Laya Gasa Trek

Trek Start: Begin at Drugyel Dzong (2,580m), a 12km drive from Paro valley.

Trekking Route: Walk along the Pa Chhu (Paro River) on a wide trail, gradually ascending through the countryside with views of rice paddies, millet fields, and apple orchards.

Pass traditional Bhutanese farmhouses and small settlements like Mitshi Zampa and Sangatan.

Continue through blue pine forests and reach the Gunitsawa Army Post (2,810m) for permit checks.

Cross Pa Chhu via a wooden bridge and ascend to Sharna Zampa (2,870m), where you will camp in the meadows surrounded by trees for the night.

Trek Route: Continue along the Pa Chhu (Paro River), ascending and descending through pine, oak, and spruce forests.

After 2 hours of hiking and crossing several streams, reach Shingkharap (3,110m), a stone house.

Cross a bridge to the left side of the river, where you’ll enjoy a hot lunch.

Continue to a trail junction: Take the right route, which leads to a wooden bridge.

Ascend through rhododendron forests and cross the bridge again.

Camp at 3,750m in a beautiful meadow for the night.

Trek Day: A shorter day but with significant altitude gain, as you ascend above the tree line.

Ascend from camp towards an army camp, then follow the river above the tree line, enjoying spectacular views of surrounding mountain peaks.

Pass through a muddy section and a mani wall before entering yak country.

Stop at a yak herder’s camp for a hot, filling lunch.

Continue past yak herder settlements like Soe and Takethang, where people grow barley, potatoes, and turnips.

Walk across a plateau and up a stream bed, passing Dangochang village.

Arrive at Jangothang (4,040m) campsite, with breathtaking views of Mount Jumolhari and Jichu Drake.

Acclimatization Hike: A 4-hour hike to the north of Jangothang camp.

There is no defined trail, so you will climb an open slope until you catch a view of Mt. Jichu Drakye (6,989m).

You can hike further up to 4,895m (higher than Mount Blanc) for a stunning view of Mount Jumolhari.

Look out for blue sheep, Himalayan rhubarb, griffon vultures, golden eagles, and the blue poppy (Bhutan’s national flower).

Below Mount Jumolhari and Jichu Drake, you will see Jangothang base, a flat grassy area with the ruins of an old fortress on a hill.

Rest option: You may either rest at camp or continue hiking. Either way, it will be a memorable day.

Trek: Start by following the stream for 30 minutes, crossing a bridge to the right side.

First Ridge: Climb to the first ridge for a breathtaking view of Mount Jumolhari (7,314m), Jichu Drake (6,989m), and Tsherim Gang (6,789m).

Continue on a flat trail towards the valley, then climb to Ngye La Pass at 4,700m.

After the pass, descend gradually to the camp at 4,010m, enjoying spectacular panoramic views of the peaks and Lingshi Dzong.

If time allows, take a detour to visit Lingzhi Dzong, a small fortress perched on a hilltop, historically a Buddhist pilgrimage station and defense fort against Tibetan and Mongol invaders.

Camp for the night at 4,010m.

Visit Lingshi Dzong: Perched on a hilltop, offering breathtaking views of green hills, meandering rivers, and magnificent peaks. Historically, it was a way station for Buddhist pilgrims and a defense fort against Tibetan and Mongol invaders.

Trek: A relaxed day with pleasant walks through villages and yak herders’ camps.

After lunch, enjoy a short walk to Chebisa, a charming village known for its crystal-clear waterfall.

Camp beside a stream at an altitude of 3,850m.

Trek Start: Begin with a steep climb up to Gogu La Pass (4,500m), taking about 4 hours. Rare blue sheep are often spotted near the top.

After the pass, descend through rhododendron bushes to a lunch stop.

Afternoon: Continue with scattered ascents and descents, crossing a stream and walking through rhododendron forests and yak herder camps.

Arrive at Shakepasa (3,980m).

After Shakepasa, climb steeply up to the northern side of the valley, passing more yak herder camps.

Camp for the night beside a stream at 4,250m.

Trek Start: Walk through an edelweiss-bound trail before climbing to Jari La Pass at 4,700m.

View: Snow-capped Kangbum (6,526m) will be visible to the south-east.

Descent: After the pass, descend into Tsarijathang Valley, known as the summer residence of the rare Himalayan Takins, Bhutan's national animal.

Stream Crossings: You may need to cross streams without bridges, as many have been washed away.

Ascend: After crossing a stream, the trail ascends to Robluthang (4,200m), a rocky meadow campsite.

Trek Start: Begin with a climb through boggy patches, crossing streams, and spotting marmot holes and moraine.

Highest Pass: Reach the Shingchen La Pass (5,005m), the highest pass of the trek.

View: Enjoy stunning views of Gangchenta (Tiger Mountain) at 6,840m, snow-covered and filling the northern horizon.

Descent: Descend through a rough rocky trail, following the moraine river valley to Kango Chhu River.

Stream Crossing: The path may be narrow, and you might need to cross a stream, potentially getting wet.

Cedar Forest: After walking through cedar forests, arrive at Lingmithang (4,140m), a beautiful campsite by the river with Tiger Mountain towering behind.

Morning: Wake up to stunning views of Gangchenta Peak.

Trek to Laya: Enjoy a pleasant walk with wonderful views, passing through a damp forest filled with moss and singing birds.

Trail: The trail leads through an uninhabited valley, with a waterfall along the way.

Junction: At a junction, the upper route leads to fields dotted with stone houses.

Arrival at Laya: Reach Laya village, the second-highest settlement in Bhutan, at 3,800m.

Explore Laya Village: Spend the day exploring Laya village at your own pace.

Local Hospitality: Experience Bhutanese hospitality by visiting local houses where you’ll likely be offered a cup of tea and Chang (local wine).

Cultural Insight: Observe the unique attire of the villagers, especially the women, who wear conical bamboo hats decorated with turquoise and silver ornaments.

Descend to Army Camp: Begin the descent to the army camp, joining the Mo Chhu (Mother River of Punakha).

Follow the River: Continue along the river until you cross a bridge.

Ascend and Descend: After the bridge, ascend and descend through juniper and fir forests until reaching Koena at 3,800m.

Car Transfer: Meet your car and driver for a transfer to Gasa village.

Drive to Gasa: The drive takes you through fir, spruce, and rhododendron forests, descending nearly 1,250m.

Relax at Tshachu: Upon arrival at Gasa, enjoy a relaxing dip in the Tshachu hot springs to relieve muscle aches.

Overnight in Gasa: Camp at 2,900m in Gasa, marking the end of your trek.

Tomorrow: Drive to Punakha Valley.