14N 15D - Signature Laya Gasa Trek

Drive to Satsam Chorten and spend the day hiking up the forested path to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most famous and scenic icon. The climb is steep and takes about 4 hours round trip. An important place of pilgrimage and refuge for more than 1200 years, Taktsang Monastery clings to sheer cliffs two-thousand feet above Paro Valley, and from your closest vantage point on a rocky ledge directly across from it, you will still need 200-300 mm lenses and a steady tripod to get tight photographs.

This sacred place got its name when Guru Rinpoche rode there on the back of a flying tiger and meditated in a cave behind the present-day monastery. Sadly, in 1998, the central temple was destroyed by fire, leaving the country in mourning for their holiest of spiritual places. But religious Leaders and the King quickly developed a plan to rebuild Taktsang and donations started pouring in from Buddhist centres all over the world, and today, the magnificently rebuilt exterior is complete. Tiger’s Nest is once again the subject of cloud-shrouded posters that say, "Bhutan, Land of the Thunder Dragon." Picnic lunch on the hillside cafeteria.Later drive to Gunitsawa on the new built road. Possibility to make detour to Lhadi Gompa just before military camp. First night camp just above military camp at the elevation of 2,890 m.

Overnight Camp (Alt; 2,890m)

TIME: 7-8 HOURS

DISTANCE: 10 MILES/16 KM

ALTITUDE GAIN: 2527 FT/770 M

ALTITUDE LOSS: 33 FT/10 M

OVERNIGHT: CAMPSITE THANGTHANGKHA (11,844 FT/3,610 M)

Distance 16 km, 7-8 hours, 770 m ascent, 10 m descent, camp altitude 3,610 m. On this long day there is a lot of up and downs. After going uphill around the river, the valley finally narrows to a mere path which descends to a meadow where a camp will be set up. From here, if weather permits, you will have the first great view of Jomolhari.

TIME: 5-6 HOURS

DISTANCE: 6.21 MILES/10 KM

ALTITUDE GAIN: 1574 FT/480 M

ALTITUDE LOSS: 0 FT/0 M

OVERNIGHT: CAMPSITE JANGOTHANG (13,386 FT/4080 M)

If you did not see Mt. Jomolhari the previous evening, you will still have a chance to get a great view early 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 Jomolhari.

SUN REACHES CAMP EARLY AT 0800 HR IN FALL. MOST PEOPLE WILL FEEL THE EFFECTS OF ASCENDIND 1800 M IN THREE DAYS, SO A REST DAY AT JOMOLHARI BASE CAMP WILL HELP WITH ACCLIMATISATION. THERE ARE SOME GOOD DAY HIKES FROM THE CAMP, AND IT IS IMPORTANT TO HIKE TODAY SO THAT YOU WILL ACCLIMATISE. FOLLOW THE STANDARD RULE: TREK HIGH, KEEP SLOW!

Jangothang is a perfect environment for your acclimatization. You can also trek up to Tshophu lakes at 4450m altitude. From above the lakes you can see the aerial view of Jomolhari I, Jomolhari II, and Jichu Drakye summits. Herds of blue sheep are also common sight. If you are strong, you can even continue to Bonte-la pass (4850m). After enjoying by the lakes, descend back to Jangothang and have a good rest.

TIME: 6-7 HOURS

DISTANCE : 8.78 MILES/13 KM

ALTITUDE GAIN: 2780 FT/845 M

ALTITUDE LOSS: 2890 FT/880 M

OVERNIGHT: CAMPSITE LINGSHI (13,150 FT/4010 M)

This 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 Nyilela pass at 4,890m. 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 Lingshi 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 you reach just before Lingshi Dzong.

TIME: 3-4 HOURS

DISTANCE: 10 MILES/16 KM

ALTITUDE LOSS/GAIN: NO MAJOR ELEVATION GAIN OR LOSS

OVERNIGHT: CAMPSITE CHEBISA(13,090 FT/3990 M)

Today 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 diversion up to the Lingshi Dzong (4,220m), which sits right atop a ridge. Besides a very special atmosphere of mystic silent 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 a small compact village that is unusual in Bhutan where village houses are normally scattered. On reaching the campsite at Chebisa with a beautiful waterfall behind the village, you will have plenty of time to visit the village houses if you feel up to it.

TIME : 5 HOURS

DISTANCE: 9 MILES/14.5 KM

ALTITUDE GAIN: 1470 FT/450 M

ALTITUDE LOSS: 1440 FT/440 M (PLUS FEW SMALL UPS AND DOWNS LESS THAN 30M)

OVERNIGHT: CAMPSITE SHAKYAPASANG (13,120 FT/4000 M) / SHOMUTHANG.

You walk 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 the Gobu La (4,440m), you descend to the valley, then climb again a little bit, and descend again to Shakshepasang (4,000m) where a helipad has been established. Climbing from here you will finally reach the campsite at Shomuthang, above a river, which is a tributary of the Nochu River.

TIME: 7-8 HOURS

DISTANCE: 10 MILES/16 KM

ALTITUDE GAIN: 2575 FT/785 M + 525 FT/160 M AT THE END

ALTITUDE LOSS: 2575/785 M

OVERNIGHT: CAMPSITE ROBLUTHANG (13,645 FT/4160 M)

As the walk is a little strenuous, it is advisable to start early. 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 sight 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 weather is clear, Tserim Kang and the top of Jumolhari will be visible. The camp by the river is called Tsheri Jathang. 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.

TIME: 6-7 HOURS

DISTANCE: 8.5 MILES/14 KM

ALTITUDE GAIN: 2755 FT/840 M

ALTITUDE LOSS: 2755 FT/840 M

OVERNIGHT: CAMPSITE LIMITHANG (13,645 FT/4160 M)

After crossing Sinche La (5,000m) - the last and highest pass on the trek in case you don’t intend to continue the Snowman trek from Laya onwards - you descend to a little stone house where a few Laya women - dressed in typical Laya costume with long pointed bamboo hats on their head - live and offer their weaving products. Right behind the stone house you will see an impressive terminal moraine and a glacial lake at the foot of the valley. You can see classic examples of the 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.

TIME: 4 HOURS

DISTANCE : 5.5 MILES/9 KM

ALTITUDE GAIN : FEW SMALL CLIMBS

ALTITUDE LOSS :1180 FT/360 M

OVERNIGHT: CAMPSITE LAYA (12,465 FT/3800 M)

Today, you walk all the way downhill along a narrow winding river valley. After a long time, you again trek partly through deep forest. The trail leads you to the west side of Laya village. From the west of the village you will view Gangchhenta again and catch a glimpse of Masagang. In the village centre is a community school and a basic health unit with telephone connection. The campsite is below the school.

TIME: 4 HOURS

DISTANCE: 10 MILES/16 KM

ALTITUDE GAIN : 2165 FT/660 M

ALTITUDE LOSS : 9087 FT/2770 M

END OF THE TREK.

DRIVE TO GASA HOTSPRING : 1½ HOURS

OVERNIGHT: GASA HOTSPRING (7345 FT/2,240 M)

Today is your last day of Laya Gasa Trek. After trekking for about 4 hours you eventually get to last road point where you will be later driven to the Gasa Tsachu (hot spring) and relax in the thermal water. The Gasa Tsachu is one of the most popular hot springs in Bhutan.

Punakha is the former Capital of the kingdom and at present day hosts the administrative seat of the district. Also, the winter residence of the central monastic body and its Chief Abbot. The Dzong lies between two rivers, the Pochu and Mochu, Male and Female River.

On arrival visit the massive Punakha Dzong "Palace of Great Happiness”. The Dzong show cases the living example of Bhutanese architecture. It was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, who unified Bhutan as one nation in 17th century. The Dzong is both historically and religiously important. The grand wedding of both 4th and 5th king took place in this very Dzong. Some guests are so captivated by the murals, shrines and general goings on in the courtyards that they chose to spend a few hours in the dzong.

Later, hike to Chimi Lhakhang. This temple is called the Temple of Fertility as it is believed that childless couples who come here to pray for a child is usually blessed with a child. This is the temple of one of Bhutan’s foremost saints, Lama Drukpa Kunley, also known as the "Divine Madman." The trail takes you through the Himalayan paddy fields and a typical village called Lobesa.

Overnight Punakha (Alt; 1,300m)

Thimphu the cultural heartland of the kingdom. Thimphu is a small, charming capital city nestled in the heart of the Himalayas. It is nothing like what a capital city is imagined to be. Most of the houses and buildings are painted and constructed in traditional Bhutanese style.

On arrival take a drive to Buddha point which offers a beautiful city view of Thimphu. Astrologers & locals believe this spot is one of the central meeting points of the sacred energy vibe of the country hence the massive statue of Buddha facing the sunOn the way down, circumambulate around the Memorial Chorten (huge stupa) built in memory of the 3rd King of Bhutan. This is the favourite place for the locals to practice their devotions. Later take a stroll in the city.

Overnight Thimphu. (Alt; 2,320m)

Today is your last morning in this mystical and memorable country of Bhutan. We will have breakfast and proceed to Paro for your onward flight. We bid a fond farewell to Bhutan for the flight back to your home. We hope you have enjoyed your trip immensely and taking back wonderful memories!