Laya Gasa Trek Bhutan

The trail follows a stream before crossing over to the right bank. We now start our climb up to the first ridge with views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake , and Tserimgang. The trail then crosses a valley until climbing up to Nyele–La Pass (4,700m). We descend gradually to our campsite at Lingshi (4,000m). 10km, 5-6 hours We continue on the trail past Lingshi Dzong, perched on its hilltop, enjoying exhilarating views of hills, the winding river, and magnificent peaks. It is an easy day and a pleasant walk through villages. After lunch, a short walk takes us to Chebisa village, where we camp by the side of a stream of a stream (3,850m). 17km, 6-7 hours Today begins with a stiff climb of nearly four hours up a ridge to Guba–La (4,500m). We descend from the pass-through rhododendrons to our lunch location before crossing a stream and continuing through rhododendron forests and past yak herders’ camp. Tonight’s campsite is at an altitude of 4,250 m.

18km, 6-7 hours This trek starts with a climb up to Jari–La Pass (4,700m). We descend from here to Tasharijathang Valley, the summer grazing ground of the rare Himalayan Takin. After crossing a stream, the trail ascends to Robluthang (4,200m) where we set up our camp for the night.

19km, 7-8 hours We start the day with a long climb up to Shinji-La Pass (4,900m), enjoying stunning mountain views from the path. After crossing the pass we descend to Lingithang. The last part of today’s trek is steep, with splendid views of Gangchenta peak (6,840). Tonight’s campsite is at an altitude of 4,100 m.

10 km, 4 – 5 hours In the morning we walk to a superb view of Gangchenta Peak in front of our camp. The walk to Laya is very pleasant through a damp forest filled with moss and singing birds. We set up camp on arrival at Laya village, the second-highest settlement in the country, at 3,800m.

Rest Day Explore Laya village. You can go and visit one of the local houses. Traditional Bhutanese hospitality is extended even to a stranger, and a cup of tea and chang (alcohol brewed from barley) is always offered.

19km, 8-9 hours We descend from Laya to the army camp at the side of the Mo chu (Mother river of Punakha), and then walk alongside the river till reaching a bridge. After crossing the bridge, the track winds up and down through juniper and fir forests. We camp in the forest at Chamsa (3, 800m). Chamsa – Gasa Tshachu 14km, 6-7 hours After a 30-minute walk over flat land to Bele-La Pass, it’s downhill to Gasa Tshachu. We have lunch at Gasa village (2700m), and afterward visit the village and Gasa Dzong. The Dzong was built in the 17th century. We then descend to Gasa Tshachu (hot spring), where we set up our camp (2,200m).

Rest day After a long trek, this is the place to relax! Enjoy a hot bath and try some of the local beer.

Drive through scenic mountains from Gasa to Punakha (3-4 hrs). Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha.

Punakha – Thimphu-Drive to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu via the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks (about 3 hrs total driving time). The drive through the countryside affords a glimpse of everyday life in this most remote of Himalayan kingdoms. In the Dochu-La area, there are vast Rhododendron forests that grow to tree size and bloom in late April/early May covering the mountains in a riot of glorious spring color. After lunch, enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

Full sightseeing

Paro sightseeing- Visit the School for Arts and Crafts, The National Library housing a collection of 8th-century scriptures, the Traditional Paper Factory, and the Folk Heritage Museum. If your visit coincides with the weekend, you can walk through the Thimphu Market. Late afternoon transfer to Paro for overnight.

Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for a flight to your onward destination.