Laya- Gasa Trek-Treking in Bhutan

Laya- Gasa Trek-Treking in Bhutan

Laya-Gasa Trek is one of the most scenic long distance treks offering amazing views of some of the most pristine and unspoiled landscapes in Bhutan. This seventeen day, 217 km journey begins at Drukgyel in Paro and takes you through gorgeous alpine meadows, high mountain passes and dense sub-tropical jungles before terminating in Damji in Tashithang.This Trek is great choice for a long and moderately hard trek at high altitude.

Itinerary

Day 1: Sight-seen

Stop At: Paro, Paro, Paro District
Arriving in Paro and do some sightseeing. You will visit National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower) has interesting collection of artefacts provide a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. Next will be Paro Dzong, is a fine example of Bhutanese historic architecture and this fortress was built in 1645. Now a day the fortress is divided into two sections, one for religious sector and another for administration.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch: 3 Meals with Refreshment
Accommodation included: Overnight at Paro 3 Star Hotel

Day 2: Hike to Tiger's Nest

Stop At: Paro Taktsang, Taktsang Trail BT, Paro Bhutan
Take a day walk to the ‘Tiger’s Nest , the sacred Taktshang monastery which clings to the rock faces 900 metres above the valley floor. Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the site riding on a tigress. He subsequently meditated here. It is one of Bhutan’s most holy sites and draws pilgrims not only from Bhutan but also from neighbouring Buddhist countries. You can have lunch at the Taktshang cafeteria from where you get a spectacular view of the monastery.

After Tiger nest hike, later you can go back to Paro town for some shopping. There are many handicraft shops through the valley that is opened on daily basis and which also accept credit cards. Nearby you can also visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, a temple of historical significance and one of the most sacred shrines in Bhutan.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch: 3 Meals with Refreshment
Accommodation included: Paro 3 Star Hotel

Day 3: Trek-Day 1 Paro to Shana

Stop At: Paro, Paro, Paro District
Drive to the end of the motor road at Drukgyel Dzong to begin the trek. While you wait for the horses to load up you will have time to take a look at the ruined Dzong. Known as the fortress of victory, it was constructed to commemorate the victory over Tibetan invaders in 1644 and destroyed by a butter lamp fire in 1951. Today’s trail follows the river uphill through a narrow agricultural valley as far as the border army camp at about 2800 m. There is now a feeder road as far as the army check post at Gunitsawa about half an hour before camp so if you prefer you can take a day hike near Paro for acclimatisation and then drive towards camp at Shana in the late afternoon. (17 km, 6 hours)
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch: 3 Meals with Refreshment
Accommodation included: Camping

Day 4: Trek- Day 2 Shana to Soi Thang Thangkha

Stop At: Paro, Paro, Paro District
The path from Shana ascends through the river valley with pine and rhododendron forests. On the way, there is a fantastic view of Mount Jomolhari. We will camp in a meadow with a stone shelter at an altitude of about 3860 m. (19 km, 6 to 7 hours)
Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: 3 Meals with Refreshment
Accommodation included: Camping

Day 5: Trek Day 3 and 4: Soi Thang thangkha to Jangothang and rest day at Jangothang

Stop At: Paro, Paro, Paro District
The trail continues to follow the river and passes a small army post where the valley begins to widen again. Views of high ridges and snow-capped peaks can be seen on all sides. At this altitude (about 4040 m) it is possible to see yaks and yak herders. Camp is beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mount Jomolhari. (19 kms, 6 hours) Take a rest day at Jangothang where you can explore the glacier or visit nearby Tshophulake.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: 3 Meals with Refreshment
Accommodation included: Camping

Day 6: Trek Day 5 and 6: Jangothang to Lingshi and rest day at Lingshi

Stop At: Paro, Paro, Paro District
The trail climbs gradually to Nyili La Pass (4680 m). Broad yak pastures can be seen along the length of the route. If the weather is clear, there is an excellent view of Lingshi Dzong as we descend into the Lingshi basin. Tserim Kang and its descending glaciers can be seen at the north end of the valley. We camp in a stone shelter at 3915 m. (19 km, 7 to 8 hours). On your rest day you can take a day’s excursion to Tsekha (Lahe), the base camp of Jichu Drake Mountain where it is possible to see blue sheep and musk deer. (Altitude about 4500 m) If you prefer, you can relax today, explore the village and visit the school. Sadly Lingshi Dzong was badly damaged in a recent earthquake and it will only be possible to visit if renovations works are complete.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch: 3 meals with Refreshment
Accommodation included: Camping

Day 7: Trek Day 7: Lingshi to Chebisa

Stop At: Paro, Paro, Paro District
This is the shortest trekking day. Once we have reached our camp at Chebisa (3910 m) it is possible to visit some village houses and a waterfall just behind the village. (10 kms, 5 hours)
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: 3 Meals with Refreshment
Accommodation included: Camping

Day 8: Trek Day 8: Chebisa to Shomuthang

Stop At: Paro, Paro, Paro District
The trail goes through wild pastures where yaks graze. We cross the Gobu La Pass (4350 m) before reaching Shomuthang. The camp (at 3985 m) is near a tributary to the Mo Chhu which emerges below the Gasa Tsachu(Hot Spring). From here you can see the helipad which is sometimes used if the passes get snowed in. (17 km, 7 hours)
Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: 3 Meals with Refreshment
Accommodation included: Camping

Day 9: Trek Day 9: Shomuthang to Robluthang

Stop At: Paro, Paro, Paro District
We start with a climb to Jhari La (4600 m) where we are rewarded with quite stunning views, then descend again through forest to Tsharithang, the valley where herds of takin can normally be seen. Today’s scenery is absolutely breath taking. Cross the river and clamber up the hillside for an hour or so to camp at Robluthang (4160 m). (18 km, 7 to 8 hours)
Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: 3 Meals with Refreshment
Accommodation included: Camping

Day 10: Trek Day 10: Robluthang to Limithang

Stop At: Paro, Paro, Paro District
After reaching the Shinge La Pass (4870 m), the path descends and goes through the valley. Limithang is in the Laya district where the locals will be seen wearing unique regional dress. Our camp is at Kang Che Da beneath Gang Chen Ta, the Great Tiger Mountain, at an altitude of 4090 m. (19 km, 8 hours)
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: 3 Meals with Refreshment
Accommodation included: Camping

Day 11: Trek Day 11 and 12: Lemithang to Laya and rest day at Laya

Stop At: Paro, Paro, Paro District
The path goes downhill through a winding river valley and enters the eastern end of Laya village. (Altitude 3820 m, 10 kms, 4 to 5 hours) Next day explore the village and meet local people. You may even get the opportunity to make a phone call or check email from here as the village is well linked up with telecommunications!
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: 3 Meals with Refreshment
Accommodation included: Camping

Day 12: Trek Day 13: Laya to Koena

Stop At: Paro, Paro, Paro District
The trail follows the river valley and there is a breath taking view of vibrant rivers, feeder streams and waterfalls. At Koena there is a hut to sleep in which is sometimes welcome if the fields are muddy. (3510 m, 19 km, 8 hours)
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: 3 Meals with Refreshment
Accommodation included: Camping

Day 13: Trek Day 14: Koena to Gasa and on to Gasa Hot Springs

Stop At: Paro, Paro, Paro District
We cross the Bale La Pass (3740 m), after which the trail descends to Gasa Dzong (2900 m). Continue with a steep descent to the hot springs at Gasa at 2240 m. (18 km, 8 to 9 hours)
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: 3 Meals with Refreshment
Accommodation included: Camping

Day 14: Trek Day 15: Gasa Hot Springs to Damji and on to Punakha

Stop At: Punakha, Punakha, Punakha District
Walk through rolling hillsides with vistas of fields, villages and oak and pine forests. The trail descends from the high agricultural terraces above the Mo Chhu into a semi-tropical gorge, ending at Damji. (17 km, 6 hours). A car will meet us at the road head to drive to Punakha.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: 3 Meals with Refreshment
Accommodation included: 3 Star Hotel

Day 15: Visit the imposing Punakha Dzong

Stop At: Punakha, Punakha, Punakha District
Visit the imposing Punakha Dzong, “Palace of Great Happiness”. Built in 1637, it is strategically placed at the confluence of two rivers, the Po Chu and the Mo Chu. Then return to Thimphu over the Dochu La pass at 3050 metres where you can catch a great view of the Himalayan range that you have just seen at close hand. Sightseeing in Thimphu and drive back to Paro.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: 3 Meals with Refreshment
Accommodation included: 3 Star Hotel

Day 16: Drive to airport

Stop At: Paro, Paro, Paro District
early in the morning your guide will accompany you to the Paro International Airport to see you off onto your flight and wish you Tashi Delek (goodbye and good luck).
Duration: 1 hour

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.