An eight-day winter trek through the Gasa highlands — snowfields, frozen pines and the Chigvji monastery above Laya.
Highlights
Frozen ridge above Chigvji Lhakhang
Snow-loaded pine forest of the Gasa highlands
Black-necked crane country below
Hot stone bath on the final night
What is included
Licensed high-altitude guide with a dedicated porter per four guests
Winter-grade tented camp with sleeping bags and mats
All meals cooked by camp staff
All permits, SDF and park fees
Thermal layers and snowshoes provided
Satellite phone and full emergency evacuation cover
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 01 — Thimphu to Laya & Acclimatisation Walk Drive to Dochula and up to Laya, the end of the road. An afternoon acclimatisation walk through snow-loaded pine, with your guide checking pace, kit and cold-weather layers before the ridge days.
Day 02 — Into the Chigvji Valley A long day through snow to the Chigvji Lhakhang, set alone in a clearing below Gangkar Puensum. The monastery is closed in winter, so the walk is the point: a slow climb, a hot lunch, and the whole massif above you.
Day 03 — The Winter Ridge Crossing The heart of the trek: a full day along a snow-covered ridge at 3,800 metres, roped where exposed, with the valley falling away on both sides. Long day, short distance, and the best views of the trip.
Day 04 — Snow Forest Camp A gentler stage through deep pine and frozen rhododendron, with the camp pitched in a clearing. Evening briefing on the descent, then hot stone bath and a well-earned dinner in the tent camp.
Day 05 — Crane Country to the Chari Valley Descend towards the Chari river and the Phobjikha valley, with good chances of black-necked cranes on the glacial marshes below. Camp at lower altitude tonight — a welcome change after the ridge.
Day 06 — Phobjikha Valley & Farm Stay Out of the hills and into the wide glacial bowl of Phobjikha. Night in a farm lodge at the valley floor, with red rice, buckwheat pancakes and the best star skies in the kingdom.
Day 07 — Gangtey Green Belt & Return A morning walk through the Gangtey green belt, then the drive back to Thimphu via the Dochula Pass with one last look at the 108 chortens. Dinner in the capital and a night of rest before the road home.
Day 08 — Departure from Paro Transfer to Paro airport in time for your onward flight, with your guide handling the departure formalities and the SDF reconciliation.