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.
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