Laya-Gasa Trek (22 Days)

Today we will be doing a preparatory acclimatization hike to Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Bhutan’s most famous monastery at 3100m. Perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above the valley, legend has it that the 8th century Spiritual Master, Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. You can spend the evening doing a leisurely stroll in the streets of Paro.
Overnight at Paro.

Distance: 17 km
Time: 5-6 hours
The trek starts from Drugyal Dzong at 2,580 m with a downhill walk on a wide trail which gently traverses through well-maintained rice terraces and fields of millet. The route later enters through apple orchards and pine forests. Soon the valley widens and you reach the Army Post of Gunitsawa at 2,810m. Crossing beyond Shana Zampa bridge, there are several good camping places in meadows surrounded by trees.
Overnight in camp at Shana

Distance: 20 km
Time: 7-8 hours
Today, the trail follows the Pa Chhu River, ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. Hot lunch will be served after crossing the bridge towards the left side of the river. After lunch, follow the river climbing up through rhododendron forests and after crossing the bridge again, you will reach the campsite at Soe Thangthangkha, at the altitude of 3,750m.

Today is an ideal day for rest and acclimatization for tomorrow’s highest climb on this trek. However, you have options to hike to explore near-by mountains and lakes.
Overnight at Jangothang

Distance: 18 km
Time: 7-8 hours
The trail follows the stream or half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. The climb to the first ridge provides breathtaking views of Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tshering Gang peaks. The walk is then towards the valley before ascending the Ngye La pass at 4,700m. After the pass, it is a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp an altitude of 4000m.
Overnight in Lingshi

Alt. 3850m
Distance 12 km
Time 3-4 hours
Today is the shortest walking day and you may request for a late headstart . The average walking time is just about 3 to 4 hours, and upon reaching the campsite at Chebisa, you can visit the locality of Chebisa and ask to visit one of the village houses.

Distance: 17 km
Time: 5-6 hours.
Today’s walk is through a wide pastureland towards Gobula Pass at 4350 m. After crossing this pass, it is a gradual descent down to the valley. . On the way, there is a probability of seeing people herding their yaks. The campsite at 4260 m is on a bench above a river, which is a tributary of the Mochu river

Distance: 15 km
Time: 6-7 hours.
As the trek is a little strenuous today, it is advisable to start little early. After crossing the Jerela Pass at 4600m, the trail leads down to Tsharijathang valley where you can normally see herds of Takins.
Camp at Tsharijathang. Alt.4390m.

After crossing the Shingela pass, alt. 4900m, you come down and follow the valley. Lingmithang is under the Laya District and you will see people dressed in typical Laya costume with long pointed bamboo hats on their head. Camp at Lingmithang. Alt. 4140m. Distance 19 km. Time 6-7 hours. If you have time, it would be advisable to spend a day here exploring the valley and meeting the people who have a different and unique culture.

oday, you walk all the way downhill along a narrow winding river valley. The trail leads you to the west side of Laya village. Campsite is on a high flat bench above the Laya village. Alt. 3850m. Distance 10 km. Time 3-4 hours.

Rest and explore the Laya village.

he trail winds up and down along the river valley avoiding natural obstacles and affording breath-taking views of the crashing river, feeder streams and water falls.
Camp. Alt. 3800m. Distance 19 km. Time 6-7 hours.

You cross the Babela pass, Alt.3740m, after which the trail is all the way down till you reach the campsite which is close to Gasa Dzong. Alt. 2900m. Distance 17 km. Time 6-7 hours.

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.

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. Arrive Damji. Distance 18 km, 5-6 hours. Your car will be waiting here to transfer to Thimphu. You will drive through 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 till Tashithang. Continue driving to Punakha.
Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Set out for Thimphu with a stop in Dochu La for tea. Visit the new Druk Wangyal Monastery, which is the only of its kind in the country with elaborate paintings depicting the lineage of the present monarchy and their visionary works. Continue drive to Thimphu and check into your hotel on arrival.
Overnight at the hotel In Thimphu.

Visit the Memorial Chorten (a huge stupa) built in memory of the third king who reigned the Kingdom 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 AD. Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building. This massive structure houses part of the government Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body, living quarters of the Chief Abbot and the senior monks.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

In the morning you can hike to Tango Monastery, which was built by the “Divine Madman” in the 15th century. It’s a center of study for monks, and it affords a great view of the Thimphu Valley. Drive back to Thimphu and after lunch you will proceed to Paro.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Drive to Paro Airport. You will be seen off by our representative.