Laya gasa Trek

Overview:

This extension of Jhomolhari trek offers every trekker with wide variety of Bhutanese landscape and unique culture. This trek is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled trekking area covering the entire Himalayas. This incredible journey through the Himalayas goes through the six mountain passes, furiously galloping rivers, serene hamlets, yak herds, farmlands and diverse range of flora and fauna.

Starting from Drugyel Dzong in Paro and ending in Tashithang near Punakha is ideal for spotting blue sheep. Apart from the scenic beauty it offers numerous isolated Dzongs, scattered settlements and the unique culture of the friendly Layap people is even more mesmerizing and gives the experience of rural lifestyle.

In the way you too may get the glimpse of blue sheep, marmots, musk deer and the Takin. There is also the possibility of rare sight of snow leopard, great Himalayan bear or even Yeti. In the way you too can pamper yourself in the natural hot water springs present in the Gasa. Trekking here is generally opened from April to mid June and mid September to mid November but April is best month for trekking in the route.

Itinerary Detail

Laya gasa Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Paro and Sightseeing (2250m)

Enjoy one of the spectacular flights over the mountains to Paro. In the flight we will be seeing the vista of Mt Everest, Kanchan Junga, and Makalu along with other peaks in Bhutan which includes Chomolhari, Jichu Drakeay and Tsrim Khang. As you land in Paro our local representative will receive you and get transferred to the hotel. In the afternoon we will be visiting Ta Dzong which dates back to 17th century and was converted into National Museum in 1968 which is further adorned with antique Thanka, textiles, weapons and Armour. After this we will drive to Rinpung Dzong which too dates back to 17th century and was built to defend Tibetan invaders. Now this is used as a administration center and school for monks. Stay overnight at hotel.

Day 2: Trek to Shana (17km); 5-6hours

We will start from Drugyal Dzong(2580m) and the trail goes up following the Paro River through different agriculture valleys and villages ultimately taking us to Shana. We will camp opposite of Gunyitsawa Army check post in a alpine meadow at the altitude of 2870m. 

Day 3: Trek to Soi Thangthangkha(22km); 7-8hours

Following the Paro River the trail gradually goes uphill with many uphill and downhill walk through the forest of Pine, Oak and Spurce. In a clear day the trail offers the magnificent vista of Mt Jhomolhari. After having lunch in the way we will again continue the walk through the forest of Rhododendron finally taking us Soi Thangthangkha for overnight stay at the altitude of 3630m.

Day 4: Trek to Jangothang(19km); 5-6hours

From Soi Thnagthangkha the trail goes uphill for a while to a army post to village of Soe and Takethang which is a temporary settlement of Yak herders. A short walk from here takes us to Jangothang where we will camp below the ruined fortress at the base of Mt Jhomolhari at the altitude of 4090m. the camping site offers the magnificent view of Mt Jhomolhari and Jichu Drakey.

Day 5: Acclimatization at Jangothang

Today is a free and a rest day. We can either lay back and enjoy the great mountain views or hike to Tsophu Lake. Stay overnight at camp.

Day 6: Trek to Lingshi(18km); 5-6hours

Leaving Jangothang behind us and following the stream for an hour we will climb a ridge which offers the breaktaking view of Jhomolhari, Jichu Drakey and Tsrim Gang. Then we will walk towards the valley and come across our first major pass of Nyile la at 4890m. The pass offers the great view of Tserim Kang (6789m). After crossing the pass we will walk downhill to Lingshi and set our camp near a stream in a meadow at the altitude of 4010m.

Day 7: Trek to Chesiba(12km); 3-4hours

Today the walking distance is very short and quite a easy one. As we will leave Lingshi we will reach a chorten just below the Lingshi Dzong.  Passing through different villages we will finally arrive to Chesiba for the overnight stay at the altitude of 3850m. Upon reaching Chesiba we will visit the traditional Bhutanese villages.

Day 8: Trek to Shomuthang(17km); 6-7hours

Today we will walk through the alpine meadow which takes us to the Gobu La pass. On the way we will encounter with few Yak herds we will cross Goby La (4110m) pass and we will descend to the valley and then climb a little bit and then again go down Shakshepasa(3,980m) where a helipad is built. Further going up from here we will reach our campsite at Shomuthang which is situated above the river and is tributary of Nochu River.

Day 9: Trek to Rolbuthang(18km); 6-7hours

Today the walk is quite strenuous and a long one so it is better to start the walk early. After two hours of continuous walk you will arrive to Jhari La pass(4600m), which offers the magnificent view of Sinche La, Gangchhenta(6,840m) which is also known as Great Tiger Mountain, Tserim Kang and Jhomolhari. After crossing the pass we will walk downhill to Tsharijathang valley where we will come along the herds of Takin. The valley has also been confirmed a Takin sanctuary. From here climb a little bit to our campsite at Robluthang which is placed in a rocky meadow.

Day 10: Trek to Lingmithang(19km); 6-7hours

Today we will cross the Shingela Pass (4900m) which is the last and highest pass of the trek and go down and follow the valley. Going downhill we will come across some typical stone house and women dressed in typical Laya costume with a pointed bamboo hats on their heads. Just behind these houses we will be greeted by an impressive terminal moraine and glacial lake at the foot of the valley. Below the moraine we will cross Kango Chhu river and arrive to our campsite in Limithang(4140m). Our campsite is located in the lap of Gangchhenta.

Day 10: Trek to Laya(10km);3-4hours

Today we will walk downhill through the narrow river valley. The trail going through the deep forest takes us to the west portion of the Laya village. From here one is left mesmerized by the view of Gangchhenta and Masagang. In the middle of the village there is a community school where we will set our camp in the altitude of 3850m for overnight stay.

Day 11: Acclimatization at Laya

Today we will rest and explore the Laya village.

Day 12: Trek to Koena(19km);6-7 hours

Today the trail winds along the river valley of Mo Chhu. Witnessing the beautiful vista of furiously galloping rivers, feeder streams and water fall we go through different ups and down to Kohi Lapcha(3300m). From here the trail goes down to the stream of Koina Chhu and camp in Koina for overnight stay in the altitude of 3050m.

Day 13: Trek to Gasa(14km); 6-7hours

Today we will cross Bari La pass(3,740m) and go downhill to Gasa Village(2,770m). In Gasa we will camp near Gasa Dzong at the altitude of 2900m.

Day 14: Acclimatization at Gasa and visit Gasa Taschu

After having breakfast in the late morning make a one hour walk downhill to visit the Gasa Taschu(hot water) and get relaxed in the thermal water. Gasa Taschu is one of the most popular hot springs in entire Kingdom of Bhutan. Walk back to Gasa for overnight stay.

Day 15: Trek to Goem Damji(18km); 5-6hours

Leaving Gasa behind us we will make a short climb and the trail goes uphill and downhill through the hills, passes, forest of oak and pine and villages. Witnessing the beautiful view of Gasa Dzong fastened to the valley wall we will finally arrive to Damji where we will set our camp at the altitude of 2250m.

Day 16: Drive to Punakha(17km)

From Damji we will catch a ride which will transfer us to Thimpu. From Thimpu we will drive across the high agricultural land along the Mochu River to a lush semi tropical gorge filled with banana trees, climbers and various tropical vegetation to Tashithang. Continue the drive to Punakha and stay overnight at hotel.

Day 17: Sightseeing around Punakha and drive to Thimpu

Early in the morning we will explore Punakha through the hustle and bustle of the town. We will visit the nearby Dzongs. In the afternoon we will drive to Thimpu. Stay overnight at Thimpu in hotel.

Day 18: Thimpu sightseeing and drive to Paro

We will start early in the morning with a visit to Zelukha Nunnery which is the only nunnery in Thimpu and Paro region, National Library which has a wide collection of ancient manuscript and religion art facts, Memorial chorten of Late King, Institute of Art and Paintings and walk around Thimpu city for buying souvenirs from Bhutan. After having lunch we will drive to Paro and in the route we will visit Simtokha Dzong which was built by Shabdrung who unified the Kingdom. Stay overnight at hotel in Paro.

Day 19: Farewell

Our representative will drive to Paro International Airport to bid you good bye.