Bhutan, Laya Gasa Trek
This trek offers interesting trekking conditions from picturesque
farmland and forests to alpine pasture and high passes. Spectacular
campsites, beneath some of Bhutan's most impressive peaks are also
the features of this trekking route. Various isolated places of
cultural interest en route further enhance its characteristics.
Season: The trek is generally open from April to mid June and mid
September to mid November but April is the best month for trekking
on this route.
Day 1: Arrive Paro
Druk Airways flight to Bhutan is one of the most spectacular in
the entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from
Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkatta, each flight is a
mesmerizing aeronautical feat and offers an exciting descent into
the Kingdom.
On arrival at Paro airport, following immigration and custom formalities
you will be received by our representative and then taken to your
hotel. In the evening take a stroll around the town's main street.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 2: Paro
Morning visit to Ta Dzong, built in 17th century, as a watch tower
to defend Paro Dzong and the valley. This fortress was later converted
into the National Museum in 1968 and is filled with antique thangkha
paintings, textiles, weapons and Bhutan's renowned postage stamps.
Below the Ta Dzong is the fascinating Rinpung Dzong meaning 'fortress
of the heap of jewels', which has a long and interesting history.
In the afternoon see Kyichu Lhakhang – one of the oldest and
most sacred shrines of Bhutan.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 3: Paro – Shana (17 km, 5/6 hours)
The trek starts from Drukgyel Dzong at 2,580m with a short downhill
walk on a wide trail. The trail climbs gently traversing through
well maintained rice terraces and fields of millet. The route later
enters an area of apple orchards and forests. Soon the valley widens
and you reach the army post of Gunyitsawa at 2,810m. This is the
last stop before Tibet.
At 2,870m, just beyond Sharma Zampa, there are several good camping
places in meadows surrounded by trees.
Day 4: Shana – Soi Thangthangkha (20 km, 7/8 hours)
The trail again follows Pa Chhu (Paro 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 finally
crossing the bridge again, reaching the campsite at 3,750m.
Day 5: Soi Thangthangkha – Jangothang (19 km, 7/8 hours)
The path ascends for a while till you reach the army camp. Then
follow the river above the tree line enjoying the stunning view
of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch will be served inside a yak
herder's camp. A short walk into the valley will take you to the
camp at Jangothang at 4,040m. From here the view of Mount. Chomolhari
and Jichu Drake is superb.
Day 6: Jangothang – Lingshi (18 km, 7/8 hours)
The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge
to the right hand side. Start the ascent up to the first ridge with
a breathtaking view of Mount. Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsrim
Khang. Then walk towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until
the climb to the Nyele la pass at 4,700m. After the pass, it is
a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the panormic view
of the peaks and Lingshi Dzong. Campsite at 4,000m.
Day 7: Lingshi – Chebisa (10 km, 5/6 hours)
Proceed further passing Lingshi Dzong, perched on the hilltop with
a commanding view of green hills, winding roads and magnificent
peaks. The actual name of Lingshi Dzong is Yugyel Dzong. Built in
17th century it played a role in controlling travel over Lingshi
La (pass) between Tibet and Bhutan. Today's walk is easy and pleasant
through villages and a yak herders camp. Camp by the side of a stream
at 3,860m.
Day 8: Chebisa – Shomuthang (17 km, 6/7 hours)
The day begins with stiff climb to Gomby La (4,450m) then it is
a long descent to a stream at 4,170m. Later the trail again climbs
over a small ridge through a cedar forest. It is a long climb over
the ridge then the trail descends on a muddy path into the main
Jholethang valley in a deep forest of fir and birch. Afternoon,
the trail traverses high above the valley floor to Chachim, a yak
pasture at 4,260m. The camp at 4,250m is in a cluster of brush beside
a stream at the bottom of the valley.
Day 09: Shoumuthang – Robluthang (18 km, 6/7 hours)
The trek begins with a climb to Jari La pass at 4,700m then descends
to Tasharijathang valley, the summer residence of rare Himalayan
Takin (Bhutan's National animal). Later after crossing the stream,
the trail ascends till you reach Robluthang camp at 4,200m.
Day 10: Roluthang – Limithang (19 km, 7/8 hours)
This day is long as well as tough crossing Shinjela (4,900m), the
last and highest pass en route. You may be able to spot Blue Sheep
high on the slopes. From Shinjela, the descent is on a rough, rocky
trail that follows moraine into another glacial valley. The last
part of the trek is very interesting with a fascinating view of
Mt. Gangchey Ta. Camp in a meadow at 4,140m.
Day 11: Limithang – Laya (10 km, 4/5 hours)
The walk to Laya is very pleasant with wonderful views. You will
pass through a damp forest filled with moss and singing birds. Arrive
at Laya village, the second highest settlement in the country at
3,800m.
Day 12: Laya – Chamsa (19 km, 8/9 hours)
Descend to army camp and join the Mo Chhu river. Follow the river
till you cross the bridge. After the bridge it is up and down several
times through juniper and fir forest until you reach the camp at
Chamsa at 3,500m.
Day 13: Chamsa – Gasa Tsachu (14 km, 6/7 hours)
Walk for about half an hour over flat land till the Bari La (3,900m).
There is a small rock cairn and a few prayer flags at the pass.
The route starts down again, sometimes steeply, through a bamboo
forest to a stream. Later it is downhill all the way to Gasa Tsachu.
In the afternoon visit Gasa village and Dzong built in 17th century.
Then descend to Gasa Tsachu (hot spring) for camp at 2,200m.
Day 14: Gasa Tsachu – Damji (18 km, 6 hours)
The path continues ascending and descending through heavily forested
areas and wild orchids. Overnight camp at altitude of 2,400m.
Day 15: Damji – Tashithang (16 km, 6 hours)
Continue following the Mo Chhu river through a heavily forested
area till you reach Tashithang at an altitude of 1,620m. Be picked
up by our transport and transfer to the hotel in Punakha.
Day 16: Punakha – Thimphu (75 km, 21/2
hours)
Morning visit to Punakha Dzong and Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten.
Then drive to Wangduephodrang visiting Dzong and local market. Afternoon
drive to Thimphu for overnight stay.
Day 17: Thimphu – Paro (55 km, 2hours)
Full day of sightseeing in Thimphu. Visit the Memorial Chorten,
Trashichhodzong, National Library, Arts & Crafts School, Textile
and Folk Heritage Museum, Handicrafts Emporium. Evening drive to
Paro for overnight stay.
Day 18: Depart Paro
After breakfast transfer to Paro International Airport for onward
flight.
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