Laya Gasa Trek

Detail Itinerary

• Day 1Arrival and sightseeing in Paro (2250m) A company representative will be there to greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Later we will be visiting the Rinpung Dzong which houses the government administrative offices. We also visit Kichu Lhakhang which is the oldest temple in Bhutan. Overnight in Paro.
• Day 2Trek to Tigers Nest Monastery (3180m) Today we will trek for 4-5 hours to the iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). It is situated high on the side of a hill in a stunning location seemingly clingling to the cliff. It is the site where Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where the monastery is now located. We spend some time exploring the monastery before returning to Paro for the night. Overnight in Paro.
• Day 3Paro – Shana (2850m) 5-6 hrs We start our trek today from Drukgyel Dzong at 2580m. At first it’s downhill but then climbs gently through rice terraces and millet fields. We soon pass through apple orchards and forest before the valley widens and we reach the army post of Gunyitsawa. This is the final stop before the Tibet border. Overnight camp.
• Day 4Shana – Soi Thangthangkha (3750m) 7-8 hrs Today our track follows the Pa Shhu (Paro) River through pine, oak and spruce forest. After lunch on the river we follow the river again climbing up through rhododendron forest and reaching our campsite. Overnight camp.
• Day 5Soi Thangthangkha – Jangothang (4040m) 7-8 hrs Our path ascends till the army camp from where we follow the river from above the tree line. From here we have magnificent views of the surrounding peaks. We stop for lunch at a yak herder’s camp and from there it’s a short walk to our camp at Jangothang from where we have an amazing view of Mt Chomolhari and Jichu Drake. Overnight camp.
• Day 6Jangothang – Lingshi (4000m) 7-8 hrs The track follows the stream today after which we cross a bridge and start our ascent up to the ridge where we are rewarded with incredible views of Mt Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserim Khang. From here we walk into the valley and climb up to the Nyele La Pass at 4700m. From the pass we descend gradually to Lingshi camp enjoying the panoramic view along the way. Overnight camp.
• Day 7Lingshi – Chebisa (3860m) 5-6 hrs Today we pass Lingshi Dzong which is perched on a hilltop with great views of the hillside, winding roads and magnificent peaks. Built in the 17th Century it was an important post controlling travel over the Lingshi La Pass between Bhutan and Tibet. It’s an easy walk today through villages and yak herders camp before camping by a stream. Overnight camp.
• Day 8Chebisa – Shomuthang (4250m) 6-7 hrs Our day starts with a climb to Gomby La pass (4450m) before descending to a stream at 4170m. The track then climbs a small ridge through forest of cedar before descending into the Jholethang valley through deep forests of fir and birch. From here it’s an ascent following a streak to Chachim a yak pasture at 4260m. It’s not far from here to our camp at 4250m beside a stream. Overnight camp.
• Day 9Shoumuthang – Robluthang (4200m) 6-7 hrs Our day starts with a climb to the Lari La Pass at 4700m before descending to the Tasharijathang Valley. This is where you can see the rare Himalayan Takin (national animal of Bhutan). From here the track ascends after crossing a stream and we reach Robluthang camp at 4200m. Overnight camp.
• Day 10Robluthang – Limithang (4140m) 7-8 hrs It’s a long day today as we have a difficult crossing of the Shinjela Pass (4900m) which is our last high pass on our trek. From Shinjela it’s a rough descent on a rocky path that follows the moraine into a glacial valley. Overnight camp at 4140m.
• Day 11Limithang – Laya (3800m) 4-5 hrs Our walk to Laya today is very scenic with beautiful views. We walk through thick moss covered forest filled with chirping birds before arriving at Laya village which is the second highest settlement in Bhutan. Overnight at Laya.
• Day 12Laya – Chamsa (3500m) 8-9 hrs Today we descend to an army camp to the Mo Chhu river which we follow until we cross a bridge. From here it’s up and down through juniper and fir forest until reaching camp at Chamsa. Overnight camp.
• Day 13Chamsa – Gasa Tsachu ( 2200m) 6-7 hrs We walk on flat land today until the Bari La pass (3900m) where there is a small rock cairn and some prayer flags. From here we descend again at times steeply through bamboo forest. On arrival at Gasa village we can spend time exploring the village and Dzong before continuing on to our campsite at Gasa Tshachu where we can enjoy the hot springs. Overnight camp.
• Day 14Gasa Tshachu – Damji (2400m) 6 hrs Today our trek continues ascending and descending through thick forest filled with wild orchids. Overnight camp.
• Day 15Damji – Tashithang (1620m) 6 hrs Today we follow the Mo Chhu river through thick forest until we reach Tashithang at 1620m. From here we are picked up by our vehicle and taken to our hotel in Punakha. Overnight in Punakha.
• Day 16Punakha – Thimphu (2.5 hrs) This morning we visit Punakha Dzong and the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten before driving to Wangduephodrang where we visit the dzong and local market. Overnight in Thimphu.
• Day 17Thimphu – Paro (2 hrs) We have a full day of sightseeing in Thimphu today including a visit to Memorial Chorten, Trashichhodzong, National Library, Arts & Crafts School, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum and Handicrafts Emporium. In the afternoon we travel on to Paro. Overnight in Paro.
• Day 18Departure Day It’s the end of our journey today and our company representative will escort you to Paro airport in time for your return journey.