Detailed Itinerary:
Day 01. Arrival in Paro and sightseeing | Altitude: 2280 m. Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport, your guide and driver will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel.
In the afternoon, explore Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower that now houses the National Museum of Bhutan, followed by a visit to Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to defend Paro valley against Tibetan invasions.
Enjoy an evening stroll in the town.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 02. Paro – Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang) – Shana: Today marks the beginning of the Laya Gasa trek itinerary.
In the morning, visit Kichu Lhakhang, a temple built in 659 A.D. by the Tibetan King Srongtsen Gampo.
Then, embark on a 2-hour hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), where legend says Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a flying tiger.
In the afternoon, visit Drugyal Dzong, built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, before driving to Shana.
Dinner and overnight at the camp.
Day 03. Paro – Shana – Thang Thangka (Start of Laya Gasa Trek Bhutan): After breakfast, drive to Shana (22 km) from where the trek to Thang Thangka begins.
The campsite is located in a meadow with a stone shelter.
Altitude: 3610 m; Distance: 22 km; Hiking Time: 7 – 8 hours.
Day 04. Thang Thangka – Jangothang: Today’s trek passes through Tegethang, a winter home for Yak herders. The campsite offers views of high mountains and the ruins of an old fortress used to guard Bhutan against Tibetan invasions.
Dinner and overnight at the camp.
Altitude: 4080 m; Distance: 19 km; Hiking Time: 5 – 6 hours.
Day 05. Jangothang (Acclimatization for Laya Gasa trek Bhutan): Today is a rest day at Jangothang. You can enjoy the stunning views and explore the area.
For day hikes, you have three options:
- Hike to Jichu Drake glacier (3 hours round trip).
- Hike to Jomolhari glacier (4 ½ hours round trip).
- Walk up the mountain between Jomolhari and Jichu Drake, reaching the summit at 5200 m (8 hours round trip).
Dinner and overnight at the camp.
Day 06. Jangothang – Lingshi: This part of the trek marks the transition from the first half of the Jomolhari Trek to the Laya Gasa Trek.
We begin the hike and after about 3 to 4 hours, we reach the Nyelela pass (4,700 m).
Descending from the pass, we arrive at a circular hut just below Lingshi, where we will camp for the night. As we descend from Lingshi, we catch our first glimpse of the mystical dzong atop a high hill.
Dinner and overnight at the camp.
Altitude: 4000 m; Distance: 17 km; Hike time: 6 – 7 hours.
Day 07. Lingshi – Chebisa: We start the day with a gentle climb to reach the charming village of Gom Yu, nestled below a 300 m cliff. We will camp at Chebisa, beside the river. Today’s walk is relatively easy.
Dinner and overnight at the camp (Altitude: 3880 m).
Distance: 10 km; Hike time: 5 – 6 hours.
Day 08. Chebisa – Shomuthang: Today’s trek begins with a steep climb through high pastures up to the Gokula pass (4,320 m). We then descend gradually and camp near a river bed.
Dinner and overnight at the camp (Altitude: 4220 m).
Distance: 17 km; Hike time: 6-7 hours.
Day 09. Shomuthang – Robluthang: We cross over the Jarela Pass at 4,640 m, offering stunning views of the Himalayan mountains.
Descending steeply along a forest trail, we reach the Tsarigathang valley, home to herds of Takin. After crossing a knee-deep river, we climb up to Robluthang, our campsite for the night.
Dinner and overnight at the camp (Altitude: 4,160 m).
Distance: 18 km; Hike time: 6 – 7 hours.
Day 10. Robluthang – Lemithang: Today is one of the most challenging days of the trek.
We ascend to the Shinchela pass at 4,870 m, where we are treated to stunning views of the mountains, including the spectacular Gang Chen Ta at the head of the valley. On a clear day, we can see practically all the mountains on the northern border.
This area is abundant with wildlife, and we may spot eagles, griffin vultures, blue sheep, and yaks. We then descend to camp at a picturesque spot by the river bank.
Dinner and overnight at the camp (Altitude: 4,140 m).
Distance: 19 km; Hike time: 6-7 hours.
Day 11. Lemithang – Laya: Follow the river and traverse through a forest of rhododendron and silver fir before reaching the village of Laya.
The Layap people are known for their distinctive clothing made from vertical stripes of yak hair and their unique conical bamboo hats. Their features reflect more Tibetan-Mongolian influences than the Bhutanese from the central valleys.
The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the stunning views of Masagang and other peaks.
Camp at an altitude of 3840 m; Distance: 10 km; Hike time: 4-5 hours.
Day 12. Laya Halt (Acclimatization for Laya Gasa trek Bhutan): Today is a rest day in Laya, allowing time to interact with the local people and explore the beautiful village.
Dinner and overnight at the camp.
Day 13. Laya – Koena: The trail meanders along the river valley, offering breathtaking views of the rushing river, feeder streams, and waterfalls.
Camp at an altitude of 3050 m; Distance: 19 km; Hike time: 6-7 hours.
Day 14. Koena – Gasa Tsachu (End of Laya Gasa trek itinerary): Today marks the final day of the Beautiful Laya Gasa trek itinerary.
Climb to Balela pass at 3,740 m and then descend to Gasa village. The first sight of Gasa dzong perched on the hillside above the village is a memorable one.
Camp near the hot spring, offering a relaxing soak in the natural hot water.
Camp at an altitude of 2,638 m; Distance: 14 km; Hike time: 6-7 hours.
Day 15. Gasa Tsachu – Punakha sightseeing | 78 Km | Drive: 3 hours | Altitude: 1242 m: In the morning, drive to Punakha.
En route, take a short hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a beautiful monastery.
In the afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong, an architectural masterpiece built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It is the winter residence of the Chief Abbot of Bhutan and holds great historical significance.
In the evening, walk across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan (160 meters), providing stunning views of the river, valley, and temple.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 16. Punakha – Wangdue Phodrang – Thimphu | 90 Km | Drive: 3 hours | Altitude: 2334 m: Begin the day with a drive to Thimphu via Wangdue Phodrang.
En route, visit Chimi Lhakhang, a temple built in 1499 to honor Lama Drukpa Kuenley, known as “The Divine Madman.” It is also known as “The Temple of Fertility.”
Next, view Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, a fortress built in 1638 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
In the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the national government and the central monastic body.
Enjoy some free time to stroll around the town.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 17. Thimphu sightseeing | Altitude: 2334 m: In the morning, visit the National Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 in honor of the third king, the late His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
Then, visit the tallest statue of sitting Buddha (51.5 meters) at Kuensel Phodrang.
Later, visit Changangkha Lhakhang, Takin Preserve Center, Sangay Gang View Point, and Dupthop Lhakhang.
In the afternoon, visit the painting school, the School of 13 Arts and Crafts.
Enjoy some free time in the evening to stroll around the town.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 18. Thimphu – Paro (Departure) | 54 Km | Drive: 1 hour: After breakfast, drive to the airport for your departure. Farewell
