Overview
The Laya Gasa Trekking is a remarkable journey that takes you through the pristine wilderness of Bhutan, offering breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and an exhilarating adventure. Spanning approximately 11 days, this trek is a popular choice among avid hikers and nature enthusiasts seeking a unique and immersive experience.
The trek begins in Paro, a picturesque town also known for its iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery. From there, you also embark on a scenic drive to Punakha, where the actual trek commences. The trail winds its way through lush forests, remote villages, and high mountain passes, providing awe-inspiring views of the Himalayas.
As you ascend, you will get captivate by the beauty of the surrounding landscapes, including snow-capped peaks, cascading waterfalls, and alpine meadows adorned with wildflowers. The Laya Gasa Trekking also offers encounters with a variety of wildlife, such as blue sheep, Himalayan black bears, and the elusive snow leopard.
One of the highlights of this trek is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of the Bhutanese people. You will pass through several remote villages, where you can interact with the friendly locals and gain insights into their way of life. The traditional dress, distinctive architecture, and warm hospitality of the Bhutanese people add a unique charm to the journey.
The Laya Gasa trekking also culminates at the picturesque village of Gasa, famous for its natural hot springs. Here, you can also relax and rejuvenate your weary muscles in the therapeutic mineral-rich waters, soaking in the serenity of the surroundings.
The Laya Gasa Trekking is also a moderate to challenging trek, requiring a good level of physical fitness and stamina. It is recommended to undertake this trek with an experienced guide who can provide support, ensure safety, and offer cultural insights along the way.
Conclusion and Summary
Overall, the Laya Gasa Trekking offers an extraordinary adventure, blending natural beauty, cultural immersion, and physical challenge. It is a truly unforgettable experience that allows you to discover the hidden treasures of Bhutan while forging a deeper connection with nature and yourself.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival Paro (2,250m)
Arrive Paro by the Bhutanese National Carrier flying over the world’s highest mountains and finally landing at the lush green Paro valley. A cool and clean fresh air greets the visitor as stepping down from the plane, the first gift of Bhutan. After clearing customs and visa formalities, meet the representatives and the Bhutanese guide, and a short tour brief by the guide then transfer to Paro town. Today is rest at Paro for better acclimatizing (rest at the hotel) or Paro town can also be explored during the evening. Overnight at Hotel.(Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 02: Paro – Sharna (2,870m)
Drive towards Drukgyel Dzong (2,580m) from where the trek starts and camp near Sharna Zampa. The path gradually climbs following the Paro River through the agriculture valley and villages. The campsite is opposite to the Gunyitsawa Army check post in a meadow. Overnight at Camp. (Walking Duration: 5-6 hrs)(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 03: Trek to Thangthangka (3,630m)
The trial is a gradual ascent with plenty of ups and downs through conifer forest, ferns and Rhododendrons. A magnificent view of Mt. Jumolhari can be seen from the camp site on clear days. Overnight at Camp. (Walking distance 6-7 hrs)(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 04: Trek to Jangothang (4,090m)
Todays trial passes an army post and the village of Soe and a small settlement at Takethang; Yak herders live here. Camp beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mt. Jumolhari. Overnight at Camp. (Walking Duration: 5-6 hrs)(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 05: Rest day at Jangothang (4,090m)
This day is for acclimatizing; spend the day relaxing or there are several day hikes to choose from. Two interesting hikes would be to get views of Mt. Jumolhari or Jichu Drake. If interested in a lake then take a hike to Tsophu. Overnight at camp.(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 06: Trek to Lingshi (4,010m)
Today the first major pass at 4890m ( Nyile-la ) is encountered. Also spot the views of the snow peak of Tserim Kang (6789m) Camp near a stream in a meadow. Overnight at Camp. (Walking time 5-6 hrs)(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 07: Trek to Chebisa (3,880m)
Today is a pleasant walk encountering parts of Lingshi village and the settlement of Goyak. Upon reaching camp at Chebisa village, later on the village houses can be visited. Overnight at Camp. (Walking time 5-6 hrs)(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 08: Trek to Shomuthang (4,220m)
The walk is mostly through wild high pastures and yak pastures with few people & Yaks. Encounter another pass ‘Gobula’ at 4440m. Camp is on a bench above a river, a tributary to the Mo Chu which comes out just below Gasa Tsachu. Overnight at Camp. (Walking time 6-7 hrs)(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 09: Trek to Robluthang (4,160m)
On the early part of the trek spot the views of Kang Bum(6526m). After crossing Jhari la pass at 4747m, good views of Gangchenta (6840m), Tserim Kang and upper half of Jumolhari can be seen. The trial then passes by Tsheri Jathang, a valley by the river side where herds of Takin are normally seen during the summer months. Overnight at Camp. (Walking time 6-7 hrs)(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 10: Trek to Limithang (4,140m)
Today is a hard day crossing over Sinche la (5005m) the highest point on the trek. The second half of today’s walk is through rocky trails and moraines. Limithang is in the Laya district and here spot the wonderful children in funny hats. Camp at Limithang is beneath Gangchhenta, the Great Tiger Mountain. If time permits it would be worthwhile to spend a rest and exploration day here. Overnight at Camp. (Walking time 6-7 hrs)(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 11: Trek to Laya (3,840m)
Today is all the way down hill along a winding river valley with quite a closed-in feeling. The trail splits, one going down with the river to the camp site used by the army. The other stays high and brings you into the west side of Laya village. You can camp on a high flat bench above the east end of Laya village. The peak towering above Laya is Masagang (7165m) walking time 4-5 hours.(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 12: Rest Day at Laya (3,840m)
Visit Laya village houses or hike above the camp. A day halt is interesting here or just spending the day with the Layaps (nomads). Overnight at Camp.(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 13: Trek to Koina (3,050m)
The trail winds up and down along the Mo Chu river, avoiding natural obstacles and affording breathtaking views of the crashing river, feeder streams and water-falls. The beginning of the trek is past an army camp and the route junction for the Snowman trek. Campsite at Koina is one of the worst campsites on this trek but need to be used due to non availability of camp sites or availability of water. Overnight at Camp. (Walking time 6-7 hrs)(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 14: Trek to Gasa (2,770m)
The route may seem all the way downhill but needs to cross the last pass on this trek – Barila pass at 3900m after which is all the way down hill till reaching camp. The camp is near the Gasa Dzong and village. Or can go further 1-1/2 hours to Gasa Tsachu (hotspring) if hot spring dip is preferred than the Gasa village. The decision should have been made at the start of the trek and the camp staff should have been informed. Overnight at Camp. (Walking time 6-7 hrs)(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 15: Trek to Geon Damji (2,430m)
Today’s trail winds through rolling hillsides with vistas of fields, villages and Oak and Pine forests. Gasa Dzong will be visible behind, glued to the valley wall. Today’s walk goes through small settlements and finally at camp of Geon Damji village – a large village with rice terraces on the hillsides. Overnight at Camp. (Walking time 5-6 hrs)(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 16: Trek to Tashithang (1,840m) & drive to Punakha (1,310m)
Starting at Geon Damji (2430m) and ending at vehicle point at Tashithang (1840m) From here it is 18 km (1 hour drive) to Punakha but the initial 5-6 km is unpaved. Overnight at Hotel. (Walking time 5 hrs)(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 17: Punakha – Thimphu (2,350m)
After early breakfast, drive towards Thimphu for about 3 hours passing along Dochu La Pass at 3140m. On clear weather, the pass commands a wonderful panorama of the Eastern Himalayas. From the pass, the road descends through varied forest and finally emerging into the highly cultivated valley of Punakha. En-route take a short hike through beautiful rice fields to Chimmi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, who as a favorite saint of the Bhutanese people is known affectionately as “the Divine Madman”. Overnight at Hotel.(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 18: Thimphu Sightseeing – Paro (2,250m)
Morning start the sightseeing with Zelukha Nunnery, National Library, Memorial Chorten of Late King, Handicrafts Emporium, Post Office and walk around Thimphu city for shopping of souvenirs from Bhutan. If this day falls on a Saturday or Sunday a visit to the Weekend Market is a must. After lunch drive to Paro en-route visit to Simtokha Dzong the first fort built in 1627-29 by Shabdrung who unified the Kingdom and continue the journey following the Thimphu River till Chuzom (Confluence) and taking the direction toward Paro following Pa-chu for 2 hours. Overnight at Hotel.(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 19: Paro – Hike to Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’ (3120m)
After breakfast drive towards the base camp of Taktsang for the hike up to the Taktsang Monastery-Tiger’s Nest. It’s about two hours hike up the cafeteria. From this point, enjoy the spectacular view of the monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in 8th century. Then visit the Taktsang Monastery and hike back to the road point then drive to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan and Paro Rinpung Dzong. Afterwards, back to hotel. Overnight at Hotel (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 20: Paro Depart
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch the onward flight. Bid farewell to the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom disappearing again behind its guardian mountains.(Breakfast only included)