Bhutan: Chomolhari - Laya ­ Gasa Trek

This trek offers you a diverse variety of Bhutanese landscapes and culture and is without doubt one of the most beautiful and unspoiled trekking areas in the entire Himalayas. The trek begins at Drugyel Dzong passing through interesting villages, scattered hamlets and farmland. Vegetation zones differ from richly forested valleys to high alpine pastureland where Yak herders graze their animals. Trout fishing in a sky blue lake with magnificent views of three majestic peaks is an activity that can be done on a rest day. You will also encounter rare species like the blue sheep, and with any luck, possibly even the snow leopard! The unique culture of the friendly Layap people is fascinating to experience and gives one a sense of being in a truly remote corner of our world.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Paro Bhutan by Druk Air

Arrive Paro by Druk Air BAe 146 jet, the national carrier. The flight offers you beautiful views of mountains on your approach. On arrival and after visa formalities you will be received by our representatives and transferred to your very comfortable hotel.

In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to explore Paro town a little and visit Paro Dzong. A Dzong is part fortress, part castle, part monastery and part administration building. Paro Dzong is one of Bhutan’s most impressive and well-known dzongs, and the finest example of Bhutanese architecture we’ll see. The inward-sloping walls form a massive structure that towers over the town and is visible as a great white monolith from vantage points throughout the valley. Paro is at 2280 metres (7500 ft).

Day 2: DAY HIKE TO TAKTSANG MONASTERY

Day hike to Taktsang monastery, the famous “Tiger’s Nest”. Horses can be arranged for an extra $5 usd. The hike which is all up hill takes about 2 /3 hours through villages and pine forests. The monastery which clings to a huge granite cliff 800 meters above the Paro valley was devastated by fire in 1998 but the Royal Government has taken immediate steps to restore the monastery to its original structure. It is believed that the Buddhist saint Padmasambhava came in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months. The demons were subdued who were trying to stop the spread of Buddhism and converted the Paro valley to Buddhism. During the end of the 17 century, a monastery was built on the spot where the saint meditated and it is a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese to visit once in their life time. Stroll back to hotel.

Day 3: DRIVE TO DRUGYEL DZONG AND TREK TO SHANA CAMP

Drive to Drugyel Dzong where the trek begins. The path goes upstream along the Pachu river through villages gradually ascending to 2,800 meters at Shana camp. Walking time 5/6 hours.

Day 4: TREK FROM SHANA TO SOI THANTHANGKHA

Shana to Soi Thangthangkha. The trail again follows the Pachu river ascending through pine, oak and spruce forest. Lunch will be served near a wooden bridge. The camp is at an altitude of 3,800 meters near a stone shelter. Walking time 7/8 hours.

Day 5: TREK FROM SOI TO JANGOTHANG

Soi to Jangothang. Climb slowly for a while till you reach an army camp. Then follow the river above tree line with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch will be served inside a Yak herders camp. A easy walk will reach you to Jangothang at an altitude of 4,050 meters. The view of Chomolhari (7,320 m) and Jichu Drake (6,900 m) is superb. Both the mountains are still virgin peaks. Walking time 4/5 hours.

Day 6: REST DAY AT JANGOTHANG

Rest at Jangothang. Explore the surrounding areas like Tshophu lake, visit Yak herders or simply relax.

Day 7: TREK FROM JANGOTHANG TO LINGSHI

Jangothang to Lingshi. The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. Climb up the ridge and enjoy stunning views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tshrim Khang mountains. Then walk through the wide open valley sometimes coming across herds of blue sheep. The climb up to the Nyele la pass (4,700 m) is not too difficult and the view is breathtaking. After the pass it’s a gradual descent through the valley with beautiful views all around. Nearing the camp you will see the Lingshi Dzong perched atop a hill with commanding views of the valley. Arrive camp at (4,100 m) near a stone shelter. Walking time 6/7 hours.

Day 8: TREK FROM LINGSHI TO CHEBISA

Today is an easier day after the rigours of yesterday as we climb past Lingshi dzong, perched on the hill top with a commanding view of green hills, the winding river and magnificent peaks. It is a pleasant walk through villages and yak herders¹ camp. After lunch, a short walk will take you to Chebisa village. Camp by the side of the stream at an altitude of 3,850m. Walking time: 5/6 hours.

Day 9: TREK FROM CHEBISA TO SHOMUTHANG

Today begins with a steep climb up a ridge to Gombu La pass at an altitude of 4,400m, taking nearly four hours. After the pass descend to a lunch stop, through rhododendron bushes. Afternoon continue along the up and down path, after crossing the stream, through rhododendron forests and yak herders camp. We may see herds of Blue Sheep near the pass.. Camp is at 4,220 m. Walking time 6/7 hours.

Day 10: TREK FROM SHOMUTHANG ­ ROBLUTHANG

The trek starts with a climb up to the Jhari La pass at an altitude of 4,700m. Then descend to Tsheri Jathang valley, the summer residence of the rare Himalayan Takin (national animal of Bhutan). From here we may have to cross the stream as the foot bridge is often washed away. After crossing the stream towards the left, the trail climbs to reach Robluthang camp at an altitude of 4,400m. Walking time 7/8 hours.

Day 11: TREK FROM ROBLUTHANG ­ LIMITHANG

It is a long climb up to Sinche La pass (5,000 m). The view of the mountains from the path is spectacular. After the pass the trail descends to Limithang, and is sometimes quite narrow so you may have to cross a stream again and get your feet wet! The last part of the trek is very interesting with a view of Mt. Gangchey Ta peak. The camp is at an altitude of 4,150m. Walking time 7/8 hours.

Day 12: TREK FROM LIMITHANG ­ LAYA

In the morning you wake up to a superb view of Gangchey Ta peak. The walk to Laya is very pleasant with incredible views. You will pass through dense forests, filled with moss and singing birds. Arrive at Laya village, the second highest settlement in the country, at an altitude of 3,840m. Walking time: 5/6 hours.

Day 13: LAYA ­ REST DAY / EXPLORATION

A free day to explore Laya village and environs. Our guide will take us to a local house where traditional Bhutanese hospitality is extended and a cup of tea and Chang (local drink) is always offered. The people in this village are culturally very interesting, especially the women who wear conical bamboo hats decorated with turquoise and silver ornaments. In the evening we have an opportunity to see some dancing and singing performed by local villagers around a campfire and to “sample” the local alcohol of Ara & Chang - if you are brave enough!

Day 14: TREK FROM LAYA ­ KOINA

The trail winds up and down along the river valley, through beautiful forests with great views of waterfalls, swift streams, a wonderful variety of birds, and perhaps the musk deer if you’re lucky! The campsite at Koina (3,100 m), is not very good as it is usually quite muddy, but it’s about the only flat ground around! Walking time 7/8 hrs.

Day 15: TREK FROM KOINA ­ GASA

After ascending to the Bari La pass (3,850 m), the trail descends until you reach the lovely village of Gasa with a beautiful old Dzong. There are a few shops (first beer in weeks is available here!) and a soccer and archery field. We can camp here or continue down the trail for another hour or so to Gasa Tsachhu (Hot Springs), a wonderful place to lounge after a long trek. Walking time 6/7hours.

Day 16: TREK FROM GASA TO ROAD HEAD NEAR DAMJI. DRIVE TO PUNAKHA.

The trail continues descending and ascending through a heavily forested area with wild orchids, and other beautiful flora. In this region, if there has been rain, there are also leeches so you have to keep an eye out for them! The road continues to be extended up this valley so it is only a hike of about 3/4 hours before we reach the road head where our vehicle will be waiting to drive us to Punakha. Overnight at a comfortable hotel.

Day 17: PUNAKHA SIGHTSEEING ­ DRIVE TO THIMPHU

Morning sightseeing of the spectacular Punakha Dzong and then drive to Bhutan’s lovely capital, Thimphu, arriving around lunch time. After checking in to our comfortable hotel, we will have time in the afternoon for sightseeing around Thimphu. Over night at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 18: SIGHTSEEING IN THIMPHU AND DRIVE TO PARO

Morning free for a stroll around the market and then we drive 2 hours to Paro. Afternoon sightseeing in Paro. Overnight at a comfortable hotel.

Day 19: TRANSFER TO AIRPORT FOR DEPARTURE

Transfer to the airport for departure to your onward destination.

Synopsis

Trip Grading:

Length: 18 nights / 19 days

Land cost: $4370us / $4695 CAD (Based on min. 2 participants sharing twin)

You can also contact Canadian Himalayan Expeditions directly for more information.