This 15-day trek starts in the subtropical Punakha valley, (1,300 meters / 4,265 feet), up to Laya (3,850 meters / 12,630 feet), one of the highest settlements in Bhutan, situated at the foot of Mt. Masa Gang (7,200 meters / 23,620 feet). From Punahka the trail follows Mo-Chu river passing by hot springs and the fortress at Gasa Dzong, the district center, passing through different levels of vegetation before reaching the village of Laya. Here yak-herders take their animals to the pastures at the foot of the mountains. The natives of this remote area, where life has remained unchanged for centuries, wear costumes woven from yak-hair and distinctive conical bamboo hats.
The wildlife of the area includes the forest dwelling takin, the odd looking national animal of Bhutan, Himalayan black bears, large flocks of blue sheep in the higher reaches and, the rarely seen, snow leopard. This trek combines a variety of flora, stunning landscapes, remote villages and dramatic views of the high snow-capped peaks. |
