Laya-Gasa Trek
(4.7)
★★★★★ 4.7/5
$000
/pax
- 12 Days/ 11 Night
Descriptions
The details of 12 day beautiful Laya Gasa trek Itinerary in Bhutan, Laya Gasa trek cost, difficulty level, altitude and more. This trek starts at Shana, Paro and ends at the hot spring in Gasa. Total distance covered 166 km, average walking distance a day 16 km per day. With immense opportunity to see diverse flora and fauna, you will pass through the nomadic Yak herders’ camp at Tegethang. The route also passes through numerous passes including Nyelala pass (4700 m), Gokula pass (4320 m) and others.
You can see spectacular views of Mt. Jomolhari, Tserimgang, Table mountain, Gangkhar Puensum and Masagang. You will be introduced to the unique culture of Layap people of the remote Laya village. Highest elevation is 5005 m.
Inclusive
- All Meals [Breakfast /Lunch/Dinner and Evening Tea].
- Accommodation [twin / double sharing basis], Single room supplement is extra.
- All transportation within the country including airport transfers.
- Sustainable Development Fee.
- Bhutan visa fee.
- English speaking local guide.
- Bottled water.
Exclusive
- Drukair / Bhutan Airlines fares.
- Insurance premiums.
- Payments for service provided on a personal basis.
- Cost for any services not mentioned in the “Cost Include head”.
- Cost incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest etc.
Itinerary
Your guide will receive you at the Paro airport (Flight to Bhutan) and then drive to the hotel.
Afternoon, visit to Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower built in 1656 which now houses the national museum of Bhutan.
Then visit Rinpung Dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal is the centre of civil and religious authority in this valley.
In the evening, free to stroll in the town.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
In the morning, hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery (Paro Taktsang) – 2 hours walk till the monastery. The primary temple was built around Guru Rinpoche’s meditation cave in the 1684 by Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche; the tantric mystic flew here on the back of a flying tiger.
Afternoon, visit to Drugyal Dzong built in 1647 as a defense post by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
Then visit Kichu Lhakhang built in 659 A.D by the King Srongtsen Gampo of Tibet.
In the evening, drive to Shana (22 km. 2 hour drive).
Dinner and overnight at the camp.
The Trail Follows The River Through A Heavily Forested Area With A Few Isolated Farmhouses.
Camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter.
Altitude: 3610 m; distance 22 Km; time 7 – 8 hours. (770 m ascent, 10 m descent).
In the morning, pass through Tegethang, a winter home of Yak herders. Lots of yaks will be seen today before we arrive at the Jomolhari base camp (4,115 m). High mountains overlook the camp and visible nearby are the ruins of an old fortress used to guard Bhutan against Tibetan invasions.
Dinner and overnight in camp.
Altitude 4080 m; distance 19 Km; time 5 – 6 hours. (480 m ascent)
Rest day at Jangothang, enjoy the superb view all around.
For day hikes, you have 3 options on this day at Jangothang.
Hike to Jomolhari glacier which is around 4 ½ hours (Back and forth)
Hike to Jichu Drake glacier which is around 3 hours (Back and Forth).
Walk up the mountain between Jomolhari and Jichu Drake, the summit is at 5200 m with a great view of both the mountains. This is 8 hours (Back and forth).
Dinner and overnight in camp.
Start the hike and after some 3 to 4 hours reach the Nyelela pass (4,700 m). After the pass we descend to a circular hut just below Lingshi, where we camp. Coming down from Lingshi we see first views of the truly mystical Dzong atop a high hill. Dinner and overnight in camp. Altitude: 4000 m; Distance: 17 km; Hike Time: 6 – 7 hours.
Climb gently to reach another delightful village, Gom Yu, which is set right below a 300 m cliff. We camp at Chebisa by the side of the river. The walk is an easy one.
Dinner and overnight in camp (Altitude of 3880 m).
Distance: 10 km; Hike Time: 5 – 6 hours.
We start with quite a stiff climb through high pastures up the Gokula pass (4,320 m). We climb gradually and head down to the camp near a river bed.
Dinner and overnight in camp (Altitude 4220 m).
Distance: 17 km; Hike Time: 6-7 hours.
Cross Over The Jarela Pass At 4,640 M Where We Once Again Get Stunning Views Of The Himalayan Mountains Above Us.
We drop steeply down a forest trail to the Tsarigathang valley, where herds of Takin roam. Then cross a knee deep river before climbing up Robluthang where we camp.
Dinner and overnight in Camp (Altitude: 4,160 m).
Distance: 18 km; Hike time: 6 – 7 hours.
Today is one of the hardest days of the trek.
Climb to Shinchela pass at 4,870 m. We see stunning views of mountains, including the spectacular Gang Chen Ta at the head of the valley.
On a clear day, practically all the mountains on the northern border are visible. Eagles, griffin vultures, blue sheep and yaks abound in this area. We descend down to camp on a lovely spot by the river bank.
Dinner and overnight in Camp (Altitude 4,140 m).
Distance: 19 km; Hike time: 6-7 hours.
Walk along the river and through a forest of Rhododendron and silver fir and then enter the village of Laya.
The people of Laya are famous for their vertical stripe Yak hair clothing and their strange conical bamboo hats. The features of the people are even more Tibetan-Mongolian than the Bhutanese who live in the central valleys.
Rest of the day is spent at leisure. You can enjoy great views of the Masagang and the other peaks.
Camp at Altitude 3840 m; Distance: 10 km; Hike time: 4-5 hours.
We have a rest day at Laya and an opportunity to meet the local people.
Explore The Beautiful Laya Village.
Dinner and overnight in camp.
The rail winds along the river valley offers breathtaking views of the crashing river, feeder streams and waterfalls.
Camp at altitude 3050 m; Distance:19 km; Hike time: 6-7 hours.
Today is the final day of Beautiful Laya Gasa trek itinerary.
Climb up to Balela pass at 3,740 m and then descend to Gasa village. The first sight of the Gasa Dzong perched on the hillside over the village.
Camp near the Hot spring, a chance for a good hot bath.
Camp at altitude: 2,638 m; Distance: 14 km; Hike time: 6-7 hours.
Please note that trekking itineraries are subject to change based on weather conditions and the pace of the trekking group. It’s essential to go on this trek with a reputable tour operator who can provide experienced guides, camping equipment, and the necessary permits. Trekking in Bhutan is a unique and rewarding experience, but it’s important to be prepared and well-informed before embarking on this adventure.
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