21 Day Thrilling Laya-Gasa Trek

Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Touching down at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide upon exiting the arrival hall. Today, we will take it easy to acclimatise to the altitude. Sangaygang Drive about 15 minutes from the main city to a hillock where the Bhutan Broad Casting Tower is stationed. From there you can relish the beautiful scene of the whole of Thimphu City. On the way up or down from the hillock, you can also see Takin the national animal of Bhutan. Buddha Point at Kuensel Phodrang will also be open to tourists once it is completed. The 169 feet bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma , Vajra Throne Buddha symbolising indestructibility will be completed soon. The Buddha statue itself is competed awaiting paintings, but visitors can drive up to the Buddha point and view the tallest statue of Lord Buddha. The view of Thimphu valley from the Buddha point is spectacular and beautiful, especially at night. Takin enclosure - On the way to the viewpoint over Thimphu is the home of Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin; a strange looking beast some say looks like a beestung moose.

Heritage Museum - Dedicated to connecting people to the Bhutanese rural past though exhibition of artefacts used in rural households. Textile Museum - Witnesses the art of traditional weaving. Thimphu Dzong - The largest Dzong, is also the seat of the office of the King of Bhutan. National Memorial Chorten - Which was built in honor of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Paper Making Factory - Witnesses the art of paper making. Simtokha Dzong - Five miles from Thimphu, on a lofty ridge, stands Semtokha Dzong the oldestfortressin the Kingdom.

Activities

Folk Heritage Museum

If there is still time, we may visit this replica of a traditional Bhutanese house as it would have looked 100 years ago, and as many Bhutanese families still live to this day. Please note museum, monastery, temple and dzong opening days and times can and do vary with national holidays and events such a visit by a member of the Royal Family or auspicious ceremonies. [Opening hour weekday 10:00 AM – 04:30 PM, Saturday 10.30 AM – 01:00 PM, Sunday 11.30 AM – 03:30 PM]

Textile Museum

Witnesses the art of traditional weaving and learn about Bhutan’s living national art of weaving. [Opening hour weekday and Saturday 09:00 AM – 04:00 PM]

Paper Making Factory

The paper factory uses traditional methods to produce the authentic Bhutanese paper known as Deh-sho. Located 1 km from Thimphu City. The factory uses the bark of two tree species, the Daphne tree and Dhekap tree in the manufacture of traditional paper. Visitors can observe the entire process of producing handmade paper.

Simtokha Dzong

Five miles from Thimphu, on a lofty ridge, stroll through the very first dzong, built in 1627 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Institute for Language and Cultural Studies is located here now. Enthral yourself with the most noteworthy artistic feature in from of over 300 finely worked slate carvings behind the prayer wheels in the courtyard.

Dochula Pass - the 108 chortens was built by the present Queen Mother of Bhutan Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over indian militant sand to liberate the souls of the souls lost Punakha Dzong - Built in 1637, the dzong continues to be the winter home for the clergy, headed by the Chief Abbott, the Je Khenpo. It is a stunning example of Bhutanese architecture, sitting at the fork of two rivers, portraying the image of a medieval city from a distance. The dzong was destroyed by fire and glacial floods over the years but has been carefully restored and is, today, a fine example of Bhutanese craftsmanship. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten - Built by the third Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon wangchuck this Chorten is a slpendid example of of the Bhutanese architecture and art and is the only one of its kind in the world. It has been built over eight and a half years and its details have been drawn from religious scripture.

Activities

Dochula Pass

At 3,100 metres, this beautiful pass located on the way to Punakha from Thimphu offers stunning 360-degree panoramas of the Himalayas mountain range. Here you will also see 108 chortens built by Her Majesty The Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. The pass is a popular spiritual destination for both locals and tourists.

Punakha Dzong

Located strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, the Dzong was built in 1637 by the Great Unifer of Bhutan as the religious and administrative seat of the region. It was here that the dual system of government in Bhutan was introduced in the 17th century. The first King Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck was crowned here in 1907. Damaged by four fires and an earthquake over the centuries, the Dzong was fully restored in recent years by the 4th King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. It is now the winter home of Je Khenpo, the head abbot of Bhutan, along with a retinue of 1,000 monks. Marvel over intricate woodwork by the best craftsmen in Bhutan. Visiting Window: Summer Timing: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Winter Timing: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Khamsum Yuley Temple

[Duration 2 hour, 1 hour to ascend and 1 hour to descend] There is no temple in Bhutan built elaborately as this. This fascinating temple was built by the Queen Mother of the 5th King to bring universal peace in this world. The best of the spiritual art works are painted on the inner walls. There are also paintings of Buddhist teachers and tutelary deities of the country. This is a great temple to study the symbolic meanings from frescoes and sculptures.The Chorten is situated along a hill up the valley and can be reached after a leisurely hike through the woods and paddy fields.

We drive to Tashithang and make our way up to Damji. We follow the Mo Chhu upwards through the heavily forested area till we reach Damji. At Damji, we camp near by the village.

The path continues ascending and descending, yet again through heavily forested areas and they will be rich in wild orchids. Down by the river side is Gasa Tshachu (hot spring) and it is worth a dip since it is believed to have medicinal values. Over night at Gasa. Take a dip and relax in one of the hot springs which is believed to have healing powers.Distance 15 km; Duration 4-5 hours

We begin with a gradual climb Bale La (3,740m) and then descend to Koena. We camp here for the night at our designated campsite. Distance: 22 km; Duration: 5-6 hours

Today we follow the Mo Chhu through heavily forested areas and then climb up to the valley of Laya. The people of Laya are famous for their vertical stripe yak hair clothing and their strange conical bamboo hats. The women wear their hair long and with great deal of turquoise and jade jewellery. Good views of the Masagang and the other peaks. Distance: 20 km; Duration 5-6 hour

We have a rest day at Laya. We can spend this time scouting the area and meeting the local people and understanding their way of life.

We cross the river and We walk along the river, one of the tributaries of the Mochu and through a forest of rhododendron and silver fir. The trail goes uphill through a winding river valley through cedar and fir forest reaching Limithang. Distance: 10 km; Duration: 4-5 hours

We climb up to the pass which is at an altitude of 5,000m and then descend to Robluthang. Distance: 14 km; Duration: 6-7 hour

Today's trek is a long trek of 7-8 hours. Crossing the Yarila chhu twice, following a good trail most of the time. We climb up top the pass at 4,785m and then descend down in a zig zag manner to reach our campsite. Distance: 22 km; Duration: 7-8 hour

Climb to Gombu La at 4,687m and make a steep descent to Chebisa. During the descent you might see herds of Himalayan blue sheep and the bearded vulture. Distance: 17 km; Duration: 6-7 hour

Today's trek is the most pleasant trek of the whole trek which starts on a wide trail located high above the valley. The hillsides are partly covered with medicinal plants. Soon Lingshi Dzong can be seen and our campsite. Distance: 12 km; Duration: 4-5 hour

Today we will be crossing gorges with small river crossing after which the trail becomes easy, flat and good leading to a viewing point. Distance: 17 kms; Time: 6 - 7 hours.

Most people will feel the effects of ascending different altitudes ranges, so a rest day at Jangothang will with acclimatization. There are some good day hikes from Jumolhari camp, and it is important to hike today so that you will acclimatize. Follow the standard rule : Trek high, sleep low. The area is rich in livestock, which has always been very valuable at these high places

Trek to Thangthanka through the army camp. Distance: 15 Km; Duration: 5 - 6 hours.

We cross several traditional wooden bridges finally arriving at a junction enroute, where another path leads over the Tremo La to Tibet. This route was formerly used by Bhutanese people as a trading route to Tibet. The trail winds up and down along the drainage and follows the river through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses. Distance 21 Km; Time 7 - 8 hours.

This is somewhat an easy trek. Through the military camp we follow the paro river down the valley to reach Drugyel Dzong. the Drukgyal Dzong, the ruined fort, which was once defended this valley from Tibetan invasions. Mount Jomolhari, the sacred summit, reaches skyward beyond the dzong. Distance: 14 km; Duration: 5-6 hour

Drukgyal Dzong - A morning drive, north of Paro valley brings us to the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong. Built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan, the Dzong was destroyed by an accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate.Explore the ramparts and relive the memories of a glorious past. Taktsang Monastery - A one hour hike to the cafeteria is also a vantage view whereby you can enjoy the stunning view of the monastery. Prayer flags adorn the cliffs and this is also where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in the 8th century. Kyichu Lhakhang - After a sumptuous local lunch, we will retrace our steps to visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.

Activities

Drukgyal Dzong

Let the ruins of this fortress tell you a tale of how medieval warriors defended Bhutan from the invaders from the north. Built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan, to commemorate the victory over the Tibetan invaders. Though largely destroyed by fire in 1951, it's been left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Her towering outer walls and central keep remains an imposing sight. If you want to know how this ruin looked like in those glorious days, then flip through the photos of the coffee-table book, the Raven Crown or visit the archives of National Geographic Magazine of 1914 issue.

Taktsang Monastery

Also known as the Tiger’s Nest, this monastery set dramatically on the cliffs of Paro Valley, is Bhutan’s most famous landmark. In fact, some tourists would even say that “A trip to Bhutan is not complete without climbing to Taktsang.” According to local folklore, the Guru Rinpoche flew to this location from Tibet on the back of a tigress (his consort Yeshey Tshogyal) and meditated in one of the caves, before emerging in eight manifestations. A hike up to Taktsang draws people with different interests. It fills those who are spiritually inclined with a sense of peace, while avid hikers feel a sense of achievement upon reaching the monastery. Take time to process the mental and physical sensations that wash over you during the uphill climb as you ascend more than two thousand feet from the valley floor to reach the monastery.

Kyichu Lhakhang

At 1,300 years old, this is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Like the Jambhay Lhakhang in Bumthang, it is one of 108 temples built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to subdue and vanquish an ogress that was obstructing the spread of Buddhism. Legend has it that all 108 temples were built in a single night. The Kyichhu temple’s name means “reservoir of peace”. Next to the temple is a museum dedicated to the late Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. You will see photographs and other personal artefacts belonging to the Rinpoche.

Today is your last morning in this mystical and memorable country of Bhutan. We will have breakfast and proceed to check in for your flight. We bid a fond farewell to Bhutan for the flight back to Bangkok. We hope you have enjoyed your trip immensely and will bring your friends to Bhutan in the future.