Laya Gasa Trek

Day 01: Arrival in Paro and Local sightseeing. 

Once you land at the Paro International Airport(2250mtrs), you will be well received by our Professional Tour Guide and Driver.

After that, have lunch/snacks or proceed for the following sightseeing places:

Dungtse Lhakhang: The temple was built in the form of chorten(stupa) by Thang Thong Gyalpo in 15th century to subdue a serpentine force that was located at the foundation of the temple. It has three floors representing hell, earth and heaven.

Ta Dzong(National Museum): Built in 1649 as a watch Tower by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal so that they could watch over Paro Valley or enemies coming. Later in 1968, it was established as a National Museum of Bhutan.

Paro Ringpung Dzong(Fortress of Heap of Jewel):  Built in 1644 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal for administrative and monastic purposes for Paro Districts. In 1993 some scenes of a film named Little Buddha were also filmed in this Dzong. Later you can try wearing our national dress, Gho(male)/Kira(female) and take  photographs(optional). Stroll the Paro Market in the evening by walk. Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 02:Taktsang(Tiger’s Nest) Hike

Day 04: Thangthangka to Jangothang( 16kms, 6hrs trek-4090mtrs)
Gradual climb as the vegetation turns rapidly alpine, past an army outpost until the landscape
opens up into wide valley. The view around is surrounded by high ridges and the snow-capped
mountains all the way to Jangothang(land of ruins). You will also come across yaks and yak herder camps. You will also have a very good view of Mt. Jomolhari from here. Overnight stay at the camp.

Day 05: Jangothang Halt
Rest day or explore the valley. There are many options for exploration including climbing the
ridge behind the camp for better view Jumolhari and Jichu Drake or walk to the glacial basin of
Jumolhari or to glacial lakes of Tsophu. A stop here does well for acclimatization since the route
here on goes higher. Overnight stay at the camp.

Day 06: Jangothang to  Lingshi(4150mtrs, 19kms, 6kms time).

The trail enters more serious climb, starting with a climb to a higher basin, from where it levels
for a while until the start for a long climb to Nyile La Pass(4,890mtrs). After the pass, you will
descent into Lingshi basin. The vegetation is sparse and as you approach Lingshi you will see
great view of the frontier Fortress, Mt.Tserim Kang and its glaciers to the north.

Day 07: Lingshi to Chebisa(12kms, 5hrs trek-3880mtrs).
Visit Lingshi Dzong(built on a hill top by Chogyal Minjur Tenpa in the 17th century to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invasions). After 3 hours, you will reach a village known as Gangyul, surrounded by a natural amphitheater of cliffs. Overnight stay in Chebisa.

Day 08: Chebisa to Shakaypasa(16kms, 6hrs trek-3880mtrs)
After climbing of about 2 hours from Chebisa, you will reach  to Goku La pass(4350mtrs). From the pass, you will descend through the rhododendron valley and continue your journey till Shakaypasa where your overnight stay is prepared.

Day 09: Shakaypasa to Tsheringyangu(17kms, hrs trek-4000mtrs).
Again ascend your journey towards Jari La Pass(4747mtrs). From the pass, descend with the picturesque valley of Tsharijatha where herds of Takin (national animal of Bhutan) will be seen especially in summer. After a few minutes of climb from here, you will reach your campsite at Tsheringyangu.

Day 10: Tsheringyangu to Limithang(18kms, 7hrs trek-3890mtrs).
From here ascend your journey towards Sinche La Pass(5000mtrs), the highest pass of our trek. If you are lucky enough then you will encounter Snow Leopard in the area, if not at least you shall view their paw marks. As you descend towards Limithang you will witness the snow-covered peak of Mt. Gangchenta(Great Tiger Mountain-6840mtrs).

Day 11: Limithang to Laya(10kms, 5hrs trek-3840mtrs). 
From here you will start encountering the people of Laya(Layaps) who are yak herders. You will be entering Laya from the west, through the narrow cobblestone paths between the houses. Overnight stay at Laya.

Day 12: Laya Halt
After your trek of about 9 days, you can rest for a day and explore Laya. Meet with the locals and explore the place.

Day 13: Laya to Gasa(16kms, 6hrs trek-3000mtrs)
As you descend for about 2 hours, you will reach to Taktsimakhang, a small army check post. A little further from the army camp, the trail branches where the left trail takes you towards Lunana(Snowman Trek). As you descend further through the junipers and spruce, it steers you through the pine trees and gives you the beautiful view of Gasa Dzong. Overnight stay at Gasa.

Day 14: Gasa Tshachu to Punakha
This is your final destination for the Laya Gasa Trek. After about 2 hours further from here you will reach to Kabina, from where your trekking crew will bid fare well to you and your driver will be looking your way. After the farewell, you will be proceeding towards Punakha which will take about 2 hours to reach by car. After reaching Punakha visit the following places:

Punakha Dzong(Fortress): Lying between the two rivers, Pho Chu(male river) and Mochu(female river) is Punakha Dzong previously known as Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). It was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal for war tactics. Today is serves as the winter residence of Monastic Body of Bhutan.

Suspension Bridge: It is one of the longest Suspension Bridges in Bhutan with the length of about 300mtrs. It connects the Dzong with the villages on the other side of Pho Chu. Take a short walk on the bridge, experience the cool breeze with the flattering flags and mingle with the locals. Overnight stay in Punakha.

Day 15: Punakha to Thimphu and local sightseeing(80kms and 2 hrs drive).

Chimi Lhakhang(Temple of fertility): Upon reaching Punakha, take a short hike towards Chimi Lhakhang crossing a small village and paddy fields. Built in 15th century by Lam Drukpa Kuenley(Divine Mad Man), the temple is know as No Dog Temple. However, today it is also known as the temple of fertility where people come to get the fertility blessing if they are barren. People all around the globe visits the temple and receives the fertility blessing. Your guide will narrate the story of No Dog Temple and show you the evidences of fertility.

Lamperi Royal Botanical Park:  It has many varieties of plants, herbs, birds and animals. If you visit between April and June, you would find about 38 out of 46 species of rhododendron of Bhutan and spot some species birds and animals.

Dochula Pass(30mins): On the way to Punahka, stop at Dochu La Pass(3150m) to witness the 108 stupas built in 2003 by the Queen Mother. Additionally, you will also have a view of the Himalayan Mountain Ranges if the weather is clear.

Textile Museum: Established in 2001 by the Queen Mother, it showcases the textile and the art of weaving. Make a visit to know the textiles and the techniques used to weave the Bhutanese attire.

Centenary Vegetable Market: Explore the local vegetable market where you will find the local and organic fruits, vegetables, dairy products, etc.

Visit Changlimithang Archery Ground: Here you will witness the live Archery(National Game) matches.

Tashichho Dzong(Fortress): Built in the 17th Century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal(First Governor of Bhutan), it is divided into two parts: Administrative block and Monastic block. It also houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan. Moreover, the annual Festival “Tshechu” is also celebrated at this Fortress. Evening explore Thimphu city by walk. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

Day 16: Thimphu local Sightseeing

After the breakfast visit the following places:

Cheri Monastery: Take a 45 minutes drive to reach the base of Cheri Monastery and embrace an hour hike to the Monastery. Built in 1620 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal is the retreat centre for the Drukpa lineage of  Kagyu sect of Buddhism. Your guide will give you the insights of the Monastery.

Kuensel Phodrang(Buddha Point): Standing at a height of 169ft(51.5m) is The Buddha Dordenma which was built from 2006 to 2015 to have peace and prosperity in the world.

Changangkha Lhakhang: It was established in 13th century by Nyima, one of the sons of Phajo Drugom Zhipo(Introduced Drukpa Kagyu sects in Bhutan) to flourish Drukpa Kagyu. Today this Monastery is very much famous for naming a new born baby.

Takin Preserve Centre: Here you can witness the National Animal of Bhutan Takin who has the head of a goat and the body of a cow. Mythologically it was created by a great spiritual master Lam Drukpa Kuenley(Divine Mad Man) in the 15th century and it is an endangered species.

Thangthong Dewachen Nunnery: Established in 1976 by the 16th emanation of Thangtong Gyalpo(Iron Bridge Builder),Drubthob Rikey Jadrel. Here the nuns they study Buddhism and dedicate their lives for community service. Currently is has about 70 nuns.

National Library and Archives: This Library was established in 1967 to preserve and promote the rich cultural and religious heritage of Bhutan where sacred religious books and manuscripts are collected. In addition, it also has the world’s Largest Book.

Painting School: It is a school where students learn 13 arts and crafts like wood carving, painting, embroidery, sculpturing, tailoring, etc. You can witness the students learning the skills in different classrooms.

Folk Heritage Museum: Established in 2001 by the Queen Mother, the Museum provides the insights of Bhutanese culture and it’s way of life. It showcases the typical Bhutanese house with living room, storage room, alter room, kitchen, tools and utensils used by them. You will also witness the process of making the local wine(Ara) and the roasted rice(Zau). Evening explore Thimphu city by walk. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

Day 17: Thimphu to Paro-Departure(60kms, 1hr drive)
After the breakfast, drive towards the Airport for final departure. Taking the good memories of Bhutan, we will say “Lok jay gay”(will meet next time). Please visit Bhutan again and refer us to your friends and families at +97517236237 or mail us at travelmorebhutan@gmail.com.