Laya Gasa Trek

The flight to Paro crosses the Himalayan Mountains, affording spectacular views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred Jomolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. On arrival, you will be greeted by our guide and transferred to the hotel. Visit Ta dzong (watchtower) on top of Paro Dzong was built in 1649 to guard the undefended dzong and restored in 1968 to house the National Museum. The odd spherical building is claimed to be in the shape of a conch shell, with walls 2.5 meters thick. The ta dzong was damaged in the 2011 earthquake, but reopened in 2019 as the country's primary museum. Walk below Ta Dzong towards
Rinpung Dzong meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels”. It has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the courtyard of the Rinpung Dzong are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore. You will walk downhill till the road point crossing the cantilever bridge.
In the evening, you can stroll through Paro town. Walking through the market and meeting with the people will be an enjoyable experience. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Note: Today's itinerary depend on your flight timing.

The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometer above the Paro Valley floor. You can either choose to hike or take a pony to transport you halfway. You have to pay approximately $35 one-way charges to a Pony Service Provider. The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. The great Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. He meditated in the cave for 3 years, 3 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days before subjugating the malicious spirits, and concealing profound treasures for the benefit of sentient beings, the monastery was later built. The cave is said to be the origin of Buddhism in Bhutan. Nearby there is a cafeteria where you can stop for refreshments and lunch.

If time permits, in the afternoon drive to the 17th Century Drukgyel Dzong, a historic monument built by the Zhabdrung to commemorate his victory against invading Tibetans in 1644. In fine weather, the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop. On the return drive to Paro, visit 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. Kyichu is built like the Jokhang in Lhasa. Inside there is a great golden image of Buddha Shakyamuni.

Alternatively, day 2 could be spent on a day trip to the Haa Valley, one of the most picturesque districts in Bhutan. Reached via the beautiful Chelela Pass, Haa Valley is characterized by its surrounding rugged and mountainous terrain. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

After early breakfast, drive will drop you at Shana from there your trek starts. The trail follows Pa Chhu (Paro River) ascending and descending through pine, oak, and spruce forests. Hot lunch will be served after crossing the bridge towards the left side of the river. After lunch follow the river climbing up through rhododendron forests and finally crossing the bridge again, reaching the campsite at an altitude of 3,750m. Overnight at Camp in Soi Thangthangkha.

The path ascends for a while till you reach the army camp. Then follow the river above the tree line enjoying the stunning view of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch will be served inside a yak herder’s camp. A short walk into the valley will take you to the camp at Jangothang at an altitude of 4,050m. From here, the view of Mt. Jomolhari and Jichu Drake are superb. Overnight at Camp in Jongothang.

Today is a day of acclimatization. You may choose to relax or hike: a 3-4 hour hike up to a ridge that gives a good view of Jichu Drake; a hike up to the end of the valley, toward Jomolhari; a trek up the main valley toward Jichu Drake or a hike to Tsophu, a pair of lakes with a good supply of brown trout. There is a great opportunity to spot some blue sheep and Marmot on the upper slopes of the valley.

The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. Start the climb up to the first ridge with a breathtaking view of Jumolhari, Jichu Drake and Tshering Gang. Then walk towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until the climb to the Nyele La pass at an altitude of 4830m. After the pass, it’s a gradual descent to the camp at Chashi Thang (4010m) enjoying the panoramic view of the peaks and Lingshi Dzong. Overnight at Camp in Lingshi.

Visit the Lingshi Dzong, perched on the hilltop with a commanding view of green hills, the winding river and magnificent peaks. For centuries, Lingzhi Dzong was a way station for weary Buddhist pilgrims and defense fort against Tibetan and Mongol invaders. It is an easy day and pleasant walk-through villages and yak herder’s camp. After lunch, a short walk will take you to Chebisa, a charming little village adorned with a beautiful crystal-clear waterfall. Camp by the side of stream at an altitude of 3,850m. Overnight at Camp in Chebisa.

Today begin with a stiff climb up a ridge to Gubu La pass at an altitude of 4420m, taking nearly four hours. After the pass, descend to a lunch stop through rhododendron bushes. Afternoon continue along the up and down path, after crossing the stream, through rhododendron forests and yak herders camp. You may see herds of Blue Sheep now and then. Camp at an altitude 4130m. Overnight at Camp in Shomuthang.

The trek starts with a climb to Jerela pass at altitude 4,750m. Then descend to Tasharijathang valley, the summer residence of rare Himalayan Takins (national animal of Bhutan). From here we may have to cross the stream as most of the time the footbridge is washed away. After crossing the stream towards the left, the trail ascends till you reach Robluthang camp at an altitude of 4160m. Overnight at Camp in Robluthang.

4140M It is a long climb unto Shingela pass (5010m). The view of the mountains from the path is stunning. After the pass, descend to Lingmithang. The path is quite narrow and you may have to cross a stream again and get wet. The last part of the trek is very interesting with the view of Mt. Gangchey Ta. Arrive at campsite at altitude of 4140m. Overnight at Camp in Lingmithang.

In the morning you wake up with a superb view of Gangchen Ta peak in front of you. The walk to Laya is very pleasant with wonderful views. You will pass through a damp forest, filled with moss and singing birds. Arrive at Laya village, the second highest settlement in the country, at altitude of 3850m. Overnight at Camp in Laya.

Today is a day you can temper to your taste. Explore Laya village and go visit any of the houses around. Hospitality is a big part of Bhutanese tradition. Even to a perfect stranger, traditional Bhutanese hospitality is extended and a cup of tea and Chang (local, wine) is always offered. You will notice that the people in this valley are very interesting especially their attire. Women in particular have very conspicuous attire, wearing conical bamboo hats decorated with turquoise and silver ornaments. Overnight at Camp in Laya.

Descend to army camp and join the Mo Chhu (Mother River of Punakha). Follow the river till you cross the bridge. After the bridge it is up and down several times, through juniper and fir forests until you reach the camp at Koena at an altitude of 3,800m. Overnight at Camp in Koena.

Walk for about half an hour over flat land till the Barila La pass (4100m). After this it is downhill all the way to Gasa Tshachu.
Lunch will be served at Gasa village. After lunch visit the village.
Then descend to Gasa Tshachu (hot spring) for camp at an altitude of 2900m. Enjoy the hot bath at the Hot Spring. Overnight at Camp in Gasa.

Today you will drive to Punakha on unpaved roads. The drive is through the high agricultural benches above the Mochu (Chu means River) into a lush semi-tropical gorge filled with banana trees and creepers. Check into your hotel on arrival. In the afternoon, you can visit the Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated in between the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. Overnight hotel in Punakha

After breakfast, you will drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. On the way, you will stop at Lobesa to hike — through rice paddies and up to the Chimi Lhakhang Temple. This temple is dedicated to the great Yogi in the 14th century known as Drukpa Kuenley, or the “Divine Madman,” who is believed to bless women who seek fertility. Continue drive to Thimphu via Dochula pass (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. After lunch in Thimphu, you can stroll through Thimphu city. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.

In the morning, after breakfast will drive to airport for departure . Our
representative will bid farewell.