Bhutan Laya Gasa Trekking Tour – 19 Nights & 20 Days

On the second day of the tour, get an on-time transfer to the airport to catch a flight to Paro. Complete the check-in procedures at your pre-booked hotel upon arriving in Paro. After that, go sightseeing. Visit the ruins Drukgyel Dzong, which formerly guarded the valley against Tibetan invasion. After that, depart for Mount Chomolhari, the sacred top, and the Ta Dzong National Museum. Spend the night.

After breakfast, depart for a full-day excursion to Taktshang, also known as the Tiger's Nest. This lovely monastery, also known as the Taktsang Palphug Monastery, is located on the cliffside in the Paro Valley. This monastery is the most well-known of the 13 taktsang, or "tiger lair" caves, where Guru Padmasambhava meditated for three years, three months, three weeks, three days, and three hours during the eighth century. He introduced Buddhism to Bhutan and serves as the country's tutelary god (protector). Stay the night in Paro.

Day 4 begins with a direct drive to Drugyel Dzong after breakfast. Explore the Dzong upon arrival. This Buddhist monastery, now in ruins, was built in 1649 as a stronghold. This is the final stretch of road from where the journey began. After about 5 to 6 hours of walking, you will arrive to Shana, which is 2,800 metres above sea level. Set up your camp for an overnight stay when you arrive. You can explore the surrounds on foot if you have the time and stamina.

After breakfast on day 5, continue an upward hike across the river valley. You follow the river valley straight to Soi Thangthangkha. The path gradually narrows and becomes winding, eventually ending down along the drainage. Your campground is a short distance away. It is approximately 21 kilometres (from the starting point). The journey takes approximately 7 to 8 hours. When you arrive, set up your camp for the night.

On the sixth day of the journey, after breakfast, begin the morning by visiting Pa Chu pass, a tiny army post. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of towering ridges and snow-capped peaks all around you. Lunch will be served at a tent beneath a ruined fortification at the base of Mt. Chomolhari. After relaxing for a while, start walking towards Jangothang. This is one of the most gorgeous camping spots in the Himalayas. Snow peaks can be seen on the Paro river's eastern bank. Set up your campgrounds as you get in Jangthong. You can even supervise the Yak herders' villages or go trout fishing if you like. Stay for the night.

On day 7, after breakfast, begin your trip to Lingshi. On the way up, you travel through broad yak meadows before descending from the pass. Depending on the time of year, you may also see individuals in their yak tents. If the weather is clear when you arrive at the Lingshi basin, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Lingshi Dzong. It is a major Drukpa Kagyu monastery with about 30 monks. Continue to the campsite. Explore the area on foot after you arrive. At the north end of the valley, you can see Tserim Kang (6789 metres) and its sliding glaciers. Stay the night

Today, after breakfast, we will embark on the shortest walk of the Beautiful Laya/Gasa trek. You also reach the highest point of your journey today, at 4140 metres. Following your arrival at Chebisa (3850 metres), a small yet attractive settlement. The hike takes about 5-6 hours. Visit the historic village houses afterwards. The flora in this area are said to have medicinal powers. Chebisa is where you'll spend the night.

Today, you hike across high wild grasslands where you might see a few people and yaks. You pass via Gobu La (4350 metres) on the route. Today's walk is around 17 kilometres long and takes about 6 hours. Later, proceed to Shomuthang (4260 metres). When you arrive, spend the night sleeping on a bench over the river. This river flows into the Mo Chu. Enjoy some overnight camping near the river's banks.

On the fourth day of the vacation, you begin walking after an early breakfast. Cross the Jare La pass on the route. After some hours, you will arrive in Tsharijathang valley, the home of Takins (an unique animal found in the region that resembles a cross between a goat and a bull). Today's walk is around 15 kilometres long and takes about 5 hours. Continue hiking towards Robluthand (4160 metres). Enjoy your overnight camping experience to the utmost.

Today's walk is around 19 kilometres long and takes about 7 hours. The walk includes both an upward and a downward trek. After crossing the Shingela pass (4900 metres), you descend and follow the valley road to Lemithang. You may see local youngsters wearing traditional caps playing about in Lemithang, which is located in the Laya district. Overnight camping at Lemithang, which is located below Kang Che Da, also known as the Great Tiger Mountain.

On day 12, continue the descending journey down the twisting river valley after breakfast, while enjoying a closed-in feeling while trekking. Trekking time is approximately 3-4 hours (10 km). After a certain point, the trail route splits into two; one descends to the army's river camp. The second route takes you to the settlement of Laya's western front. Continue trekking until you reach the eastern side of the settlement, where your camp has been set up on a high-up flat bench. Set up your camps as you reach the east end of Laya village. The rest of the day is free to roam around the hamlet and take in the scenery. You can see a cultural performance in the evening.

Today, after breakfast, relax for a little before leaving your tent to tour Laya village, a population of roughly 1000 people with different clothing, languages, and customs. Laya (3700 metres) is one of Bhutan's highest villages, located on a slope near the Tibetan border. You can mingle with the people and explore the environs on foot if you choose. Unlike Bhutanese ladies, who have clipped hair, the women here have long hair. A conical bamboo hat topped with spikes serves as their headwear. They wear a black Yak wool jacket with a coloured stripe skirt.

After breakfast, continue your 7-hour walk of around 19 kilometres. The starting trip is uphill, but it soon begins lowering along the river valley. During the journey, you get a spectacular glimpse of the roaring river and waterfalls. The trip is muddy in a few areas, so exercise caution. Continue your journey to Koena (3050 metres). Pitch your tents at the location upon arriving for an overnight stay.

On day 15, after breakfast, begin an upward and then downhill journey through fir forests. You pass through the Balena pass (3900 metres) on the way. A stone on a few prayer flags marks the location. Later, begin descending through fir and bamboo forests. After some while, you will notice Gasa Dzong. Your journey to Gasa is now both dropping and climbing. Your camp is located close to the Dzong (9250 feet). Stop for the night in the camp.

Have breakfast and then go exploring in the village. Go to Gaza Tsachu, the hot springs, for a relaxing lunch. You can unwind here for a while. These hot springs are located on the riverbanks, not far from the camp. You can also go to the Gasa Dzong, a defensive construction built in the 17th century, if you like. Spend the night in the camp.

On day 17, after breakfast, continue an upward hike from Gasa Tsachu. While walking towards Goen Damji, you will experience a winding trail that will take you past slopes with breathtaking views of oak and pine trees, beautiful fields, and adjacent settlements. You depart from Gasa Dzong. Today's trip lasts about 7 hours and covers a distance of 21 kilometres. Arrive at your tent at Goen Damji for the night.

After breakfast, begin your descent by passing steep agricultural benches located directly above the Mo Chu. After a while, you'll be passing through a lush semi-tropical ravine filled with creepers and banana trees. After around 17 kilometres (5-6 hours), you arrive in Tashithang. This is where you will acquire your transportation to Khuruthang, your overnight camp location.

Begin your 3-hour trip to Thimphu on day 19 of the vacation. Cross Dochula pass (about 10,000 feet) on the way. Beautiful views of snow-covered mountains can be had if the weather is clear. Stop at the Dochula café for a hot cup of tea. Later, drive to Trimphu, Bhutan's capital. Complete the check-in procedures at your hotel upon arrival. Relax in the privacy of your room. Stay for the night.

Today is the last day of the tour, and you will be transferred to Paro International Airport to catch your next departure.