Beautiful Laya – Gasa Trek: This trek offers from picturesque farmland, alpine pastureland to high passes. Spectacular campsites beneath some of Bhutan's most impressive peaks – of which the most notable are Jomolhari and Jichu-Drake – make this trekking route truly exhilarating. Numerous isolated Dzongs and scattered settlements, including the outlandish village of Laya, provide a great deal of cultural interest en route.The highest point is about 4,900m.
Best Season: Trek is open from April to June and mid-September to mid-November. Best trekking month in Laya region is April.

Proposed schedule
Day 01: Arrive Paro International Airport
Day 02: Paro – Sightseeing
Day 03: Paro – Shana
Day 04: Shana – Soe Thangkha
Day 05: Soe Thangkha – Jangothang
Day 06: Jangothang – Lingzhi
Day 07: Lingzhi – Chebisa
Day 08: Chebisa – Shomuthang
Day 09: Shomuthang – Ropluthang
Day 10: Ropluthang – Lemithang
Day 11: Lemithang – Laya
Day 12: Laya (Halt)
Day 13: Laya – Koena
Day 14: Koena – Gasa Tshachu
Day 15: Gasa Tshachu (Halt)
Day 16: Gasa Tshachu – Geon Damji
Day 17: Geon Damji – Tashithang
Day 18: Tashithang – Thimphu
Day 19: Thimphu Sightseeing
Day 20: Thimphu – Paro
Day 21: Paro – Excursion to Taktshang Monastery
Day 22: Departure from Paro International Airport

Day 01: Arrive Paro International Airport
During the journey to Paro, one will experience breathtaking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jomolhari and Mount Jichu-Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by representatives of our tour operator, who will escort you to the Hotel where arrangements have been made for two nights.

Day 02: Paro Sightseeing
After breakfast, drive in the morning to the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong 16 km up the valley. Built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan, the Dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts and on a clear day experience an unforgettable view of the peak of Mt. Jomolhari (Mountain of the Goddess 7,316 m).
On the way back, visit Kichu Lhakhang (temple) that was built in 659 A.D. by the Tibetan King Srongsen Gampo, as one of the 108 such Monasteries which he built in various places to spread Buddhism. It is considered one of the holiest places in Bhutan as it marks the advent of Buddhism in the country. Kyichu Monastery is located between Drugyal Dzong and Paro town.
After lunch at the Hotel visit the National Museum (Ta Dzong). This was actually the Watch Tower of the Rinchenpung Dzong. It was converted into the National Museum in 1968. Below the museum is the Rinchenpung Dzong. This massive fortress located on a small hill just above the Paro river (Pachu) in the Paro valley houses the District Administration office and the Monk Body. It was built in 1645 AD. A short walk takes you to the base of the Dzong and across a cantilever, shingle covered traditional bridge.
In the evening after tea at the Hotel take a stroll to the Paro Town.
Evening: Reception by our tour operator with cultural show.

Day 03: Paro - Shana
Drive up to Drugyel Dzong (2580m), 16kms from Paro Town, where the road ends. The trek starts from this point with a short downhill walk on a wide trail. The trail follows the river through beautiful meadows and paddy fields. The route later enters an area of apple orchards and forests. Soon the valley widens and you reach the army post of Gunitsawa at 2,810m. This is the last stop before Tibet. At 2,870m, just beyond Shana Zampa, there are several good camping places in meadows surrounded by trees. The night’s camp is just beyond an army outpost at Shana.
Shana (2800m) is about 17 Kms from the last motor road-head and takes about 5-6 hours walk.

Day 04: Shana - Soe Thangkha
The trek follows Pa Chhu (Paro River) ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. After lunching near a bridge follow the river climbing up through rhododendron forests. The valley gradually narrows to a mere path which descends to a meadow where a camp will be set up for the night halt. The camp site is located in a meadow with stone shelter.
Soe Thangthangkha (3500m) is about 20kms from Shana which takes about 6-7 hours.

Day 05: Soe Thangkha - Jangothang
Starting up from the Pa Chu the trek ascends for a while till you reach an army camp. Then follow the river above the tree line enjoying the spectacular view of the surrounding peaks. Yaks and the herders' winter homes become a regular feature of the landscape. Lunch will be served inside one of those yak herder’s camps. A short walk into the valley will take you to the camp at Jangothang (4040m) from where the view of Mt. Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake are superb. Camp for the night beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mt. Jomolhari.
Jangothang (4040m) is about 19kms from Soe Thangthangkha which takes about 6-7 hours.

Day 06: Jangothang - Lingzhi
Starting from the camp the trek follows the stream for about half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. Climbing up the first ridge one gets a scenic view of Jomolhari, Jichu-Drake and Tsherin-Gang. Then passing through an almost flat valley for a while and climb upto the Nyele La pass (4,700m). You can enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding peaks and Lingshi Dzong below. After the pass, it's a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp. Night halt is a choice between a stone shelter or the tent.
Lingzhi (4150m) is about 19 Kms. from Jangothang which takes about 6-7 hours.

Day 07: Lingshi – Chebisa
Proceed ahead passing Lingshi Dzong perched on the hilltop with a commanding view of green hills, the winding river and magnificent peaks. It is an easy day and a pleasant walk through villages and yak herder camps. After lunch, a short walk will take you to Chebisa village. Camp by the side of the stream at an altitude of 3,850m. The trek is 10 km and takes 5/6 hours.

Day 08: Chebisa – Shomuthang
You walk through a wide pasture land towards Gobula pass. On the way, you will see a few people herding the yaks. After crossing the Gobu-la (4350m) descend down to the valley of Shomuthang. You may see herds of Blue Sheep now and then. The camp site is on a bench above a river which is a tributary of the Nochu river. Shomuthang (4260m) is about 17kms from Chebisa which takes about 5-6 hours.

Day 09: Shomuthang - Robluthang
The trek starts with a climb to Jari-La pass at an altitude of 4,700m. Then descend to Tasharijathang valley, the summer residence of rare Himalayan Takins (National animal of Bhutan). From here we have
to cross the stream. After crossing the stream towards the left, the trail ascends till you reach Robluthang camp at an altitude of 4,200m. The trek is 18 km and takes 6-7 hours.

Day 10: Robluthang - Lemithang
After crossing the Shingela pass (4900m), descend to Lemithang where the path is narrow. Lemithang is in Laya Geog (a cluster of villages) under the Gasa district and one will see Layaps (people of Laya) dressed in typical Laya costumes with long pointed bamboo hats on their heads. The last part of the trek is very interesting with the view of Mt. Gangchey Ta peak. Camp at Lemithang. Alt. 4140m.
Lemithang (4100m) is about 19kms from Robluthang which takes about 6-7 hours. If you have time, it would be advisable to spend a day here exploring the valley and meeting the people who have a different and unique culture.

Day 11: Lemithang - Laya
In the morning, you can see the view of Gangchey Ta peak in front of you. The walk to Laya is very pleasant and full of wonderful views. You will pass through a damp forest, filled with moss and singing birds. Arrive at Laya village, the second highest settlement in the country, at an altitude of 3,800m.
The trek is about 10 kms and takes about 4-5 hours.

Day 12: Laya (Halt)
Halt in Laya for rest and to explore the beautiful Laya village. You can go and visit any of the houses around. Traditional Bhutanese hospitality is extended even to strangers, and a cup of tea and Chang (local wine) is always offered. The people in this valley are very interesting. The women wear conical bamboo hats decorated with turquoise and silver ornaments. In the evening, you will witness the cultural programme (dance) performed by village girls with campfire, and enjoy the local alcohol if you have a strong stomach.

Day 13: Laya - Koena
The trail winds up and down along the river valley avoiding natural obstacles and affording breathtaking views of the crashing river, feeder streams and waterfalls. Koena (3800m) is about 19 kms from Laya which takes about 6-7 hours.

Day 14: Koena - Gasa
Walk for about half an hour over flat land till you reach the Bele-La pass (3740m) after which the trail is downhill all the way to Gasa Tshachu. After lunch at Gasa village (3000m) visit the village and Dzong. The Dzong was built in 17th century by the first religious King, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to protect the valley against Tibetan invaders. After visiting the Dzong, descend to Gasa Tshachu (hot spring) for your camp at an altitude of 2,200m.
Gasa Tshachu is about 17 kms from Koena which takes about 6-7 hours.

Day 15: Gasa Tsachu (hot spring)
The day will be to relax and enjoy the hot bath and local beer that is produced here. The Gasa Tsachu is one of the most popular hot springs in Bhutan.

Day 16: Gasa Tshachu – Geon Damji
After a short climb, the trail winds through the rolling hills and passes through the pine and oak forests rich with wild orchids, villages and wheat fields. There are leeches in this area in summer, so one must be careful. You will also see a beautiful view of the Gasa Dzong glued to the valley wall seeming to float in space.
The campsite (2280m) is about 20kms from Gasa Tshachu which takes about 6-7 hours.

Day 17: Geon Damji - Tashithang
It is the last trekking day. The trail descends from the high agricultural benches above the Mochu (‘chu’ means river) into a lush semi-tropical gorge filled with banana trees, creepers and various tropical vegetation. You will also see monkeys and few other animals occasionally. Camp at Tashithang.
Tashithang (1700m) is about 17kms from Geon Damji which takes about 5-6 hours.

Day 18: Tashithang – Thimphu
After a short walk to the motor road, drive down to Punakha valley. Stop at Punakha and visit the Punakha Dzong. Punakha the former capital of Bhutan is 77Km from Thimphu and Wangdi is 16 Km away from Punakha. The Punakha Dzong houses the winter residence of the monastic body and its Chief Abbot. The massive fortress, built in 1637 by Zhabdrun Ngawang Namgyel, is situated between two rivers known as Phochu (male river) and Mochu (female river). The drive takes about two hours one way.
The construction of the Dzong was said to be foretold by Guru Rimpoche, who predicted, "a person named Namgyal will arrive at a hill that looks like an elephant". There was a smaller building here called Dzong Chu (Small Dzong) that housed a statue of Buddha. It is said that Shabdrung ordered the architect Zowe Balep to sleep in front of the statue. While in sleep, the Shabdrung took him in his dreams to the Zangdo-Pelri (Copper colour abode of Guru Padmasambhava) and showed him the palace of Guru Rimpoche. From his vision, the architect conceived the design for the new Dzong, which in keeping with the tradition, was never committed to paper. The Dzong was named the Pungthang Dewa Chenpoi Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness).
The war weaponry captured during the battle with Tibetans are preserved in this great Dzong. Punakha is still the winter residence of the Je-Khenpo and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the new national Assembly here in 1952.
After lunch in Punakha visit Chime Lhakhang which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley. He subdued the demons with his "Magical Thunder bolt". The Temple is also known as "the Temple of Fertility". From this hillock one will also get a beautiful view of the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong.
Wangue Phodrang Dzong built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1639. It houses the civil administration and monastic body for Wangdue district. Legend relates that as the people were searching for the site for the Dzong, four ravens were seen flying away in four directions. This was considered auspicious sign, representing the spread of religion to the four points of the compass. The Dzong is situated at the confluence of Mo Chu and Tang Chu rivers.
In the late afternoon drive to Thimphu which takes about two hours. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 19: Sightseeing in Thimphu
A full day of sightseeing in Thimphu: Visit Tashichho Dzong: This massive structure houses part of the Government Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the senior monks and the Chief Abbot. It is the main Secretariat building.
Visit the handicrafts emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts are displayed and can be purchased.
Visit the painting and wood craft schools where the traditional art and painting are kept alive.
Visit the Institute for Traditional Medicine where medicines are prepared according to ancient practices, and to Lungtenzampa to observe the Royal silver smiths and Bhutanese paper factory at work.
Visit the Memorial Chorten (a huge stupa) built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972.
Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved.
Visit Simtokha Dzong (6Km from Thimphu), the oldest Dzong in Bhutan, built in 1629. The Simtokha Dzong houses the largest monastic schools in the country.
Evening: Relax in any of the many Thimphu's modern health clubs and beauty parlors where sauna, steam, gymnasium facilities are available as well as full beauty treatment, including hair dressing, skin care (with pure herbal products) and body massage services.

Day 20: Thimphu – Paro
Drive upto Dechencholing, 6kms from Thimphu town, to view the Queen Mother’s Palace from the outside. You can take pictures of the Palace and the Dechencholing Monastery from the outside only.
Drive back to Thimphu and take a leisurely stroll in the market.
After lunch, drive to Paro, 60kms from Thimphu, which takes about two hours. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 21: Paro – Excursion to Taktshang Monastery
Early morning drive up to Satsam Chorten (15 km from Paro Town) and hike up to Taktsang Monastery. The name Taktsang means "Tiger’s Nest". The Monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 800 metres (over 2600 ft ). and overlooks the Paro Valley. Taktsang is one of the most venerated pilgrimme sites in the Himalayan world and it has 13 holy places. However, most people can only visit the main site called Taktsang Pelphug. The main Lhakhang was built around Guru Rimpoche's meditation cave by the fourth Desi Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay in 1684.
According to the legend, Taktsang Monastery was founded by Guru Padamasanbhava in the eighth century. It is believed that the Guru came to this place on the back of a tigress from Khengpajong in the Kurtoe region and meditated for three months in a cave at Taktsang and converted the people of Paro valley to Buddhism. The legend has it that the tigress was actually his favorite consort, Yeshe Tsogyel, whom he transformed to a flying tigress for the purpose of this journey.
Picnic lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria. The round trip hike takes about 4 hours.

Day 22: Departure from Paro International Airport
Drive to Paro Airport and be seen off by a representative of our tour operator or your guide.