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Laya Gasa Trek 15 nights 16 days

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Duration

16 Days 15 Nights

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

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The Laya-Gasa Trek is considered one of the most scenic treks in Bhutan, offering amazing views of some of the most pristine and unspoiled landscapes in Bhutan. This fourteen day, 217 km journey begins at Drukgyel in Paro and takes you through gorgeous alpine meadows, high mountain passes and dense sub-tropical jungles before terminating in Damji in Tashithang.

The first five days of this trek follow the same route as the Jomolhari Trek I through Jigme Singye National Park and offer awe-inspiring views of Mt. Jomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsherimgang. On the sixth day the path diverges and you will depart Lingshi for the camp site at Chebisa, a charming little village adorned with a beautiful waterfall of crystal clear water.

Along the trail you’ll be able to spot indigenous animals such as blue sheep and Takins, the national animal of Bhutan. You’ll travel through remote mountain villages inhabited by Layaps (people of Laya), a distinct segment of the Bhutanese society with unique culture, traditions and appearance. The trek also offers a day of relaxation at the famous Gasa hot springs that is sure to rejuvenate you.

This is one of the more difficult treks offered in Bhutan due to the high altitudes and steep ascents and descents along the path. The best seasons to complete this challenge are in March – may and Sept – Nov .

Laya Gasa Trek 15 nights 16 days

Max Elevation : 5, 005 m

Min Elevation : 2, 250 m

Difficulty :Hard

Best Season : March , April, May, , September, October, November

No. of Days : 16 Days

 

Trekking Facilities Includes: 

First Aid Box (Medicine).

Sleeping tent (2 man tent) with carpeted floor, Air Mattress, Pillow and room light.

Dinning tent with dining set, Table, Chair and dining light.

Kitchen tent with kitchen set and light.

Hot water bag with cover.

Toilet tent with toilet pot.

Shower tent with shower bag and mat.

Trekking  staff.

 

What you needs to bring for trekking:

Sleeping Bag.

Good Trekking boots.

Touch light.

Sun screen lotion.

Hats or caps.

Water bottle.

Sun glasses.

Warm cloths.

Basis medical kit with medicines for high altitude purifying water, insects repellents.

Small backpack to carry personal belongings.

Highlights

  • Day 1 : Fly Paro Bhutan
  • Day 2 : Acclimatization hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery
  • Day 3: Gunitsawa Village - Sharna Zampa
  • Day 4: Sharna Zampa – Thangthangkha
  • Day 5: Thangthangkha – Jangothang
  • Day 6: Jangothang Halt
  • Day 7: Jangothang – Lingshi
  • Day 8: Lingshi – Chebisa
  • Day 9: Chebisa– Shomuthang
  • Day 10: Shomuthang – Robluthang
  • Day 11: Robluthang – Limithang
  • Day 12: Limithang – Laya
  • Day 13: Laya – Koina
  • Day 14: Koina – Gasa ( Trek Ends )
  • Day 15 : Gasa – Thimphu
  • Day 16 : Paro Aiport drop

Day 1 : Fly Paro Bhutan

Fly into Paro by DrukAir / Bhutan Airline After completing your immigration formalities, you will be received by our representative who will be your tour guide throughout your tour. Drive to hotel and check in latter you will visit the Rimpung Dzong, dating back to the 17th century. This building is an ancient fortress and center of civil and religious government in the Paro valley. From the Dzong, you can walk down to the road head crossing a traditional wooden bridge. From here, you will be taken to Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and the most sacred shrine in the country. In the evening, you can stroll in Paro town. Overnight hotel in Paro.

Day 2 : Acclimatization hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery

5Km | 4-5 hours | 900m AscentAfter breakfast, hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, Bhutan's most famous monastery, which stands at 3180m gives you acclimatization for the next day's trek. According to the legend, it is believed that Guru Rimpoche, the 8th century Spiritual Master, flew to this location on the back of a tigress to meditate. Explore the Monastery and hike back to Paro. On the way, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Overnight hotel in Paro.

Day 3: Gunitsawa Village - Sharna Zampa

- Distance 40 km - Time 40 mins - Ascent ...........m - Camp Altitude2,850mThis trek begins at Gunitsawa Village were you pass the army post. At the army checkpost your trek permit (provided by your tour operator) will be checked and endorsed. The campsite is on the opposite side of the river, not far from Gunitsawa

Day 4: Sharna Zampa – Thangthangkha

Distance 22 km Time 7-8 hours Ascent Ascent 770 m, descent 10m Camp Altitude 3,610mOn 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. From here, if weather permits, you will have the first great view of Mt. Jomolhari

Day 5: Thangthangkha – Jangothang

Distance 19 km Time 5-6 hours Ascent Ascent 480m Camp Altitude 4,080mIf you did not see Mt. Jomolhari the previous evening, you 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 growths of forest. You will cross an army checkpoint along the way and enjoy a spectacular view of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. In this area yaks and their herder's homes become a regular feature of the landscape. Passing the villages Soe, Takethang and Dangochang is another asset on this day. After reaching Jangothang, one of the most beautiful campsites of the Himalayas, you will again have a spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari.

Day 6: Jangothang Halt

Distance 0 km Time 0 mins Ascent 0m Camp Altitude 0mThe 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 your acclimatization. You can also trek up to Tosoh or hike around the area. There are good short hiking trails in three directions. Jomolhari and its subsidiary mountain chains lie directly west, Jichu Drake to the north and there are a number of unclimbed peaks to the east.

Day 7: Jangothang – Lingshi

Distance 18 km Time 6-7 hours Ascent Ascent 840 m, descent 870m Camp Altitude 4,010mThis is one of the longest days of the trek. A short distance from the camp the trail begins climbing rapidly for about half an hour and then becomes a gradual ascent to the Nyilila pass at 4,870m. While on the climb enjoy the surroundings. You might see herds of blue sheep grazing on the slopes of the mountains. From the pass you will have spectacular views of Mt. Jomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsherimgang, all of them rising above 7,000m. It's a gradual descent to the camp where you will pass by some of the yak herder's tents, made from yak wool. The herders use these tents while travelling tovarious pastures for their yaks. As you come down into the Lingshi basin, a beautiful U-shaped valley, you get a wonderful view of Lingshi Dzong on clear days. Tserimgang and its glaciers rise up at the north end of the valley. The campsite is next to a stone hut you reach just before Lingshi Dzong.

Day 8: Lingshi – Chebisa

Distance 10 km Time 5-6 hours Ascent Ascent 280 m, descent 410m Camp Altitude 3,880mToday is the shortest walking day, and you can really take it easy. Shortly after starting you will reach a chorten below Lingshi Dzong. Here, you have the choice of staying on the main trail or taking a detour up to the Lingshi Dzong (4,220m), which sits right atop a high ridge. This Dzong is under reconstruction from a 2011 earthquake which damaged its central building. In addition to a very special atmosphere of mystic tranquility, Lingshi Dzong provides a great view over the valley. After Lingshi Dzong you will be passing the villages of Lingshi and Goyul. In Goyul, the stone houses are clustered together to form a small compact village that is unusual in Bhutan where settlements are usually scattered. On reaching the campsite at Chebisa you will have plenty of time to visit the village houses if you feel up to it. There is also a beautiful waterfall located behind the village that is worth visiting.

Day 9: Chebisa– Shomuthang

Distance 17 km Time 6-7 hours Ascent Ascent 890 m, descent 540m Camp Altitude 4,220mThe morning starts with a long ascent behind Chebisa Village (2-3 hours) through a wide pastureland towards Gobu La (pass). On the way, you will see a few people herding yaks. There is also a great chance to spot large herds of blue sheep above the trail. After crossing Gobu La (4,410m), you descend into the valley, then climb again a little bit, before descending again to Shakshepasa (3,980), a large U-shaped valley. Climbing from here you will finally reach the campsite at Shomuthang, above a river, which is a tributary of the Nochu river.

Day 10: Shomuthang – Robluthang

Distance 18 km Time 6-7 hours Ascent Ascent 700 m, descent 760m Camp Altitude 4,160mYou begin by climbing up the valley to view Kang Bum (6,526 m) and some edelweiss. After two hours of climbing you will reach Jhari La (4,750m), from where you catch the first glimpse of Sinche La, the pass you will have to cross the day after. The big snow peak in the north is Gangchhenta 6,840 m, better known as the Great Tiger Mountain. If weather is clear, Tserim Kang and the top of Jomolhari will be visible. The camp by the river is called Tsheri Jathang located in a beautiful wide and remote valley. Herds of takin, the Bhutanese National Animal, migrate to this valley in summer and remain for about four months. The valley has been declared a takin sanctuary. Climb up a little bit and you will reach the campsite at Robluthang in a rocky meadow.

Day 11: Robluthang – Limithang

Distance 19 km Time 6-7 hours Ascent Ascent 850 m, descent 870m Camp Altitude 4,140mThe 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 the trek if you don't intend to continue the Snowman trek from Laya onwards. As you descend the far side of the passyou will see an impressive terminal moraine and a glacial lake at the foot of the valley. You can see classic examples of lateral moraines where the glacier has pushed rocks up both sides of the valley. Below the moraine, you cross the Kango Chhu and soon reach the Limithang campsite. The peak of Gangchhenta towers over the campsite even though it's quite a distance away.

Day 12: Limithang – Laya

Distance 10 km Time 4-5 hours Ascent Ascent 60 m, descent 340m Camp Altitude 3,840mToday, 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 of the village you will have spectacular views of Mt. Gangchhenta and catch Mt. Masagang. In the village centre is a community school and a basic health unit with a telephone connection. The campsite is located below the school.

Day 13: Laya – Koina

Distance 19 km Time 6-7 hours Ascent Ascent 260 m, descent 1,070m Camp Altitude 3,050mThe 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 you to Kohi Lapcha at 3.300 m. The trek then drops down to the large stream of Koina Chhu, where you will find the campsite of Koina.

Day 14: Koina – Gasa ( Trek Ends )

Distance 14 km Time 6-7 hours Ascent Ascent 740 m, descent 1,500m Camp Altitude 2,240mToday 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), where you will find the first restaurants since you started from Drukgyel Dzong. There also is a campsite close to Gasa Dzong. You will have to decide whether you want to stay in Gasa village or descend for another hour to the Gasa Tsachu (hot springs) and relax in the rejuvenating mineral waters. The Gasa Tsachu is one of the most popular hot springs in Bhutan. This trek finishes in Gasa, this remote village is home to a distinctive and architecturally unique Dzong.

Day 15 : Gasa – Thimphu

After breakfast travel thimphu via Punakhat on the way we will come across Dochula Pass 3140 m). In the clear spring sky, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountain ranges. . Then pass by the beautiful 108 chortens built on the hill by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck (Queen Mother of Bhutan) for the security and well being of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan.On arrival at Thimphu we will visit stroll around thimphu city . Over night Hotel in Thimphu

Day 16 : Paro Aiport drop

After breakfast we will drive to Paro airport which is about 1 hrs 30 minute drive

  • US$ 40 per person (Single entry visa fee).
  • Accommodation in 3 star hotel on twin bed sharing basis.
  • Daily US$ 200 Per pax / Night Government royalty and all the tax.
  • All meals (break, lunch & dinner).
  • Full time English speaking guide.
  • Private transportation and sightseeing as per the itinerary.
  • Museums and parks fees indicated in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Gov surcharge USD 30 per person / night for the FIT traveler
  • Airfare.
  • Any alcoholic, nonalcoholic beverages and any other personal expenses.
  • Tips to guide, driver, trekking staff, hotel service, etc.
  • Travel Insurance.
  • Single room / tent supplement charges USD 30 per night
  • Luxury hotels/resorts are available on supplement cost.

Tour's Location

Do visitors need a visa to visit Bhutan?
1.1. Yes, all visitors will need a visa to visit Bhutan, except for visitors from India, who will require a permit.1.2. Nationals of Bangladesh and the Maldives shall be eligible for a visa on arrival at the port of entry.1.3. Nationals of Switzerland and Thailand holding diplomatic and official passports shall be eligible for a visa on arrival at the port of entry.1.4. Visitors from India will need a permit to visit Bhutan. This applies to anyone holding an Indian passport, or an Indian voter ID card. For Indian nationals aged under 18 years, a passport or a birth certificate will suffice, and they must be accompanied by legal guardians.
How can visitors process their visa or permit?
2.1. Visitors can process a visa or permit online from the website of the Department of Immigration. Visitors can also engage tourism service providers (see www.bhutan.travel for more details) to process the travel documents and plan a trip. The Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) will also offer customer service to help answer questions regarding visa applications and to answer questions about travel within the country.2.2. Although visitors from Bangladesh and Maldives can process visas on arrival and visitors from India can process permits on arrival at the port of entry, it is recommended that these be applied online to reduce wait time and for faster clearance at the port of entry.
What are the documents required to process the visa?
3.1. A passport copy is required. The passport must be valid for six months from the intended date of departure from the Kingdom;3.2. Travel insurance valid for the duration of the trip; and3.3. A recent passport size photograph.
How much is the visa fee and how long does it take to issue?
4.1. The visa fee is USD 40 per person and it is non-refundable. While the process to issue the visa is usually quick, the visa can take up to five working days to process.
What are the documents required to process the permit (for Indian guests)?
5.1. Visitors from India can use a passport or voter ID card. Children under 18 years of age can use a birth certificate or passport, and must be accompanied by a legal guardian.5.2. Passport size photograph is also required.5.3. Travel insurance is required and should be valid for the whole duration of the trip.
How can I purchase insurance if I don’t have any?
6.1 There is also an option to purchase domestic travel insurance from Bhutanese insurance providers at the port of entry during arrivals. There are also tourism information officers stationed at all ports of entry who can assist travellers. Click here to get details on the insurance from Bhutan Insurance Limited.
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