Laya Gasa Trek - Bhutan

Laya Gasa Trek - Bhutan Duration : 19 Nights / 20 Days Destinations : Paro – Shana - Soi Thangthangkha – Jangothang - Lingshi – Chebisa - Shoumuthang – Robluthang Limithang – Laya -Limithang – Laya - Gasa Tsachu – Damji - Tashithang - Punakha – Thimphu Paro

This route offers a great variety of trekking conditions, from picturesque farmland and forests to alpine pastureland and high passes. Spectacular campsites, beneath some of Bhutan’s most impressive peaks, of which the most notable are Chomolhari and Jichu Drake, are also features of this trekking route. Numerous isolated dzongs and scattered settlements, including the extraordinary village of Laya, provide a great deal of cultural interest en route.

Day 01 : Arrive Paro
Druk Airways flight to Bhutan is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkatta, each flight is a mesmerizing aeronautical feat and offers an exciting descent into the Kingdom.

Day 02 : Paro
Morning visit to Ta Dzong, built in 17th century, as watch tower to defend Paro Dzong and valley. This fortress was later converted into the National Museum in 1968 and is filled with antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and Bhutan’s renowned postage stamps. Below the Ta Dzong, is Rinpung Dzong (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and interesting history.

Day 03 : Paro – Shana, 17 km, 5 - 6 hours
The trek starts from Drukgyel Dzong (2,580m) with a short downhill walk on a wide trail. The trail climbs gently through 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 Gunyitsawa (2,810m). This is the last stop before Tibet. The trail continues up to 2,870m, just beyond Sharma Zampa, where there are several good camping places in meadows surrounded by trees.

Day 04 : Shana – Soi Thangthangkha, 20 km, 7 - 8 hours
The trail again follows Pa Chhu (Paro river), ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. After crossing a bridge to the left side of the river, we stop for a hot lunch. Then we continue along the river, climbing upwards through rhododendron forests, and crossing the river once more before reaching our campsite (3,750m).

Day 05 : Soi Thangthangkha – Jangothang, 19 km, 7 - 8 hours
The path ascends for a while till we reach the army camp. We then follow the river above the tree line, enjoying the stunning view of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch is served at a yak herder’s camp. A short walk from here into the valley takes us to our campsite at Jangothang (4,040m). From here, the view of Mt. Chomolhari and Jichu Drake are superb.

Day 06 : Jangothang – Lingshi, 18 km, 7 - 8 hours
The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right ban. We now start our climb up to the first ridge, enjoying breathtaking views of Mt. Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsrim Khang. The trail then takes us across a fairly level valley floor, until the climb up to the Nyele-la pass (4,700m). We descend gradually from the pass to our campsite at Lingshi (4,000m), enjoying a panoramic view of mountain peaks and Lingshi Dzong as we walk.

Day 07 : Lingshi – Chebisa, 10 km, 5 - 6 hours
We continue on the trail past past Lingshi Dzong, perched on its hilltop, enjoying views of green hills, the winding river and magnificent peak as we walk It is an easy day, and a pleasant walk through villages and yak herders’ camp.After lunch, a short walk takes us to Chebisa village, where we camp by the side of a stream (3,860m).

Day 08 : Chebisa – Shomuthang, 17 km, 6 - 7 hours
Today beings with a stiff climb or nearly four hours up a ridge to Gubu-la pass (4,450m). We descend from the pass through rhododendron to our lunch place. We cross the stream after lunch, and continue along the up and down path, through rhododendron forests and yak herders’ camps, occasionally sighting flocks of blue sheep as we walk. Tonight’s campsite is at an altitude of 4,250m.

Day 09 : Shoumuthang – Robluthang, 18 km, 6 - 7 hours
The trek begins with a climb to Jari-la pass (4,700m). We descend from here to Tasharijathang valley, the summer grazing ground of the rare Himalayan Takin (Bhutan’s national animal). WE may have to ford the stream here, as the footbridge is frequently washed away. After crossing to the left bank of the stream, the trail ascends to Robluthang (4,200m) where we set up our camp for night.

Day 10 : Roluthang – Limithang, 19 km, 7 - 8 hours
We start the day with a long climb up to Shinje-la (4,900m), enjoying stunning mountain views from the path. After crossing the pass, we descend to Limithang. The path is quite narrow, and we may have to ford the stream again and get wet. The last part of today’s trek is rather scrmble down a steep path, with the compensation of splendid views of Gangchenta peak along the way. Tonight we camp at 4,100m on flat ground above the river in a forested area, with Gangchenta peak towering directly above us to the north.

Day 11 : Limithang – Laya, 10 km, 4 -5 hours
In the morning we wake up to a superb view of Gangchenta peak in front of our camp. The walk to Laya is very pleasant with wonderful views along the way. We pass through a damp forest, filled with moss and singing birds. We set up camp on arrival at Laya village, the second highest settlement in the country at 3,800m.

Day 12 : Rest day at Laya
Today we explore the village and environs. You can go and visit any of the houses around. Traditional Bhutanese hospitality is extended even to a perfect stranger, and a cup of tea and chang (an alcoholic drink) is always offered. The people in this village are very interesting, especially the women, whose plain black yak wool garments are set off by elaborate necklaces and conical bamboo hats decorated with turquoise & silver ornaments. In the evening, witness a cultural program of dances performed by village girls by the camp fire, and enjoy the local alcohol (ara & chang, brewed from barley) if you have a strong stomach.

Day 13 : Laya – Chamsa, 19 km, 8 - 9 hours
We descend from Laya to the army camp at the side of the Mo Chu (Mother river of Punakha), and then walk alongside the river till reaching a bridge. After crossing the bridge, the track winds up and down through juniper and fir forests. We camp in the forest of Chamsa (3,800m).

Day 14 : Chamsa – Gasa Tsachu, 14 km, 6 - 7 hours
After a 30 minute walk over flat land to Bari-la pass (3,900m), it’s downhill all the way to Gasa Tsachu. We take lunch at Gasa village (2,700m), afterwards visiting the village and Gasa Dzong. The Dzong was built in 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, to protect the valley against Tibetan invaders. We then descend to Gasa Tsachu (hot spring) where we set up our camp (2,200m).

Day 15 : Gasa Tsachu rest day
After a long trek, this is the place to relax. Enjoy a hot bath and try some of the local beer.

Day 16 : Gasa Tsachu – Damji, 18 km, 6 hours
The path winds up and down through heavily forested areas where you can see many wild orchids. Take care, as there are leeches too! We camp overnight near Damji village (2,400m).

Day 17 : Damji – Tashithang, 16 km, 6 hours
This is our last trekking day. The trail descends through heavy forest, following the course of the Mo Chu river, till reaching the road head to Tashithang (1,620m). Picked up by our transport and transfer to the hotel in Punakha.

Day 18 : Punakha – Thimphu
Morning sightseeing in the Punakha visiting Dzong and Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. Then drive to Wangduephodrang visiting Dzong and local market. Afternoon drive to Thimphu for overnight stay.

Day 19 : Thimphu – Paro
Full day of sightseeing in Thimphu, visit to Memorial Chorten, Trashichhodzong, National Library, Arts & Crafts School, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, Handicrafts Emporium. Evening drive to Paro for overnight stay.

Day 20 : Depart Paro
After breakfast transfer to Paro International Airport for flight to onward destination.