Home >> Bhutan Trekking >> Laya Gasa Trek
Picturesque farmland, alpine pastureland, impressive peaks and numerous isolated Dzongs providing great deal of cultural interests, this trek offers a great variety of trekking conditions, from picturesque farmland and forests to alpine pastureland and high passes. Spectacular camp site, beneath some of Bhutan’s most impressive peaks, of which the most notable are Jhumolhari and Jichu Drake, are also the features of this trekking route. Numerous isolated Dzongs and scattered settlements, including the outlandish village of Laya, provide a great deal of cultural interest en-route.
Level: Challenging
Altitude: High 4600meters, Low1350meters
Number of Days: 19
Season: April to June & September to November
Cost: 1person US$ 4500, 2-3 persons US$ 4140, 4-15 persons US$ 3600(Cost based on per head)
Later visit Drugyel Dzong (fortress), the ruined victorious fortress of the Drukpas, which once defended Paro from Tibetan invasion. The Dzong was built in 1649 by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel to commemorate the victory of Bhutan over Tibetan Invaders in 1644. It was destroyed by fire in 1951. On a clear day you can see spectacular view of sacred Mountain Jumolhari (7314meters) from the vicinity of Dzong area. On the way back visit Kychu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the Kingdom built in 659 AD by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Evening you can visit farm house to experience the Bhutanese way of living, you will serve typical Bhutanese dinner at farm house with Ara(local brew). Overnight Paro Hotel.
We will drive 2hours 30minutes to Punakha Hotel, On the way we can visit Kham Sum Yule Lhakhang (Monastey) it was built by HRH Azhi (Queen) Tshering Pem Wangchuck for a successful rule during the reign of the present King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck. After reaching hotel you can relax and have hot shower. Overnight Punakha Hotel.
Morning visit Punakha Dzong (fortress) built in 1637 by Zhabdrung which is remarkably located between the rivers of Mo (Female) Chu (river) and Pho (Male) Chu and drive to the capital city Thimphu(2 hours 30 minutes drive) on the way we will stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lakhang, which is a fertility temple, where you may receive a special fertility blessing if you wish. Also stop en-route for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters from sea level), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas including Gangkhar Puensum (7541 meters), the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.
After lunch National Library and see the ancient manuscripts preserved there, visit Jungshi paper factory, third king’s memorial Chorten, Changangkha Lhakhang, mini Zoo here you can see just one animal, Bhutan's national animal the Takin. This is an extremely rare member of the goat family. Found in herds in the very high altitudes (13,125ft and over), nunnery temple and Tashichho Dzong, the main Government Secretariat building, where the government ministries, the Office of His Majesty the King and the Throne Room, the offices and living quarters of the monk body and the Chief Abbot’s housed. Evening stroll around Thimphu town.
Overnight Thimphu Hotel.
Later visit Changangkha Lhakhang, mini Zoo here you can see just one animal, Bhutan's national animal the Takin. This is an extremely rare member of the goat family. Found in herds in the very high altitudes (13,125ft and over), nunnery temple and Tashichho Dzong, the main Government Secretariat building, where the government ministries, the Office of His Majesty the King and the Throne Room, the offices and living quarters of the monk body and the Chief Abbot’s housed. Evening stroll around Thimphu town. Over night Thimphu Hotel.
Note: This itinerary is a sample itinerary intended to give you a general idea of trip to Bhutan. We can tailor an itinerary to suit your requirements and interests. Please Contact Us to design the exact itinerary you desire!
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Trek Name: Laya Gasa Trek
Picturesque farmland, alpine pastureland, impressive peaks and numerous isolated Dzongs providing great deal of cultural interests, this trek offers a great variety of trekking conditions, from picturesque farmland and forests to alpine pastureland and high passes. Spectacular camp site, beneath some of Bhutan’s most impressive peaks, of which the most notable are Jhumolhari and Jichu Drake, are also the features of this trekking route. Numerous isolated Dzongs and scattered settlements, including the outlandish village of Laya, provide a great deal of cultural interest en-route.
Level: Challenging
Altitude: High 4600meters, Low1350meters
Number of Days: 19
Season: April to June & September to November
Cost: 1person US$ 4500, 2-3 persons US$ 4140, 4-15 persons US$ 3600(Cost based on per head)
Detail Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival Paro Airport (altitude 2280 meters above sea level): The flight into Paro brings breathtaking views of the Himalayan Mountains. If the weather permits you will be able to see Mountain Everest (8848 meters) and other Himalayan mountains. The landing, flying through the Paro valley between the 4000 meters high mountains, starts your day in an unforgettable way! Yeoong Travel will welcome and transfer to Hotel in Paro. Visit the Ta-Dzong built in the 17th century, as watchtower to defend Rinpung Dzong below. This Dzong was later converted into the National Museum in 1967, and filled with antique Tanka paintings, textiles, weapons and amour. Drive to the Rinpung Dzong, built in 17th century to defend the valley against the Tibetan invaders. The Dzong now used as an administrative center and school for monks. Evening stroll around Paro town visit Paro week end market and mingle with local people. Overnight Paro Hotel.Day 2
In Paro: Morning 2 hours hike to reach Taktshang monastery, the most famous and sacred monastery of Bhutan perched on the side of a cliff at 900meters above the valley floor. The name Taktsang means Tiger's Nest, the Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhawa, believed as the second Buddha or Precious Teacher flew to the site of the monastery on the back of tigress and then meditated there in the cave for three months. The main building of the monastery was destroyed by fire on 19 April 1998 and the Bhutan Government had re-constructed it in original form.Later visit Drugyel Dzong (fortress), the ruined victorious fortress of the Drukpas, which once defended Paro from Tibetan invasion. The Dzong was built in 1649 by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel to commemorate the victory of Bhutan over Tibetan Invaders in 1644. It was destroyed by fire in 1951. On a clear day you can see spectacular view of sacred Mountain Jumolhari (7314meters) from the vicinity of Dzong area. On the way back visit Kychu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the Kingdom built in 659 AD by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Evening you can visit farm house to experience the Bhutanese way of living, you will serve typical Bhutanese dinner at farm house with Ara(local brew). Overnight Paro Hotel.
Day 3 – Trek begin
Drive from Paro to Shana: Drive to the end of the motor road at Drukgyel Dzong to begin the trek. Today’s trail follows the river uphill through a narrow agricultural valley as far as the border army camp at about 2890 meters. (15 kilometers, 5 hours walk).Day 4
Shana to Soi Thangthangkha: 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 3575 meters. (22 kilometers, 6 to 7 hours walk).Day 5
Soi Thangthangkha to Jangothang: 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 meters) it is possible to see yaks and yak herders. Camp is beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mountain Jomolhari. (Altitude: 4044 meters 17 kilometers, 5 hours walk)Day 6 – Halt
Jangothang: It’s possible to walk to Tsophu and fish or hike in various directions: towards Mountain Jomolhari and its subsidiary to the west, Jichu Drake to the north and unclaimed summits and ridges to the east.Day 7
Jangothang to Lingshi: The trail climbs gradually to Nyili La Pass (4680 meters). 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. The Lingshi area has 118 households and about 300-400 people, some of whom live a great distance from Lingshi. There also used to be some Tibetan refugees. (5 to 6 hours walk, distance 21 kilometers, camp at an altitude 4010 meters).Day 8
Lingshi to Chebisa: Leaving Lingshi village behind, the most pleasant walk of the whole trek starts on a wide trail located high above the valley floor. The hill sides are partly covered by the medicinal plants. The track descends into a side valley to a village called Goyok. Take time to study the yak people when they take the luggage and saddles off their animals. The yaks are then chased up the hill so that they graze their way down to camp during the night. (Altitude 3990 meters, 3 to 4 hours walk, distance 6 kilometers).Day 9
Chebisa to Shakyapasang: Beware of the dogs while crossing the village. After the village a stiff, steep climb of about 450 meters up a grassy slope leads to a peak called Inela. During the climb you might see herds of blue sheep, bearded vulture. Later, the hike descends through a forest on a wet trail and we will approach by the river. (Altitude 4000 meters, 14 kilometers, 5 hours walks).Day 10
Shakyapasang to Robluthang: The day starts with a climb of about 200 meters, after which the trail levels and changes from a southerly to an easterly direction. The area is full of Yak herder huts. You will come across a swampy area where there is a big river, where the bridge will be hopefully found in place. The herders have to rebuild the bridge almost every year, so be prepared to cross the river, which can be cold and powerful depending on the time of the year. A steep 40 minutes climb will lead to a nice campsite. (Altitude:4160 meters, 16 kilometers, 7 hours walk).Day 11
Robluthang to Limithang: Start early so as to enjoy the best possible view from the pass. The trail crosses some small streams and you will come across a platform with lots of prayer flags. From here a large glacial valley opens up leading to the east and finally to today’s pass. When we follow the trail you will hear shrill noises which are of marmots, whose holes can be seen everywhere, the hill sides here are covered with medicinal plants. The campsite is through a beautiful cedar forest, with Great Tiger Mountain looming over camp. (Altitude: 4160 meters above sea level, 16 kilometers, 7 hours walk).Day 12
Limithang to Laya: You will follow the valley down parallel to the Timuchang Chhu through a cedar and then fir forest. Yak people from Laya might overtake with their yaks carrying loads of smuggled goods. About 30 minutes before reaching Laya, there is a clear split in the trail. The left fork is better, after some small ups and downs and crossing a ridge you reach a chorten and a prosperous Laya village appears before you. (Altitude: 3800 meters above sea level, 9 kilometers, 4 hours walk).Day 13 - Halt
In Laya: Discover the beautiful Laya village.Day 14
Laya to Koina: The trail leaves Laya through fields and clusters of houses. Descend through the village entrance porch or arch chorten and pass through some beautiful woodland. After the army camp, descend on a good trail. Once you reach the bottom of the valley (3200 meters) a good, wide, flat trail follows the Mo Chhu(River). At the end of the final climb (150 meters) the trail rounds a ridge into the side valley to a campsite. (Altitude: 3240 meters above sea level, 16 kilometers, 6 hours walk).Day 15
Koina to Gasa: Today’s trail is a long climb through an enormous subtropical forest. If misty the atmosphere can become very eerie, and the gorge transforms into something out of a fairytale. On the other side is a territory for snow leopard and tiger, after a short flat trail a long descent to Gasa village starts. (Altitude: 2220 meters above sea level, 12 kilometers, 6 hours walk).Day 16 - Trek end
Gasa to Punakha: After leaving the camp in Gasa 2hours walk to road point where our car and driver waiting for us. You will bid fare well to trekking crews.We will drive 2hours 30minutes to Punakha Hotel, On the way we can visit Kham Sum Yule Lhakhang (Monastey) it was built by HRH Azhi (Queen) Tshering Pem Wangchuck for a successful rule during the reign of the present King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck. After reaching hotel you can relax and have hot shower. Overnight Punakha Hotel.
Day 17
Punakha to Thimphu (Altitude: 2320 meters above sea level): Thimphu is a bustling town on the banks of the Thimphu Chhu and set gloriously in the hills of the Thimphu valley. It is home to the Bhutanese Royal Family, the Royal Government to several foreign missions and development projects. Bhutan’s only golf course, a nine-hole circuit, is situated next to the magnificent Tashichoo Dzong.Morning visit Punakha Dzong (fortress) built in 1637 by Zhabdrung which is remarkably located between the rivers of Mo (Female) Chu (river) and Pho (Male) Chu and drive to the capital city Thimphu(2 hours 30 minutes drive) on the way we will stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lakhang, which is a fertility temple, where you may receive a special fertility blessing if you wish. Also stop en-route for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters from sea level), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas including Gangkhar Puensum (7541 meters), the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.
After lunch National Library and see the ancient manuscripts preserved there, visit Jungshi paper factory, third king’s memorial Chorten, Changangkha Lhakhang, mini Zoo here you can see just one animal, Bhutan's national animal the Takin. This is an extremely rare member of the goat family. Found in herds in the very high altitudes (13,125ft and over), nunnery temple and Tashichho Dzong, the main Government Secretariat building, where the government ministries, the Office of His Majesty the King and the Throne Room, the offices and living quarters of the monk body and the Chief Abbot’s housed. Evening stroll around Thimphu town.
Overnight Thimphu Hotel.
Day 18
In Thimphu: After breakfast visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom, built in 1627. The complex has survived in its original form and serves today, as religious college, in which, amongst other subjects, Dzongkha is taught, Zorig Chusum Institute (13 traditional arts and crafts). It was established in 1971 by the Royal Government in order to preserve the invaluable heritage and promote the arts of Bhutan, Textile museum the foundation was laid in 2000 under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck. It was established with the aim of preserving and promoting Bhutanese textile arts, National Library and see the ancient manuscripts preserved there, visit Jungshi paper factory, third king’s memorial Chorten.Later visit Changangkha Lhakhang, mini Zoo here you can see just one animal, Bhutan's national animal the Takin. This is an extremely rare member of the goat family. Found in herds in the very high altitudes (13,125ft and over), nunnery temple and Tashichho Dzong, the main Government Secretariat building, where the government ministries, the Office of His Majesty the King and the Throne Room, the offices and living quarters of the monk body and the Chief Abbot’s housed. Evening stroll around Thimphu town. Over night Thimphu Hotel.
Day 19
Thimmphu - Paro Departure: After early breakfast, drive 1hours 30minutes to airport for departure flight. Yeoong Travel will assist you with exit formalities and bid you farewell.Note: This itinerary is a sample itinerary intended to give you a general idea of trip to Bhutan. We can tailor an itinerary to suit your requirements and interests. Please Contact Us to design the exact itinerary you desire!
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