laya gasa trek
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Included in this Tour
All meals, tea and snacks, complementary bottled water in car, hotels, transport, guide, government levy, visa fee, entrance fees, permits and sightseeing. On trek includes – sleeping tents, dinning tents, toilet and shower tents, toilet seats, mats, duffel bags, cooking utensils, all meals, guide, trek chef assistants and horses.
Not Included in this Tour
Flight tickets, insurance, tips, drinks and beverages, sleeping bag on trek, laundry, internet, phone and other bills of personal nature.
Tour Program
18 Days / 17 Nights
Laya-Gasa Trek is one of the most scenic long distance treks in Bhutan. The trek runs along the Tibetan border and offers amazing views of some of the most pristine and untouched landscapes in Bhutan. The trek begins at Drukgyel in Paro and takes you through serene alpine meadows and high mountain passes with magnificent views of Mount Jomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsherimgang. The trek will traverse the remote semi-nomadic village of Laya. You will get to enjoy the unique culture and tradition of the indigenous people of Laya (Layaps). You will also see native animals such as blue sheep and Takins along the trail. From Laya you descend to Gasa, where you will have a day of relaxation at the hot spring to rejuvenate.
Day 1: Arrive Paro
Upon arrival, You will be greeted by our local guide and transferred you to hotel. After lunch, visit the Rinpung Dzong meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels”. After exploring the dzong,you will walk downhill till the road point where your vehicle will be waiting here to take you to Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest and most sacred temple in the country. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 2: Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery
Today you will hike to Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest). It is Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at 3180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master), the founding father of the Bhutanese strain of Mahayana Buddhism is said to have arrived here on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave and hence it is called “Tiger’s Nest”. It is one of the most sacred pilgrim sites for Himalayan Buddhists. After having explored the monastery, you will hike down to the base camp where you will drive back to your hotel. Later in the evening, you can stroll in Paro town. Over night hotel in Paro.
Day 3: Paro to Shana
Your trek starts from the historic Drugyel Dzong (2,580m). You will meet your trekking crew here. After a short while you will start walking on a wide trail that tracks along the Pa Chhu (Paro river). The trail will slowly ascend where you will be walking through the countryside with views of rice paddies and fields of millet. Following the route through blue pine forest you will be brought to the army post of Gunitsawa at 2,810m where your trekking permits will be checked and stamped. You will then climb towards Shana Zampa (2,870m) after crossing Pa Chhu on a wooden bridge. Overnight in campsite in shana.
Day 4: Shana to Sio Thangthangkha
Just like the previous day, we will be following the trail following the Pachhu (Paro river). We will be ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. We will be taking the latter route. After climbing through rhododendron forests and finally crossing the bridge again, we reach our camp at 3750m, which is amidst beautiful meadows.
Day 5: Sio Thangthangkha to Jagothang
After Breakfast continue your trek throughthe path that ascends from our camp you will be brought to an army camp. Then you will follow the river above the tree line as well as enjoying the spectacular view of the surrounding mountain peaks. After your lunch, you will walk across a plateau and up a stream bed. You will pass Dangochang village to the beautiful campsite of Jangothang at an altitude of 4,040m. From here, the views of Mount Jumolhari and Jichu Drake will take your breath away.
Day 6: Jagothang Halt
During your halt at jangothang, you will have time to explore, hike or you can take a leisure time taking pictures of stunning Jumolhari Mountains and its neighboring Mountain Jichu Drake is the Jangothang base.You can also visit villagers (Yak herders ) and absorb their lifestyles. Overnight in camp site.
Day 7: Jangothang to Lingsi
Today’s trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. You will then start to climb up to the first ridge where you will be greeted by a breathtaking view of Jumolhari (7314m), Jichu Drake (6989m) and Tshering Gang (6789m). If time permits, you can take a detour to this tiny fortress that is sits on a hilltop overlooking Lingzhi village. For centuries, Lingzhi Dzong was a way station for weary Buddhist pilgrims and was a defense fort against Tibetan and Mongol invaders. You will camp today at an altitude of 4010m.
Day 8: Lingsi to Chibesa
Perched on a hilltop with breathtaking views of green hills, meandering rivers and magnificent peaks is the Lingshi Dzong. After lunch, a short walk will take you to Chebisa, a charming little village adorned with a beautiful crystal clear waterfall. You will camp by the side of a stream at an altitude of 3,850m.
Day 9: Chibesa to Shoumothang
You will begin your trek with a steep climb up a ridge to Gogu La pass (4500m) which will take nearly four hours. It is common to spot rare blue sheep on the rocks near the top of this pass. After the pass you will make a descent in your route where you will pass through rhododendron bushes to a lunch stop. In the afternoon you will continue to walk along the trail with scattered ascents and descents,we will then arrive at our camp located beside a stream at an altitude 4,250m.
Day 10: Shoumothang to Robluthang
Today the trek begins by you walking through edelweiss bound trail and then a climb to Jari La pass at an altitude of 4,700m. The snow capped peak visible to the south-east is Kangbum at 6526m. You will then descend to Tsarijathang valley. This valley is the summer residence of rare Himalayan Takins (national animal of Bhutan). From here on you may have to cross streams without a footbridge because in most cases these bridges are washed away. After crossing the stream, to the left the trail ascends till you reach Robluthang. It is a rocky meadow camp at an altitude of 4,200m.
Day 11: Robluthang to Lingmithang
Today will be an exhilarating day as you will cross the highest pass in our entire trek). You will be greeted with the view stunning view of the snow-covered Gangchenta or the Tiger Mountain (6,840m) filling the northern horizon. After taking in the view you will descend through a rough rocky trail following the moraine river valley to Kango Chhu River. You will find that the path is quite narrow and you may be expected to cross a stream again and get yourself wet. After a fresh walk through cedar forests you will finally arrive at Lingmethang (4,140m). Lingmithang is a beautiful campsite, with scattered meadows by the river with Tiger Mountain (Gangchenta) towering behind your campsite.
Day 12: Lingmithang to Laya
In the morning you will wake up to a superb view of Gangchenta peak. The walk to Laya is very pleasant with wonderful views. You will also see a waterfall as you follow this trail. As you walk further, you will find yourself at a junction. The upper route will bring you to fields spotted with stone houses. Arrive at Laya village, the second highest settlement in the country, at an altitude of 3,800m.
Day 13: Laya to Chamsa
Today you will descend to the army camp and join the Mo Chhu (Mother River of Punakha). You will then follow the river till you cross the bridge. After you cross the bridge you will be making several ascents and descents through juniper and fir forests. You will eventually reach the camp at Chamsa at an altitude of 3,800m.
Day 14: Chamsa to Gasa Tshachu
After walking for about half an hour over flat land you will get to Bari La pass. From this point the trail decreases in altitude all the way to Gasa Tshachu (Hot water spring). On the way, you may spot Satyr Tragopan, Himalayan Monal, and Blood Pheasants. You will be camping at Gasa village at an altitude of 2,700m.
Day 15: Gasa Tshachu
Gasa Tshachu (Hot spring) is the place to take a well awaited rest. You can visit the village and the Gasa Dzong. The Dzong was built in the 17th century by the first religious leader of Bhutan, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgya. It was built to protect the valley against Tibetan invaders. After visiting the Dzong, make a descent to Gasa Tshachu (hot spring) to enjoy the hot bath in one of the pools. The Gasa Tsachu is one of the most popular hot springs in Bhutan.
Day 16: Gasa Tshachu - Damji- Punakha
After breakfast, you will drive on unpaved road through heavily forested areas rich bound with wild orchids to arrive at Damji Village (2,400m). Then, follow the Mo Chhu river through the thick forest till you reach Tashithang at an altitude of 1,620m and further down for 15km to Punakha. After lunch, you will visit the Punakha Dzong, which is one of the most beautiful Dzongs in Bhutan. Overnight hotel in Punakha.
Day 17: Punakha To Thimphu
After breakfast, drive to Thimphu with a stop at Dochula Pass for a tea, where on a clear day you will see a spectacular view of Mountains. Check into your hotel in Thimphu. Later, You can stroll freely in Thimphu Town.
Day 18: Thimphu to Paro (Departs)
After breakfast, drive to Paro Airport for departure.
Further Details
All of our itineraries can be tailored to your requirements, allowing us to create the perfect holiday just for you. Contact us with your holiday ideas, no matter how big or small, and we’ll start planning your unique trip.Our tailor-made tours are designed by local Travel Specialists who investigate every aspect of the trip themselves, giving you a unique view of each destination.
