Laya Gasa Trek II
Trip length: 22 Days
Level: Moderate / Difficult
Season: April to June & September to Mid November
DAY 1: Arrival at Paro International Airport
The flight to Paro across the Himalayan ranges affords spectacular sights of the sacred Jhomolhari and Jichudrakey mountain ranges. And if you arrive via Kathmandu, you get to enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjanga as well. Upon arrival at the Airport, you will be received by our representatives and escorted to Hotel Pema Cholling.
In the afternoon take a leisurely stroll across a traditional wooden bridge and a flagstone path up to Paro Rinpung Dzong. This massive structure was built in 1646 and its central tower or the ‘Utse’, clad in exquisitely superb woodwork is considered the most beautiful tower in the kingdom. It houses the government offices and religious institutions as do all the Dzongs in the country. Later, visit the 7th century Kichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. This temple also happens to be one of the oldest temples in the country.
And in the evening drive back to Hotel Pema Cholling in Paro. At Hotel Pema Cholling you can choose to stay at the Hotel or experience the traditional way of life untainted by the ills of modernity by availing the traditional home-stay facility whereby you will be lodged in a traditional farmhouse and be served delicious traditional cuisines. You can also pamper yourself with a relaxing traditional ‘hot stone bath’ amid absolutely rural settings but with all the modern amenities. However, given the amount of time, energy and resources that go into organizing the ‘hot stone baths’, you will be levied extra charges for it. Besides all these, you can also enjoy traditional cultural programs which can be arranged upon request. The ‘hot stone baths’ and cultural programs are not included in the total cost of the trip.
DAY 2: Acclimatization Hike to the Tiger’s Nest
After breakfast we drive up to Satsam Chorten 10 kilometers from Paro town from where we hike up to Taktsang Monastery – the legendary Tiger’s Nest. We can either hike or opt for ponies. Taktshang is precariously perched on a seemingly impossible rock face at approximately 3,000 feet above Paro valley. It is a very sacred pilgrimage destination as well as a tourist hotspot. It is believed that Guru Rimpoche flew there on the back of a flying tigress. The Lhakhang was built around the cave in which Guru Rimpoche meditated. The hike to the viewpoint of the monastery makes for a nice half-day excursion with the round trip taking about 4 hours. The thrill of the experience and the view from up above is truly rewarding.
Night halt at Hotel Pema Cholling in Paro.
DAY 3: Paro to Shana
In the morning we drive to the Drukgyal Dzong, the ruined fort, which was once defended this valley from Tibetan invasions. The 5 to 6 hour trek starts from Drugyal Dzong at 2,580 meters with a downhill walk on a wide trail. Initially you will pass through the serene pastoral life of the villages with their dogs and children playing in the fields. Then the trail climbs, gently traversing through well-maintained rice terraces and fields of millet. The route later enters an area of apple orchards and forests teeming with numerous birds and brightly colored butterflies. Soon the valley widens and you reach the army post of Gunitsawa at 2,810 meters, which also junctions as a checkpoint for the army. This is the last stop before Tibet.
Night halt at the camp in the meadows at Shana Zampa.
DAY 4: Shana Zampa to Thangthangkha
The 20 kilometer trail follows the Paro River, with a lot of small ups and downs through pine, oak and spruce forests. After going uphill through the river valley, we enter the Jigme Dorji National Park. En route, we pass a junction where another path leads over the Tremo La to Tibet. This route was formerly used by the Bhutanese people as a trading route to Tibet. We then climb up through rhododendron forests, crossing several traditional wooden bridges and finally arriving at the Thanthangka campsite at 3,750 meters. If the weather is clear you can enjoy incredible views of Mt. Jumolhari from there.
DAY 5: Thangthangkha to Jangothang
This morning the 19 kilometer trek continues up the Paro Chhu valley which widens into patches of alpine meadow and scanty growths of forest. The path ascends for a while till you reach the army camp. Views of high ridges and snow-capped peaks are seen all around, and close by are yaks and yak-herders camps. Only when you reach the villages of Ko, Taketang, Dangochang will you notice a change in the scenery. A short walk into the valley will take you to the camp at Jangothang at an altitude of 4,040 meters. You will truly enjoy magnificent vistas of Mt. Jhomolhari and Jichudrakey from this point.
DAY 6: Jangothang to Lingshi
The 18 kilometer trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. After about 45 minutes of walking distance from the camp, there is a rapid accent to the Nyilila Pass at 4,870 meters. From the Pass you will enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Jomolhari, Jichudrakey and Tsherimgang, all of them rising above 7,000 meters. Along the way you might also come across herds of blue sheep, fat marmots and migrating Himalayan birds as well. After the Pass, it is a gradual descent to the camp at Lingshi. As you drop down into the Lingshi basin, if the day is clear, you will get wonderful views of the Lingshi Dzong. Tserimgang and its glaciers rising up at the north end of the valley.
Night halt at the camp at an altitude of 4000 meters.
DAY 7: Lingshi to Chebisa
The trekking distance for today being merely around 10 kilometers, today is basically the shortest walking day and therefore we do have ample time for a visit to Lingshi Dzong and a quick tour of the village before we start. Shortly after commencing the trek you will come across a chorten below the Lingshi Dzong. At this point, you can either choose to stay on the main trail or take a diversion up to the Lingshi Dzong perched on the hilltop with a commanding view of the green hills, the winding river and magnificent peaks in the vicinity. Besides a very special atmosphere of mystic silence, the Lingshi Dzong, at 4, 220 meters, provides a great view over the valley. Mt. Tsherimgang and its glaciers are at the northern end of the Lingshi valley. If you are lucky, you just might come across the blue sheep or musk deer as well. After the Lingshi Dzong you will pass through the villages of Lingshi and Goyul. Upon reaching the campsite at Chebisa with a beautiful waterfall behind the village, you can visit the village houses to get glimpses into lifestyles untainted by the ills of modernity.
DAY 8: Chebisa to Shomuthang
Today the distance is roughly around 17 kilometers. You walk through a wide pastureland towards the Gobula Pass and along the way you will pass by yak herders tending to their yaks. You just might spot large herds of blue sheep, eagles and vultures above the trail as well. After crossing the Gobula Pass at 4, 350 meters you start descending down to the valley filled with rhododendrons, then climb again a little bit, and descend again to Shakshepasa at 3, 980 meters where a helipad has been established. The campsite is on a bench above a river, which is a tributary of the Mochu river.
DAY 9: Shomuthang to Robluthang
After an early start, climb up the valley to view Kang Bum at 6, 526 meters. After about two hours of climbing you will reach the Jharila Pass at 4,750 meters, from where you catch the first glimpses of the Sinche La Pass, which you will have to cross the day after. Weather permitting; you can also see the Gangchenta, better known as the Great Tiger Mountain, Tserimgang and Mt. Jhomolhari. The camp by the river is called Tsheri Jathang, where herds of Takin, the National Animal of Bhutan, migrate during the summer months. This is a protected area for the Takin.
Night halt at the campsite at Tsheri Jathang.
DAY 10: Robluthang to Lingmithang
Today it is a tough 6 to 7 hour climb to the Shingela Pass at 4, 900 meters, which marks the boundary of the District of Laya. After crossing the Shingela Pass, you descend to a little stone house where you will come across the Layap women dressed in their typical Layap costumes with long conical bamboo hats decorated with turquoise and silver ornaments, selling their weaving products. Just behind the stone house you will see an impressive terminal moraine and a glacial lake at the foot of the valley. Below the moraine, you cross the Kango Chhu and soon reach the valley of Limithang which falls under the district of Laya. The peak of Gangchhenta, or The Great Tiger Mountain towers over the campsite.
DAY 11: Lingmithang to Laya
Today, you wake up to superb views of Gangchhenta – the Great Tiger Mountain. Then you walk all the way downhill along a narrow winding river valley, for about 3 to 4 hours, passing through damp spruce, juniper and moss filled forests and singing birds. The trail leads you to the west end of the village of Laya, the second highest settlement in the country at an altitude of 3, 840 meters, from where you can enjoy incredible views of the Gangchhenta and Masagang. Cultural programs can be arranged in the evening upon request.
Night halt at the campsite above the village.
DAY 12: Halt at Laya
Spend the day exploring village of Laya and its environs. This is a community that has remained untouched by modern civilization for all these years. Even to this day the only signs of modernity in the village are a community school and a basic health unit with telephone connection. Besides the cordyceps and goods acquired from china which they sell in Punakha, the yak is a very important source of income for the Layaps. Not only are the yaks used to plough fields, they are also the source of meat, dairy products, hair for mattresses, blankets, tents and their very unique garments. You can go and visit any of the houses in the village. Here one doesn’t need to seek an appointment; by tradition, one can go to any house without an invitation. A cup of tea or chang (local drink) is always offered to anyone and everyone who visits. In the evening, cultural programs around bonfires can be arranged upon request.
DAY 13: Laya to Koena
The 19 kilometer trail winds up and down along the river valley of Mo Chhu, affording breath-taking views of the gushing river, feeder streams, waterfalls and a wonderful variety of birds, and perhaps the musk deer too. Several accents and descents will eventually lead you to Kohi Lapcha at 3, 300 meters. The trek then drops down to the large stream of Koina Chhu, where you will find the campsite of Koina at an altitude of 3, 050 meters.
DAY 14: Koena to Gasa
A half an hour of walking over flat land will take you to the Bari La Pass at3, 740 meters, after which the trail descends all the way till the village of Gasa at an altitude of 2,770 meters. There are a few shops, a soccer ground and archery field in the village. If interested you can visit the Gasa Dzong. The Dzong was built in 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, to protect the valley against Tibetan invaders.
Night halt at the campsite close to Gasa Dzong.
DAY 15: Relaxation day at the Gasa Tsachu
You can take things a little easy today because your next destination is merely an hour’s walk away. After a late breakfast walk down to the Gasa Tshachu (hot spring) where you can enjoy a lazy lunch and spend the evening lounging and relaxing in the soothing waters of the natural hot spring. The Gasa Tsachu is one of the most popular hot springs in Bhutan. There are four pools, with temperatures ranging from warm to hot. The hot spring is believed to be highly effective in curing various ailments and is a popular winter destination for many Bhutanese families. People from all walks of life make this sojourn to the healing waters of Gasa Tsachu almost on an annual basis.
Overnight at the campsite at Gasa Tsachu.
DAY 16: Gasa Tsachu to Tashithang and onwards to Punakha
After a short climb, the 5 to 6 hour trail winds through the rolling hills and passes through the pine and oak forests, villages and wheat fields. You will also see a beautiful view of the Gasa Dzong glued to the valley wall and the snow peaks near Laya as you walk through rolling hillsides with vistas of fields, villages and oak and pine forests. The trail then drops into a ravine until you get to a suspension bridge above a deep gorge. Representatives of Pema Cholling Tours and Treks will be waiting at Damji to escort you to Thimphu. You will drive through the high agricultural benches above the Mochu River into a lush semi-tropical gorge filled with lush tropical vegetation, including banana trees, creepers and various orchids. Continue driving onwards to Punakha.
Night halt at the hotel in Punakha.
DAY 17: Excursion to Wangduephodrang
After breakfast we take a half-hour to Wangduephodrang. We will visit Wangduephodrang Dzong, a 17th century monument seated high atop a high ridge between the Puna Tsang Chu and the Dang Chu. Later we will visit Rinchengang, a small clustered village opposite to the Wangduephodrang Dzong. The people of the villager are known for their excellence in traditional stone masonry. The place is also known for its fine bamboo work, slate and stone carvings. One can get a great view of the Wangduephodrang Dzong, the valley and the river from here. In the evenings we can stroll through the shops of Bajothang, (where the Wangduephodrang town has been recently shifted to). The warm evenings made all the more delightful by the riverside breeze have all the makings for a pleasurable and relaxing evening.
Night halt at Punakha.
DAY 18: Punakha to Thimphu
Set out for Thimphu with a stop en route for tea at the 10, 500 meters Dochula Pass. The Pass is popular for tourists for its ideal location from where one can enjoy 360 degree panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range, especially on clear winter days. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyal Chortens-108 Stupas built by the eldest Queen Mother Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk. The pass is also popular spiritual place for both locals and tourists because of an important temple that is located on the crest of Dochula pass. We can spend some time for photography here. Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck has achieved a fine blend of history and mythology in the construction of the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang to honor His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The past and future appear to merge in the details of the Lhakhang that tells the story of a supreme warrior figure whose vision pierces the distant future. We then continue our onward journey to Thimphu.
Night halt at the hotel In Thimphu.
DAY 19:Thimphu sightseeing
Past experiences resulted in our coming to the conclusion that different guests have different opinions about what is interesting and what is not, about what they want to see and what they don’t. And therefore we decided that instead of us giving our guests stiff directions regarding which places they are to visit or what activities they are to do, we will leave the choice entirely up to them. Below is a list of some of the major attractions in Thimphu from which our guests can choose and decide for themselves. Your designated guide will always be at hand to provide you with their valuable suggestions.
- Tashichho Dzong – houses the throne room as well as the offices of the King of Bhutan, the Je-Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and other government offices. It is also the summer residence of the monastic body. The present Dzong was erected in 1968 around an older building, of which the central tower is a visible feature.
- National Memorial Chorten – was built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan. Glimpses of the Chorten in the early morning hours are indeed worthy of being deemed priceless. It is almost perpetually teeming with devotees circumambulating it because it is believed that it is a wish fulfilling monument.
- National Institute of Traditional Medicine – continues to nurture Bhutan’s reputation as ‘Lho Jong Men Jong’ or ‘Southern Land of Medicinal Herbs’ by continuing and promoting the age old healing and medicinal practices. Medicinal herbs are abundant in the kingdom and indigenous medicines are prepared here. The Institute also conducts training courses for practitioners.
- The Buddha Dordenma Statue – is a colossal and the largest Buddha statue in the world seated atop the Kuensel Phodrang Mountain, directly overlooking the city and affords a fabulous view of Thimphu valley.
- The National Post Office – is where the very famous Bhutanese stamps can be got hold of to cater to all your philatelic needs.
- The Clock Tower Square – is a recently renovated square splat in the middle of the city. Fountains and miniature traditional Bhutanese prayer wheels add to making it a pleasant site to relax and chill out in the evenings.
- National Folk Heritage Museum – provides rare insights into the traditional Bhutanese ways of life within the setting of a traditional Bhutanese house. Bhutanese dances and exhibits are also held regularly inside the museum compound.
- Changangkha Lhakhang – built in the 12th century by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, this temple hovers over a ridge above the Thimphu valley. It is the oldest temple in Thimphu and it houses Chenrizig: a 11-headed, thousand-armed manifestation of Avolokitesawara as the central statue.
- The Handicrafts Emporium – puts at your disposal a wide assortment of beautiful hand-woven and crafted products to choose from as souvenirs and gifts.
- BBS Radio Tower – is well worth the ten minute extra drive beyond the Takin Reserve. It offers splendid views of the city from a hilltop festooned with prayer flags. This is where the tower for the Bhutan Broadcasting Service – the National Television channel is located.
- Takin Reserve – this is the only place in Thimphu where the National Animal of Bhutan, Takin (budorcas taxicolor) is found. Bhutanese call it ‘Drong Gyemtse’. Legend has it that this animal was given life by the scandalously famous Drukpa Kinley, also known as the ‘Divine Madman’. It is said that since he was offered second-rate meat than the others during a meal he commanded the remaining bones of whatever animals that they were eating to rise saying ‘looks like you haven’t eaten well during your life time, so go and feed’. The bones miraculously merged into one and trotted off into the jungles. People believe that this is the reason for the Takin’s goat face and cow body. In addition to the Takin there are a few musk deer and barking deer as well.
- Zilukha Nunnery – the biggest nunnery in Bhutan is perched on a promontory overlooking the Tashichhodzong. The view of Tashichhodzong from the Nunnery is exquisite.
- National Library – provides a permanent home for the sacred religious books and manuscripts. The repository rooms of the archives houses an extensive collection of many rare and important documents including old records, letters, microfilms and around seven thousand important photographs. Thus the archive is the foundation of Bhutan’s National Memory Bank. Here one can also come across the largest published book in the world.
- The National Institute for Zorig Chusum (Traditional Arts and Crafts) – is a school of arts that trains students in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. Tertoen Pema Lingpa, the renowned Treasure Discoverer is credited to have introduced these art forms to the people of Bhutan. These traditional crafts are a representation of the centuries of knowledge and ability that has been handed down through generations of master craftsmen and artisans and has played a vital role in shaping the Bhutan’s unique culture and heritage. The wood working, black smithy and sculpting that are taught and practiced do make for an interesting visit.
- Semtokha Dzong – built in 1627 it is the oldest Dzong in the country. Today it houses the School for Buddhist Studies.
- Dochula Druk Wangyel Chorten – was built to commemorate the bravery of the Bhutanese forces who successfully managed to dispel the Indian insurgents who had illegally infiltrated the country in 2003. The 108 chortens were built in 2004, in memory of those that lost their lives during the military operations. Because of the unique dance movements, costumes and setting, the recently initiated Druk Wangyel Festival is an exclusive treat and a must see for locals and visitors alike.
***We can also check out the National Stadium at Changlimithang for archery matches or just take a leisurely stroll through the streets of Thimphu.
DAY 20: Thimphu to Paro
Today you can spend the morning hours visiting the places that you have missed out on yesterday. After lunch we drive on to Paro where we check into Hotel Pema Cholling where you can choose to either stay at the Hotel or experience the traditional way of life untainted by the ills of modernity by availing the traditional home-stay facility whereby you will be lodged in a traditional farmhouse and be served delicious traditional cuisines. You can also pamper yourself with a relaxing traditional ‘hot stone bath’ amid absolutely rural settings but with all the modern amenities. However, given the amount of time, energy and resources that go into organizing the ‘hot stone baths’, you will be levied extra charges for it. Besides all these, you can also enjoy traditional cultural programs which can be arranged upon request. The ‘hot stone baths’ and cultural programs are not included in the total cost of the trip.
Night halt at Hotel Pema Cholling in Paro.
DAY 21: Excursion to Chelela Pass
After breakfast, you will drive to the valley of Haa across the Chelela Pass at 3, 810 meters. On the clear days you can enjoy panoramic vistas of Mt. Jumolhari and other mountains and valleys below. You can spend time exploring the nearby mountains dotted with colorful prayer flags and blanketed with dwarf rhododendrons or you can hike further down the ridges to Kila Goempa Nunnery, which is nestled in a craggy patch on the mountain site below the Pass and perched precariously along the rock face. After a picnic lunch, you will drive back to Hotel Pema Cholling in Paro and spend the evening enjoying leisurely walks, savoring and taking in whatever this quaint little town has to offer during your last night in Bhutan. Or you can spend the evening around the bonfire at Hotel Pema Cholling where cultural programs can be arranged upon request.
Overnight at Hotel Pema Cholling in Paro.
DAY 22: Departure from Paro