19 Nights / 20 Days
Laya Gasa Trekking Tour Bhutan
Paro, Punakha, and Thimphu Tour Overview
This beautiful trek begins from Paro Druk Gyal Dzong and follows the same route as the Jomolhari trek 1 till Lingshi, after that, it heads north into the high country. Snow-capped mountains can close the high passes, but they are generally open from mid-March to May and mid-August to mid-November.
The Laya Gasa Trekking Tour Bhutan is one of the most iconic and challenging treks in Bhutan, offering stunning views of the Himalayan range and a deep dive into the country鈥檚 unique culture and untouched landscapes. The month of April is considered the best trekking season for Laya trekkers. This tour also offers diverse flora and fauna, as well as good chances to spot blue sheep and wild takin, the national animal of Bhutan.
You will be received at the airport by our company representative from Bhutan Dragon Adventures and transferred to your hotel.
Morning: Drive to Drukgyel Dzong (a ruined fortress 鈥 16 kms from Paro town) or the fortress of the victorious Drukpas. From here, the peak of Chomolhari 鈥淢ountain of the Goddess鈥 can be seen on a clear day (Alt 7,329 mtrs/24,029 ft) on the way back, visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse.Visit the Rinpung Dzong. Built in 1645 A.D. This fortress is presently the seat of the district administration and the residence of the monk body. Lunch in the hotel.
After lunch, visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong). Once the watch tower for the Rinpung Dzong, it was converted into the National Museum in 1968. Visit Kyichu Lhakhang (Lhakhang means Monastery). Kyichu Lhakhang was built in 659 A.D by the King Soingtsen Gampo of Tibet as one of 108 such monasteries built across the Himalayas to spread Buddhism. It is located between Paro town and Drukgyel Dzong. This temple marks the advent of Buddhism in Bhutan.
Drive up to Drugyal Dzong where the trek begins. Follow the river gently uphill through a narrowing valley of paddy fields. You will find plenty of traditional farm houses along the way. The camp site is just beyond an army outpost.
Alt 鈥 2800 mtrs. Distance 鈥 17 kms and time 5-6 hrs.
Continue uphill through the river valley which narrows and closes in after some distance. The trail then winds up and down along the drainage.The camp site is located in a meadow with stone shelter.
Alt.approx 鈥 3400 mtrs. Distance 15 kms. Time 6-7 hrs.
Walk up along the Pachu (Paro River), pass a small army outpost where the valley begins to widen again. You can now clearly view the high ridges and the snow capped mountains all around and also sees the yaks and the yak herder鈥檚 winter settlements. Camp beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Jhomolhari Mountain.
Alt 鈥 4040 mtrs. Distance 19 kms and time 5-6 hrs.
Walk up towards the pass through a wide pasture land. Depending on the season you are there, you might find some yak herders in their camping tents along the way. As you come down after the pass to the Lingshi basin, you will see some beautiful views of the lingshi Dzong and the valley and also Tserim Kang (mountain) and its descending glaciers at the north end of the valley. Camp in a stone shelter with a built in fire pit or in the tent.
Alt. 4150 mtrs. Distance 19 kms and time 5-6 hrs.
Today is the shortest walking day and you can really take it easy. On reaching the camp site at Chebisa, you can visit the village houses if you feel upto it.
Alt.3850 mtrs. Distance 12 kms and time 3-4 hrs.
You walk through a wide pasture land towards Gobu-la (pass). On the way, you will see few people herding yaks. After crossing the Gobu-la (Alt4350 mtrs) descend down to the valley. The camp site is on a bench above a river which is a tributary of Punakha Mochu River.
Alt.4260 mtrs. Distance 17 kms and time 5-6 hrs.
As the walk is little strenuous, it is advisable to start early. After crossing the Jarela (pass) atl.4600 mtrs you come down to Tsarijathang valley where you can normally see herds of Takins. Camp at Tsarijathang.
Alt 4390 mtrs. Distance 15 kms and time 6-7 hrs.
After crossing the Shingela pass, (alt.4900 mtrs), you come down and follow the valley. Lemithang is under the Laya District and you will see people dressed in typical Laya costume with conical bamboo hats. Camp at Lemithang.
Alt 4140 mtrs. Distance 19 kms time 6-7 hrs.
If you have time, it would be advisable to spend a day here exploring the valley and meeting the people who have a unique culture and way of life.
Today, you walk all the way downhill along a narrow winding river valley. The trail leads you to the west side of Laya village. Camp site is on a high flat bench above the Laya village.
Alt 3850 mtrs. Distance 10 kms and time 3-4 hrs.
Halt in Laya for rest and to explore the Laya village.
The trail winds up and down along the river valley avoiding natural obstacles and affording breathtaking views of the crashing river, feeder streams and waterfalls.
Camp alt 3800 mtrs. Distance 19 kms and time 鈥7 hrs.
You cross the Babela pass, Alt.3740 mtrs after which the trail is all the way downhill to the camp site which is close to Gasa Dzong.
Alt 2900 mtrs. Distance 17 kms and time 6-7 hrs.
After a late breakfast, trek to Gasa Tsachu. After lunch relax in the hot spring. The Gasa Tsachu is one of the most popular hot springs in Bhutan. Camp at Gasa Tsachu.
The trail descends from the high agricultural benches above the Mochu (Chu means River) into a lush semi-tropical gorge filled with banana trees, creepers and various tropical vegetation. You will also see monkeys and few other animals occasionally.
You will be picked up by car. Stop at Punakha and visit the Punakha Dzong. Punakha was the former capital of Bhutan. The Dzong lies between two rivers known as Phochu and Mochu which means Male River and Female River. It was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of Bhutan in 1637 A.D and is one of the most important and historical Dzongs in Bhutan. Lunch in Punakha. After lunch, drive to Thimphu.
Drive 77 kms. Time approx 3 hrs. Overnight in hotel.
Visit the Memorial Chorten, a huge stupa built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972, Visit the national Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. Visit the wood Craft and Painting school where traditional arts and crafts are still kept alive. Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased.
Visit Simtokha Dzong. This is one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan. It was built in 1629 A.D and presently houses the largest monastic school in the country. Visit Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the Royal Government as well as the summer residence of the Head Abbot and the central monastic school. Overnight in hotel in Thimphu. Overnight in hotel.
Drive to Dechenchholing, 6 kms from Thimphu town to view the Queen Mother鈥檚 Palace from the outside. You can take pictures of the Palace and the Dechenchholing Monastery from the outside only. Drive back to Thimphu and take a leisurely stroll in the market.
After lunch, drive to Paro 65 kms. Time 1 hr drive. Overnight in Hotel.
Drive up to Satsam Chorten (10kms from Paro town) and from there walk up to Taktsang monastery. The name Taktsang means 鈥淭iger鈥檚 Nest鈥. The Monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer dro0p of nearly 4000 ft. and offers a stunning view of Paro valley. It is said that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padma Sambhava meditated in the spot where the Monastery is situated, having alighted there on the back of a flying tigress.
Lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria. The round trip hike takes about 4 hours. Overnight in Paro
This morning we will have our last Bhutanese breakfast and then we鈥檒l be transported to the Paro National Airport for our departure flights home.
Bhutan is a place that you will never, ever forget. Magical memories will be yours to recall forever. Just close your eyes 鈥
Thank you and Tashi Delek!
Bhutan is a unique country in terms of culture, natural wonders, climate, and people with diversity. It is a paradise on earth. To have a lifetime experience in Bhutan, you should count on a trusted and experienced tour guide.
Travelers Choice serves as a reliable tour guide in Bhutan. It is an agency established by expert professionals with rich experience in the tourism field. The company is well-known for its secure, excellent, and reliable services. We at Travelers Choice assure clients of the best possible services in Bhutan due to our experience, expertise, and infrastructure.
We are specialists with several years of experience operating hiking, trekking, pilgrimage & cultural tours, adventure tours, yoga & Ayurveda tours, and wildlife tours in Bhutan. For us, our clients are very precious and our responsibility. We will make it hassle-free- from sightseeing, hiking, trekking, transportation, accommodation, and other activities in Bhutan. As a customer-centric organization, we strive for customer satisfaction. We can give you 24/7 assistance for their travel needs -from the day they begin your trip with us until you reach your homes.听
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