Laya Gasa Trek

Highlights:

• Scenic Beauty: Snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, and pristine forests.
• Laya Village: Unique culture and hospitality of the Layap people.
• Hot Springs: Relaxing natural hot springs in Gasa.
• Remote Wilderness: Tranquil trekking through secluded valleys.
• Gasa Dzong: Historic fortress with panoramic views.
• Mountain Passes: Crossing Nyele La and Sinche La for Himalayan vistas.
• Flora and Fauna: Diverse wildlife and vibrant rhododendrons.
• Cultural Interaction: Insightful encounters with local villagers.

Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Paro

• Arrival at Paro International Airport.
• Transfer to your hotel in Paro.
• Rest and acclimatize to the altitude.
• Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong and explore Paro town.
• Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 2: Paro Sightseeing

• Visit Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), one of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks.
• Explore Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.
• Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 3: Paro – Shana (Start of Trek)

• Drive to the trailhead at Shana (2,870 meters).
• Begin trekking along the Paro Chhu river.
• Camp overnight at Shana.
• Distance: 17 kilometers, 5-6 hours trek.
• Altitude gain: 360 meters.

Day 4: Shana – Thangthangka

• Trek through beautiful forests and lush valleys.
• Pass through small settlements and yak herder camps.
• Camp overnight at Thangthangka (3,630 meters).
• Distance: 22 kilometers, 7-8 hours trek.
• Altitude gain: 760 meters.

Day 5: Thangthangka – Jangothang

• Continue trekking towards Jangothang.
• Enjoy stunning views of Mount Jomolhari along the way.
• Arrive at Jangothang (4,040 meters), a beautiful valley with grazing yaks.
• Camp overnight at Jangothang.
• Distance: 19 kilometers, 6-7 hours trek.
• Altitude gain: 410 meters.

Day 6: Jangothang (Acclimatization Day)

• Rest and acclimatize at Jangothang.
• Optional day hike to Tshophu Lake or other nearby viewpoints.
• Explore the surrounding area and enjoy the views.
• Camp overnight at Jangothang.

Day 7: Jangothang – Lingshi

• Trek over the Nyele La Pass (4,890 meters), offering panoramic views of the Himalayas.
• Descend into the Lingshi Valley.
• Camp overnight at Lingshi (4,010 meters).
• Distance: 18 kilometers, 7-8 hours trek.
• Altitude gain: 850 meters, descent: 880 meters.

Day 8: Lingshi – Chebisa

• Trek to Chebisa, passing through beautiful alpine meadows and forests.
• Visit Chebisa village, known for its traditional Bhutanese architecture.
• Camp overnight at Chebisa (3,970 meters).
• Distance: 10 kilometers, 4-5 hours trek.
• Altitude gain: 140 meters, descent: 40 meters.

Day 9: Chebisa – Shomuthang

• Trek through rhododendron forests and yak pastures.
• Cross the Gobu La Pass (4,410 meters).
• Descend into the Shomuthang Valley.
• Camp overnight at Shomuthang (4,220 meters).
• Distance: 17 kilometers, 6-7 hours trek.
• Altitude gain: 250 meters, descent: 150 meters.

Day 10: Shomuthang – Robluthang

• Trek over the Jare La Pass (4,770 meters), with views of Mount Gangchhenta.
• Descend into the Tsharijathang Valley.
• Camp overnight at Robluthang (4,160 meters).
• Distance: 18 kilometers, 7-8 hours trek.
• Altitude gain: 550 meters, descent: 610 meters.

Day 11: Robluthang – Lemithang

• Trek over the Sinche La Pass (5,005 meters), the highest point of the trek.
• Descend into the Lemithang Valley, known for its rhododendron forests.
• Camp overnight at Lemithang (4,140 meters).
• Distance: 19 kilometers, 7-8 hours trek.
• Altitude gain: 845 meters, descent: 865 meters.

Day 12: Lemithang – Laya

• Trek through dense forests of hemlock and juniper.
• Arrive at Laya village (3,800 meters), known for its unique culture and traditions.
• Explore the village and interact with the friendly locals.
• Overnight stay in Laya.
• Distance: 10 kilometers, 4-5 hours trek.
• Altitude gain: 260 meters, descent: 340 meters.

Day 13: Laya – Gasa

• Trek to Gasa village, passing through beautiful landscapes and forests.
• Visit Gasa Dzong, a picturesque fortress overlooking the valley.
• Relax and unwind at the hot springs in Gasa.
• Overnight stay in Gasa.
• Distance: 17 kilometers, 6-7 hours trek.
• Altitude gain: 40 meters, descent: 1,040 meters.

Day 14: Gasa – Punakha – Paro

• Drive back to Punakha and visit Punakha Dzong.
• Continue driving to Paro.
• Farewell dinner in Paro.
• Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 15: Departure from Paro

• Transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.

Please note that trekking itineraries may vary based on weather conditions, trail conditions, and the group’s pace.