Authentic Bhutan

Laya-Lingzhi-Gasa Trek

The trek leads through high mountains (16,100 ft) into the wilderness above the tree line – a world of snow peaks, glacial lakes, herds of blue sheep, alpine blossoms and home of the hospitable Layaps. The route also takes you through the therapeutic hot springs of Gasa and ends in the sub-tropical valley of Punakha.

Start of Trek              : Drukgyel Dzong (Paro)
End of Trek                : Damji (Punakha)
Duration in Bhutan    : 18 Nights / 19 Days
Duration of Trek        : 13 Nights / 14 Days
Season                  : April, May, June, September, October, November

Day 01. Day 1.Bangkok - Paro
Arrive Paro. Afternoon visit National Museum & Paro Dzong. Evening at stroll around the Paro town. Welcome dinner and over night at hotel.

Day 02. Paro Halt
Hike to Taktshang Goenpa. Afternoon visit Drukgyel dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang. Evening visit farmhouse for dinner,Suja (Butter Tea) and Ara (Local Alchol). . Over night stay at hotel.

Day 03 Paro – Shana (Start of Trek)
Our trek to Shana starts at Drukgyal Dzong following the Paro river gently. We pass through the cultivated fields and tiny picturesque villages. Overnight at camp Shana.
Altitude 2,820 m; Distance 14 Km; Time 5 - 6 hours.

Day 04 Shana – Thangthangka.
We pass by a few isolated farmhouses, and deep forest area. We also pass a junction en-route, where another path leads north over the Tremo La to Tibet. Over night camp at Thangthangka.
Altitude 3610 m; Distance 21 Km; Time 7 - 8 hours.

Day 05      Thangthangka – Jangothang
En-route a small army post, beautifully valley of Tegethang, yaks, the stunning views of mountain Jhomolhari, Jichudrake and Tsherim Gang. The ruins of an old fortress used to guard Bhutan against Tibetan invasions with wind flags, backgrounds with mountain Jhomolhari is spectacular. 
Altitude 4,115 m; Distance 15 Km; Time 5 - 6 hours.

Day 06 Jangothang (Jhomolhari Base camp) (Halt)
A rest day. A chance to acclimatize and walk up to the Jhomolhari glacier or to the lakes in the opposite direction.

Day 07 Jangothang - Lingshi
A good day’s walk today with great views of the Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and the Tserim Gang. We have to cross the Nyelela pass (4,700-m). We pass by the picturesque of Lingshi village and our first views of the truly mystical Lingshi Dzong atop a high hill. Overnight camp at Lingshi
Altitude 4150m; Distance 19 kms; Time 6 - 7 hours.

Day 08 Lingshi - Chebisa
This is a magical day. En route we pass by two villages, delightful village of Gom Yu, which is set right below a 300 m cliff and a lovely little valley with a huge waterfall at one end of the Shangri La village of Chebisa, where we camp by the side of the river.  Altitude 3,780m; Distance 12 kms; Time 4 - 5 hours.

Day 09 Chebisa – Shomuthang
We pass by the Gokula pass (43220m) and the forest of dwarf rhododendron. Over night in the camp.
 Altitude 3,890 m; Distance 17 kms; Time 6 - 7 hours.
 
Day 10 Shomuthang – Robluthang.
We have to cross the Jarela pass (4640m), we will also have the stunning views of the Himalayan mountains. We will also pass by the Tsarigathang valley, where herds of Takin roam,in the summer. Overnight in the camp.
 Altitude 4,100m ; Distance 22 kms; Time 7 - 8 hours.

Day 11 Robluthang - Lemithang
Today we have to cross the 4870m of Shinchela pass. We can see the mountain Gangchen Ta and other mountains. We may also across Eagles, griffin vultures, blue sheep and yaks.Camp on a lovely spot by the riverbank.
Altitude 4,040m; Distance16 kms; Time 6 - 7 hours.

Day 12 Lemithang - Laya
We walk along the river, through a forest of rhododendron and silver fir and then enter the village of Laya The rest of the day is spent at leisure or visiting village houses and mixing with the villagers. Good views of the Masagang and the other peaks.
 Altitude 3,880m; Distance 10 kms; Time 4 - 5 hours.

Day 13. Laya (Halt)
We have a rest day at Laya and an opportunity to meet the local people and know their living and life styles.

Day 14 Laya – Koena
Enroute we can see the breathtaking views of the crashing river, feeder streams and waterfalls. Over night at camp.
Altitude 3,300m; Distance 19 kms; Time 6/7 hours.

Day 15 Koena - Gasa Tsachu.
The Balela pass (3740m), Gasa village and Dzong and camp near the Hot Spring - a chance for a good, hot bath!
Altitude 2,638m; Distance 15 kms; Time  6/7 hours.

Day 16 Gasa Tsachu - Goen Damji ( End of Trek)
Today we have to walk about 6hours. Enroute we can see the fields, villages and forest of oak and pine. Gasa Dzong will be visible behind you glued to the valley wall, seeming afloat in space. Our car and driver will be waiting for us here. We bid good bye to our cooks and horsemen, and other trekking staff. Drive to Punakha. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 17 Punakha – Thimphu.
Visit Punakha Dzong, Chhimi Lhakhang-the temple of fertility. Then drive to Thimphu. Lunch at Dochula cafeteria. Evening cultural show by Khuju Luyang group. Dinner and over night stay at hotel Thimphu.

Day 18 Thimphu – Paro
Visit Memorial Chorten, Dupthop Lhakhang, viewpoint of Tashichho Dzong, Folk Heritage museum. Lunch will be served in the town. After lunch, visit Painting School and Handicrafts Emporium. In the early evening drive to Paro.
Dinner and overnight at hotel in Paro.

Day 19 Paro - Airport
Morning drive to Paro international Airport to catch the flight to your next destination. Our guide and driver will bid you farewell and we wish you a safe and pleasant journey back home and hoe to see you again in Bhutan.