Trip Facts
Overview
Beautiful Laya Gasa Trek
Beautiful Laya Gasa Trek trek offers a breathtakingly beautiful lunar landscape, dwarfed by immense glistening peaks, abundant wildlife; including blue sheep, taking and a wide variety of birds and quite possibly the elusive snow leopard.Your journey begins in the fertile Paro valley, climbing to the base camps of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake, two of Bhutan’s most majestic summits, considered one of the most beautiful and imposing mountains existing anywhere across the great Himalayan range.
The route then passes the remote monastic-fortress at Lingshi before crossing the three high passes that separate it from Laya.The pristine and austere alpine environment of Laya, in northwestern Bhutan, is home to a tribal community of fewer than 1000 people. Far away from major national centers, the Layaps have yet to become significantly integrated within the country mainstream.
They are yak-herders and traders, who speak a separate language, sport a distinct dress and are renowned throughout the country for their arresting natural beauty.At Gasa camp, a soak in the hot springs will be comforting and a long-anticipated reward before descending through the lush sub-tropical forests into Punakha and Wangdiphodrang.After having experienced the stark serenity of the alpine north, you will then travel on to the capital city of Thimphu, which should relax and soak up a cultural atmosphere unique to Bhutan.
Enjoy a great view of Taktsang Monastery (its name means tiger’s nest), perched on a cliff 2,700 above the floor of the Paro Valley. Beautiful views of the Lingshi Dzong and the valley and also Tserim Kang (mountain) and its descending glaciers at the north end of the valley. A campsite is on a high flat bench above the Laya village.Camp at Jangothang (13,450) below a ruined fortress near the base of Chomolhari. Pass to the Lingshi basin, you will see some beautiful views of the Lingshi Dzong and the valley and also Tserim Kang (mountain) and its descending glaciers at the north end of the valley. Camp in a stone shelter with a built-in fire pit or in the tent.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01 : Arrive Paro (B/D)
Day 02 : Paro (B/L/D)
Day 03 : Begin trek from Paro/Shana (B/L/D)
Day 04 : Trek to Soi Thangthangkha (B/L/D)
Day 05 : Trek to Jangothang (B/L/D)
Day 06 : Jangothang Halt (B/L/D)
Day 07 : Trek Jangothang – Lingshi (B/L/D)
Day 08 : Trek Lingshi Chebisa (B/L/D)
Day 09 :Trek Chebisa – Shomuthang (B/L/D)
Day 10 : Trek Shomuthang – Robluthang (B/L/D)
Day 11 : Trek Robluthang – Lemithang (B/L/D)
Day 12 : Trek Lemithang Laya (B/L/D)
Day 13 : Halt in Laya (B/L/D)
Day 14 : Laya Koena (B/L/D)
Day 15 : Trek Koena – Gasa (B/L/D)
Day 16 : Trek Gasa – Gasa Tsachu (hot spring)
Day 17 : Trek Gasa Tsachu – Geon Damji (B/L/D)
Day 18 : Trek Geon Damji Tashithang-Punakha (B/L/D)
Day 19 : Punakha/Wangdue-Thimphu (B/L/D)
Day 20 : Thimphu (B/L/D)
Day 21 :Thimphu/Paro/Departure (B)
Cost
- Accommodation at 3-star hotel and tent camp
- Govt. licensed and experienced trekking and culture Guide service
- Experienced driver and comfortable transport service
- Alcoholic beverages & telephone calls
- High-risk medical insurance
- Air tickets
- Purely personal nature expenses
- Emergency rescue evacuation if needed
Reviews
Simply put “WOW”.
Simply put “WOW”. I have never met more responsible people in my life. They made sure every step of the way was taken care of from the drivers, tour guides, trek guides, porters and hotel accommodations. I highly recommend this company for its hard working, responsible and friendly people. The people make a company. Special thanks to: Anuja “the planner”, Chitiz & Ashmir “the ultimate trekking guides” and finally Robin “the enthusiastic jungle bird watcher”.
Nick Devincenzo
San Diego, CaliforniaPlan Holidays did a fantastic job on our whole trip!
Plan Holidays did a fantastic job on our whole trip! We did the trip that included time in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan National Park and a 5-day trek around Annapurna. From the moment we stepped off the plane, we had guides showing us around and everything was perfectly planned for us. Maila, our trekking guide was amazing and had so much knowledge! It was a great trip!
Autumn Wonderlich
Boston, MassachusettsIncredibly well organized
This company was amazing. Incredibly well organized. I felt safe and spoiled. Our airport transports were always early and waiting for us. All of our reservations for our accommodations and busses were perfect. The temple tour we took was super fun and educational. Some of our luggage got stuck in our layover country and between this travel agency and our hotel they were able to get it for us and deliver it the next day. We also had a 10month old traveling with us and they made sure that our accommodation and travel plans were safe for him. During our 5 days of trekking, we had THE BEST guide/sherpa. I would positively let them plan another trip for us. Thank you!!!!
Email: https://facebook.com/karenk2000
Karen Graves
CaliforniaA wonderful trip
Thank you so much!!!!
We had a wonderful trip!!! And you were always there to help or guide us as needed! I hope we can have fun together again!!!!!
Janet Spencer
West Jordan, UtahNice trip to Nepal
Nice trip in Nepal organized by Plan Holidays Travel! Guide and Porter were great.
Michael Worcestar
Plan Holidays is the best company
Plan Holidays is the best company with wonderful staff members and Guide was incredible an genuinely cared for our welfare. It was such a pleasure to meet all the friendly and humorous people of Nepal. All of my thanks to Managing Director Mr. Kala Dhar Baral and the professional team members of Plan Holidays.
Samuel idas
Great Job
Plan Holidays did a great job on the organization of this wonderful journey! We all had a great time, it was such a pleasure to meet all the friendly and humorous people of Nepal.
Aleksandra Perr/Peter Babivskiy
I had a wonderful experience
I recently booked a tour with Plan Holidays, and I had a wonderful experience. Anuja scheduled the tour, and it was comforting to have our trip covered without any concerns. Our guide Shiva took us through Kathmandu, and showed all us the highlights of the city and provided us with the cultural and historical background. We also did the Poon Hill Trek with guides Chitiz and Ashmir, who provided a peaceful hike through the Himalayas. On our last two days, we spent time in Chitwan National Park, where our guide, Robin, took us on adventures where we saw crocodiles and rhinos.
The entire package was affordable, and our guides met our every need; they went out of their way for us on many occasions. It was comforting to get off the bus and see our guides waiting for us with our name tags. I would highly encourage anyone to book a trip through this company. I promise that you will have an amazing experience–five stars!
