Trip Overview
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Trip Code: NHT480
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Destination: Bhutan
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Trip Grade: Moderate, Easy
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Max Elevation: 4900 m
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Total Duration: 20 days
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Best Time: March - May and Sept - Dec
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Group Size: 04 - 20 People
Laya Gasa Trek with cultural tour is a power package of nature and culture. It takes you through the diverse terrain to cater your hunger for mountains and high altitude landscapes. It is an extended version of Chomolhari Trek that showers you with diverse natural beauty in its own pristine attire. The adventure of crossing the high altitude passes, jumping by the rivers, walking through the lush forests and warm farmlands, nothing could be more heart whelming. The 20 days Laya Gasa Trek is not easy but not tough either. It is a moderate kind of trek that requires a bit of endurance for long walks in the high altitude regions.
As you walk along the trail, you will traverse through various ups and downs. You pass through the forests of oak, fir, rhododendron, fern, and mosses to emerge into waterfalls and rivers that are stunningly beautiful. The sparsely populated valleys, hills and mountain villages lets you find peace within the heart. The glacier lakes and hot water springs formed from the mountain water are alluring and you can enjoy the hot water bath at the natural hot spring of Gasa. It is believed to be an ailment for pains and weaknesses in body. The unique ways and lifestyle of people along the way is enlightening and fascinating. The dressing style of women in Laya – women with long hair in the black skirt made up of yak and sheep’s wool with a uniquely pointed bamboo hat is a fascinating thing that you will ever see.
Laya Gasa Trek with cultural tour is an opportunity to visit many architecturally rich monasteries and dzongs of Bhutan built in dramatic and sophisticated location. It is also an opportunity to encounter the rare flora and faunas found only in Himalayan regions. Walking along the isolated pastures and encountering blue sheep, musk deer, Takins or marmots on the way would be an everlasting memory. The Himalayan region of Bhutan is a home to some of the rare animals like snow leopard, Himalayan bear and Yeti.
Join Nepal Hiking Team to make your journey to Bhutan more exciting and auspicious. Trekking to Laya Gasa is open from April – June and September – November. However, the best season to visit Bhutan is April.
Itinerary Expand All
Day 01 - Arrive in Paro
Upon arrival in Paro, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After lunch in the restaurant, you can visit the Paro Dzong. It was built in 1646 and now houses government offices and religious institutions, as do all the Dzongs (forts) currently. You’ll cross a traditional wooden bridge on the way to the Dzong. Afterward you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country. From there you will be taken to the Drugyal Dzong (Bhutan Victory Fort), which was built in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invaders during the 1600s. On a clear day you can see Mount Jumolhari, Bhutan’s second-highest mountain at 7,329 meters, from the village below the Dzong. In the evening you can stroll through the Paro market and town. Overnight at hotel, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 02 - Paro Acclimatization Hike
After breakfast, full day excursion to Taktsang or the “tiger’s nest” perched precariously on the cliff 900m above the floor of the Paro valley. It is the most famous monastery in Bhutan. It is said that Guru Rimpoche have flown to the site of the monastery on the back of a tigress and meditated here for three months. Lunch would be served in the Cafeteria. Return to Paro in the evening. Overnight at hotel, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 03 - Paro to Shana [trek starts]
Drive up to the road end at Drugyal Dzong where 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.- 2800 Meters, Distance – 17 Kms and time 5-6 hours. Overnight at tented camp, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 04 - Shana to Soi Thangthangkha
Continue uphill through the river valley which narrows and closes in after some distance. The trail then winds up and down along the drainage. Most of the trail actually is downhill after the initial climb. The camp site is located in a meadow with stone shelter. Alt. Approx. – 3400 Meters, Distance 15 Kms. Time 4-5 hours. Overnight at tented camp, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 05 - Soi Thangthangkha to Jangothang
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 snowcapped mountains all around and also see the yaks and the yak herders winter settlements. Camp beneath a ruined fortress at the base of the Chomolhari mountain. Alt – 4040 Meters, Distance 19 Kms and time 5-6 hrs. Overnight at tented camp, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 06 - Jangothang to Lingshi
Walk up toward 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. Aft.- 4150 Meters, 19 Kms. Time 5-6 hrs. Overnight at tented camp, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 07 - Lingshi to Chebisa
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 up to it. Aft.- 3850 Meters, Distance 12 Kms. Time 3-4 hours. Overnight at tented camp, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 08 - Chebisa to Shomuthang
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 up to it. Aft.- 3850 Meters, Distance 12 Kms. Time 3-4 hours. Overnight at tented camp, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 09 - Shomuthang to Robluthang
As the walk is little strenuous, it is advisable to start early. After crossing the Jarela (pass) Alt. 4600m, you come down to Tsarijathang valley where you can normally see herds of Takins. Camp at Tsarijathang. Aft.- 4390 Meters, Distance 15 Kms. Time 6 – 7 hours. Overnight at tented camp, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 10 - Robluthang to Lemithang
After crossing the Shingela pass, aft. 4900m, 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. Aft. 4140 Meters, 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. Overnight at tented camp, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 11 - Lemithang to Laya
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. 3850m, Distance 10 Kms. Time 3-4 hours. Overnight at tented camp, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 12 - Laya [halt]
Halt in Laya for rest and to explore the Laya village. Overnight at tented camp, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 13 - Laya to Koena
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. Alt. 3800 Meters, Distance 19 Kms. Time 6-7 hours. Overnight at tented camp, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 14 - Koena to Gasa
You cross the Babela pass, Alt. 3740m, after which the trail is all the way downhill to the camp site which is close to Gasa Dzong. Alt. 2900 Meters, Distance 17 Kms. Time 6-7 hours. Overnight at tented camp, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 15 - Gasa to Gasa Tsachu [hot spring]
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. Overnight at tented camp, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 16 - Gasa Tsachu to Geon Damji
After a short climb, the trail winds through the rolling hills and passes through the pine and oak forests, villages and wheat fields. You will also see a beautiful view of the Gasa Dzong glued to the valley wall, seeming to float in space. Camp. Alt. 2280 Meters, Distance 21 Kms. Time 6-7 hrs. Overnight at tented camp, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 17 - Geon Damji to Tashithang
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. Camp at Tashithang. Alt. 1700 Meters, Distance 17 Kms. Time 6-7 hours. Overnight at tented camp, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 18 - Tashithang to Khuruthang [trek ends]
After a short walk to the motor road, drive down to Punakha valley. 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 . 77 Kms. Time approx. 3 hrs. Overnight at tented camp, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 19 - Thimphu [Morning] to Paro [Afternoon]
Drive to Dechenchlioling, 6 Kms from Thimphu town to view the Queen Mother’s 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 Par0. 65 Kms. Time 2 hrs drive. Overnight at hotel, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 20 - Depart from Paro
In the morning our escort will bid you farewell at Paro airport.
Cost Includes
- All ground transportation by private vehicle including airport transfers
- Assistance in acquiring Bhutan visa and visa fee
- Accommodation at a 3-star category hotel in Paro and Thimpu, approved by Bhutanese Government
- Single room surcharge when travelling 2 people in a group
- Full board meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek and tours
- Tented accommodation during the trek,
- Govt. trained guide and necessary no. of porters with their meals, salary and insurance
- Mineral water will be supplied during the tour and boiled water during the trek
- All entry/permit fees during the tour/trekking
- All applicable government taxes and tourist service charges
- Our office expenses and service charge
Cost Excludes
- Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary”
- International flights
- Accommodation in Kathmandu
- Nepal entry and re-entry visa fee
- Personal shopping, internet/Phone bill, and laundry
- Pony service and porters
- Tips for tour guide and driver (Tipping is appreciated but it is not mandatory
