Laya Gasa Trek In Bhutan.

Your guide and the driver will receive you at the Paro International Airport and drive to the Hotel.

In the afternoon, visit Ta dzong built in 1649, an ancient watch tower which now houses the national museum of Bhutan.

Then visit Rinpung dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to defend Paro valley against the Tibetan invasion.

In the evening, free to stroll in the town.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

Today, we start Laya Gasa trek itinerary.

In the morning, visit Kichu lhakhang built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan King Srongtsen Gampo.

Then hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery (Paro Taktsang) – 2 hours. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche; the tantric mystic flew here on the back of a flying tiger.

In the afternoon, visit to Drugyal dzong built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

Then drive to Shana. Dinner and overnight in camp.

In the morning, drive to Shana (22 km). From Shana, we start the hike to Thang Thangka.

Camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter.

Altitude: 3610 m; Distance 22 Km; Hike Time 7 – 8 hours.

Today we pass Tegethang, a winter home of Yak herders. high mountains overlook the camp and visible nearby are the ruins of an old fortress used to guard Bhutan against Tibetan invasions.

Dinner and overnight in camp.

Altitude: 4080 m; Distance: 19 Km; Hike time: 5 – 6 hours.

Rest day at Jangothang, enjoy the superb view all around. This trail / halt is also common to Yaktsa trek, Jomolhari trek in Bhutan and Snowman trek.

For day hikes, you have 3 options on this day at Jangothang. It is also the highlight of Laya Gasa trek itinerary.

Hike to Jichu Drake glacier which is around 3 hours (Back and Forth).
Hike to Jomolhari glacier which is around 4 ½ hours (Back and forth).
Walk up the mountain between Jomolhari and Jichu Drake, the summit is at 5200 m. This is 8 hours (Back and forth).

Dinner and overnight in camp.

This trek marks the end of first half of Jomolhari trek and the actual start of Beautiful Laya Gasa Trek.

Start the hike and after some 3 to 4 hours reach the Nyelela pass (4,700 m).

After the pass we descend to a circular hut just below Lingshi, where we camp. Coming down from Lingshi we see first views of the truly mystical dzong atop a high hill.

Dinner and overnight in camp.

Altitude: 4000 m; Distance: 17 km; Hike time: 6 – 7 hours.

Climb gently to reach another delightful village, Gom Yu, which is set right below a 300 m cliff. We camp at Chebisa by the side of the river. The walk is an easy one.

Dinner and overnight in camp (Altitude of 3880 m).

Distance: 10 km; Hike time: 5 – 6 hours.

We start with quite a stiff climb through high pastures up the Gokula pass (4,320 m). We climb gradually and head down to the camp near a river bed.

Dinner and overnight in camp (Altitude 4220 m).

Distance: 17 km; Hike time: 6-7 hours.

Cross over the Jarela pass at 4,640 m where we once again get stunning views of the Himalayan Mountains above us.

We drop steeply down a forest trail to the Tsarigathang valley, where herds of Takin roam. Then cross a knee deep river before climbing up Robluthang where we camp.

Dinner and overnight in Camp (Altitude: 4,160 m).

Distance: 18 km; Hike time: 6 – 7 hours.

Today is one of the hardest days of the trek.

Climb to Shinchela pass at 4,870 m. We see stunning views of mountains, including the spectacular Gang Chen Ta at the head of the valley.

On a clear day, practically all the mountains on the northern border are visible. Eagles, griffin vultures, blue sheep and yaks abound in this area. We descend down to camp on a lovely spot by the river bank.

Dinner and overnight in camp (Altitude 4,140 m).

Distance: 19 km; Hike time: 6-7 hours.

Walk along the river and through a forest of rhododendron and silver fir and then enter the village of Laya.

The people of Laya are famous for their vertical stripe Yak hair clothing and their strange conical bamboo hats. The features of the people are even more Tibetan-Mongolian than the Bhutanese who live in the central valleys.

Rest of the day is spent at leisure. You can enjoy great views of the Masagang and the other peaks.

Camp at altitude 3840 m; Distance: 10 km; Hike time: 4-5 hours.

Explore the beautiful Laya village.

The trail winds along the river valley offers breathtaking views of the crashing river, feeder streams and waterfalls.

Camp at altitude 3050 m; distance:19 km; hike time: 6-7 hours.

Today is the final day of Beautiful Laya Gasa trek itinerary.

Climb up to Balela pass at 3,740 m and then descend to Gasa village. The first sight of the Gasa dzong perched on the hillside over the village.

Camp near the hot spring, a chance for a good hot bath.

Camp at altitude: 2,638 m; distance: 14 km; hike time: 6-7 hours.

In the Morning, drive to Punakha.

On the way, hike to Khamsum Yulley monastery (short hike 45 minutes).

Afternoon – visit Punakha dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Punakha is the winter residence of Je Khenpo, the chief abbot of Bhutan. The third king Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first national assembly here in 1952.

In the evening, walk across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan (160 meters). This bridge is considered the longest of its kind and connects the two sides of the Pho chu river. You will get a great view of the river, valley, temple, and a good boost of adrenaline as well.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the morning, drive to Thimphu via Wangdue Phodrang.

On the way, visit to Chimi lhakhang built in 1499 to honor Lama Drukpa Kuenley, “The divine madman”. The temple is also called “The temple of fertility”.

Then view Wangdue Phodrang dzong built in 1638 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

In the evening, visit to Tashichho dzong, seat of the national government and the central monastic body.

Then free to stroll in the town.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the morning, visit National Memorial Chorten (1974) built in honor of the Third King, Late His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

Then visit the tallest statue of sitting Buddha (51.5 meters) at Kuensel Phodrang.

Later visit Changangkha lhakhang, Takin preserve center, Sangay gang view point and Dupthop lhakhang.

In the afternoon, visit to painting school, the school of 13 arts and crafts.

In the evening, free to stroll in the town.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

After breakfast, drive to the airport and farewell.