Beautiful Laya Gasa Trek

Day 1: Paro

As you fly in Bhutan, the Land of Thunder Dragon, we will have the sight of Mt. Everest. Other mountains like Mt. Jomolhari and Jichu Drake will welcome you to the land of hapiness.
Upon landing, you will be received by our guide and driver and they will transfer you to your hotel. After lunch, visit the Paro Dzong—the fortress on the heap of jewels—built  in 1646 housing the monastic body and administrative machinery. Later, you visit Kyichhu Lhakhang one of the oldest lhakhangs in the country built in the 7^th century. From there, we will proceed further to Drukgyal Dzong, the fort of victorious Bhutan built after the victory over Tibetan invasion in the year 1649. Under a clear sky, you can see Mt. Jomolhari at 7, 329m from here. In the evening, walk freely in the town! Overnight hotel will be in Paro.

Day 2: Hike to Taktshang 

After breakfast, start the day’s excursion to Taktshang, the Tiger’s Nest Monastery perched on a vertical granite rock, 900m above the Paro Valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpochhe came to the site of the Monastery on the back of a Tigress to meditate and subdue a demon that caused terror in the Paro valley.
To this day, the monastery is considered as one of the holiest places for the pilgrims from across the world. the monastery also offer a spectacular view of Paro Valley,
After offering our prayers and good wishes, we will descend for the lunch at Taktshang Cafeteria.  Towards afternoon, we will be driving to the starting point of trek.

Day 3: Gunitsawa- Soe Thangthangkha

Today is the day when we formally begin this long trekking. It is strenuous and grueling but we are confident that you will have a memorable journey into the beautiful and virgin mountains of Bhutan.
The trail continues uphill through the river valley, gradually becomes narrower and closes in after some distance. The winding trail with frequent climb and descend leads us to our camp site in a meadow with stone shelter at 3,720m. By then, we would have trekked about 23km in around 7-8hours.

Day 4: Thangthangkha – Jangothang

We will continue the trail along the Pachhu and the valley opens again after crossing a small army outpost. Trekking through the open valley offers views of high ridges and the snow-capped mountains with yaks and Yak herder’s camp on the valley floor.
After trekking 15km in 5 to 6 hours, we will find ourselves near the ruined fortress at the base of Mt. Jomolhari at 4040m.  We will camp here for the night!

Day 5: Jangothang to halt.

After two long days trek, you will have a good chance to relax under the sun just in front of the Mt. Jomolhari. But if you are interested you may go further from the base camp and climb to TshoPhu 4300m. We will spend the night at camp.

Day 6: Jangothang – Lingshi

We have to climb gradually toward the pass through a wide pastureland. On your way, depending on the season you are trekking, you will find some yak herder’s in their camps. Descending from the pass to Lingshi, you will have a beautiful view of Lingshi Dzong, the Valley, Tserim Kang (Mountain), and its glaciers. At 4150 m, camp in a stone shelter with built-in-fire pit or in the tent! By then, we would have covered 19km of trail within 5 to 6 hours of trek.

Day 7: Lingshi – Chebisa

Today is the shortest of all days on our trip. Upon reaching Chebisa at 3, 850 m, having trekked for 3 to 4 hours covering 12km of trail, camp alongside the village settlement. You can visit the village houses and feel the Bhutanese rural life experiences.

Day 8: Chebisa – Shomuthang

Trekking through a wide pastureland will lead up to Gobu La Pass. Along the way, you find some Yak herder’s.
After conquering Gobu La Pass at 4, 305 m, we will descend down to the valley. The campsite will be above a river bank, a tributary of a Mochhu River at the elevation of 4, 260m. By then, we would have trekked 17km in 5 to 6 hours of time.

Day 9: Shomuthang – Robluthang

We start early for the trek is little strenuous, also bit treacherous. Upon crossing the Jerela Pass at 4, 600m, descend to Tsharijathang Valley, where you can see the herds of Takin, the National Animal of Bhutan. We will camp at Tsharijathang at 4, 390m after having trekked from 15km for 6 to 7 hours!

Day 10: Robluthang – Lingmithang

Today, we have to cross the Shingela Pass at 4, 900m. Then, the trail will take us downhill, through the valley. Lingmithang, a beautiful village under Laya County, offers an opportunity to see people dressed in typical Laya costume with long bamboo hats on their head. We will halt at Lingmithang at the elevation of 4, 140m after a day long trek of 6 to 7 hours covering 19 km of the trail.
We will try to explore the valley and meet the people who wear unique attires and live life differently.

Day 11: Lingmithang – Laya

The trek for the day is downhill walk along the narrow winding river valley. The trail leads you to the west side of the Laya Village. At the elevation of 3, 850m, campsite is on a high flat bench above the village. The trek stretches for about 10 km requiring 3 to 4 hours of normal trekking.

Day 12: Laya Halt

A day halt at Laya will give us a time to go around and explore the Laya Village to the fullest.

Day 13: Laya – Koena

The trail involves series of winding rounds to avoid steep cliffs while affording breaking view of crashing river, feeder streams and cascades of waterfalls. Covering 19km of trail in 6 to 7 hours, we reach at our campsite at 3, 800m.

Day 14: Koena – Gasa (GasaTsachu or Hot spring),

Upon crossing the Babela Pass at 3, 740m, the trail is all the way down leading up to our campsite, close to Gasa Dzong at the elevation of 2, 900m. The 17km stretch of the trek takes 6 to 7 hours of normal trekking. Camp near the Hot Spring!

Day 15: GasaTsachu – Punakha (Trek ends)

Upon a short climb, the trail winds through the rolling hills and passes through the forests of pine and oak and gradually entering villages and wheat fields. Along the way, you can have a glimpse of Gasa Dzong beautifully perched to the valley wall. Arriving Damji after 5 to 6 hours of trek covering almost 18 km of trail, our transport team will be waiting there for you. You will ride through the high agricultural benches above the Mochhu into a lush semi-tropical gorge filled with banana trees, creepers and tropical vegetation until Trashithang. Continue driving to Punakha for the overnight in the Hotel.

Day 16: Punakha – Thimphu                

Drive back to Thimphu with a stop at Dochhula for tea. Visit the new Druk Wangyal Monastery, the only of its kind in the country with elaborate paintings depicting the lineage of the Wangchuck Dynasty and their contribution in Nation Building. Continue to drive to Thimphu for the night will be in the Hotel.
After lunch in your hotel, we will visit the National Memorial Chorten, a giant stupa built in the memory of the late His Majesty, the Third King of Bhutan. Next, we will visit the National Library, the custodian of ancient manuscripts. Then proceed to woodcraft and Painting school where traditional arts and crafts are still kept alive. We will also visit the Handicrafts Emporium for Bhutanese textiles and other arts are displayed and can be purchased. Visit Trashichho Dzong, the throne room, and the summer residence of the Chief Abbot and the Central Monastic Body. Drive towards the East, and visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest Dzong in the Country built in the year 1629. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu!

Day 17: Thimphu – Paro

In the morning, hike to Tango Monastery, the 15^th Century Monastery which today is the only tertiary education center for the monks . Apart from getting to see monks in their daily religious practices, from the monastery one can have a panoramic view of Thimphu Valley. Descend to Thimphu and in the afternoon, drive to Paro. Overnight hotel at Paro!

Day 18: Departure

‘The journey that begins must end once’, thus, your journey to our beautiful country ends today. We hope you had a great time. Please visit us in future.
We will formally bid you farewell at the airport.
Tashi Delek!

• Bhutan Royalties, tourist fees, Visa fees, and taxes.
• Accommodations in listed or similar hotels (pleasant hotels 3-4 star type) during the tour and in tents during the trek.
• All meals, including evening tea/coffee, etc throughout the trip.
• All land transfers, and sightseeing with entrance fees.
• Experienced Culture Tour Guide.
• Bottled water in the vehicle and other camp services.

NOT INCLUDED

• Flights in and out of Bhutan.
• Travel insurance, Drink, Visa fees, Laundry