The Laya Gasa Trek

As we fly to Bhutan we can get a spectacular views of the Himalayas .At the airport, we will be greeted by a
representative from A Bucket list Adventure who will take us to our hotel. Today, we will visit National museum ( a best start to know about the culture, history, People and biodiversity of Bhutan), Visit Paro Dzong (fortress) built in 17th century which now house an administration and monastic body of the Paro district . In the Evening stroll around town’s main street. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, we hike for 4 -5 hours to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at 3,180 meters. In 8th century Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up the mountain. After having explored the monastery, we hike down to the valley We will drive to North of Paro passing by Drugyel Dzong, (a ruin fortress built in 17th century to commemorate the victory over Tibetan and Mongolian tribes ) to Sharna Zampa, where we and  our trekking crew will be camping for overnight.

Trek Starts

Distance 22 km, 7-8 hours,  770 m ascent, 10 m descent, camp altitude 3,610 m.

On this long day, the trail continues with lots of small ups and downs. After going uphill through the river valley the valley finally narrows gradually to a mere path which descends to a meadow where a camp will be set up.We will have a great view of Mt. Jhomolhari from the camp site.

Distance 19 km, 5-6 hours, 480 m ascent, camp altitude 4,080 m.

If you did not see Mt. Jomolhari the previous evening, we will still have a chance to get a great view early this morning. This morning the trek continues up the Paro Chhu valley which widens into patches of alpine meadow and scanty growth of forest.We will cross an army check post along the way before we reach a village of soe, Takethang and Dangothang. We will camp at Jangothang (Jhomolhari base camp) with a spectacular view of Mt.Jhomolhari(7314m).

The rest day in Jangothang provides plenty of possibilities for day hikes with great views of lakes and snow capped mountains such as Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. There are good chances to spot some blue sheep on the upper slopes of the valley. Jangothang is a perfect environment for our acclimation, we can go for day hike(2hrs) to Tshophu(4500m) , a glacier twin lake on the north -east of camp site.From Tshophu, we can get a great View of Mt.Jhomolhari and Mt.Jichu Drakey (6898m).

Distance 18 km, 6-7 hours, 840 m ascent, 870 m descent, camp altitude 4,010 m.

A short distance from the camp the trail begins climbing rapidly for about an hour and then becomes a gradual ascent to the Nyilila pass at 4,870m, from where we can see most of the Himalayan snow capped peak.We can also get a great view of Tsheringma/Tserimgang(6500m) next to Jichu Drakey. While on the climb we might see herds of Blue sheep gazing on the slopes of mountain and Marmot spying on us near their holes on certain times of the year.We can also see some Yak herders camp along the trail as we decent to Lingshi, we will camp by the side of River , at Chasithang camp site.

Distance 10 km, 5-6 hours, 280 m ascent, 410 m descent, camp altitude 3,880 m.

Today is the shortest walking day, and we can really take it easy. Shortly after starting we will reach a chorten below Lingshi Dzong. Here, you have the choice of staying on the main trail or taking a detour up  to Lingshi Dzong (4220m),which sits right up on the ridge. we will walk further straight on the side of the mountain to Gongyul/Goyul, a village with stone houses clustered together before reaching camp site at Chebisa, another small beautiful village.

Distance 17 km, 6-7 hours, 890 m ascent, 540 m descent, camp altitude 4,220 m.

The morning starts with a long ascent behind Chebisa Village (2-3 hours) through a wide pastureland towards Gobu La/Gogu la pass(4410m). On the way, you will see a few people herding yaks. There is also a great chance to spot Blue sheep above  the trail.After Crossing Gogu la,We can spot yellow strain on the rock ,those are the licked salt rock by the wild animals like Takin. we will descend to valley and climb a little bit  before descending again  to Shakshepasa(3980m). Climbing from here, we finally reach our camp site at Shomuthang.

Distance 18 km, 6-7 hours, 700 m ascent, 760 m descent, camp altitude 4,160 m.

We begin by climbing up the valley to view Kang Bum (6,526 m) and some edelweiss. After two hours of climbing we will reach Jhari La (4,750m), from where you catch the first glimpse of Sinche La, the pass we will cross day after.We can get a view of Gangcheenta(6840m) in the north also. We will then descend down to wide valley of Tshari jathang, where Takin migrate in the summer for the running salt steam in the middle of open ground and also to escape warm leeched valley in south. we will make a little climb before we reach our rocky meadow camp site at Robluthang.

Distance 19 km, 6-7 hours, 850 m ascent, 870 m descent, camp altitude 4,140 m.

The trek starts out with an initial 40-60mins ascent before gradually raising for another 1.5 hours through a boulder field.  It is then a 1 hour steep ascent before reaching Sinche La (5,005m) – the final and highest Pass on this trek.As we descend down we will see moraines and out busted  lake space. We will cross Kango chhu  before reaching Limithang camp site. We can get a spectacular view of Gangchhenta,Tiger mountain from the camp site.

Distance 10 km, 4-5 hours, 60 m ascent, 340 m descent, camp altitude 3,840 m.

Today, you walk downhill all the way along a narrow, winding river valley. After a long time, the trail takes you through densely forested region. The trail leads you to the west side of Laya village. From the west we can get great view of Gangchhenta and catch Mt. Masagang(7160m). Laya is one of the remote village in the country  and has its own unique tradition,culture,apperance and dress.we will pass by a health unit and community school before we reach campsite.

Distance 19 km, 6-7 hours, 260 m ascent, 1,070 m descent, camp altitude 3,050 m.

The trail winds up and down along the river valley of Mo Chhu avoiding natural obstacles and affording breath-taking views of the raging river, feeder streams and waterfalls. Lots of ups and downs will lead us to kohi Laptsa at 3300m.The trek then drop down to koina chhu where we will find our camp site.

Trek Ends

Distance 12 km, 5-6 hours, 740 m ascent, 1,500 m descent, camp altitude 2,240 m.

Today you will have the last major climb of the Laya Gasa Trek. You will cross Bari La (3,740m), after which the trail descends all the way until you reach Gasa village (2,770m). We can camp below the Gasa Dzong or we can drop for another hour to Gasa Hot spring and relax in the rejuvenating mineral water.

Drive 6hrs,105km
Today we will bid farewell to our trekking crew and take a scenic drive to Thimphu via Punakha. we will visit Punakha Dzong before our lunch at the restaurant in Punakha. we will drive through the broad-leaved, pine  and rhododendron forest before we reach Dochu la pass(3150m), where we can see Himalayan range ,if the sky is clear. Then after 30mins of drive, we will reach a capital city of Bhutan,Thimphu. Overnight at the  hotel in Thimphu.

Drive 1hr,55km
Today after breakfast, we will drive to Paro Airport and our representative will bid you farewell at the Airport. If you have enough time before flight, probably you can discuss with your guide and visit some places around.