The laya Gasa Trek is the long established route from Jhomolhari across to laya known as one of the Bhutan’s finest treks. This route offers a great variety of trekking conditions, from picturesque farmland and forests to alpine pastureland and high passes. Campsite beneath the Bhutan’s most impressive peaks, of which the most remarkable are Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake, are also a feature of this trekking route. In this trek one can also see the isolated dzongs and scattered settlements, including the outlandish village of laya, which provides a great deal of cultural interest.

The divine queen mt. Jhomolhari

Day 01 : Arrive Paro

On arrival at Paro airport, immigration and custom formalities then received by our representative and transfer to the hotel. After lunch, visit Taa Dzong built in 1775 to serve as the watchtower to protect the Rinpung Dzong and the people of Paro from the invasions of Tibetans. Later in 1967 the national museum was opened here. In the museum one will see many artifacts of THANKA paintings, collection of utensils used in the early period of civilization in Bhutan, weapons, statues and postage stamps. Then walk down to visit, Rinpung Dzong, centre of the district administration and monk body. It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu, held once a year in spring. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 02 : Paro

To check your resistance we shall begin with small hike to Taktsang Monastery. The walk uphill will be not more than two hours. The trail is broad. At the view point there is a cafeteria. Have a cup a tea or some juice here and then take a walk little higher to the closer view point of Taktsang. Then walk back for lunch in Paro town.

Afternoon visit Kyichu Lhakhang one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

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Day 03 : Paro (Drukgyel Dzong) – Shana, 17 km, 5 / 6 hours

The trek starts from Drukgyel Dzong 2,580m with a short downhill walk on a wide trail. The trail climbs gently through well-maintained rice terraces and fields of millet. Later it enters an area of apple orchards and forests. Soon the valley widens and you reach the army post of Gunyitsawa at 2,810m. This is the last stop before Tibet.

Day 04 : Shana – Soi Thangthangkha, 22 km, 7 / 8 hours

The trail again 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 justify side of the river. After lunch, follow the river climbing up through rhododendron forests and finally crossing the bridge again, reaching to the campsite at the altitude of 3610m.

Day 05 : Soi Thangthangkha – Jangothang, 19 km, 5 / 6 hours

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 4,080m. From here, the view of Mount. Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake are superb.

Day 06 : Acclimatization day and exploration of Jangothang

Day 07 : Jangothang – Lingshi, 18 km, 6 / 7 hours

The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. Start the ascent up to the first ridge with a breathtaking view of Mount. Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsrim Khang. Then walk towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until the climb to the Nyele la pass at an altitude of 4,700m. After the pass, it’s a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the panoramic view of the peaks and Lingshi Dzong. Campsite at altitude of 4010m.

Day 08 : Lingshi – Chebisa, 10 km, 5/6 hours

Proceed further passing Lingshi Dzong, perched on hilltop with a commanding view of green hills, the winding roads and magnificent peaks. The actual name of Lingshi Dzong is Yugyel Dzong. Built in 17th century it played a role in controlling travel over Lingshi La (pass) between Tibet and Bhutan. Today’s walk is easy and pleasant through villages and yak herders camp. Camp by the side of a stream at 3,880m.

Day 09 : Chebisa – Shomuthang, 17 km, 6/7 hours

The day begins with stiff climb to Gomby La (4,450m) then it is a long descent to a stream at 4,170m. Later the trail again climbs over a small ridge through a cedar forest. It is a long climb over the ridge, and then the trail descends on a muddy path into main Jholethang valley in a deep forest of fir and birch. Afternoon, the trail traverses high above the valley floor on stream right to Chachim, a yak pasture at 4,260m. The camp at 4220m is in a cluster of brush beside a stream at the bottom of the valley.
 

Day 10 : Shoumuthang – Robluthang, 18 km, 6/7 hours

The trek begins with a climb to Jari La pass at altitude 4,700m then descents to Tasharijathang valley, the summer residence of rare Himalayan Takin (Bhutan’s National animal). Later after crossing the stream, the trail ascends till you reach Robluthang camp at altitude of 4160m

Takin

Day 11 : Robluthang – Limithang, 19 km, 6/7 hours

This day is long as well as tough crossing Shinjela (4,900m), the last and highest pass en route. You may be able to spot Blue Sheep high on the slopes. From Shinjela, the descent is on a rough, rocky trail that follows moraine into another glacial valley. The last part of the trek is very interesting with fascinating view of Mt. Gangchey Ta. Campsite at 4140m.

Day 12 : Limithang – Laya, 10 km, 4/5 hours

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 a altitude of 3840m.

Day 13 : Laya – Koina, 19 km, 6/7 hours

Descend to army camp and join the Mo Chhu River. Follow the river till you cross the bridge. After the bridge it is up and down several times through juniper and fir forest until you reach the camp at Koina at an altitude of 3050m.

Day 14 : Koina – Gasa, 14 km, 6/7 hours

Walk for about half an hour over flat land till the Bari La (3,900m). There is a small rock cairn and a few prayer flag at the pass. The route starts down again through a bamboo forest to a stream. Later it is downhill all the way to Gasa Tsachu. Afternoon visit Gasa village and Dzong built in 17th century. Then descend to Gasa Tsachu (hot spring) for camp at an altitude of 2240m.

Day 15 : Gasa Tsachu – Damji - Punakha, 8 km, 3/4 hours

The path continues ascending and descending through heavily forested areas and wild orchids. Your lunch will be served in Damji and from there you will drive to Punakha. The drive from Damji to Punakha will be 2 and half hours. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 16 : Punakha – Thimphu

Morning visit to Punakha Dzong and Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. Then drive to Wangduephodrang visiting Dzong and local market. Afternoon drive to Thimphu for overnight stay.

Day 17 : Thimphu

Full day sightseeing in Thimphu visit Memorial Chorten, Trashichho dzong, National Library, Arts & Crafts School, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, Handicrafts Emporium. Evening drive to Paro for overnight stay.

Day 18: Paro Depart

After breakfast transfer to Paro International Airport for flight to onward destination.