Laya Gasa Trek in Bhutan

Meet and greet at the airport and drive to the hotel.

Afternoon – Sightseeing includes:

• Ta Dzong, the tower of Paro built in 1656 which is now converted to the National Museum of Bhutan.
• Rinpung Dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

In the evening, free to stroll in Paro town.

Dinner and over night in Hotel.

Morning – Hike for 2 hours to the Tiger’s Nest monastery.

Afternoon – Visit Drugyel Dzong built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

Then visit Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in Bhutan built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan King Srongtsen Gampo.

In the evening, drive to Shana (22 km. 2 hour drive).

Dinner and overnight at the camp.

The route follows the river through a forest area. We cross a junction on the way, where another path leads north to Tremo La Pass and then to Tibet. Camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter.

Distance 22 Km, Time 7 – 8 hours, Altitude: 3610 m, 770 m ascent, 10 m descent.

Dinner and overnight in camp.

Walk past a small army post, the trail passes Tegethang, the Yak herders’ camp. You can see Yaks as we arrive at the Jomolhari base camp (4,115 m). There is a ruined fortress nearby that used to guard Bhutan against Tibetan invasions.

Distance 19 Km; Time 5 – 6 hours, 480 m ascent, Altitude 4080 m.

Dinner and over night in Camp.

Laya Gasa Trek Bhutan Itinerary – Acclimatization day. Enjoy the beautiful views all around.

Three optional activities on this day:

1. Walk up the mountain between Jomolhari and Jichu Drake, the summit (5200 m) with a great view of both the mountains. This is 8 hours (Back and forth).
2. Hike to Jichu Drake glacier which is around 3 hours (Back and Forth).
3. Hike to Jomolhari Glacier which is around 4 ½ hours (Back and forth).

Dinner and overnight in camp.

Walk across the bridge and start the climb up the ridge to view Jichu Drake, Tsherimgang and Jomolhari. We cross the Nyeley La Pass at an altitude of 4,700 m. Then descend down to the Lingshi camp.  Enjoy the scenic view of the mountains and the Lingshi Dzong. Camp altitude is 4010 m.

Distance: 18 km, Walking time: 6-7 hours, Ascent 840 m, Descent: 870 m.

Dinner and overnight in camp.

The trail climbs to reach Gom Yu village and cross a huge waterfall to reach Chebisa village and camp near the river.

Campsite at an altitude of 3880 m; Distance 10 km; Time 5 – 6 hours, Ascent: 280 m, Descent: 410 m.

Dinner and overnight in camp.

The trail passes through the Gokula pass (4,320 m) and forest of dwarf Rhododendron to reach Shomuthang near the river.

Distance17 km; walking Time 6-7 hours, Ascent 890 m, Descent 540 m. Campsite at Altitude 4220 m.

Dinner and overnight in camp.

Today we cross Jare La Pass at 4,640 m and you can see the beautiful views of the Himalayas. We walk downhill and cross Tsarigathang valley and a river before climbing up Robluthang.

Distance 18 km; Time 6 – 7 hours, Ascent 700 m. Descent 760 m. Campsite at Altitude: 4,160 m;

Dinner and overnight in camp.

Today is the most difficult part of Laya Gasa Trek. Climb uphill to Shinche La Pass at 4,870 m with stunning view of Spectacular Gangchen Ta. We walk downhill and camp near the river.

Walking Distance: 19 km; Time 6-7 hours. Ascent 850 m, Descent 870 m. Campsite at Altitude 4,140 m.

Walk along the river, passing through a forest of rhododendron and silver fir and we enter the Laya village. Explore the beautiful village of Laya.

Distance 10 km; Time 4-5 hours, Ascent 60 m. Descent 340 m. Camp at Altitude 3840 m.

Rest day at Laya and explore the village and meet the Layaps.

The trail is mostly downhill along the river.

Distance19 km; Time 6-7 hours, 260 m Ascent, Descent 1070 m. Campsite at Altitude 3050 m.

Dinner and over night in camp.

Today is the last day of Bhutan Laya Gasa trek Itinerary. We climb up to Bale La Pass at 3,740 m and then descend down to the Gasa village. The view of the Gasa Dzong perched on the hill over the village is the highlight of the the day. We camp near the Hot Spring.

Campsite at Altitude: 2,638 m; Distance 14 km; Time: 6-7 hours, Ascent 900 m, Descent 1710 m.

In the morning, drive to Punakha valley. On the way, hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choling Monastery (short hike 25 minutes).

Afternoon – Visit Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. 

In the evening, walk the longest Suspension bridge in Bhutan (160 m).

Dinner and over night in Hotel.

Morning – Drive to Thimphu via Wangdue Phodrang. On the way, visit to:

• Chimi Lhakhang built in 1499 by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, popularly known as “The Divine Madman”. The Temple is also known as “the Temple of Fertility”.

• Wangdue Phodrang Dzong built in 1638 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

Lunch at the Dochu La cafeteria.

Afternoon – Lungchutse hike (Short hike – 3 hours): This is one of the most rejuvenating and picturesque hikes in the Thimphu region. Your vehicle will pick you up at Hongtsho and drive to Thimphu.

In the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong, seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body where annual Thimphu festival is held.

Then free to stroll in the town.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

Morning – Visit to:

• National Memorial Chorten (1974) built in honor of the Late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
• Dupthop Lhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan.
• National Library, stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts.
• Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thangkas.

Afternoon, visit to:

• Tallest Statue of Buddha in the world (51.5 m).
• Witness Archery Match at Changlimithang.

In the evening, drive to Paro.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

After breakfast, drive to the Paro airport and farewell (End of Laya Gasa Trek Bhutan).