Gasa Up down Trek

Flying into Bhutan, one of the most dangerous airport in the world ranked in top 10 is inexpressible with its Himalayan view, descending for the touchdown in Paro international airport you will see snowcapped mountains on both the side.

Gasa is one of the most beautiful place located on in the northern part of Bhutan, famously known for its hot spring bath and the cordyceps collection. The living mainly depends on livestock especially the yaks in higher altitude. It is also the place for the national animal of Bhutan, Takin to live in.

Inclusions

Hotel, transportation, guide, tea and snacks, visa fee, permits, entrance fee, mineral water (bottled), government tax and 3 meals daily.

Accommodation

3-star hotel (Bhutanese type), there is possibility of upgradation.

Exclusions

Flight ticket, insurance, tips, drinks and beverages, laundry, cellphone, internet and other personal expenditure or bills.

Insurance

We highly recommend you to obtain separate coverage of insurance from your home country since your package does not include any insurance.

Day 1: Paro-Thimphu

Upon arrival you will be greeted by our representative. After refreshment you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country. You will drive to Thimphu (capital of Bhutan), before the view of city entering the capital city starts with the largest Buddha statue on the hillside above the city. After lunch you will stroll down the city.

Day 2: Thimphu-Punakha

Sightseeing includes visiting memorial chorten (stupa built to commemorate late 3^rd king of Bhutan), Buddha point (largest buddha statue in the world), school of arts and craft (painting school), zoo (preserved area for the national animal of Bhutan, Takin).

Driving on the scenic hillside, stop at Dochula Pass (3140m), in the clear sky you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountain ranges. Then pass by the beautiful 108 chortens built on the upraised ground by Queen Mother of Bhutan. Further drive to Punakha.

Day 3: Punakha-Gasa

The begins with the visit to Punakha Dzong (fortress) which was built by the great saint Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1637. Walking over the wooden bridge crossing mochu (female river) reaches the entrance to the Dzong. After that visit to Chimilhakhang, Devine madman’s temple famously known for the fertility. Once can receive fertility blessings if your family don’t have child. Then drive to Gasa.

Day 4: Gasa-Koina (18km, 7hrs, campsite: 3800m)

Trekking begins from here and today you will trek in the ascends through dense forest, preserved area for Himalayan Black bear. Breathing fresh air, you will enjoy seeing verities of flora and fauna. The valley closes and you will be walking in the narrow hillside, descending nearly 1km to reach the camp near riverside.

Day 5: Koina- Laya (15km, 6hrs, campsite: 3850m)

with a little ascends behind Koina ridge, you will walk along the mochu (female river) in the closed valley. After crossing the river for 3 times you will reach to army camp in a meadow. The trail continues ascending to the Laya village in a Juniper tree. Overnight in farmhouse in Laya with your trekking team.

Day 6: Laya Halt

Today you will take a rest. The entire day program depends on you. You will be served lunch by your trekking cooks specialty, and in the evening, you will take a walk around the village to interact with the villagers and their livings. Visiting the houses will be very different culture, you will be welcomed by the local people and offers local alcohol to you. The culture is that, whoever the new person comes in their house, they serve local alcohol or tea.

Day 7: Laya-Gasa via Koina (26km, 7hrs, campsite: 2900m)

Descend to army camp nearly 1hr and the trail follows the Mochu (female river) hereafter. After crossing the same river for many 3 times, you will reach to Koina with a little ascend behind Koina ridge. In the past days, you will camp at Koina near the Rablung Thang river, but now due to road access your driver will directly drive you to Gasa hot spring. Driving in the uneven newly constructed road you might feel exhausted, so your guide will escort you to hot spring bath in the evening just to relief the aches.

Day 8: Gasa- Thimphu

Drive to Thimphu via Punakha.

Day 9: Thimphu- Paro

After early breakfast, you will drive to Paro. This morning take a hike to visit Taktsang monastery also known as tiger nest. Bhutan’s most famous monastery, which stands at 3100m clings on the cliff.  In 8^th century spiritual master known as Guru Rimpoche has flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang monastery now stands. After lunch you will drive to Shana, starting point of trek. Overnight in camp.

Day 10: see off

Departing from Paro international airport to your onwards destination. Head back to your destination with memories entangled by happiness.