Laya Gasa Trek - 20 Days

Laya Gasa Trek
At a Glance
  • Duration20 Days
  • Difficulty Level Serious
  • Max Altitude 4900 M
  • Group Size Up to 10 Pax
  • Starts Paro Airport Bhutan
  • Ends Paro Airport Bhutan

Laya Gasa Trek is the most challenging trek, meandering alongside the border of Tibet. A perfect package of adventurous 20 days mixed with beautiful nature and eye-catching cultures, the route lets you stroll through picturesque farmlands and forests to alpine pastureland and high passes. The friendly people of Laya have a unique culture and give a sense of truly being in the far corners of the world. So, get acquainted with the local culture, capture a glimpse of some of the rare animals like blue sheep and Takin (the national animal of Bhutan), and relish the tiredness in the hot spring in Gasa. The main highlight of the trip is a night at the base of the Great Tiger Mountain, a thrilling lifetime memory you will never forget.

A moderate-level trek requires a bit of endurance for long walks in high-altitude regions. Laya Gasa Trek initiates from the outskirts of Paro from Drukgyal Dzong, crossing over interesting villages, scattered hamlets, and farmlands. It’s the same route as the Jomolhari trek to Lingshi. Witness some sparkling sights of Mt. Jomolhari, including other snow-capped peaks like Jichu Drake and Gangchhenta. Spot blue sheep and even 'Takin, Bhutan’s national animal, in between the route from Jangothang to Laya, which hardly goes below 4,000 meters. Besides hiking into the natural surroundings, go sightseeing at Paro, the tiny capital of Thimphu, and the old capital city of Punakha. Laya Gasa trek of 20 days, one of the most beautiful trekking routes in Bhutan, only to be beaten by the tough Snowman Trek. The entire trek is a combination of nature, a traditionally rich village, an isolated land setting, and the unique culture of the Dragon Kingdom.

If you want to quench your thirst for the beauty within nature, mountains, and unique Bhutanese culture, the Laya Gasa Trek is probably the one for you. It is one of the most adventurous journeys in Bhutan, with natural and cultural ecstasy in abundance. So, want to soothe yourselves with this exemplary blend of nature and culture? Laya Gasa Trek is eagerly waiting to shower you with the spellbinding beauty of Bhutanese landscapes and Bhutanese culture.

Itinerary

Show Detail ItineraryHide Detail Itinerary

    Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by one of the company representatives and transferred to the hotel. After then, you will be visiting the Paro Dzong, built-in 1646 and now houses government offices and religious institutions, as do all the Dzongs (forts) currently. Cross a traditional wooden bridge along the way to the Dzong. Later on, you will be visiting Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in Nepal. In the evening, ramble through the market and town of Paro. Overnight at Hotel.

      Have breakfast, and make your way for a full day excursion to Taktsang or the “tiger’s nest” perched precariously on the cliff 900m above the floor of the Paro valley. Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, the most famous monastery in Bhutan. It is said that Guru Rimpoche has flown to the site of the monastery on the back of a tigress and meditated here for three months. Lunch would be served in the Cafeteria So enjoy it. After learning about monasteries you will be returning back to Paro in the evening. Overnight at Hotel.

        Today, you will be driving towards Drukgyel Dzong (2,580m) from where the trek starts and camp near Sharna Zampa. With a short downhill hike on an easy broad trail. Meander alongside beautiful fields and rice terrace as we move forward the valley. Walk alongside a river named Pa Chhu then, ascend gradually on the uphill blanketed by rice paddies. Tread amid apple orchards and farmhouses, cross small settlements including Sangatan and Mitshi Zampa. A brief walkthrough blue pine forest will take us to an army post. We will need to show our trek permits and get them stamped. Cross Pa Chhu before climbing to Sharna Zampa.You will camp on the beautiful meadow below thousands of stars at Shana. Overnight at Camp.

          Continue your adventure today you will be following the river and walking through an amazing lush forest housing oak, spruce, and pine. Witnessing the beautiful sceneries and a number of streams on our way to Singkharap will keep our eidolon high. Shingkharap is a stone house perched at an altitude of 3110m. Walk briefly then cross a small bridge on the left to reach our lunch spot. After resting for a while, again you will resume the journey. Soon you will be at the junction from where taking the right route heading to the wooden bridge. Ramble through the colourful rhododendron forest and cross the bridge to reach Soi Thangthangkha. Spend a blissful night amid lush meadows. Overnight at Camp.

            Leaving behind our camp at Sio Thangthangka and making a way to ascend up to an army camp. From the camp, you will follow a river above the tree line with mesmerizing views of Himalayan peaks in the backdrop. For a few moments, rest at a yak herder camp and enjoy your lunch, then further continue our journey ahead with a walk into a valley until reaching our camping site in Jangothang at an altitude of 4050 meters. From this point, you can applaud the magnificence of Mt. Jumolhari and Jichu Himalayan peaks. Overnight at Camp.

              Walk up toward the pass-through wide pasture land. 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 and the valley and also 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 a tent. Aft.- 4150 Meters, 19 Kms. Time 5-6 hrs. Overnight at Camp.

                Start the trek with a pleasant walk to Lingshi Dzong nestled on the hillock. Constructed in the 17th century, the dzong is beautifully preserved. Today you will be walking on the easy trail meandering through small villages and yak pastures. On our way, you will have lunch. It will take us around 5 to 6 hours to reach Chebisa. It is a captivating small settlement embedded with cascading waterfall. Camping on the side of the soothing stream will be one heck of an experience. Overnight at Camp.

                  Today’s adventure will take us all the way to Gogu La Pass at an elevation of 4500m. You will walk for around four-hour on the steep ridge to reach the pass. Admire the view of rare blue sheep then walk down the trail passing through the rhododendron forest. Have lunch then you have to follow the hills fluctuating up and down. A brief walk from here will take us to Shakepasa. A steep climb from here will take us to Shoumuthang. Take a brief rest then explore the beautiful place. Overnight at Camp.

                    You will walk through a wide pastureland towards Gobu-La (pass). On the way, you will see a few people herding the yaks. After crossing the Gobu -La (Alt. 4350m) descend down to the valley. The campsite is on a bench above a river, which is a tributary of the Nochu river. Get amazing sights of Gangchenta (6840m), Tserim Kang and the upper half of Jumolhari can be seen. On reaching, you will be staying overnight at Camp.

                      After crossing the Shingela pass, aft. 4900m, you come down and follow the valley. Lemithang is under the Laya District and you will see people dressed in typical Laya costumes with conical bamboo hats. Camp at Lemithang. Aft. 4140 Meters, Distance 19 Kms. Time 6-7 hrs. If you have time, it would be advisable to spend a day here exploring the valley and meeting the people who have a unique culture and way of life. Overnight at Camp.

                        What can be more beautiful than observing a sparkling Gangchenta peak in front of your eye as soon as you wake up? Take some time to delve into this once-in-a-lifetime experience. After a quick breakfast, you will follow a stunning trail offering mesmerizing views. Walk past a beautiful forest with moss-covered trees while enjoying the birds chirping and singing. It is a long yet beautiful walk as we come across a beautiful waterfall and village with stone houses. Laya is an ancient village with people following traditional culture and lifestyle. It is a perfect spot to explore Bhutanese culture, arts, and tradition. Overnight at Camp.

                          The day to rest and acclimatize at Laya. Take some rest for half a day and get ready to explore the admiring Laya village. Today, you will be taking from a trail that winds up and down along the river valley avoiding natural obstacles and affording breath-taking views of the crashing river, feeder streams and waterfalls. Get to know about the locals' culture and traditions before heading back. Overnight at Camp.

                            The most scenic trails of today along the whole route it is teamed up with soothing streams, raging rivers, and cascading waterfalls. Start walking on the trail leading to a river. A brief walk from here will take us to an army camp. The trail from here fluctuates up and down. We will have to walk past a muddy trail quite a few times, climb the ridge then descend. Ascending to Kohi Lapcha can be a bit daunting. Moving further won’t be wise, there is no better spot for camping nearby. Thus, you will spend a night here. Overnight at Camp.

                              You will resume your trek after a delectable breakfast. First, you will climb then follow the downhill piercing fir forest leading to Babela pass at an elevation of 3900m. The pass has a few prayer flags and a stone cairn. Delve into the serene ambience, click pictures, breathe in the fresh mountain air then descend on the trail blanketed by lush forest. As moving forward, the valley appears wide. A few up and down from here will take us to Gasa village. Spend the remaining day exploring this beautiful village. Stroll around, have a fleeting conversation with locals, experience Bhutanese hospitality then head to the hotel for dinner. Overnight at Camp.

                                Today you will be heading to Gasa Tsachu where you have to take a dip into the hot spring to relish your tiredness. Hot spring is believed to possess multiple medicinal benefits. Moreover, it soothes aching muscles and swollen joints. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and strolling around. Take a rest after a luscious dinner. Overnight at Camp.

                                  Today’s trail winds through rolling hillsides with vistas of fields, villages and Oak and Pine forests. Gasa Dzong will be visible behind, glued to the valley wall. Today’s walk goes through small settlements and finally at the camp of Geon Damji village – a large village with rice terraces on the hillsides. Overnight at Camp. 

                                    Starting at Geon Damji (2430m) and ending at vehicle point at Tashithang (1840m) From here it is 18 km (1-hour drive) to Punakha but the initial 5-6 km is unpaved. Overnight at Camp.

                                      After a short walk to the motor road, drive down to Punakha valley. Stop at Punakha and visit the Punakha Dzong. Punakha was the former capital of Bhutan. The Dzong lies between two rivers known as Phochu and Mochu which means male river and female river. It was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of Bhutan in 1637 A.D. and is one of the most important and historical Dzongs in Bhutan. Lunch in Punakha. After lunch, drive to Thimphu. 77 Kms. Time approx. 3 hrs. Overnight at Camp.

                                        After breakfast you will visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (built-in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972); Changangkha Monastery, traditional paper factory, Tashichodzong, the main secretariat building. This massive structure houses part of the government ministries, the office of the King and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot and monks. You will then drive to Kuenselphodrang overlooking Thimphu valley and where the giant Buddha statue is under construction. 169 feet statue is reputed to be the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world. Later in the afternoon, you will drive to Paro. Overnight at Hotel in Paro.

                                          After breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch the onward flight. Bid farewell to the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom disappearing again behind its guardian mountains.

                                          Cost Details

                                          Cost Includes
                                          • All ground transportation by private vehicle, including airport transfers
                                          • Assistance in acquiring Bhutan visa and visa fee
                                          • Accommodation at a 3-star category hotel in Paro and Thimpu, approved by Bhutanese Government
                                          • Single-room surcharge when travelling with two people in a group
                                          • Full board meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek and tours
                                          • Tented accommodation during the trek
                                          • Govt. trained guide and necessary number of porters with their meals, salary and insurance
                                          • Mineral water will be supplied during the tour and boiled water during the trek
                                          • All entry/permit fees during the tour/trekking
                                          • All applicable government taxes and tourist service charges
                                          • Our office expenses and service charge
                                          Cost Excludes
                                          • Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary”
                                          • International flights
                                          • Nepal entry and re-entry visa fee
                                          • Personal shopping, internet/Phone bill, and laundry
                                          • Pony service and porters
                                          • Tips for tour guide and driver (Tipping is appreciated but it is not mandatory.)
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