Exploring Traditional Villages on the Laya Gasa Route

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Chele La Pass, the highest motorable point in Bhutan at 3,998 meters. On a clear day, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the snow-capped Himalayan range, including the revered peaks of Jomolhari and Jichu Drake.

From a viewpoint along the road, a 45-minute uphill trail leads to Kila Nunnery, Bhutan’s oldest nunnery, originally established as a meditation retreat in the 9th century. Nestled against a sheer cliff, it offers both spiritual serenity and breathtaking vistas.

After returning to Paro and enjoying lunch, continue your exploration with a visit to Ta Dzong, the National Museum, which once served as a watchtower and now houses a remarkable collection of Bhutanese art and artefacts. Then visit Rinpung Dzong, a fine example of traditional Bhutanese architecture that serves both religious and administrative purposes. End your day with a relaxed stroll through Paro town before heading back to your hotel for the evening.

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After an early breakfast, begin your hike from Ramthangka, the gateway to the revered Taktsang Monastery, famously known as the Tiger’s Nest. The path winds along an ancient route adorned with prayer wheels powered by the flowing river, setting a tranquil and spiritual tone for your climb.

Perched dramatically on a cliff 1,000 meters above Paro Valley, Taktsang Monastery captivates with its breathtaking views and peaceful ambiance. Legend tells of Guru Padma Sambhava’s miraculous flight on a tigress to this very spot in 746 A.D., where he subdued malevolent spirits and helped establish Buddhism in Bhutan.

Following your visit to this sacred site and a restful lunch at a nearby viewpoint, you will descend the same trail, concluding a deeply moving and memorable journey.

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After breakfast, the trek continues with a steady ascent up the mountainside toward Nyelila. Along the way, sweeping panoramic views reveal the majestic peaks of Mt. Jomolhari, Mt. Jichu Drake, and Tsherim Gang.

Upon reaching Nyelila, you say farewell to the towering presence of Mt. Jomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake, where the trail begins to descend. The landscape gradually transforms, with Tsherim Gang becoming the dominant feature. The path winds downward toward the campsite, offering a fresh and captivating perspective of Bhutan’s breathtaking mountain scenery. This segment of the trek perfectly combines stunning vistas with the exhilaration of rugged terrain.

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In what marks the shortest walking day of the trek, today’s journey begins with a walk to a chorten located below Lingshi Dzong. At this point, trekkers can choose to continue along the main trail or take a diversion that ascends to Lingshi Dzong, perched majestically atop a ridge at 4,220 meters.

Lingshi Dzong stands apart from other dzongs, radiating a unique atmosphere of mystic silence while offering expansive views over the valley below. After crossing the dzong, the trail winds through the villages of Lingshi and Goyul.

Goyul is notable for its clustered stone houses, forming a compact village—an uncommon sight in Bhutan, where homes are generally more spread out. Your campsite for the night is at Chebisa, nestled just behind the village and graced by a beautiful waterfall. This evening provides a wonderful opportunity to visit local homes and connect with the warm and welcoming people of the region.

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Today’s trek leads you through vast pasturelands as you make your way toward Gobu La Pass. Along the way, yak herders may appear, offering an authentic insight into the age-old mountain way of life. Keep watch for large herds of blue sheep, which add to the wild and rugged beauty of the landscape. After crossing Gobu La Pass at 4,410 meters, the trail descends into a valley, followed by a short climb and another descent to Shakshepasa at 3,980 meters, where a helipad is located.

The journey continues with another ascent before reaching the campsite at Shomuthang, perched above a river that feeds into the Nochu River. Today’s trek offers a rich mix of diverse landscapes, wildlife encounters, and the steady rhythm of climbing and descending through Bhutan’s pristine wilderness.

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Embarking on a somewhat strenuous trek today, an early start is advisable. After two hours of uphill ascent, you'll reach Jhari La at an altitude of 4,750 meters. From this vantage point, the majestic Sinche La comes into view, a pass you will traverse on the following day. To the north, the towering snow peak of Gangchhenta (6,840 m), also known as the Great Tiger Mountain, commands attention. Weather permitting, Tserim Kang and the summit of Jomolhari may be visible.

The campsite by the river is named Tsheri Jathang, known for being a summer haven for herds of takin, Bhutan's National Animal, who migrate to this valley and stay for about four months. Designated as a takin sanctuary, the valley offers a unique wildlife encounter.

After a bit more uphill trekking, the day concludes at the rocky meadow campsite of Robluthang. The day's journey blends challenging ascents with rewarding vistas, showcasing the untamed beauty of Bhutan's high-altitude landscapes.

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After crossing Sinche La—the highest and final pass of this trek at 5,005 meters (unless continuing on the Snowman Trek)—the trail descends toward a small stone hut nestled in the valley. Here, you may encounter Laya women dressed in their distinctive traditional attire, including their iconic pointed bamboo hats. These women often offer intricately woven handicrafts, adding a cultural highlight to your descent.

Just beside the hut, a dramatic glacial landscape comes into view. A striking terminal moraine and a shimmering glacial lake lie at the base of the valley, while textbook examples of lateral moraines flank either side—natural reminders of the glacier’s immense power as it once carved its way through the terrain.

Further below, you cross the Kango Chhu, a glacial stream flowing through the valley, before reaching the Limithang campsite.  Though still some distance away, the imposing Gangchhenta peak looms magnificently over the valley, dominating the skyline. This segment of the trek blends dramatic high-altitude scenery with rich cultural encounters, capturing the essence of Bhutan’s remote wilderness.

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Today’s trek offers a relatively gentle and relaxing descent, following a narrow, winding river valley as you make your way toward Laya. The trail meanders through sections of dense forest, opening occasionally to reveal sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. Along the way, you’ll enjoy glimpses of Gangchhenta’s striking silhouette once more, with the distant presence of Masagang enhancing the mountainous panorama.

As you approach Laya from the west, the path gradually leads into the village, where traditional wooden homes are scattered across the hillsides. At the village’s center, you’ll find a community school and a basic health post, both vital to the remote settlement and connected by telephone. The campsite lies just below the school, offering a peaceful rest spot nestled within one of Bhutan’s highest and most culturally unique communities.

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The trail today winds through a varied and undulating landscape, offering a dynamic mix of ascents and descents along the lush Mo Chhu river valley. As you navigate the path, you'll be treated to dramatic views of the roaring river below, its tributaries weaving through the terrain, and waterfalls cascading down rocky cliffs—each turn revealing a new facet of Bhutan’s untouched wilderness.

After a steady rhythm of climbing and descending, the route reaches Kohi Lapcha at 3,300 meters, a natural saddle that offers a moment to pause and take in the surrounding scenery. From here, the trail makes a gradual descent to the banks of the Koina Chhu stream, where the Koina campsite is tucked away in a serene riverside setting. This day of trekking strikes a beautiful balance between physical challenge and visual reward, immersing you in the raw, unspoiled landscapes of Bhutan.

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Today brings the final significant ascent of the Laya Gasa Trek. As you make your way up to Bari La at 3,740 meters, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views before the trail descends steeply to Gasa village at 2,770 meters. The appearance of restaurants—absent since the journey began at Drukgyel Dzong—adds a touch of comfort and anticipation. A nearby campsite near Gasa Dzong offers a peaceful spot for rest.

From Gasa, you have the option to extend your day’s journey with a one-hour descent to the famed Gasa Tsachu (hot springs). Choosing to soak in these natural thermal waters is a perfect way to unwind after days of trekking through the high Himalayas. As one of Bhutan’s most beloved hot springs, Gasa Tsachu offers not just relaxation, but a memorable and restorative conclusion to your mountain adventure.

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Embarking on this stage of the journey, the trail begins with a gentle climb and soon transitions into a rhythmic pattern of ascents and descents. It winds through an ever-changing landscape of rolling hills, dense pine and oak forests, charming mountain villages, and expansive wheat fields—each turn offering a fresh and scenic perspective.

One of the highlights along the way is the mesmerising view of Gasa Dzong, dramatically poised on the valley wall, appearing almost suspended in mid-air. This surreal sight adds a magical touch to the already breathtaking surroundings.

Eventually, you reach Damji, where a well-kept campsite awaits, offering comfort and rest. This portion of the trek beautifully captures the essence of Bhutan, where natural splendour and cultural richness come together in perfect harmony.

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The descent from the elevated agricultural terraces above the Mo Chhu gradually transitions into a lush, semi-tropical gorge teeming with vibrant vegetation. Banana trees, tangled creepers, and a rich variety of tropical flora line the trail, creating a dramatic contrast to the alpine landscapes of earlier days. This stretch of the journey is also known for occasional sightings of monkeys and other forest wildlife, adding a touch of wilderness to the experience.

As the trail nears Tashithang and continues toward Damji, trekkers can choose to conclude their walk early by arranging transport from the roadhead—saving around two hours of hiking. Once picked up, you'll enjoy a scenic drive to Punakha, marking a comfortable and well-earned end to your unforgettable trekking adventure through the heart of Bhutan.

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After breakfast, begin the day with a visit to Punakha Dzong, Bhutan’s majestic former capital until 1966. This magnificent fortress, strategically situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, stands as a powerful symbol of Bhutan’s history and spirituality. It houses the sacred relics of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal—the 17th-century lama who unified Bhutan—and serves as the winter residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the central monastic body.

On the return journey, make a stop at Chhimi Lhakhang, a 15th-century fertility temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley, affectionately known as the Divine Madman. Known for his unconventional methods of teaching Buddhism through humor and outrageous behavior, Lama Kunley is venerated here as a fertility saint. Set amidst beautiful rice fields and a peaceful village, the temple draws many childless couples who come seeking blessings to conceive.

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The day’s exploration in Thimphu offers a rich blend of culture, history, and scenic views. Begin with a visit to the traditional weaving centre, followed by the Memorial Chorten—an iconic stupa built in honor of the third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Continue on to the 12th-century Changangkha Monastery, a place of deep spiritual significance perched on a ridge overlooking the city.

Your journey also includes a stop at the Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s national animal, and Buddha Point, where the world’s largest Buddha statue presides over panoramic views of the valley. Visit a local nunnery and the Arts and Craft School to witness young artisans preserving Bhutan’s rich heritage.

Later, ascend to Sangaygang for a bird’s eye view of Thimphu before concluding the day at Trashichhodzong. This impressive fortress serves as the King’s office and throne room and is the summer residence of the Je Khenpo and the central monastic body. The day offers a well-rounded glimpse into Bhutan’s religious, artistic, and political heart.

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The drive from Thimphu to Paro is about 55 kilometres and usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on road and weather conditions. This scenic journey showcases the natural beauty of Bhutan, passing through lush valleys, traditional villages, and verdant landscapes.

Departing from Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, you’ll head westward along winding mountain roads. Along the way, you may spot the Paro River and enjoy expansive views of the surrounding mountains, making the trip both picturesque and memorable.

While the roads are generally in good condition, travel times can vary during the monsoon or winter seasons due to weather-related factors. It is advisable to check current road and weather updates before setting out on your journey to ensure a safe and smooth trip.

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The last day morning will be free and near the time of your flight. You will be at the airport within the time to board your flight for the onward trip. 

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