Bhutan - Laya - Ghasa Trek Overview
Absolutely incredible experience, enjoyed every minute and would like to express my huge THANK YOU to the entire AAI team. Bhutan as travel destination proved to be one of the most exquisite places on earth: beautiful nature and landscapes, unique cultural, architectural and historic heritage, and most importantly wonderful people. The expedition was typically for AAI managed in an excellent manner with perfect organization, very well thought-through planning and schedule, and outstanding delivery and execution. I do not have a single criticism and would repeat the exact same trip once more.
Alpine Ascents will be sending one of our elite guides, Vern Tejas, to lead this trip. We are one of the few if not the only outfitter to have one of our guide staff lead this trip.
The Laya-Ghasa Trek is considered one of the most scenic treks in Bhutan, offering amazing views of some of the most pristine and unspoiled landscapes in the Himalaya. This fourteen day, 217 km journey begins in Paro and takes you through gorgeous alpine meadows, high mountain passes and dense sub-tropical jungles before terminating in Tashithang.
The first five days of this trek follow the same route as the Jomolhari Trek, through Jigme Singye National Park and offer awe-inspiring views of Mt. Jomolhari, Jichu Drake (highest peak in Bhutan) and Tsherimgang. On the sixth day the path diverges and you will depart Lingshi for the camp site at Chebisa, a charming little village adorned with a beautiful waterfall.
Along the trail you’ll be able to spot indigenous animals such as blue sheep and Takins, the national animal of Bhutan. You’ll travel through remote mountain villages inhabited by Layaps (people of Laya), a distinct segment of the Bhutanese society with unique culture, traditions and appearance. The trek also offers a day of relaxation at the famous Ghasa hot springs that is sure to rejuvenate you.
This is one of the more difficult treks offered in Bhutan due to the high altitudes and steep ascents and descents along the path.
The trek was awesome and would highly recommend it! The beauty is astounding. Once you leave Paro you move back into the 18th century. The cultural experience is unmatched, the quiet beauty of the land takes your breath away. In my experience, no other place on earth is like northern Bhutan– you experience the tough reality and the joy of the simple life we all lead 100 years ago. It is slipping away– go before it is gone.
I don’t have a single thing to say needs to be improved upon and will tell you that Ben did an (typical for AAI) excellent job of handling the necessary minor changes to itinerary and added on some nice cultural features that made the trip a very special experience.
