The Laya Gasa Trek

Duration: ten nights eleven days

Difficulty: slightly difficult
Min/max elevation:  2,250m to 5005m
Best Season: April – June/September-November
Trip Highlights: alpine meads and valleys carpeted in flowers; date with the semi-nomadic yak herders, the majestic Himalayan Monal, and Blue Poppy. 

Aptly dubbed as one of the most scenic treks in Bhutan, the eleven-day Laya-Gasa trek loops through magnificent landscapes dotted with verdant trees and alpine flowers while the route across the Mochhu river is simply breathtaking.

The journey begins at Sharna Zampa in Paro and takes you through gorgeous alpine meadows, high mountain passes and dense sub-tropical jungles before finally descending into the Damji village in Tashithang, Gasa.

The trail abounds with exotic mammals such as the Takin and the blue sheep. The exotic yak-herding semi-nomadic communities are sure to steal your gaze with their distinctive dresses, unsullied customs, and simple way of life.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and sightseeing in Paro (2250m /7382ft)

As we finally land into the mythical Kingdom, we will be greeted by our staff at the Paro international airport who will then escort you to your pre-booked hotel.

We then visit the Paro National Museum overlooking the Paro Dzong (fortress) and the valley floor below.  After tour of the museum we head to the most notable landmarks in town, the Paro Rinpung Dzong  or the fortress on a heap of jewels, which was built in the mid 17^th century.

In the evening we laze around the main town square which is a neat two rows of traditional Bhutanese houses flanked by lush paddy fields. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 2: Hike to Tiger’s nest; acclimatization and drive to sharna Zampa (2,700m)

No tour of Bhutan is complete without stepping foot at the majestic Taktshang monastery, a temple complex built amid the sheer face of a harrowing cliff. The hike takes about 4-5 hours from the base and is located at about 3,180m.

Visited and blessed by the 8^th century Buddhist saint Guru Padmasambhava, legend has it that the Guru visited the site of the present monastery while riding a tigress, believed to be a manifestation of his consort.   

Towards evening we drive towards the majestic Drugyel Dzong, recently rebuilt after a devastating fire, and considered one of the finest specimens of Bhutanese architecture. We finally camp at the riverside in Sharna Zampa, the starting point of our trek.

Trek Starts
Day 3: Sharna Zampa – Thangthangkha (Distance 22 km, 7-8 hours) 

We finally begin our trek across a dusty ancient mule track and gradually ascend. While the initial climb can be a bit tasking, the magnificent views and the vastness of the untamed nature add to the allure of the tasks ahead and beyond.

We camp at a scenic meadow located at 3,610m from where we can view the magnificent Jomolhari peak, our ever omnipresent companion throughout the trek.   

Day 4: Thangthangkha – Jangothang (Distance 19 km, 5-6 hours)

The early morning adventure across this trail is our best bet to have a closer view of the mighty Jomolhari Peak, just in case we missed it earlier due to unfair weather conditions. We then ascend to the highland village of Soe, Takethang and Dangothang and finally camp at Jangothang (4,080m) considered the base camp of the Jhomolhari.

Day 5: Jangothang Halt

The excursions at Jangothang are considered some of the most memorable in the entire loop. While we take a day’s rest to rejuvenate our tired bones, we explore the valley which has its own magical allure to it. From the unkempt yak herders to majestic views of blue sheep and Himalayan pheasants, the views at Jangothang will never cease to amaze you.

Day 6: Jangothang – Lingshi (Distance 18 km, 6-7 hours)

The trail leads you to Nyilila Pass (4,870m) from where the panorama of the majestic Himalayan landscape is unmistakable. The intimidating sights of the peaks of Tsherimgang and Jichu Drakey is an added attraction to the entire feast of incredible sights and vistas.

We then gently descend to a meadow called Chasithang (4,010m), often used by yak-herding nomads, where we will camp for the night.

Day 7: Lingshi – Chebisa (Distance 10 km, 5-6 hours)

The route towards Chebisa is comparatively shorter and easy across the entire loop. Thus, we start slow and soak ourselves in the bounty of nature. The highlight of the trip is the ancient Lingzhi Dzong, located at 4,220m, and was an important bastion that guarded Bhutan’s northern frontiers in the not so distant past.

We camp for the night at a place called Chebisa (3,880m), just after crossing the hamlet of Goyul.

Day 8: Chebisa – Shomuthang (Distance 17 km, 6-7 hours)

The initial early trek starts with a long ascent behind Chebisa Village (2-3 hours) through a wide pastureland towards Gobu La/Gogu la pass (4,410m), also inhabited by nomads and highlanders.

The route is richly inhabited by Takin, Bhutan’s national animal, before we reach a place called Shakepasa and finally our campsite at Shomuthang (4,220m).

Day 9: Shomuthang – Robluthang (Distance 18 km, 6-7 hours)

 The highlight of the route is the majestic view of Kangbum (6,525m) which glistens in the late autumn snow. The sights at Jharila Pass (4,750m) from where one can also view glimpses of the Sinchela Pass. After some descend we will reach at an enormous plain valley where in summer we can spot the national animal Takin who migrate there for a salt.  

The Gangchenta Peak (6,840m) also looms beyond the horizon as herds of Takin graze in the meadows. We finally land at Robluthang (4,160m) where we camp for the night.

Day 10: Robluthang – Limithang (Distance 19 km, 6-7 hours)

The point at Sinchela Pass (5,005m) is the ultimate pie in this route as you get glimpses of a moraine lake valley which teems with majestic alpine birds and flowers. We camp at a scenic locale at Lingmithang camp (4,140m) from where we are treated with majestic views of the Gangchenta or the Tiger Mountain.

Day 11: Limithang – Laya (Distance 10 km, 4-5 hours)

We have finally made it to the lower reaches of the entire trek as we gradually descend to gentler and warmer climes. The route passes on the outskirts of the Laya village, a hamlet known as the domain of the Yak herders. The sights and the culture of this unique and secluded community is a rare sight to behold.

We finally land in the heart of the village itself (3,840m) where we camp near the community’s school for the night.

Day 12: Laya – Koina (Distance 19 km, 6-7 hours)

The trail follows through an ancient mule track that crisscrosses amidst the surreal Mochhu river upper basins. After passing for innumerous times through the river, we finally land up at Koina (3,050m), a settlement with a lone house, where we rest for the night.

Trek Ends
Day 13: Koina – Gasa (Trek Ends. Distance 12 km, 5-6 hours)

The route towards Gasa, the district headquarters, is the mile of the trek. After crossing the Barila Pass (3,740m) we finally reach the scenic reach Gasa village (2,770m).

The fairytale end to this rigorous, yet fascinating trek, finally brings us at the Gasa Hot Springs (2,240m) where we immerse in its healing waters and finally soak our tired bones and rejuvenate our spirits.

Day 15: Gasa- Thimphu via Punakha (105kms Drive 6hrs)

We finally bid farewell to the highlands and drive towards the warmer climes of Punakha where we finally begin to see lush rice fields and sub-tropical fruits. The Punakha Dzong which we will visit enroute is one of the most beautiful ancient fortresses in the country and traces its origin back to the 17^th century when Punakha was the ancient capital of the country.

We then reach Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan where we will roll in the luxury of a modern hotel.

Day 16: Depart, Thimphu –Paro (Drive 1hr, 55km)

After a hearty breakfast, we drive with our team towards Paro airport where you will be finally bid goodbye, and wishes for your life’s sojourn ahead.