17 Days Jomolhari Laya Gasa Trekking Adventure in Bhutan
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17 Days Jomolhari Laya Gasa Trekking Adventure in Bhutan
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Highlights
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 17-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 in the district of Gasa.
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 high altitudes and steep ascents and descents. The best seasons to complete this challenge are in April-June and Mid-September to Mid-November.
Itinerary
Arrive Paro International Airport & Sightseeing in Paro (2200m)
National Museum of Bhutan འབྲུག་གི་འགྲེམས་སྟོན་ཁང་།
2 hoursAdmission Ticket IncludedArrive at Paro International airport by either of only two airlines operating in and out of Bhutan; Drukair, the national flag carrier or Bhutan Airlines, a private airline that was started in 2011. You will be received by our guide and driver at the arrival hall and then transfer to the hotel. After checking in and settling yourself in the new surroundings, you will be taken on your first adventure into the ‘Kingdom of Thunder Dragon’. We will visit the National Museum of Bhutan, to get a glimpse of the history and rich cultural traditions of Bhutan. Located below the National Museum is the 17th-century Paro Rinpung Dzong which serves as the office of the Paro District Governor and residence of the district clergy. From there drive to visit Sangchoekhor Monastery located on a hilltop overlooking the Paro valley. You'll have an opportunity to meet the monks and offer prayers at the serene monastery. Leisure time around Paro town.- AccommodationsDinner and overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Tenzingling ResortFood And DrinksLunchDinner
Full Day Acclimatization - Hike to Taktsang Monastery, Tiger's Nest (3120m)
Paro Taktsang
5 hoursAdmission Ticket IncludedAfter breakfast, drive to Ramthangka, the base of the Taktsang monastery. Taktsang monastery is built on the face of an 800-meter rock cliff in Paro. The hiking normally takes about 4-5 hours round trip. The trail takes you through the ancient path shaded by pine trees. After an hour of steep uphill hiking, you will reach a nice cafeteria from where you can see spectacular views of Taktsang monastery perched on the face of a steep rock cliff and beautiful valley below. Hot tea and snacks will be served here. From this viewpoint, it takes a further 1 hour to reach the monastery, receive blessings from many sacred relics and artifacts and enjoy grand views of the Paro valley below. After lunch at the cafeteria, we retrace our steps back to the base where our driver will be waiting. Leisure time in Paro town.- AccommodationsDinner and overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Tenzingling ResortFood And DrinksBreakfastLunchDinner
Trek Begins] Paro Drukgyal Dzong / Shana Zampa (2850m)
Shana
3 hoursAdmission Ticket IncludedAfter leisurely breakfast, visi an auspicious 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang and pray for the journey ahead. Paro Kyichu Lhakhang was built on a single day in 659AD by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo as part of his mission to subdue an evil spirit that was obstructing the propagation of Buddhism across the Himalayan region. We then drive to Shana Zampa in Gunitsawa Village, the starting point of the trek via Drukgyal Dzong. If interested, spend about 30mins visiting the Drukgyal Dzong, a 17th-century fortress that is undergoing complete renovation since 2016 and is expected to bring back to its former glory very soon. After about an hour of drive, you will reach the village of Gunitsawa passing through an army check post where your trekking permit will be checked and endorsed. The campsite is on the opposite side of the river, not far from the army check post. Distance 33km | Time 1.5-hour drive | Camp Altitude 2,850m/9,350ft- AccommodationsFull-service overnight outdoor camping at ShanaFood And DrinksBreakfastLunchDinner
Shana Zampa / Thang Thanka (3610m)
Thang Thangka Camp
7 hoursAdmission Ticket IncludedOn 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 that 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. Distance 22km | Time 7-8 hours | Ascent 770m/2,526ft | Descent 10m/33ft |Camp Altitude 3,610m/11,845ft- AccommodationsFull-service overnight outdoor camping at Thang ThangkaFood And DrinksBreakfastLunchDinner
Thang Thanka / Jangothang, Jomolhari Basecamp (4080m)
Jomolhari Base Camp
6 hoursAdmission Ticket IncludedIf 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. Distance 19km | Time 6-7 hours | Ascent 480m/1,575ft | Camp Altitude 4,080m/13,385ft- AccommodationsFull-service overnight outdoor camping at the base of Mt. Jomolhari, JangothangFood And DrinksBreakfastLunchDinner
Halt at Jangothang & Explore the Pristine Area (4080-4500m)
Jomolhari Base Camp
7 hoursAdmission Ticket IncludedThe 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.- AccommodationsFull-service overnight outdoor camping at the base of Mt. Jomolhari, JangothangFood And DrinksBreakfastLunchDinner
Jangothang / Lingzhi (4010m)
Lingzhi
7 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeThis 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 to various pastures for their yaks. As you come down into the Lingshi basin, a beautiful U-shaped valley, you get a wonderful view of Lingzhi 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 just before Lingzhi Dzong. Distance 18km | Time 6-7 hours| Ascent 840m/2,755ft | Descent 870m/2,855ft | Camp Altitude 4,010m/13,156ft- AccommodationsFull-service outdoor camping at LingzhiFood And DrinksBreakfastLunchDinner
Lingzhi / Chebisa (3880m)
Chebisa
5 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeToday 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. The Dzong is under reconstruction after it was damaged by a 2011 earthquake. 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. There is also a beautiful waterfall located behind the village that is worth visiting. Distance 10km | Time 5-6 hours | Ascent 280m/918ft | Descent 410m/1,345ft | Camp Altitude 3,880m/12,730ft- AccommodationsFull-service outdoor camping at ChebisaFood And DrinksBreakfastLunchDinner
Chebisa / Shomuthang (4220m)
Chebisa
6 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeThe 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. Distance 17km | Time 6-7 hours | Ascent 890m/2,920ft | Descent 540m/1,771ft | Camp Altitude 4,220m/13,845ft- AccommodationsFull-service outdoor camping at ShomuthangFood And DrinksBreakfastLunchDinner
Shomuthang / Robluthang (4160m)
Laya
7 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeYou 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 the 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. Distance 18km | Time 7-8 hours | Ascent 700m/2,296ft | Descent 760m/2,493ft | Camp Altitude 4,160m/13,648ft- AccommodationsFull-service outdoor camping at RobluthangFood And DrinksBreakfastLunchDinner
Robluthang / Limithang (4140m)
Laya
7 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeThe 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 pass you 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. Distance 19km | Time 7-8 hours | Ascent 850m/2,788ft | Descent 870m/2,854ft | Camp Altitude 4,140m/13,582ft- AccommodationsFull-service outdoor camping at LimithangFood And DrinksBreakfastLunchDinner
Limithang / Laya Village (3840m)
Laya
5 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeToday, you walk downhill all the way along a narrow, winding river valley. After a long time, the trail takes you through a 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 (Tiger Mountain) 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. Distance 10km | Time 4-5 hours| Ascent 60m/196ft | Descent 640m/2,100ft | Camp Altitude 3,840m/12,598ft- AccommodationsFull-service outdoor camping at Laya villageFood And DrinksBreakfastLunchDinner
Laya / Koina (3050m)
Koina Mountain Lodge
7 hoursAdmission Ticket IncludedThe 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. Distance 19km | Time 7-8 hours | Ascent 260m/853ft | Descent 1,070m/3,510ft | Camp Altitude 3,050m/10,006ft- AccommodationsFull-service outdoor camping at KoinaFood And DrinksBreakfastLunchDinner
Koina / Gasa (2850m)
Gasa
6 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeToday 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. Distance 14km | Time 6-7 hours | Ascent 740m/2,427ft | Descent 1,500m/4,921ft | Camp Altitude 2,850m/9,350ft- AccommodationsFull-service outdoor camping at GasaFood And DrinksBreakfastLunchDinner
Gasa / Punakha Valley (1200m)
Punakha
4 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeToday, you will spend the morning leisurely soaking up in the hot spring and after lunch, transfer to Punakha valley for an overnight stay. Distance 95km | Time 3.5-hours | Punakha Altitude 1,200m/3,937ft- AccommodationsOvernight at Meri Puensum Resort or Zhingkham Resort.Food And DrinksBreakfastLunchDinner
Punakha / Capital City Thimphu (2334m)
Thimphu
3 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeAfter breakfast, visit the 17th-century historic Punakha Dzong considered as the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture and walk to Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge that stretches across glacial-fed Phochu (male) river. We then drive to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility) popularly known among tourists as “Temple of Fertility”. A gentle walk through the terraced rice fields and traditional farmhouses painted with phalluses will give you a unique experience. Explore the nearby village. After lunch, transfer to Thimphu via the sacred Dochula Pass. Stop briefly at Dochula, a sacred mountain pass at an elevation of 3150m and enjoy a grand view of some of the highest mountains of Bhutan on a clear day. From there continue driving towards Thimphu and gradually descend to the capital city of Bhutan. Arriving in Thimphu, visit Buddha Dordhenma Statue located on a hilltop overlooking the Thimphu valley. Distance 74km | Time 2.5-hours | Thimphu Altitude 2,334m/7,655ft- AccommodationsDinner and overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel Amodhara.Food And DrinksBreakfastLunchDinner
Transfer to Paro International Airport for Departure
Paro International Airport - departure terminal
1 hours 30 minsAdmission Ticket IncludedAfter breakfast, drive to Paro and transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey. Your guide will assist you to complete all exit formalities before you check in. Distance 55km | Time 1 hour | Paro Altitude 2,195m/7,200ft- Food And DrinksBreakfast
What's included
INCLUDED
All internal taxes for the services listed above
Porters & Ponies
Sleeping bag liner (not sleeping bag)
Lunch (16)
Dinner (16)
Breakfast (16)
Experienced English-speaking licensed tour guide
Medical treatment at a hospital in Bhutan if you sustain injuries while in Bhutan
All ground transportation including round trip airport transfers
12 nights full-service outdoor camping in pristine wilderness
4 nights accommodations at a 3-star hotel on a twin sharing basis
All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
All Entry fees including trekking permit
Visa Fee & Processing. You'll receive your e-Visa within 4-5 business days.
NOT INCLUDED
Travel insurance is mandatory
Emergency evacuation
International flights. Let us know if you need help with arranging flights to and from Bhutan
Alcoholic beverages, laundry services, telephone call charges
Tips to Guide and Driver
Sleeping bag (you need for camping during trekking)
Guide speaking other major languages can be arranged for an additional fee
Any other expenses of personal nature
Additional information
Must Know
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Good To Know
Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
A minimum of 3 participants are required to run this tour and can be run on a private basis.
We highly recommend booking at least a few months before the departure date so that we have enough time to ensure the flights are available. If you already have flight tickets to and from Bhutan, we can take bookings up to a week before the departure date. To process visa, it only takes 4-5 business days.
There are only two airlines that connect Bhutan with the outside world and so securing air tickets can be difficult, especially during the months of high season. Currently, Bhutan is connected with these cities - Bagdogra, Bangkok, Delhi, Dhaka, Guwahati, Kathmandu, Kolkata, Singapore. We recommend you book your international flights a few months in advance especially if you plan to visit during the high season months of March to May and September to November. If you need help in arranging flights to/from Bhutan, please let us know much in advance.
After you book the tour, kindly send us clear copies of passports and passport-size photos of all the participants. A biodata page including the machine-readable zone must be seen clearly. Passports should have a minimum of 6 MONTHS validity from the day you depart from Bhutan. You may also want to check the passport requirements by your next destination country after Bhutan. A copy of your e-Visa will be emailed to you once it is approved. It only takes 4-5 business days to get visa approval and it is 100 percent guaranteed as long as we receive clear passport copies of all the participants. The actual visa will be stamped on your passport upon arrival. Send the passport copies to the Local Supplier E-mail address.
Travelers should have a strong physical fitness level
Location
Address
CCHG+F5G, Paro, Bhutan
Provider
Bhutan Acorn Tours and Travel
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