Laya Gasa Trek
Your trek starts from the historic Drugyel Dzong (2580m). The Dzong is a 12km drive north of Paro Valley from the hotel. You will meet your trekking crew here. After a short while, you will start walking on a wide trail that follows the Pa Chhu (Paro River). The trail will gradually ascend as you walk through the countryside, offering views of rice paddies and fields of millet. As the valley widens, you will find apple orchards, traditional Bhutanese farmhouses, and the small settlements of Mitshi Zampa and Sangatan. Following the route through a blue pine forest, you will reach the army post of Gunitsawa at 2810m, where your trekking permits will be checked and stamped. You will then climb towards Sharna Zampa (2870m) after crossing the Pa Chhu on a wooden bridge. You will be camping at Sharna Zampa in the meadows among the trees for the night.
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Day 01: Arrive Paro International Airport
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be welcomed by our company representative. The tour guide will receive you and escort you to your designated hotel in Paro and prepare for your trekking adventure.
Day 02: Paro to Sharna Zampa
The trek starts from Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined fort, which was once defended this valley from Tibetan invasions. The trail then climbs gently through rice terraces and field of millet. Later on we come to apple orchards and forests. Finally at "Gunitsawa", a military camp, which also junctions as a checked point for the army. Here the permits for the trek have to be produced. We continue upwards to just beyond Sharma Zampa, where there are good camping places. Overnight at campsite.
Day 03: Sharna Zampa to Soi Thangkha
The trail follows the Pa Chu River through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses. As we go up the valley becomes narrow, wilder and steeper. After crossing a bridge to the left bank of the river, we stop for lunch. Then continue along the river, climbing upwards through Rhododendron forest, and again we have to cross river to reach our campsite. Overnight at campsite.
Day 04: Soi Thangkha to Jangothang base camp
The path ascends for a while until we reach the army camp. We then follow the river above the tree line, enjoying stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch is served at a yak herder's camp. A short walk from here into the valley takes us to our campsite at Jangothang (4,040m). From here, the views of Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake are superb. Overnight at campsite.
Day 05: Jangothang acclimatization and exploration
Today is not a long trekking day but it will involve a significant gain in altitude as your trail goes above tree line. As you take the path that ascends from our camp you will be brought to an army camp. Then you will follow the river above the tree line as well as enjoying the spectacular view of the surrounding mountain peaks. After walking through a very muddy section and passing a mani wall you will enter yak country. Inside a yak herder’ camp you will be served a hot filling lunch. After lunch, we walk past yak herder settlements of Soe and Takethang. Some common crops that people grow here are barley, potatoes and turnips. After your lunch, you will walk across a plateau and up a stream bed. You will pass Dangochang village to the beautiful campsite of Jangothang at an altitude of 4040m. From here, the views of Mount Jumolhari and Jichu Drake will take your breath away.
Day 06: Jangothang to Lingshi
The trail follows a stream before crossing over to the right bank. We now start our climb up to the first ridge with views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang. The trail then crosses a valley until climbing up to Nyili La pass. We descend gradually to our campsite at Lingshi.
Day 07: Lingshi to Chebisa
Your trail proceed ahead passing Lingshi Dzong built in the 17th century, perched on its hilltop, enjoying exhilarating views of green hills, the winding river, and magnificent peaks. After an hour form Lingshi, the trail reaches a cairn and prayer flags on a ridge and then makes a long descent to the pleasant settlement of Gayul. After leaving this village making a short ascent and descent, the route leads to Chebisa Village. Overnight at campsite.
Day 08: Chebisa to Shoumothang
Today's trail begins with a stiff climb of nearly four hours up a ridge to Gombu-La (4,500m) and then descends through rhododendrons bushes to a stream at about 4,170m. The trail further climbs over a small ridge through a cedar forest and then to the village of Shakshepasa. Overnight at campsite.
Day 09: Shoumothang to Robluthang
The trek starts with a climb to Jari-la pass (4,700m) then descending to Tasharijathang valley, the summer grazing ground of the rare Himalayan Takin. Camp is at Tsheri Jathang valley which has been declared a special Takin sanctuary.
Day 10: Robluthang to Lingmithang
Today's trail start with a long climb up to Shinje-La Pass (4,900m), the last and the highest pass on the trek which is about 5 hours walk from camp. After crossing the pass we descend to Limithang (4,140), a lovely campsite in a big meadow.
Day 11: Lingmithang to Laya
In the morning we walk to a superb view of Gangchenta peak infront of our camp. The walk to laya is extremely pleasant with wonderful mountain scenery and passing through forests filled with moss and singing birds. We set up a camp on arrival at laya village, the second highest settlement in the country at an altitude of 3,800m.
Day 12: Laya Halt
Spend the day relaxing visiting Laya Village or going on short hikes above the camp.
Day 13: Laya to Koena to Gasa
Descend to army camp and join the Mo Chhu (Mother River of Punakha). Follow the river till you cross the bridge. After the bridge we will have to ascend and descend several times, through juniper and fir forests until you reach Koena at an altitude of 3800m. You will meet your car and driver here to transfer you to Gasa village. The drive is through the fir, spruce and rhododendron forest and after descending almost 1250m you reach Gasa. Here you can have a relaxing dip in the Tshachu or the hot spring which is located below your camp. It is going to be a treat relieving you from any muscle aches after a long trek. Overnight Gasa camp at 2900m. This marks the end of the this trek and tomorrow you will drive to Punakha valley.
Day 13: Gasa - Paro
Drive to Paro. If possible visit Paro Dzong and the National Museum. In the evening, try Bhutanese beer at Namgay Artisanal Brewery. Shop for Bhutanese souvenirs in Paro town. Stay overnight at a hotel in Paro.
Day 14: Paro - International Airport
Morning: Breakfast timing may depend on the return Flight time. All hotels serve early morning Breakfast by 6.00 am.
The guests will be Seen Off by a Representative of our company and the Tour Guide at the Exit Gate. Wish Bon Voyage!!!