Beautiful Laya Gasa Trek - 22-Day Expedition

Day 02: Paro Excursion

Morning :

• Explore Drugyal Dzong, a historic fortress with ruins located 16 km from Paro town. It played a crucial role in Bhutan's history, marking the defeat of invading Tibetans.
• Visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse during your return journey.
• Explore Rinchen Pong Dzong, a massive fortress built in 1645 AD, which houses the District Administration office and the District Monk Body.
• Lunch at the hotel.

Afternoon :

• Visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong), originally the Watch Tower of Paro Rinchen Pong Dzong, converted into a museum in 1968.
• Explore Kyichu Lhakhang, a sacred monastery built in 659 AD by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet, marking the advent of Buddhism in Bhutan.

Evening :

• Enjoy a cultural show and reception by our tour operator.
• Overnight in Paro.

Day 3: Trek to Shana

• Drive to Drugyal Dzong, the starting point of your trek, where the road ends.
• Begin your trek by following the river gently uphill through picturesque paddy fields and traditional farmhouses.
• Camp just beyond an army outpost at an altitude of 2800m. Trek covers 17 km in 5-6 hours.

Day 4: Soe Thangthangkha

• Continue your trek uphill through a narrowing river valley, eventually winding up and down along the drainage.
• The campsite is in a meadow with stone shelters at an approximate altitude of 3400m. Trek covers 15 km in 4-5 hours.

Day 5: Jangothang

• Walk along the Pachu (Paro river), passing a small army outpost.
• Enjoy stunning views of high ridges, snow-capped mountains, yaks, and yak herders' homes.
• Camp near the base of Jomulhari mountain at an altitude of 4040m. Trek covers 19 km in 5-6 hours.

Day 6: Lingshi

• Trek toward the pass through a wide pastureland.
• Witness the beauty of Lingshi Dzong, the valley, Tserim Kang mountain, and its descending glaciers.
• Camp in a stone shelter or tent at an altitude of 4150m. Trek covers 19km in 5-6 hours.

Day 7: Chebisa

• Enjoy a shorter walking day with time to relax.
• Visit Chebisa village houses.
• Camp at an altitude of 3850m, covering 12 km in about 3-4 hours.

Day 8: Shomuthang

• Trek through a wide pastureland towards Gobu-la pass.
• Encounter yak herders along the way.
• Descend to the valley after crossing the Gobu-la pass (altitude: 4350m).
• Camp near a river tributary at an altitude of 4260m. Trek covers 17 km in about 5-6 hours.

Day 9: Robluthang

• Begin a strenuous trek early in the morning.
• Cross the Jerela pass (altitude: 4600m) and descend to Tsharijathang valley.
• Camp at Tsharijathang at an altitude of 4390m. Trek covers 15 km in about 6-7 hours.

Day 10: Lemithang

• After crossing the Shingela pass (altitude: 4900m), descend and follow the valley.
• Camp at Lemithang, an altitude of 4140m.
• Spend an extra day to explore the valley and its unique culture if time allows.

Day 11: Laya

• Trek downhill along a narrow winding river valley.
• Arrive on the west side of Laya village.
• Camp on a high flat bench above Laya village at an altitude of 3850m.

Day 12: Leisure in Laya

• Rest for the day and explore Laya village.

Day 13: Koena

• Trek through a winding river valley with spectacular views.
• Camp at an altitude of 3800m, covering 19 km in about 6-7 hours.

Day 14: Gasa

• Cross the Babela pass (altitude: 3740m).
• Trek downhill to the campsite near Gasa Dzong at an altitude of 2900m.
• Visit Punakha Dzong on the way and enjoy lunch in Punakha.
• Drive to Thimphu for an overnight stay.

Day 15: Thimphu Sightseeing

• Visit the Memorial Chorten, National Library, Wood Craft and Painting School, and Handicrafts Emporium.
• Explore Simtokha Dzong, one of Bhutan's oldest fortresses.
• Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building.
• Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 16: Thimphu to Paro

• Drive to Dechencholing to view the Queen Mother’s Palace and Dechencholing Monastery.
• Stroll in Thimphu's market.
• After lunch, drive to Paro for an overnight stay.

Day 17: Taktsang Monastery

• Drive to Satsam Chorten and hike up to Taktsang Monastery, known as the "Tiger’s Nest."
• Picnic lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria.
• Return hike takes about 4 hours.

Day 18: Departure from Paro

• Enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel.
• Drive to Paro International Airport for your onward flight with our assistance.