‘the fortress of the glorious religion’. Initially erected in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was rebuilt in the 1960s during the reign of Bhutan’s third king in the traditional style, without plans or nails. It houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body and opens after 5 PM.
After the completion of sightseeing, you are driven back to your hotel. After relaxing for some time you are served with dinner.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Thimphu.
Day 18. Thimphu - Paro:
Driving Distance: 65 Kms, Driving hrs. 1.5 - 2 hrs., Altitude of Paro: 2250 m.
After breakfast, drive to Paro. On the way, visit
- Visit Tamchog Lhakhang, located along Paro-Thimphu highway on the base of a mountain across the Pa Chhu river built in the early 15th century by the great iron bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo.
After arrival in Paro, check in to the Hotel. In the Afternoon post lunch, visit
- Paro Rimpung Dzong, also known as Fortress of the heap of jewels, built during the time of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646
- Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower overlooking Rimpung Dzong built in 1951 now converted into national museum.
In the evening, explore the Paro Valley and town.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Paro.
Day 19. Departure:
Today we will bid farewell to this beautiful country and take an early flight back. We hope by now you must have made some good friends and also have taken photographs and beautiful memories of Bhutan. We certainly hope of serving you again on your next visit to this great country or the Last Shangri-La. Tashi Delek.