LAYA GASA TREK
Beautiful Laya Gasa Trek
Picturesque farmland, alpine pastureland, impressive peaks and numerous
isolated Dzongs providing great deal of cultural interests.
This trek offers a great variety of trekking conditions, from picturesque farmland
and forests to alpine pastureland and high passes.
Spectacular camp site, beneath some of Bhutan’s most impressive peaks, of which
the most notable are Jhumolhari and Jichu Drake, are also the features of this
trekking route.
Numerous isolated Dzongs and scattered settlements, including the outlandish
vallage of Laya, provide a great deal of cultural interest enroute.
Itinerary
Day 01. Arrival at Paro.
Fly into Himalayas with Druk Air, Bhutan’s National Air Carrier. The green wall of
hills known as dooars, or gateways into Bhutan from the plains climbs continuously
higher as the plane flies north towards the Tibet border. Silver rivers thread the
valleys, waterfalls plunge down the forested mountainsides, and to the north, the
great snowcapped peaks of the inner Himalayas rise up into the sky. As the aircraft
enters the Paro valley, look down and you will see the Paro Dzong overlooking
Paro Chu(river) with Ta Dzong, watch tower, now the national museum, above it.
Your escort from Eagle Tours, who accompany you throughout the trip, will be
waiting for you at the airport. After completion of airport formalities, you will drive
through fascinating valley of Paro to the hotel. Evening visit to Paro marker and
take a stroll around town’s main street. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 02. Paro - Paro.
Full day sightseeing in the Paro Valley. After breakfast drive to the Drugyel Dzong
or the Fortress of Victory from where the Bhutanese repelled many Tibetan
invasions. The Dzong though in ruins holds great historical importance to the
Bhutanese. From there, in fine weather, one can view the majestic Mt. Jhumolhari
standing at an altitude of 7329m above the sea. Other places of interest include
the National Museum, Paro Rinpong Dzong and the local market. Overnight in
Hotel.
Day 03. Paro - Shana.
Distance 17Km 5-6hours. Altitude of camp-2,800mtrs. Drive up to the end of the
road at Drugyel Dzong where the trek begins. The trail follows the river gently
uphill through narrowing valley and agricultural fields of the Tsento Village.
Overnight in camp near the army outpost.
Day 04. Shana- Soi Thangthagkha.
Distance : 17km. Trek time : 6 - 7 hrs. Altitude of camp. The trail winds continues
uphill following the Paro River until the valley narrows and leads to the slopes.
Then it descends down into another valley. Camp in a meadow.
Day 05. Soi Thangthangkha - Jangothang.
Distance : 19 km. Trek Time : 6 - 7 hrs. Altitude of camp : 4040m. The trek is along
a gradual uphill trail which passes an army out post. Pack lunch on the way. After
lunch you will be passing through the bases of many snow peaked slopes.
Overnight in camp at the base of Mt. Jhumolhari..
Day 06. Jangothang - Lingshi.
Distance : 19km. Trek Time : 6- 7 hrs. Altitude of camp : 4150m. Trek through wide
yak pastures and beautiful snow clad mountains. As you approach the Lingshi
basin, the breathtaking view of the Lingshi Dzong can be seen. The Tsarim Gang
mountain and its glaciers rise up at the north end of the valley. Camp near the
stone shelter for travellers.
Day 07. Lingshi - Chebisa.
Distance : 12km. Trek Time : 5 - 6 hrs. Altitude of camp : 3850m. This is probably
the shortest walking day of your trip and the walk is on a wide trail with hardly and
ascends. On reaching camp one can visit the small yak herding village or take a
walk to the upper end of the valley.
Day 08. Chebisa - Shomuthang.
Distance : 17 km. Trek Time : 6 - 7 hrs. Altitude of camp : 4260m The trek today is
through wild high pastures and the trail passes through a few sparsely populated
villages. You will be crossing the Gobula Pass at an altitude of 4350m. Overnight
in camp.
Day 09. Shomuthang - Robluthang.
Distance : 15km. Trek Time : 5 - 6 hours. Altitude of camp : 4320m. An early start
is advisable as you will be crossing the Jarila Pass which stands at 4600 m above
sea. Then descend down to Tsarijathang where herds of the National Animal,
Takin can be seen. Camp on the flad ledge above the river.
Day 10. Robluthang - Laya.
Distance : 29km. TrekTime : 7 - 8 hours. Altitude of camp : 3804m. After crossing
the Shingela Pass at an altitude of 4900m, the trail descends to the valley beyond.
On reaching Lemithang, the trail splits into two, one leading to the army camp while
the other sticks to higher ground and brings one to the village of Laya. Camp
beside the Laya village.
Day 11. Laya - Laya.
A day of rest and relaxation. One can take a leisurely walk through the village or
hike to the monastery above the village. Entertainment by the local dancersin the
evening. Overnight in camp.
Day 12. Laya - Koina.
Distance : 19km. Trek Time : 6-7 Hours. Altitude of camp : 3800m. The trail winds
up and down along the river valley avoiding natural obstacles and affording
breathtaking views of the crashing river, feeder streams and water falls.
Day 13. Koina - Gasa.
Distance : 17km. Trek Time : 6-7 Hours. Altitude of camp : 2900m. You will be
crossing the Babela Pass at an altitude of 3740m after which the trail is downhill till
the camp site which is by the famous Gasa Hot Spring.
Day 14. Gasa - Gasa.
Relax in the hot spring for the day and let the hot mineral water soothe your aching
limbs.
Day 15. Gasa - Goen Damji.
Distance : 21 km. Trek Time : 6-7 hours. Altitude of camp : 2280m. After a short
climb the trail winds through the rolling hills and passes through pine and oak
forests, villages and wheat fields. As you move away from Gasa, if you look back
you can see the Gasa Dzong glued to the sky seeming to wave you goodbye.
Day 16. Goen Damji - Tashithang - Punakha.
Distance : 15 km. Trek Time : 5 - 6 hours. It is a fairly easy day of the trek. At the
end of the trek, your transportation will be waiting to take you to the hotel.
Day 17. Punakha - Thimphu
After breakfast, drive to the Punakha Dzong for some pictures of the dzong from
outside. Then proceed towards Thimphu. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 18. Thimphu - Paro.
Half day Thimphu sight seeing including the National Library, Zilunkha Nunnery
and the National Memorial Chorten. Lunch in a local restaurant. Evening transfer
to Paro. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 19. Departure.
Depart.
Season
This trek is generally open from April to June and mid September to mid
November. However the best trekking month in Laya region is April.
Price
1 person US$ 200/night halt
2 person US$ 230/person per night halt
3 and above US$ 200/person per night halt
Included in Price
* All meals (mineral water included) and lodging
* All ground transportation within Bhutan which includes pack ponies and porters
during treks
* Multilingual guide
* Entrée fee into monuments and temples.
Not Included in Price
* Airfare, visa fee, airport tax
* Choppers if required emergency evacuation
* Expenses of personal nature like telephones, laundry and hard drinks (alcoholic
beverages)
contact us
Picturesque farmland, alpine pastureland, impressive peaks and numerous
isolated Dzongs providing great deal of cultural interests.
This trek offers a great variety of trekking conditions, from picturesque farmland
and forests to alpine pastureland and high passes.
Spectacular camp site, beneath some of Bhutan’s most impressive peaks, of which
the most notable are Jhumolhari and Jichu Drake, are also the features of this
trekking route.
Numerous isolated Dzongs and scattered settlements, including the outlandish
vallage of Laya, provide a great deal of cultural interest enroute.
Itinerary
Day 01. Arrival at Paro.
Fly into Himalayas with Druk Air, Bhutan’s National Air Carrier. The green wall of
hills known as dooars, or gateways into Bhutan from the plains climbs continuously
higher as the plane flies north towards the Tibet border. Silver rivers thread the
valleys, waterfalls plunge down the forested mountainsides, and to the north, the
great snowcapped peaks of the inner Himalayas rise up into the sky. As the aircraft
enters the Paro valley, look down and you will see the Paro Dzong overlooking
Paro Chu(river) with Ta Dzong, watch tower, now the national museum, above it.
Your escort from Eagle Tours, who accompany you throughout the trip, will be
waiting for you at the airport. After completion of airport formalities, you will drive
through fascinating valley of Paro to the hotel. Evening visit to Paro marker and
take a stroll around town’s main street. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 02. Paro - Paro.
Full day sightseeing in the Paro Valley. After breakfast drive to the Drugyel Dzong
or the Fortress of Victory from where the Bhutanese repelled many Tibetan
invasions. The Dzong though in ruins holds great historical importance to the
Bhutanese. From there, in fine weather, one can view the majestic Mt. Jhumolhari
standing at an altitude of 7329m above the sea. Other places of interest include
the National Museum, Paro Rinpong Dzong and the local market. Overnight in
Hotel.
Day 03. Paro - Shana.
Distance 17Km 5-6hours. Altitude of camp-2,800mtrs. Drive up to the end of the
road at Drugyel Dzong where the trek begins. The trail follows the river gently
uphill through narrowing valley and agricultural fields of the Tsento Village.
Overnight in camp near the army outpost.
Day 04. Shana- Soi Thangthagkha.
Distance : 17km. Trek time : 6 - 7 hrs. Altitude of camp. The trail winds continues
uphill following the Paro River until the valley narrows and leads to the slopes.
Then it descends down into another valley. Camp in a meadow.
Day 05. Soi Thangthangkha - Jangothang.
Distance : 19 km. Trek Time : 6 - 7 hrs. Altitude of camp : 4040m. The trek is along
a gradual uphill trail which passes an army out post. Pack lunch on the way. After
lunch you will be passing through the bases of many snow peaked slopes.
Overnight in camp at the base of Mt. Jhumolhari..
Day 06. Jangothang - Lingshi.
Distance : 19km. Trek Time : 6- 7 hrs. Altitude of camp : 4150m. Trek through wide
yak pastures and beautiful snow clad mountains. As you approach the Lingshi
basin, the breathtaking view of the Lingshi Dzong can be seen. The Tsarim Gang
mountain and its glaciers rise up at the north end of the valley. Camp near the
stone shelter for travellers.
Day 07. Lingshi - Chebisa.
Distance : 12km. Trek Time : 5 - 6 hrs. Altitude of camp : 3850m. This is probably
the shortest walking day of your trip and the walk is on a wide trail with hardly and
ascends. On reaching camp one can visit the small yak herding village or take a
walk to the upper end of the valley.
Day 08. Chebisa - Shomuthang.
Distance : 17 km. Trek Time : 6 - 7 hrs. Altitude of camp : 4260m The trek today is
through wild high pastures and the trail passes through a few sparsely populated
villages. You will be crossing the Gobula Pass at an altitude of 4350m. Overnight
in camp.
Day 09. Shomuthang - Robluthang.
Distance : 15km. Trek Time : 5 - 6 hours. Altitude of camp : 4320m. An early start
is advisable as you will be crossing the Jarila Pass which stands at 4600 m above
sea. Then descend down to Tsarijathang where herds of the National Animal,
Takin can be seen. Camp on the flad ledge above the river.
Day 10. Robluthang - Laya.
Distance : 29km. TrekTime : 7 - 8 hours. Altitude of camp : 3804m. After crossing
the Shingela Pass at an altitude of 4900m, the trail descends to the valley beyond.
On reaching Lemithang, the trail splits into two, one leading to the army camp while
the other sticks to higher ground and brings one to the village of Laya. Camp
beside the Laya village.
Day 11. Laya - Laya.
A day of rest and relaxation. One can take a leisurely walk through the village or
hike to the monastery above the village. Entertainment by the local dancersin the
evening. Overnight in camp.
Day 12. Laya - Koina.
Distance : 19km. Trek Time : 6-7 Hours. Altitude of camp : 3800m. The trail winds
up and down along the river valley avoiding natural obstacles and affording
breathtaking views of the crashing river, feeder streams and water falls.
Day 13. Koina - Gasa.
Distance : 17km. Trek Time : 6-7 Hours. Altitude of camp : 2900m. You will be
crossing the Babela Pass at an altitude of 3740m after which the trail is downhill till
the camp site which is by the famous Gasa Hot Spring.
Day 14. Gasa - Gasa.
Relax in the hot spring for the day and let the hot mineral water soothe your aching
limbs.
Day 15. Gasa - Goen Damji.
Distance : 21 km. Trek Time : 6-7 hours. Altitude of camp : 2280m. After a short
climb the trail winds through the rolling hills and passes through pine and oak
forests, villages and wheat fields. As you move away from Gasa, if you look back
you can see the Gasa Dzong glued to the sky seeming to wave you goodbye.
Day 16. Goen Damji - Tashithang - Punakha.
Distance : 15 km. Trek Time : 5 - 6 hours. It is a fairly easy day of the trek. At the
end of the trek, your transportation will be waiting to take you to the hotel.
Day 17. Punakha - Thimphu
After breakfast, drive to the Punakha Dzong for some pictures of the dzong from
outside. Then proceed towards Thimphu. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 18. Thimphu - Paro.
Half day Thimphu sight seeing including the National Library, Zilunkha Nunnery
and the National Memorial Chorten. Lunch in a local restaurant. Evening transfer
to Paro. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 19. Departure.
Depart.
Season
This trek is generally open from April to June and mid September to mid
November. However the best trekking month in Laya region is April.
Price
1 person US$ 200/night halt
2 person US$ 230/person per night halt
3 and above US$ 200/person per night halt
Included in Price
* All meals (mineral water included) and lodging
* All ground transportation within Bhutan which includes pack ponies and porters
during treks
* Multilingual guide
* Entrée fee into monuments and temples.
Not Included in Price
* Airfare, visa fee, airport tax
* Choppers if required emergency evacuation
* Expenses of personal nature like telephones, laundry and hard drinks (alcoholic
beverages)
contact us
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Meditation Books on Bhutan Lonely Planet Local Writers Local songs
Pen pal Hotels in Bhutan Local Film Industry Business in Bhutan Manufacturing Industries
Tallest Statue of Buddha Nepal Tour Tibet Tour India Tour Bhutanese cuisines