Laya Gasa Trek 17 Days

Arrive in Paro, where our friendly representative will welcome you and accompany you to your hotel. After a delicious lunch, we’ll visit the impressive 17th-century Rimpung Dzong, a historical fortress and the heart of civil and religious administration in the Paro valley. Take a leisurely walk across a traditional wooden bridge to reach Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and holiest shrines in Bhutan. In the evening, explore the charming town of Paro.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on an exhilarating hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, also known as Taktsang Goemba. This iconic attraction in Paro is perched on a cliff at 3180m and offers breathtaking views. The hike takes approximately 2-3 hours each way. Explore the monastery and then trek back to Paro.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Today, our trek begins from the ruins of Drugyal Dzong at 2300m. We’ll walk along a wide trail, descending gently through picturesque rice terraces, millet fields, apple orchards, and forests. Passing Gunitsawa village and an army post, we’ll reach our campsite, located on the other side of the river, not far from Gunitsawa. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Camp at 2850m.

Continue your trek today, encountering small ups and downs along the way. After trekking uphill through the river valley, the trail narrows and descends to a beautiful meadow, where we’ll set up camp at 3750m. If weather permits, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Mt. Jumolhari.

Today, our trek takes us up the Paro Chhu valley, passing through alpine meadows and forests. Enjoy the sight of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks as we cross an army checkpoint. The landscape will be dotted with yaks and their herders’ homes. Passing several villages, we’ll arrive at Jangothang, one of the most stunning campsites in the Himalayas, offering breathtaking views of Mount Jumolhari and Jichu Drake.

Take a day to rest and acclimatize in Jangothang. You’ll have plenty of opportunities for day hikes with incredible views of lakes and snow-capped mountains like Jumolhari and Jichu Drake. Keep an eye out for blue sheep on the slopes. Optionally, you can trek to Tsophu Lake or explore the surrounding area.

Today’s trek leads us to the first ridge with a magnificent view of Jumolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tshering Gang. We’ll then descend to a valley and gradually climb to the Ngye-La pass at 4830m. After crossing the pass, we’ll descend gradually to the Lingshi camp, enjoying panoramic views of the peaks and Lingshi Dzong.

We’ll start by reaching a Chorten below Lingshi Dzong and then have the option to visit the dzong, perched on a high ridge. The day’s trek is pleasant and easy, passing through villages and yak herders’ camps. After reaching Chebisa, you’ll have ample time to explore the village houses and visit a stunning waterfall located nearby.

Today’s trek begins with a climb behind Chebisa Village, leading to Gobu La pass at 4420m. Along the way, we may encounter yaks and herds of blue sheep. After crossing the pass, we descend into a U-shaped valley called Shakshepasa. From there, we’ll climb a bit before reaching the campsite at Shomuthang, located above a tributary of the Nochu river.

We start the day by climbing up the valley, surrounded by beautiful Edelweiss flowers. Along the way, we’ll catch glimpses of Kang Bum, a snow-capped peak, and the Great Tiger Mountain. After trekking for about two hours, we’ll reach Jhari La pass, where we can enjoy breathtaking views. Continuing on, we’ll reach the campsite at Robluthang, situated in a rocky meadow.

Today’s trek includes a challenging climb to Shingela pass at 5010m, offering stunning mountain vistas. As we descend, we’ll encounter a magnificent terminal moraine and a glacial lake. Trekking through the Kango Chhu, we’ll finally reach the Lingmithang campsite, with the impressive peak of Gangchhenta in the background.

Wake up to a mesmerizing view of Gangchhenta peak. The walk to Laya is delightful, passing through a damp forest teeming with moss and melodious birds. Reach Laya village, the second-highest settlement in Bhutan, at 3850m. Enjoy the breathtaking vistas of Mt. Gangchhenta and Mt. Masagang from the village.

Descend to an army camp and follow the Mo Chhu river until we cross a bridge. The trail will take us up and down through juniper and fir forests. Eventually, we’ll arrive at the campsite in Koena at an altitude of 3800m.

Embark on a walk across flat terrain to the Barila La pass at 4100m. From there, it’s a downhill journey to Gasa Tshachu, a hot spring where you can relax and enjoy its therapeutic properties. Experience the charm of Gasa village and spend the night at the campsite.

Drive from Gasa to Punakha, passing through scenic agricultural benches and a lush semi-tropical gorge filled with banana trees. Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful fortresses. Enjoy your overnight stay in Punakha.

Depart Punakha for Thimphu, making a stop at Dochu-La pass to admire the breathtaking Himalayan views. Check into your hotel in Thimphu and spend the afternoon exploring the capital city at your leisure.

After breakfast, take your time to relax before being escorted to Paro International Airport for your departure flight. We hope you had an incredible trekking experience and look forward to serving you again in the future.