Laya Gasa Trekking Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive at Paro. 2250M.(/D)

A flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights. You will be received by our representative and escorted to the hotel. Afternoon visit to Ta-Dzong built in the 17th century, as watchtower to defend Paro Dzong below. This Ta-Dzong was converted into the National Museum in 1968, and it is filled with antique Thangka paintings, textiles, weapons and Armour. Driver to the Rinpung Dzong built in the 17th century to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders.

Day 02: Paro Sightseeing.(B/L/D)

In morning hike up to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger Nest). The climb up to the viewpoint will take around 3 hours. Enjoy the stunning view of the monastery where Guru Padmasambava landed on the back of a tigress in the 8th century, and meditated here for three months. And following Guru’s footsteps lot of great saints meditated here. The monastery was later built in this holy place in 1684. Overnight Paro.

Day 03: Begin Trek to Shana. (B/L/D)

Transfer to the trek's starting point near Drukgyel Dzong (2,580m), where our pack ponies are loaded up with all the gear for our trek. Accompanying us are crews comprising of a horseman, ponies, a Guide, a Cook and assistants. Your luggages are carried by the ponies or mules and all you have to carry is a day pack containing the requirements for your personal use during the day. You are walking around 09 Km and about 05 hours trekking overnight at tent.

Day 04: Trek to Soi Thangthanka (B/L/D)

Approx. 22km 7-8 hours trek, 770m ascent. 10m descent. Today is a longer and much tougher day, so start early! You are now entering Jigme Dorji National Park. We continue up through the Valley of Paro River, which gradually narrows as the trail leads higher, winding up and down through a thick, lush forest of oak, pine, and juniper. As we get closer to our camp for the night, we begin to see the snowcapped summit of Mt. Jomolhari. Camp at Soi Thangthangkha (3,610m) amidst the woods with one trekker’s hut used for eating and for a fire place.
Overnight in tent.

Day 05: Soi Thangthangkha - Jangothang.(B/L/D)

19 KM. walking time 5 hours. The path ascends for a while until you reach the army camp. Then follow the river above the tree line enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch will be served inside a yak herder’s camp. Then take a short walk in the valley to the camp at Jangothang. The view of Mt. Chomolhari and Jichu Drake are superb. Overnight Camp. Altitude: 4040 m.

Day 06: Rest day at Jangothang. (Optional walk around)(B/L/D)

Today is a rest and cclimatization day is free to take a hike to Tshophu, walk towards the glacial lake of Chhomolhari or to the Jichu Drake glacial lake.

Day 07: Jangothang - Lingshi. 18 KM. walking time 7-8 hours.(B/L/D)

The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right. Start the climb up to the first ridge with a breathtaking view of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsrim Gang. Then walk towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until the climb to the Nyele la pass at an altitude of 4,700 meters. After the pass it's a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the panoramic view of the peaks and Lingshi Dzong. Overnight Camp. Altitude: 4000 m.

Day 08: Lingshi - Chebisa. 10 KM. walking time 5-6 hours.(B/L/D)

Walk past the Lingshi Dzong, perched on the hilltop with a commanding view of the green hills, the Winding River and magnificent peaks. This is a very easy and pleasant walk, through villages and yak herders' camps. Lunch will be served at scenic Goyuna village. After lunch, a short walk to Chebisa village. We camp here by the side of a stream at an altitude of 3,850 meters.

Day 09: Chebisa - Shomuthang. 17 KM. walking time 7 - 8 hours.(B/L/D)

Today begins with a stiff climb up a ridge to Gobu la pass at an altitude of 4,500 meters, taking nearly 4 hours to the top. After the pass descend to a lunch spot, through rhododendron bushes. Afternoon continues along an undulating path, after crossing the stream, through rhododendron forests and across yak herder’s camps. You may see some flocks of Blue Sheep now and then. Arrive at camp. Altitude: 4,250 meters.

Day 10: Shomuthang - Robluthang. 18 KM. walking time 8 - 9 hours.(B/L/D)

The trek starts with a climb to Jari la pass at an altitude of 4,600 meters. Then descend to Tsharijathang valley, the summer residence of the rare Himalayan Takin (national animal of Bhutan). From here we may have to cross the stream and get wet, as most of the time the footbridge is washed away. After crossing the stream towards the left the trail ascends to Robluthang camp at an altitude of 4400 meters.

Day 11: Robluthang - Lemithang. 19 KM. walking time 6 – 7 hours.(B/L/D)

A long climb up to the Shiche la passes (altitude 5005 meters). The views of the mountains from the pass are breathtaking. After the pass descend to Lemithang. The path is quite narrow and you may have to cross the stream and get wet again.The last part of the trek is very interesting, with the view of Mount Gangchey -Ta peak. Arrive at camp with an altitude of 4100 meters.

Day 12: Lemithang - Laya. 10 KM. walking time 4 – 5 hours.(B/L/D)

In the morning you wake up with a superb view of Gangchey Ta peak in front of you. 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 an altitude of 3,800 meter.

Day 13: Laya - Chamsa. 19 KM. walking time 6- 7 hours.(B/L/D)

Descend to army camp and join the Mo Chu (Mother River of Punakha) and follow the river until you cross the bridge. After the bridge it’s up and down several times through juniper and fir forests until you reach the camp at Chamsa at an altitude of 3,800 meters.

Day 14: Chamsa - Gasa Tshachu. 16 KM. walking time 6- 7 hours.(B/L/D)

 

Walk for half an hour over flat land to the Bele la pass. It is downhill all the way to Gasa Tsachu (hot spring). Make a stop for Lunch at Gasa village at the altitude of 2,700 meters. After lunch visit the village and Dzong. The Dzong was built in 17th century by the first religious king, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, to protect the valley against Tibetan invaders. Then descend to Gasa Tshachu (hot spring) for camp at an altitude of 2,200 meters.

Day 15: Gasa Tshachu - Damji. 15 Km. walking time 4- 5 hours.(B/L/D)

The path continues descending and ascending, through heavily forested areas with lots of wilds orchids. In this area there are leeches so one must be careful especially in the summer. Camp will near the village at Damji an altitude of 2,200 meters.

Day 16: Damji – Tashithang - Punakha. 16 KM. 4 walking time 4- 5 hours.(B/L/D)

The last days of trekking will continually follow the Mochu down through heavily forested area until you reach Tashithang at an altitude of 1,620 meters. Our coach will be waiting to drive you to Punakha (15km), following the river all the way. Overnight Punakha.

Day 17: Punakha Valley Exploration and then Drive to Paro(B/L/D)

After Breakfast you will visit the Punakha Dzong, after short hike to Chimi Lhakhang passing through village houses and rice fields. Chimi Lhakhang is a special monastery for sterile women, a place of worship for fertility. Afternoon drive from Punakha to Paro city. Overnight at hotel in

Day 18: Final Departure or alternatively join other program(B)

after early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Our representative will help you with exit formalities in Paro airports.