Laya Gasa Trek

Laya Gasa Trek
  • Duration13 Days
  • DestinationBhutan
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Max. Altitude 4000
  • Starts at Paro
  • Ends at Paro
  • Trip Type Trekking
  • Accommodation B/L/D
  • Transport Depend on Group Size
Highlights

-VisitDrugyel Dzong in Paro
-Trek ends at GasaTshachhu in Gasa.
-Cross Neylela Pass 4700m
-Cross Singchen La Pass at 5005m.
-See MountJumolhari 7314m, Jichu Drake 6989m and Tsherimgang 6789m.
-Visit Laya Village
-Camp at High Altitudes
-See Nomads
-See Takins

Trekking high up in the Himalayas up to the village of Laya and Gasa epitomizes the natural magnificence of Bhutan’s far-flung regions, rarely visited by outsiders. Standing on the shadow of the mighty Himalayas in the north, the cultural heritage and natural allure of this part of Bhutan have long been hidden from the world. But it is here that everything seems sacred at a glance. Beyond the village stands Mount Jomolhari and other towering peaks, the abode of the Gods with a constant presence, physically and through traditions.

Bhutan is a land of religion, traditions, fables, and mystery, all woven together through legend and lore. It is these that steer the culture and art of this land. But beyond all that, it is a beautiful land where hills are engulfed with forests, and the rugged northern mountainous landscapes dominate its wilderness. These are reasons why trekking in Bhutan is an exhilarating experience.

This trek begins from Paro’s Drukgyel Dzong, and the trail takes us farther north towards Shana. On this trek, you will be able to explore the alpine forests of Juniper and Rhododendrons along the slopes where only yak herders linger with their livestock. You can walk past these mystical forests and isolated meadows inhabited by the Himalayan Blue Sheep and elusive Takins.

We will head further north to take in the scenic landscapes around Lingshi and Chebisa, which offer excellent views of Jomolhari and Jichu Drake mountains and revel in the seclusion of Bhutan’s untamed wilderness and rugged natural beauty.  During this rather moderate trek, you will find that this is a land protected by the Bhutanese as their natural surroundings. Therefore, their mountains are truly unspoiled, with a wealth of flora and fauna, plentiful and unparalleled anywhere in the Himalayas.
 

Itinerary

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You will drive 12km to the north of Paro valley to reach Drukgyel Dzong from where your trek begins. The route follows the Pa Chhuriver uphill along a narrow valley of rice and millet farms, until you reach a border army camp atGunitsawa 2800 m. You will then climb towards Shana Zampa, situated at 2870m after crossing Pa Chhu on a wooden bridge.We will camp overnight at Shana Zampa.

    Today, as you move out of Shana Zampa, the trail moves along with lots of small ups and downs. We will again be following the trail following the PaChhuupstream. The path gets smaller as we move uphill. The route offers excellent views of Mt. Jomolhari. You pass across rhododendron forests and crossa bridge to reach our campsite at 3750m at SoiThangkha.

      This day is a comparatively easy one as we head out from SoiThangkha to the Jangothang Base Camp. The path climbs uphill for a while until we reach the army camp. The trail will then be along the river above the tree line.Soon, we will be in an alpine location as we come across Yaks and their herders. A short span of easy walk from here takes us to our campsite at Jangothang, at 4,080m. From here, the views of Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake are absolutely stunning.

        We will use this day to rest and acclimatize. We will explore the surroundings of Jangothang and enjoy the beautiful views of mountain peaks, such as Jichu Drake. We can also take a leisurely hike for a few hours to reach the lakes at Tshophu. This region is full of Blue Poppy, the National flower of Bhutan. From up above, you can enjoy striking views of Mount Jumolhari.

          After breakfast, we begin our hike. The route follows a small stream which we will have to cross after an hour’s walk. Surrounded by mountain peaks at a distance, the trail will take us to the Neyle La Mountain pass at 4700m. This is the highest point in today’s trek, and we descend towards Lingshi village. We will camp overnight at Lingshi village.

            Today, we leave Lingshi village and its Dzong (fortress) to reach a hilltop with that offers incredible views of the hills, mountains and rivers far below. We come across high altitude villages that seem lost in time, and occasional yak herders. After walking for a few hours, we reach Goyuna village, and a short walk from this point will take us to Chebisa village at 3850m, where we will camp for the night.

              In the morning, we have a steep ascent to reach Gogu La pass. While the climb is difficult, it offers amazing views all around. We then descend through Rhododendron forests and a meandering trail to reach Shoumothang at 4150m. We will camp overnight at Shoumothang.

                We hike up to reach the Jari la pass at an altitude of 4,650m. From here, we make a quick descent to reach Tsharijathang valley. The valley is famous for being a safe haven for the Takin, the National animal of Bhutan. We walk past this valley and after crossing some small bridges, we reach Robluthang at 4250m.

                  The main challenge today is to reach the mountain pass of Shingchen la at 5005 meters. Although today's trek is extremely challenging, and might involve walking more than 6 hours, there are extremely alluring views of mountain vistas all along the way. Our camp is at Lingmithang at 4100m.

                    Known colloquially as Tiger Mountain, Gangchenta 6,600m is a sight to behold. This is what we see early morning as we walk past our campsite to reach a forest. This completely isolated trail will take us to the small settlement of Laya village. We will camp at Laya village for the night.

                      We will spend this day to explore Laya village and its surroundings. Laya village, set against the backdrop of beautiful mountains is instantly charming and picturesque. You can visit the village houses and even try interacting with the locals.


                       

                        We will make a sharp descent today to reach the Mo Chhu River. We will take a trail that follows the river and passing through forests, we reach Koena, at 3800m. From here, you can take a vehicle that will take you to Gasa where you will camp for the night.

                         

                          In the morning, we will drive to Punakha.

                            Cost Details
                            What's Included
                            • Bhutan Royalties, tourists fees, Visa fees and taxes.
                            • Accommodations in listed or similar hotels (pleasant hotels 3-4 star type) during the tour and in tents during the trek.
                            • All meals, including evening tea/coffee etc through-out the trip.
                            • All land transfers, sightseeing with entrance fees.
                            • Experienced Trekking Tour Guide.
                            • Bottled water in the vehicle and other camp services.
                            • During the trek:
                              Fully-serviced camping trek
                              Provided during the trek: tents (sleeping, dining Kitchen and toilet tents), trekking mattresses, small air pillow, Hot-water bag, Pressured Altitude Bag for altitude emergencies, Pony to carry luggages, Basic Medical Kit.Cook and assistants accompany the group. All meals, beverages and snacks are provided.
                            What's Excluded
                            • Luxury hotel upgrades available at additional cost.
                            • Travel insurance
                            • Expenses of personal nature
                            • Drinks like beer, whisky, coke, fanta and Mineral water
                            • Telephone and internet
                            • Tips for guide and driver.

                            Laya Gasa Trek FAQs

                            • Autumn season is considered the ideal season for traveling in Bhutan. The weather is flawless and cool and the sky looks bright with some hints of clouds. Therefore, this is the perfect season for glorious views of Bhutanese landscapes and mountain peaks. This is also the time when you can witness numerous religious festivals called Tshechus. Spring Season is also the best time to visit Bhutan. The weather is extremely moderate and this is also the flowering season. Hiking around Bhutan at this time will allow you to see blooming wildflowers and various spring festivals around Bhutan are the highlights of this season.

                            • Yes. Although independent travel in Bhutan is not allowed, hiring a tour operator for solo travel is possible and the country is extremely safe. Tour operators, such as Golden Tibet, will provide an experienced guide along with you to assist you during the trip. Bhutan has an extremely low crime rate and the country is practically very safe for all travelers but having a guide along will make it easy for one to navigate across the country and learn about Bhutan’s cultural and religious heritage, history, and spiritual essence.

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