Laya-Gasa Trek Tour

Package Overview

"Challenge the remotest trails of highland Bhutan for two weeks and discover the Bhutan's unexplored regions where only few trekkers have hiked so far- Laya Gasa Trek"

Incredibly fascinating 217km walking journey through Bhutan’s most beautiful landscapes, The Laya-Gasa Trek is probably the most scenic trek in Bhutan that also extends to some of the unspoiled regions of the country. The trek kicks off at Drukgyel in Paro and traverses through wonderful Himalayan meadows, striking elevated passes, authentic mountainous hamlets and opaque sub-tropical woodlands before it ends at Damji in Tashithang.

The Laya-Gasa Trek chases the trail of Jomolhari Trek for the first five days. Vegetation in the neighborhood during Laya-Gasa Trek differs from dense tropical forests to the elevated yak pastures, where the nomadic lifestyle of the herders can be seen. The sighting of floral and faunal biodiversities including Takin (the national animal of Bhutan) while trekking through Jingme Singye National Park, the breathtaking views of Mt. Jomolhari, Mt. Jichu Drake and Mt. Tsherimgang while gaining elevation, spending few moments with the Layaps (the natives of Laya) and experiencing their unique culture for a while, rejuvenating hot springs at Lasa and probable sighting of elusive snow leopard are the major highlights of Laya-Gasa Trek among others.

Since the trek has few arduous ascents and descents and gains significant height, it is considered one of the challenging treks in Bhutan. Laya- Ghasa Trek with Access Nepal can be a trek of a lifetime when undertaken anytime between April-June and Mid-September-Mid-November.Entire cold beverage & bar bills in Bhutan trip
Expenses of personal nature
Travel Insurance
Cost of Laundry, phone calls etc
Tips

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Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrive to Paro; Transfer to Hotel

  Today you will enter the Land of Dragon. You have options to fly from several cities to Paro. You can fly from Bangkok, Delhi or Kathmandu to Paro. The flight to Paro is beautiful as the aircraft comes closer to Paro, we get to see snowcapped Himalayan peaks and just after entering Paro Valley the view of Paro Dzong overlooking Paro River is a great view. On our arrival at Paro, we are cordially welcomed by our representative in Bhutan who will escort you to your hotel in Paro.

• Day 2 : Sightseeing of Paro and Trek Preparation

  After the breakfast, today we are going on a hike. A five hour hike to and fro to a cliff hanging monastery is probably the biggest highlight of Short Cultural Tour of Bhutan. Taktsang Monastery also knwon as Tiger's Nest because of the myth that states the visit of Guru Rinpoche on a Tiger back nestles on a cliff that hangs 90m above Paro. We hike up to the monastery, explore aorund and hike back down to Paro for the lunch.
  Post lunch, we visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum of the Kingdom. The monument was orginally a Watch Tower. However since 1967 it is a National Museum holding a huge collection of arts, artifacts, thankas and postal stamps. The final destination of the enetire Short Cultural Tour of Bhutan is Ripung Dzong which also has a long significant history in Bhutan. Overnight in a hotel at Paro.Originally built as Watch Tower since 1967 it is acting as the National Museum of the country and holding fascinating collection of art, artifacts, thangkha paintings and Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong which has a long and fascinating history.While having sightseeing tour of Paro, we would be preparing for the trek starting tomorrow.Overnight in a hotel at Paro.

• Day 3 : Drive to Drukyel Dzong and Trek to Sharma Zampa 2900m 5-6 Hrs Trek

  To begin the trek, we drive to Drukyel Dzong, which is a very short drive. As the Laya-Gasa Trek kicks off from Drukyel Dzong 2575m, it winds downhill along the wide open trail. Further, we trek up to through the wonderful landscapes that has beautifully carved terraced fields of rice and millet. Savoring the scenic view of Bhutanese farmlands, we come across to the pleasant apple orchard and beyond the orchard our trek begins to traverse through beautiful tropical forest. Trekking through the forest, we emerge at wide valley and soon arrive to Army Post at Gunitsawa (2810m). This Army post lies in a close proximity with Tibetan border. We continue to trek uphill to Sharma Zampa 2900m, which caters many ideal campsites after the first day of Choholmari Trek.Overnight in camp.

• Day 4 : Trek from Sharma Zampa to Soi Thangthanka 3800m 7-8 Hrs Trek

  As we begin our Laya-Gasa Trek today, first we slide down to Paro River. Then we begin to trek upstream along the river. Climbing up and sliding down for quite a few time s through beautiful forest comprising pine, oak and spruce we cross the bridge over Paro River and get to a wide space on its left bank, where we have a picnic lunch. Post lunch, we continue to trek along the trail beside the river. At apoint we climb up into the the wonderful rhododendron forest to listen the pleasing gush of Paro River. No wonder, we again descend down to the river and cross a bridge over it to reach our campsite at Soi Thangthanka. At the end of Day 2 on Laya-Gasa Trek, we have walked almost 20km, which is a challenging accomplishment. Overnight in a camp.

• Day 5 : Trek from Soi Thangthanka to Jangothang 4050m 7-8 Hrs Trek

  The third day of Laya-Gasa Trek in Bhutan is yet another long day. Today we trek 19km. Starting the trek with the ascending uphill climb that extends for couple of hours takes us to the Army Camp. Beyond the Army Camp, the walk is very pleasant. We chase the trail on the river bank, which has a beautiful treeline right above it. The striking views of Himalayas including Mt. Choholmari comes into our sight. We will enjoy our lunch in a well located yak herder's camp. After the lunch a wonderful hike through the wide valleys brings us to our campsite in Jangothang. The views of Mt. Jichu Drake and Mt. Choholmari are stunningly impressive from the campsite. Overnight in camp.

• Day 6 : Rest Day in Jangothang

  Jangothang is also known as Choholmari Base Camp. We rest at the camp for acclimatization. Acclimatization is required because the next we are getting as high as 4700m to the top of Nye-le La Pass. We can explore to Tshophu Lake, see around the yak herder's camp in the close proximity. Ask your guide for the best suited option on this day.

• Day 7 : Trek from Jangothang to Lingshi 3850m 6-7 Hrs Trek

  After the rest day at our camp in Jangothang, we resume the Laya-Gasa Trek towards Lingshi. 18km walk today is going to be fun. Beginning the trek, we hike along the trail at the bank of gentle stream for almost thirty minutes to a bridge. We cross the bridge and get to the other bank of the stream. Crossing the stream a uphill climb on the ridge awaits us. We savor the magnificent views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang while ascending over the ridge. After the strenuous ascent we come across to a leveled valley. Trekking along the valley floor, we gradually begin to gain altitude to the top of Nyele-La Pass 4700m. From the top of the pass we see the wonderful view of valley we trekked few hours ago, mountains seem equally beautiful and the view of Lingshi Dzong is simple superb. We descend down from the pass to our campsite in Lingshi. Overnight in a camp

• Day 8 : Trek from Lingshi to Chebosa 3850m 5-6 Hrs Trek

  Relatively, the Laya-Gasa trek today is easier. Yesterday's endurance to scale the elvation high up to the Lingshi Dzong, where we settled our camps savoring the magnificence of nature has granted us an easier trek day. Trek to Chebisa is wonderful hike traversing through the villages and few yak herder's camps.We will enjoy our lunch in a open pasture and post lunch a short walk will bring us to Chebisa. We will set our camps on thebank of the small stream.

• Day 9 : Trek from Cheisa to Somuthang 4220m 6-7 Hrs Trek

  After the breakfast, the trek begins. Today, we kick off trekking on a steep uphill climb over the ridge to Gombu La Pass 4,400m. The trek from Chebisa to the top of Gombu La Pass is wonderfully challenging four hours hike. We will stop at the pass for the short breather and descend down through the rhododendron bushes to the stopover point, where we have our lunch. Post lunch, we traverse along the typical trekking trail in Bhutan. It goes up and down, crosses the river, follows the jungle trail and frequently emerges into yak herders camp all the way to Somuthang. On this part of trek we may sight the herds of blue sheep down the pass. Overnight in a camp at Somuthang.

• Day 10 : Trek from Somuthang to Robluthang 4,400m 7-8 Hrs Trek

  Today the Laya- Gasa Trek comes to the top of Jhari La Pass 4,700m and trekkers don’t have to wait long for that. We begin the trek today with the uphill climb that takes us to the top of the Pass. Let us have a short breather at the Pass and begin to descend down to Tsheri Jathang Valley. During the summer, the valley is an ideal home of Takin (Bhutanese National Animal). Beyond the valley we cross the small stream that most of the times doesn’t have bridge over it and begin to slide up on the left trail all the way to our campsite at Robluthang.

• Day 11 : Trek from Robluthang to Limithang 4,150m 7-8 Hrs Trek

  The first part of today’s trek is a tiring long uphill climb to the top of Sinche La Pass 5000m. The views of the mountains from the pass are excellent. Beyond the pass while descending down to Limithang, the trails at places are so narrow that you need to extra careful. Do not forget to wet your feet while crossing the streams as in these regions the streams do not have bridges over them. Hiking very close to Limithang, we get to see the magnificent view of Mt. Gangchey Ta. Overnight in camp at Liminthang.

• Day 12 : Trek from Limithang to Laya 3,840m 5-6 Hrs Trek

  Accept the greeting of Gangchey Ta Peak, as you wake up in the morning, it sprawls right before eyes. Enjoy the breakfast, in the beautiful highlands of Bhutan and begin the trek. Today’s trek to Laya is incredibly wonderful. The trail most of the times winds through dense forest comprising moss and colorful singing birds. The views in the vicinity are exceptionally breathtaking and the walk itself is great fun. At 5 hour of pleasant walk, we arrive to Laya, which has the human settlement in the second highest altitude of Bhutan. We will set our camps in ideal location at Laya.

• Day 13 : Rest Day in Laya

  A free day in Laya, is one of the prime highlights of Laya-Gasa Trek. We will explore the village and the vicinity. While exploring the cultural aspects of the village, you would be amazed to see the wonderful hats that the women of Laya wear. It is conical bamboo hat adorned with different types of local ornaments. Ever smiling and hospitable people of Laya would definitely offer you the local beverage, which is pretty much effective to get high. In the evening, we would enjoy the traditional dances around the campfire with the local alcohol Ara and Chang. Enjoy the free day in Laya.

• Day 14 : Trek from Laya to Koina 3100m 7-8 Hrs Trek

  The latter half of Laya Gasa Trek continuously descends down. Today, we traverse on the trail along the river valley. We trek up and down through the pleasant forest that has cascading waterfalls, gushing streams, wide diversity of birds and musk deer all the way down to Koina. It is a flat surface of land ideal for camping. Overnight in the camps at Koina.

• Day 15 : Trek from Koina to Gasa 6-7 Hrs Trek

  We are almost at the end of Laya- Gasa Trek. Today, the second last day of the trek goes up to the top of Bari La Pass 3850m. From the Pass, the trail drops down continuously till trekkers arrive to the beautiful village of Gasa. Explore around the old Dzong in Gasa, grab a beer that has been available after weeks and enjoy set your camps in the open soccer field in Gasa. Then continue to slide down for one more hour to Gasa Tsachu, which has refreshing hot springs. Let all the trek exhaustion go during the hot spring bath and trek up to the camps.

• Day 16 : Trek to Damji and Drive to Punakha

  The last day of Laya-Gasa Trek continues to descend and ascend through the dense woodlands comprising wild orchids, and other beautiful flora species. Since the trek today goes through rain-forest beware of leeches and keep your eyes open. We will trek up to Damji, from where we will be picked up in a comfortable vehicle and drive us to Punakha. Overnight in a hotel at Punakha.

• Day 17 : Sightseeing Tour of Punakaha and Drive to Thimpu

  After the breakfast, we set out ot explore the city.Visit 17th century strategically built Punakha Dzong which survived several fires and earthquakes. The Dzong at the confluence of Pho and Chhu Rivers is now absolutely restored. Explore the Dzong which hold significant history in this part of Bhutan. After through exploration of the city we drive to Thimpu, which is 75 km drive accross Dochu La Pass 3100m. On our arrival at Thimpu we drive in to our hotel in the city.

• Day 18 : Sightseeing Tour of Thimpu and Drive to Paro

  In Thimpu, we visit Trashichhoedzong, the beautiful medieval time fortress/monastery, which is now the Bhutanese government's integral building holding many governement offices and King's throne. Trashichhoedzong is also the summer home of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot in Bhutan. The cultural tour of Thimpu continues to the National Library which holds the wide array of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts. Explore Arts and Crafts School to witness the fantastic ongoing workshops of Thanka Paintings and encounter the living traditions of Bhutan at Textile and Folk Heritage Museums before the lunch.Post lunch, the sightseeing tour of Thimpu, takes you to the Handicrafts Emporium followed by a visit to Stupa of Memorial Chorten (monument built in the memory of Father of Modern Bhutan- the third king of Bhutan). After a thorough exploration of Bhutanese capital ,we drive to Paro, which is 75 minutes scenic drive. Overnight in the hotel in Paro.

• Day 19 : Depart Paro

  Our representative will drive you to Paro International Airport on time so that you board a plane to your onward destination on time. Have a safe flight home and travel with Access Nepal.

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Inclusions

• Hotel
• Sightseeing
• Airport pick up and transfer to hotel
• 18 Nights/ 19 Days Full Board Tour/Trek to Bhutan with full of of Meals, B.L.D. & Gov. Approved Accommodation
• Bhutan Visa Fee and Bhutan Travel/ TrekPermit
• English Speaking Tour Guide in Bhutan Tour, his entire expenses
• All required Gov and Local Taxes during trek in Bhutan

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Exclusions

• Entire cold beverage & bar bills in Bhutan trip
• Expenses of personal nature
• Travel Insurance
• Cost of Laundry, phone calls etc
• Tips

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Terms & Conditions

Payment Terms & Methods :
* Some Advance Percentage of total booking amount
* Airfare/Transport fare to be paid full at one time in advance.

Cancellation & Refund Policy :
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount.
* Retention Amount varies as per the number of days left before your package start date.

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This Tour is Offered by

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• Thirbam Sadak,Acharya Galli Central Region, Kathmandu, Nepal - 44600
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