Lingshi Laya Gasa Trekking-19 days

Trip Level
Moderate
Destination
Bhutan
Trip Duration
19 Days

Overview

Laya Gasa route takes one upstream along the Paro Chu and the ancient caravan route to Tibet, Through the Seo Valley deep into the shadows of Mt. Chomolari 7314m, Mt. Jitchu Drake 7000m and over Nele La Pass 4250m into Lingshi Valley. The inhabitants of these two valleys are nomads subsisting almost entirely on the produce and products of sheep and yaks. The many lakes in Seo Valley are every angler's wildest dream come true. At Lingshi is a picturesque remnant of a once mighty border fortress is now the residences of the valley administrator. From his hill, a day's trek is all it takes to cross over the plateau of Tibet. 

Heading East over the 3 high passes of Global 4650m, Jarmila 4600m, and Shinjela 4900m lay the valley of Laya Gasa. Herds of the rare Tarkin can be seen en route to Tashi Jathang Laya Gasa valley lies in the Masakhang mountain region which is the source of the Mo Chu flowing through Punakha. The inhabitants of Laya Gasa s an ethnic group is quite a difference from the rest of the Bhutanese people. Like the people so Seo and Lingshi they too are nomads. Along the way to Punakha, the old capital lays historic Gasa fort and the famous popular hot spring in Laya Gasa.


Detail Itinerary

Day 01:  Fly to Paro 2,280 / 7,524 ft via Druk Air and transfer to hotel.

Depending upon the flight time to Paro, Bhutan either morning or in afternoon time, our staff transfer you to Kathmandu international airport, after checking in boarding in Bhutan national carrier “Druk Air” a super scenic flight to Paro with amazing views of high snow-capped peaks including Mt. Everest, Makalu and Kanchenjunga and on reaching at Paro airport with mountains of Bhutan. At Paro airport, after immigration and visa formalities our guide in Bhutan will receive for the drive to respective hotels in Paro, with the afternoon free at leisure.

Day 02: Trek from Paro - Shana 7 hours

Today is the day where, we begin our trek. However, before start trek we drive up to Drukgyal Dzong where the road ends and we start the trek by following the river gently uphill through a narrowing valley of paddy fields. You will find plenty of traditional farmhouses on the way to Shana. We make camp and stay overnight at the Altitude of. 2800m.

Day 03: Trek form Shana to Soe Thangthangkha, 15 km, 5 hours

Early morning, we wake up with rested legs and continue uphill through the river valley, which narrows and closes in after some distance. The trail then winds up and down along the drainage. Most of the trail actually is downhill after the initial climb. We reach to destination Soe Thangthangkha, which is located in a meadow with stone shelter at the altitude of 3400m.

Day 04: Trek form Thangthangkha to Jangothang, 19 KM, 6 hours.

After hot breakfast, we start walking along the Pachu (Paro river), through a small army outpost where the valley begins to widen again. You can now clearly see the high ridges and the snow-capped mountains all around and also see the yaks and the yak herder’s winter homes. Today we stay at the base of the Jumolhari Mountain, which is in the altitude of 4040m.

Day 05: Trek from Jangothang  to Lingshi, 19 km, 6 hour

Start walking up toward the pass through a wide pastureland. You might find some yak herders in their camping tents along the way. As you come down after the pass to the Lingshi basin, you will see some beautiful views of the Lingshi Dzong, valley, Tserim Kang (mountain) and its descending glaciers at the north end of the valley. Stay overnight in stone shelter at the altitude of 4150m.

Day 06: Trek from Lingshi to Chebisa, 12 km, 4 hour

Today we walk quite short distance, so it is going to be easy. On reaching the campsite at Chebisa, you can visit the village houses if you feel up to it.

Day 07: Trek from Chebisa to Shomuthang, 17km, 6 hour

Today we trek towards Gobu-la (pass). On the way, you will see few people herding the yaks. After crossing the Gobu -la (Alt. 4350m) descend down to the valley. We will stay at the bench over Nochu river.  At the altitude of 4260m.

Day 08: Trek from Shomuthang to Robluthang, 15km, 7 hours

Today we spend quite hard walk, so we start little early morning. After crossing the Jerela (pass) alt. 4600m you come down to Tsharijathang valley where you can normally see herds of Takins. Stay overnight at at Tsharijathang at altitude of 4390m.

Day 09: Trek from Robluthang to Lingmithang, 19km, 7 hour

After crossing the Shingela pass, alt. 4900m, you come down and follow the valley. Lingmithang is under the Laya District and you will see people dressed in typical Laya costume with long pointed bamboo hats on their head. Stay overningt at Lingmithang at the altitude of 4140m.

Day 10: Trek from Lingmithang to Laya, 10km, 4 hours

Today, we walk all the way downhill along a narrow winding river valley. The trail leads you to the west side of Laya village. Stay overnight at high flat bench above the Laya village at the altitude of 3850m.

Day 11: Stay in Laya ad explore villege

Today we take rest at the same time we explore the Laya village.

Day 12: Trek from Laya to Koena, 19 km 7 hours

Today's walk winds up and down along the river valley avoiding natural obstacles and affording breath-taking views of the crashing river, feeder streams and water falls. We stay overnight at Koena at the altitude of 3800m.

Day 13: Trek from Koena to Gasa, 17 km, 7 hours

Crossing through Babela pass (3740m), after which the trail is all the way down till you reach the campsite which is close to Gasa Dzong at the altitude of 2900m

Day 14: Trek from Gasa to Gasa Tsachu,

We take breakfast quite late today, then trek to Gasa Tsachu. We take lunch at Gasa Tsachu then relax in the hot spring. The Gasa Tsachu is one of the most popular hot springs in Bhutan. Stay overnight at Gasa Tsachu.

Day 15: Trek from Gasa Tsachu to Tashithang to Punakha

Today is last day of our walk, after a short climb, the 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 seeming to float in space. Arrive Damji, so at Damji your car will be waiting here to transfer to Punkha. You will drive through the high agricultural benches above the Mochu into a lush semi-tropical gorge filled with banana trees, creepers and various tropical vegetation till Tashithang. Continue driving to Punakha.

Day 16: Drive from Punakha to Thimphu

Set out for Thimphu with a stop in Dochu La for tea.  Visit the new Druk Wangyal Monastery, which is the only of its kind in the country with elaborate paintings depicting the lineage of the present monarchy and their visionary works.  Continue drive to Thimphu and check into your hotel on arrival.

Day 17: Sightseeing in Thimphu

Early morning After your breakfast, our our guide will pick you from your hotel and start Thimpu Sightseeing. Visit to Trashichhodzong, the beautiful medieval fortress/ monastery which houses most of the Government’s office and king’s Throne room it is also the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot. Then visit National Library which has vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscript. After that drive to painting school, famous for traditional thangkha paintings. Here you will sea, student at work producing intricate design on cloth. Also visit to Traditional Medicine Institute is worthwhile where centuries old healing art still practiced. Later visit Textile and Folk Heritage Meseum, a fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions. After Lunch Visit Handicraft Emporium which displays wide assortment of beautifully hand woven and crafted product. Then drive to Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s Third king who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside this monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy

Day 18: Drive from Thimphu - Paro

In the morning you can hike to Tango Monastery, which was built by the "Divine Madman" in the 15th century. It's a center of study for monks, and it affords a great view of the Thimphu Valley. Drive back to Thimphu and after lunch you will proceed to Paro.

Day 19: Paro to Kathmandu

Today is day to good bye to Bhutan, you will be transfer to the Paro Airport. You will be seen off by our representative for your next destination.


Cost Details

Accommodation in tourist standard hotel

Sightseeing as per itinerary with well experience trek guide

3 meals a day All meals during the trek

Hotel-airport-hotel transfers

Government taxes

Overland transportation by Jeep within Bhutan

Pony/porters for transporting luggage’s during camping

All International Air fare

Personal travel health insurance,

Nepal re-entry visa fee

Expense of personal nature such as laundry, insurance, Drinks, tips etc.

Emergency evacuation in case of landslides extra charge for porters and transportation.

Anything not mentioned under Services Included.

Map

map

Departure Dates

No fixed departures.