Laya - Gasa Trek

It takes 14 days to complete this trek. It is of medium hard kind.The seasons favourable are from April to June, and from September to November. The best season is in April. This trek begins from Paro valley then heads north into the high country. At this point you will see the Layaps, the tribal people with their unusual culture. You can also stop for a hot spring in Gasa. Sometimes you will see Takins and Blue Poppy flower, the national flower of Bhutan.

Days 1 - 5: Drukgyel Dzong to Lingshi

Follow Days 1-5 of the Jhomolhari trek

Day 6: Lingshi to Chebisa (10km. 5-6 hrs. 280m ascent, 410m descent)

Crossing the stream on a wooden bridge and climbing up you will reach a chorten. To the east side you will see a cluster of houses. As you climb up you will reach Lingshi Dzong which was built in 17th Century and played a role in controlling travel over Lingshi La between Bhutan and Tibet. Climbing down from the Dzong you will come across a few houses. From here the walk is pleasant. After one hour walk you will reach Goyul, here the houses are made of stones and all the houses are clustered together. Climbing further up you will come to a chorten. Then climb down you will come to Chebisa valley with a nice view of the valley. Here you can camp for the night.

Day 7: Chebisa to Shomuthang(17km. 6-7 hrs. 890m ascent, 540m descent)

The trails leads you through few houses, climbing up a bit you will come across large heards of blue sheep up the rocks. you will also come across a deep forest of rhododendrons. After descending to a stream and climbing over a small ridge you will reach a cedar forest. Further from here you will reach a helipad. A bit further from here you can stop for a lunch as it is suitable spot for lunch. After lunch you will be crossing a few yak herders’ huts. Here the camping place is not so good but there is no choice as you need rest for the next day’s journey.

Day 8: Shomuthang to Robluthang (18km 6-7 hrs. 700m ascent, 760m descent)

The trail here makes you cross the river several times. From here you can see Snow peak ‘Khang Bum’. Climbing up you go through Jhari La (4750m). In the distance you can see Sinche La, the snow peak Gangchhenta (Great Tiger Mountain). If the weather is clear you can view Tserim Kang and the top of Jhomolhari. As you move further the vegetation changes. Further from here there is the main valley and if you if you camp by the river you may see some Takins. If you do not wish to disturb the Takins the you may as well go to a different camping place at Robluthang.

Day 9: Robluthang to Limithang (19kms. 6-7 hrs. 850m ascent, 870m descent)

This is the highest pass on trek. On your way you will see some tribal people.Follow your trail and it leads you to a place where you can spot blue sheep on high slopes to the north. After you make many tough ascents and descents, you will finally view the snow covered peak of Gangchhenta to the north. You can camp at Limithang

Day 10: Limithang to Laya (10km. 4-5 hrs. 60m ascent, 340m descent)

This trek takes you through deep cedar forest and many streams. Further from here the vegetation changes to fir trees. On your way you will some across stone houses, monastery and wheat fields. You can also have a glimpse of Masangang (7165m). You can camp in the village.

Day 11: Laya to Koina (19km. 6-7 hrs. 260m ascent, 1070m descent)

Here the trail leads you through deep forest all the way to the river. Crossing the river on a wooden bridge you will reach a check post where all trekkers will have to register. Then the route takes you alongside the Mo Chhu till you are on a cantilever bridge. There are many up and down trails before you reach the camping place.

Day 12: Koina to Gasa (14km. 6-7 hrs. 900m nascent, 1710m descent)

Follow the trail downstream and make a major ascent to cross Bari La. After a long trek you will will see Gasa Dzong beautifully standing on a hill top. You will also come to the small town of Gasa. You can camp near the Tsachhu (hotspring) and relax in the hot bath.

Day 13: Gasa to Damji (18 km. 5-6 hrs. 470m ascent, 280m descent)

Here the trail leads you to the south through few houses and descends to Mochhu. From here if you look back you will have a good view of the dzong.Then the trail goes downhill to the hot spring and straight to Damji. You will then have to cross the river on a cable suspension bridge high above the water. Climbing to the opposite side from there you will see the hot spring and the trails that you have crossed yesterday. Gasa Dzong can be viewed from here floating in the space. Then you cross south along the Mochhu. The trail takes you up and down along the valley where you finally reach to a meadow. After trekking for a while you will again have to cross the river on a suspension bridge. From here the trails takes you up and down till you reach a large village of Damji with so many rice terraces.

Day 14: Damji to Tashithang (16km. 5 hrs. 250m ascent, 870m descent)

Here you pass through some houses and fields. Then you descent down a river. After a long descent you will have to cross a wooden bridge. Here you will find a camping place near the river. As you move further from here you may encounter rhesus monkeys and Takins alongside the river.