Tripology

An Exciting Interview with Arthur Frommer

Beautiful Laya Gasa Trek

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Detailed Trip Description

Picturesque farmland, alpine pasture, impressive peaks and numerous isolated Dzongs providing a great deal of cultural interests. Spectacular camp site, beneath some of Bhutan’s most impressive peaks, of which the most notable are Jhumolhari and Jichu Drake, are also the features of this trekking route. Numerous isolated Dzongs and scattered settlements, including the outlandish vallage of Laya, provide a great deal of cultural interest enroute.

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - Paro

 
Arrival at Paro.
Commercial Flight

Fly into Himalayas with Druk Air, Bhutan’s National Air Carrier. The green wall of hills known as dooars, or gateways into Bhutan from the plains climbs continuously higher as the plane flies north towards the Tibet border. Silver rivers thread the valleys, waterfalls plunge down the forested mountainsides, and to the north, the great snowcapped peaks of the inner Himalayas rise up into the sky. As the aircraft enters the Paro valley, look down and you will see the Paro Dzong overlooking Paro Chu(river) with Ta Dzong, watch tower, now the national museum, above it.

Airport Transfer

Your escort, who will accompany you throughout the trip, will be waiting for you at the airport. After completion of airport formalities, you will drive through the fascinating valley of Paro to the hotel.

Sightseeing

Evening visit to Paro marker and take a stroll around town’s main street.

Hotel

Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Paro.


Day 2 - Paro

 
Sightseeing

Full day sightseeing in the Paro Valley. After breakfast drive to the Drugyel Dzong or the Fortress of Victory from where the Bhutanese repelled many Tibetan invasions. The Dzong though in ruins holds great historical importance to the Bhutanese. From there, in fine weather, one can view the majestic Mt. Jhumolhari standing at an altitude of 7329m above the sea. Other places of interest include the National Museum, Paro Rinpong Dzong and the local market.

Hotel

Overnight in Hotel.


Day 3 - Paro

 
Paro - Shana.
Hiking

Distance 17Km 5-6hours. Altitude of camp-2,800mtrs. Drive up to the end of the road at Drugyel Dzong where the trek begins. The trail follows the river gently uphill through narrowing valley and agricultural fields of the Tsento Village.

Camping

Overnight in camp near the army outpost.


Day 4 - Bhutan

 
Shana- Soi Thangthagkha.
Hiking

Distance : 17km. Trek time : 6 - 7 hrs. Altitude of camp. The trail winds continues uphill following the Paro River until the valley narrows and leads to the slopes. Then it descends down into another valley.

Camping

Camp in a meadow.


Day 5 - Bhutan

 
Soi Thangthangkha - Jangothang.
Hiking

Distance : 19 km. Trek Time : 6 - 7 hrs. Altitude of camp : 4040m. The trek is along a gradual uphill trail which passes an army out post. Pack lunch on the way. After lunch you will be passing through the bases of many snow peaked slopes.

Camping

Overnight in camp at the base of Mt. Jhumolhari.


Day 6 - Bhutan

 
Jangothang - Lingshi.
Hiking

Distance : 19km. Trek Time : 6- 7 hrs. Altitude of camp : 4150m. Trek through wide yak pastures and beautiful snow clad mountains. As you approach the Lingshi basin, the breathtaking view of the Lingshi Dzong can be seen. The Tsarim Gang mountain and its glaciers rise up at the north end of the valley.

Camping

Camp near the stone shelter for travellers.


Day 7 - Bhutan

 
Lingshi - Chebisa.
Hiking

Distance : 12km. Trek Time : 5 - 6 hrs. Altitude of camp : 3850m. This is probably the shortest walking day of your trip and the walk is on a wide trail with hardly any ascends. On reaching camp one can visit the small yak herding village or take a walk to the upper end of the valley.


Day 8 - Bhutan

 
Chebisa - Shomuthang.
Hiking

Distance : 17 km. Trek Time : 6 - 7 hrs. Altitude of camp : 4260m The trek today is through wild high pastures and the trail passes through a few sparsely populated villages. You will be crossing the Gobula Pass at an altitude of 4350m.

Camping

Overnight in camp.


Day 9 - Bhutan

 
Shomuthang - Robluthang.
Hiking

Distance : 15km. Trek Time : 5 - 6 hours. Altitude of camp : 4320m. An early start is advisable as you will be crossing the Jarila Pass which stands at 4600 m above sea. Then descend down to Tsarijathang where herds of the National Animal, Takin can be seen.

Camping

Camp on the flad ledge above the river.


Day 10 - Bhutan

 
Robluthang - Laya.
Hiking

Distance : 29km. TrekTime : 7 - 8 hours. Altitude of camp : 3804m. After crossing the Shingela Pass at an altitude of 4900m, the trail descends to the valley beyond. On reaching Lemithang, the trail splits into two, one leading to the army camp while the other sticks to higher ground and brings one to the village of Laya.

Camping

Camp beside the Laya village.


Day 11 - Bhutan

 
Relaxation

A day of rest and relaxation. One can take a leisurely walk through the village or hike to the monastery above the village. Entertainment by the local dancers in the evening.

Camping

Overnight in camp.


Day 12 - Bhutan

 
Laya - Koina.
Hiking

Distance : 19km. Trek Time : 6-7 Hours. Altitude of camp : 3800m. The trail winds up and down along the river valley avoiding natural obstacles and affording breathtaking views of the crashing river, feeder streams and water falls.


Day 13 - Gasa

 
Koina - Gasa.
Hiking

Distance : 17km. Trek Time : 6-7 Hours. Altitude of camp : 2900m. You will be crossing the Babela Pass at an altitude of 3740m after which the trail is downhill until you reach the camp site, which is located by the famous Gasa Hot Spring.


Day 14 - Gasa

 
Relaxation

Relax in the hot spring for the day and let the hot mineral water soothe your aching limbs.


Day 15 - Gasa

 
Gasa - Goen Damji.
Hiking

Distance : 21 km. Trek Time : 6-7 hours. Altitude of camp : 2280m. After a short climb the trail winds through the rolling hills and passes through pine and oak forests, villages and wheat fields. As you move away from Gasa, if you look back you can see the Gasa Dzong glued to the sky seeming to wave you goodbye.


Day 16 - Punakha

 
Goen Damji - Tashithang - Punakha.
Hiking

Distance : 15 km. Trek Time : 5 - 6 hours. It is a fairly easy day of the trek.

Private Car Service

At the end of the trek, your transportation will be waiting to take you to the hotel.


Day 17 - Thimphu

 
Punakha - Thimphu.
Sightseeing

After breakfast, drive to the Punakha Dzong for some pictures of the dzong from outside. Then proceed towards Thimphu.

Relaxation

Evening at leisure.

Hotel

Overnight in Hotel.


Day 18 - Paro

 
Thimphu - Paro.
Sightseeing

Half day Thimphu sight seeing including the National Library, Zilunkha Nunnery and the National Memorial Chorten.

Food and Dining

Lunch in a local restaurant.

Hotel

Overnight in Hotel.

Private Car Service

Evening transfer to Paro.


Day 19 - Paro

 
Departure.
Airport Transfer

Depart.


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