Laya Gasa (21 days)
Laya Gasa (21 days)
This trek is an extension of the Jumolhari trek. There will be opportunities to visit local landmarks and experience landscapes and wildlife up close. You will be introduced to the unusual culture of the Laya people, the Nomadic people of Upper Himalayas bordering Tibet, and have the chance to stop at a natural hot spring in Gasa.
Fitness grading: trips/Trekking trips/ Int 2
Climate: See Climate for likely weather conditions
Duration: 21 Days
Price 1-7 people: POA
Price 8 or more : POA
Deposit: £300
Date: Please contact us for dates
TO BOOK YOUR PLACE ON THIS TRIP PLEASE CHOOSE THE ‘BOOK NOW’ OPTION BELOW AND COMPLETE YOUR BOOKING FORM BEFORE PAYING YOUR DEPOSIT.
Additional Information
On arrival in Paro, Bhutan whilst acclimatising there will be a chance to visit the famous Tigers Nest monastery as well as the fortress nearby. Bhutan is known for its’ traditions and one of these is their national sport of archery, it is an experience to see this whilst in Bhutan. This trek takes you well over 4000 metres in altitude and the accommodation is a mix of camping and hotel stays.
What’s included:
Airport transfers in Kathmandu
Bed and breakfast in Kathmandu based on 2 nights at start of trip/1 night at the end
All Bhutan meals (breakfast/lunch/dinner)
All accommodation (twin room sharing) (single room supplement extra $40 per room per night)
All transport within country incl. airport transfers
Royalty and Govt. taxes
Visa fee & Airport Tax
Tourism Development Fund
Entrance fees for museums and monuments
Guide, cook, kitchen staff Sightseeing
Camping equipment except sleeping bags
What’s not included:
Druk air fares
Insurance premiums
Personal services/expenses
Cost due to mishaps, strike, political unrest etc.
Cost for any services not mentioned in the what is included
Optional Sherpa / Porter bonus
Click to see Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Home country – Delhi
Day 2: Delhi – Paro (2280m)
You will be met at the airport by your guide and driven to the hotel.
Day 3: Paro excursion to Taktsang Monastery
Starting at Satsam Chorten, a 2 hour horse ride (optional) will take you through pine forest to view Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which clings to the edge of a 900m sheer rock cliff. You will then drive to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, explore the ramparts and, on a clear day, have an unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7314m). On the way back, you will visit Kichu Lhakhang and end the day with a walk through Paro's main shopping district. Hotel stay.
Day 4: Start of trek, Paro – Shana (2820m)
Your trek will start at Drukgyel Dzong (2580m) and follow the Paro river past cultivated fields, picturesque villages and forests. Camp.
Day 5: Shana – Thangthangka (3610m)
You and the trail will follow the river through a forested area. Enroute, you will pass a junction where another path leads north over the Tremo La to Tibet. Camp.
Day 6: Thangthangka – Jangothang (4080m)
The trail will leave the forest line and climb into a beautiful valley which passes Tengethang, the winter home of yak herdsmen. Lunch will be served in one of these huts. You will arrive at Jhomolhari camp (4115m) with a view of overlooking mountains and ruins of an old fortress.
Day 7: Rest day at Jangothang
Day hike options are –
Hike to Jumolhari Glacier (4 ½ hours there and back). Hike to Jichu Drake Glacier (3 hours there and back). Walk up the mountain between Jumolhari and Jichu Drake, 5200m. (8 hours there and back).
Day 8: Jangothang – Lingshi (4000m)
On your walk you will have spectacular views of Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and the Tserim Gang. After a climb, you will reach the Nyelela pass (4700m) and then descend where you will have your first view of the Dzong atop a high hill. Camp.
Day 9: Lingshi – Chebisa (3880m)
You will climb gently to reach Gom Yu village, set below a 300m cliff. A short walk will bring you to a valley with a waterfall at one end of the Shangri La village of Chebisa. You will camp by the side of the river.
Day 10: Chebisa – Shomuthang (4220m)
You will start with a climb through high pastures up the Gokula pass (4320m) before dropping through dwarf rhododendron forests. You will then climb gradually and head down to the camp near a riverbed.
Day 11: Shomuthang – Robluthang (4160m)
The trek will take you over the Jarela pass (4640m) where you will have stunning views of the overlooking Himalayan Mountains. You will drop steeply down the forest trail to the Tsarigathang valley, where herds of Takin roam. After crossing a knee deep river, you will climb and camp at Robluthang.
Day 12: Robluthang – Lemithang (4140m)
You will climb slowly to Shinchela pass (4870m). On a clear day practically all the mountains on the northern border are visible. Eagles, griffin vultures, blue sheep and yaks abound in this area. You will descend down towards a riverbank camp.
Day 13: Lemithang – Laya (3840m)
The walk will take you along the river, one of the tributaries of the Mochu, to the village of Laya. You will have the rest of the day to spend at leisure, visiting village houses or enjoying the views of the Masagang and other peaks. Camp.
Day 14: Rest day at Laya
You will have an opportunity to meet the local people.
Day 15: Laya – Koena (3050m)
The trail winds along the river valley offering breathtaking views of feeder streams and waterfalls. Camp.
Day 16: Koena – Gasa Tsachu (2638m)
You will gradually climb to Balela pass (3740m) and then descend to Gasa village. The first sight of the Gasa Dzong on the hillside over the village is one of the best sights of the trip. You will drop steeply down to the river and camp near a natural hot spring where you can get a hot bath!
Day 17: Gasa Tsachu – Goen Damji (2430m), end of trek – Punakha (1220m)
After the climb from Gasa, the trail will wind through rolling hillsides and descend into a lush semi-tropical gorge filled with banana trees, creepers and the occasional monkey. From Goen Damji, you will drive to Punakha. Hotel stay.
Day 18: Punakha – Thimphu (2320m)
You will visit Punakha Dzong which served as the seat of the Government and is situated between Pho Chu (male river) and Mo Chu (female river). Enroute to Thimphu, you will stop to view Chimi Lhakhang or "The Temple of Fertility". Hotel stay.
Day 19: Thimphu sightseeing
In Thimphu you will visit a variety of places, including the National Memorial Chorten, the National Library, the Painting School, the tallest statue of Buddha in the world and you will witness an archery match. You will go to the Tashichho Dzong, seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, the Handicrafts Emporium and can then browse the shops of Thimphu. Hotel stay.
Day 20: Paro – Delhi
Drive to the airport and farewell!
Day 21: Delhi – Home Country