Laya Gasa Trek

Day 01. Arrive at Paro (2280 meters): You will be received by the Representative from Isolated Bhutan Travels at the airport and drive you to the hotel.

Druk Air National Airlines

After lunch, visit the Ta dzong, an ancient watchtower, which was built in 1656 and renovated in 1968 and converted into a National Museum of Bhutan, then visit Rimpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Dzong presently houses administrative offices of Paro District and Monastery.  Paro Rimpung Dzong

Dinner and Overnight in Hotel.

Day 02. Paro Sightseeing: (2350 meters):  After breakfast, an excursion to Tiger’s Nest Monastery: A short drive of around 25 minutes from main town of paro takes you to satsam chorten, the trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop for a rest and have tea with cookies at Taktsang cafeteria and then walk a short distance until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, Tiger’s Nest monastery. The history dates back from 8^th century when guru Rinpochhe, a tantric master flew to this place on a back of a flying tiger, said to be his favorite Tibetan consort known as khandu Yeshey Chogyal and meditated in a cave nearby, but the temple was just built in 17^th century by the penlop (governer) of paro Gyaltse Tenzin Rbgey; this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 600 meters into the valley below.

Tigers Nest Monastery.

After lunch, visit the Drukgyel Dzong, which was built in 1644 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate the victory over the Tibetan invaders but now it is just the ruins because the dzong was complectly burned down by the fire caused by butter lamp in 1951, the dzong name Drukgyel  means indeed “ victorious Druk “. The Dzong was used as an administrative center until 1951. Then visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest Buddist temple which was built in 659 AD by a Tibetan king Tshongchen Gyampo. In the evening stroll around tiny town of Paro.   Dinner and overnight in the Hotel

Day 03. Paro – Sharna Zampa – Soi Thangthangkha: Trek Starts.

This trek begins at Gunitsawa Village were you pass the army post. At the army checkpost your trek permit (provided by your tour operator) will be checked and endorsed.

Distance 22 km, 7-8 hours, 770 m ascent, 10 m descent, camp altitude 3,610 m.

On this long day, the trail continues with lots of small ups and downs. After going uphill through the river valley the valley finally narrows gradually to a mere path which descends to a meadow where a camp will be set up. From here, if weather permits, you will have the first great view of Mt. Jomolhari (7314 m) the second highest snow cape mountain of Bhutan.

Day 04. Thangthangkha -- Jangothang: 

Distance 19 km, Time: 5-6 hours, 480 m ascent, camp altitude 4,080 m.

If you have not see Mt. Jomolhari clearly the previous evening, you will still have a chance to get a great view early this morning. This morning the trek continues up the Paro Chhu valley which widens into patches of alpine meadow and scanty growths of forest. You will cross an army checkpoint along the way and enjoy a spectacular view of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. In this area yaks and their herder’s homes become a regular feature of the landscape. After reaching Jangothang, one of the most beautiful campsites of the Himalayas, you will again have a spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari (7314 m).

Day 05. Jangothang Halt: 

The rest day in Jangothang provides plenty of possibilities for day hikes with great views of lakes and snow capped mountains such as Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. There are good chances to spot some blue sheep on the upper slopes of the valley. Jangothang is a perfect environment for your acclimatization. You can also trek up to a Tshophu (lake) or hike around the area. There are good short hiking trails in different directions. Jomolhari and its subsidiary mountain chains lie towards west, Jichu Drake to the north and there are a number of unclimbed peaks to the east.

Day 06. Jangothang -- Lingshi: 

Distance: 18 km, Time: 6-7 hours, 840 m ascent, 870 m decent, Camp altitude 4010 m.

The trail follows the stream for around 20 minutes and crosses the bridge to the right side. Start the climb up to the first ridge with a breathtaking view of Jomolhari, Jichu Drakey and Tsherim gang. Then walk towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until the climb to the Nyeley la pass at an altitude of 4,700 meters. After the pass it’s a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the panoramic view of the peaks and Lingshi dzong. After reaching to the campsite if you wish you can relax for some time and walk further more towards north to see a small isolated village of Lingsi which is located in-between a beautiful valley.

Day 07. Lingshi – Chebisa

Distance 10 km, 4-5 hours, 280 m ascent, 410 m descent, camp altitude 3,880 m.

Today is the shortest walking day and the easiest one. Crossing the wooden bridge near your last night’s campsite trail gradually climbs ascent reaching a chorten below Lingshi Dzong. Here, you have the choice of staying on the main trail or taking a detour up to the Lingshi Dzong (4,220m), which sits right atop a high ridge.  This Dzong is under reconstruction from a 2011 earthquake which damaged its central building. In addition to a very special atmosphere of mystic tranquility, Lingshi Dzong provides a great view over the valley. After Lingshi Dzong you will be passing the villages of Lingshi and Goyul. In Goyul, the stone houses are clustered together to form a small compact village that is unusual in Bhutan where settlements are usually scattered. On reaching the campsite at Chebisa you will have plenty of time to visit the village houses if you want to. There is also a beautiful waterfall located behind the village that is worth visiting.

Day 08. Chebisa – Shomuthang:

Distance 17 km, 6-7 hours, 890 m ascent, 540 m descent, camp altitude 4,220 m.

The morning starts with a long ascent behind Chebisa Village (2-3 hours) through a wide pastureland towards Gobu La pass(4440 m). On the way, you will see a few people herding yaks. There is also a great chance to spot large herds of blue sheep above the trail. After crossing Gobu La (4,440m), you descend into the valley, then climb again a little bit, before descending again to Shakshepasa (3,980), where the site of a helipad marked by a big H. Climbing from here you will finally reach the campsite at Shomuthang (4220 m).

Day 09: Shomuthang – Robluthang

Distance 18 km, 6-7 hours, 700 m ascent, 760 m descent, camp altitude 4,160 m.

You begin by climbing up the valley to view Kang Bum (6,526 m) and some edelweiss. After two hours of climbing you will reach Jhari La (4,750m), from where you catch the first glimpse of Sinche La (5005 m), the pass you will have to cross the day after. The big snow peak in the north is Gangchhenta (6840 m), better known as the Great Tiger Mountain. If weather is clear, Tserim Kang and the top of Jomolhari will be visible. The camp by the river is called Tsheri Jathang located in a beautiful wide and remote valley. Herds of takin,the national animal of Bhutan, migrate to this valley in summer and remain for about four months. The valley has been declared a takin sanctuary. Climb up a little bit and you will reach the campsite at Robluthang in a rocky meadow.

Day 10. Robluthang – Limithang:

Distance 19 km, 6-7 hours, 850 m ascent, 870 m descent, camp altitude 4,140 m.

The trek starts with the climb of around one hour before gradually raising for another an hour and half hours through a boulder field.  It is then a one hour steep ascent before reaching Sinche La (5005m) – the final and highest pass on the trek if you don’t intend to continue the Snowman trek from Laya onwards.  As you descend the far side of the pass you will see an impressive terminal moraine and a glacial lake at the foot of the valley. You can see classic examples of lateral moraines where the glacier has pushed rocks up both sides of the valley. Below the moraine, you cross the Kango Chhu river and soon reach the Limithang campsite0  (414 m).

Day 11. Limithang – Laya

Distance 10 km, 4-5 hours, 60 m ascent, 340 m descent, camp altitude 3,840 m.

Today, you walk downhill all the way along a narrow, winding river valley. After a long time, the trail takes you through densely forested region. The trail leads you to the west side of Laya village. From the west of the village you will have spectacular views of Mt. Gangchhenta and catch Mt. Masagang. In the middle of a village is a community school and a basic health unit with a telephone connection. The campsite is located below the school.

Day 12. Laya Halt:

You have a rest day at laya, So that you can have an opportunity to meet with the people of laya and walk around their village and experience the life-style of Layaps. People live in laya is called Layap.

Day 13. Laya – Koina:

Distance 19 km, 6-7 hours, 260 m ascent, 1,070 m descent, camp altitude 3,050 m.

The trail winds up and down along the river valley of Mo Chhu avoiding natural obstacles and affording breath-taking views of the raging river, feeder streams and waterfalls. Lots of ups and downs will lead you to Kohi La (3.300 m). Trek then drops down to the large stream of Koina Chhu through a muddy trail, and reach to your campsite.

Day 14. Koina – Gasa: Treks Ends.

Distance 14 km, 6-7 hours, 740 m ascent, 1,500 m descent, camp altitude 2,240 m.

Today you will have the last major climb of the Laya Gasa Trek. You need to cross Bari La (3,740m), after which the trail descends all the way until you reach Gasa village (2,770m), where you will find the first restaurants since you started from sharna at paro. There also is a campsite close to Gasa Dzong. You will have to decide whether you want to stay in Gasa village or descend for another hour to the Gasa Tsachu (hot springs) and relax in the rejuvenating mineral waters. The Gasa Tsachu is one of the most popular hot springs in Bhutan.

Day 15. Gasa -- Punakha (1250 meters): (76 Kms, 3 hours drive). After breakfast, drive to Punakha valley, while in Punakha visit Punakha Dzong, which is one of the most beautiful Dzong of our country, located at the edge of Pho chu (male river) and Mo Chu (Female River).

Punakha Dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is situated between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the capital of Bhutan. The construction of the Dzong was foretold by Guru Rimpoche who visited this place in 8^th century, who predicted that, a person named Namgyal will arrive at a hill that looks like a sleeping elephant.  There was a smaller building here called Dzong Chu (Small Dzong) that housed a statue of Buddha. It is sad that Zhabdrung when he visited this place he mate with a Bhutanese architecture called Zowe Palep, so  ordered the architect, Zowe Palep, to sleep in front of the statue, while Palep was sleeping; the Zhabdrung took him in his dreams to Zangtopelri (Paradise) and showed him the palace of Guru Rimpoche. From his vision, the architect conceived the design for the new Dzong, which in keeping with the tradition, was never committed to paper. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang which means Palace of Great Happiness. The war materials captured during the battle with Tibetans are preserved here. Punakha is still the winter residence of Chief Abbot (Je-Khenpo)  and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk convened the First National Assembly here in 1952. Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

Punakha Dzong

After lunch, visit Chimi Lhakhang which is also known as the “Temple of Fertility” built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley who is popularly known as “The Devine Mad Man” in 15th century. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 16. Punakha -- Thimphu (2350 meters): (76 Kms, 3 hours drive). After breakfast, drive to Thimphu via Dochula pass (3140 Meters). We stop for a while at dochula pass where 108 stupas are built together to take photographs and if the weather is clear in far distance we will get chance to see the higher Himalayas from Dochula pass.

Dochula Pass

While in thimphu visit National Memorial Chorten, which was built in 1974 by the mother of our third king in the memory of third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The paintings and statues in the temple are dedicated to the third king, Then visit the tallest statue of Buddha (In the world) which is of 51 meters tall,

 

Tallest Statue of Buddha

After that visit Mini Zoo where you will get chance to see our National Animal Takin and then finally visit Tashichhoe Dzong and stroll around Thimphu City for shopping. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

Thimphu Tashichhoe Dzong

Day 17. Departure. Drive to the airport and fare-well.

Book this Trip

Peak Season:March, April, May, Sept, Oct & Nov.

1 Pax : USD 4280 Per Person.

2 Pax : USD 4120 Per Person.

3 Pax and Above : USD 3640 Per Person.

 

Off Season: Dec, Jan, Feb, June, July & August.

1 Pax : USD 3560 Per Person.

2 Pax : USD 3400 Per Person.

3 Pax and Above : USD 2920 Per Person.

Book this Trip

Tour Cost Includes:

1. Accommodation in 3* Hotels in twin sharing basis and Tent.
2. All Three Meals (Break Fast, Lunch and Dinner)
3. Daily Tariff.
4. Visa Fee.
5. Royalty and Government Taxes.
6. Sustainable Development Fee of USD 65 per night per person which goes towards free education, Free Healthcare and infrastructure development.
7. Transportation from receive till drop.
8. Museum and Monument fee.
9. Bottle Water in Car.
10. Sightseeing.
11. English Speaking Guide
12. Driver.

 Tour Cost Excludes:

1. Air Fare
2. Insurance Premiums.
3. Payment for service provided on a personal basis.
4. Cost for any services not mentioned in the "Inclusive Head"
5. Cost incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest, etc.
6. Personal expenses in items such as laundry, soft or hard drinks, camera charges, bottle water in restaurant or in hotels, Portage, bellboy charges.
7. Tips to guide and driver.

Note1: US$ 30 extra per night for extra mattresses and US$ 40 extra per night For Single Room Occupancy in 3* hotels and US$ 20 extra per night for single tent occupancy.

Note2: If you wants to stay in Other 4* or 5* luxuries hotels before and after your trek, you need to pay extra for that.

Book this Trip

We have only two airlines Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines that Operates in Bhutan. 

Druk Air flies to:

 Bangkok (Thiland) : Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

Singapore (Singapore) : Changi International Airport.

Kathmandu (Nepal) : Tribhuvan International Airport.

Dhaka (Bangladesh) : Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

Delhi (India) : Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Kolkata (India) : Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.

Bagdogra (India) : Bagdogra International Airport.

Guwahati (India) : Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport.

Gaya (India) : Gaya Airport.

 

Bhutan Airline flies to:

Kolkotta (India) : Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.

Delhi (India) :  Indira Gandhi International Airport

Bangkok (Thailand) : Suvarnabhumi International Airpor.

Kathmandu (Nepal) : Tribhuvan International Airport.

Please let us know from where would like to enter Bhutan and where you would like to fly out after your Bhutan trip so that we can inform you about the air fare accordingly.

Note : You need to send us your  passport copy so that we can make reservation with the Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines according to the availability of Seats.

Book this Trip