The Laya Gasa Trek is one of Bhutan’s most scenic and demanding treks, spanning 217 kilometers over fourteen days. This trek takes adventurers through some of the most pristine and untouched landscapes in Bhutan, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tsherimgang. The journey begins in Shana and traverses alpine meadows, high mountain passes, and dense sub-tropical forests before concluding in Damji in Tashithang.
The trek follows the Jomolhari Trek route for the initial five days, showcasing stunning vistas of the Himalayas. It then diverges at Lingshi, leading to the picturesque village of Chebisa, known for its beautiful waterfall. Throughout the trek, hikers encounter remote mountain villages and indigenous wildlife such as blue sheep and Takins, the national animal of Bhutan. A highlight of the trek is a rejuvenating rest day at the Gasa hot springs, providing a well-deserved break.
Due to its high altitudes and challenging terrain, the Laya Gasa Trek is considered one of the more difficult treks in Bhutan. It is best undertaken during the spring and autumn months, from April to June and mid-September to mid-November. This trek offers a unique opportunity to experience Bhutan’s remote wilderness, connect with its diverse cultures, and create lasting memories in a truly awe-inspiring setting.
Day 1: Arrive Paro by Druk Air & transfer to Thimphu (55km, approx. 1.1/2 hour drive)
Arrive Paro International airport, meet and greet by your dedicated guide and driver, drive to check into your hotel & proceed to visit Ta Dzong, then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (“fortress of the heap of jewels”).
Overnight stay will be at hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)
Day 2: Day Excrusion to Chelela Pass (75km round trip, approx 4 hrs)
After breakfast, driving excursion to Chelela pass.
Chele la (pass), at an elevation 3,988 meters is considered to be one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. About 2 hrs of drive along a thickly-forested road, is a botanical paradise.
On your way stop to view the Dzongdrakha Goempa. Often called as mini Takstang, Dzongdrakha is a cliff-side temple complex on the western side of the Paro Valley.
On arrival back to paro after excrusion visit Drukgyel Dzong, along the way, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. Evening time at leisure to cherish your last night stay in Bhutan…..
Overnight stay will be at hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)
Day 03: Sharna Zampa – Thangthangkha (Trek Starts)
Morning: Depart from Thimphu around 6:30 am to 7:00 am. Arrive at Sharna Zampa and meet the trekking staff. Army Permit: Check and endorsement at Gunitsawa Army post. Enjoy Breakfast prepared by the trekking cook and begin trek with a mix of ups and downs. Ascend through a river valley that narrows into a path leading to a meadow. Set up camp with a view of Mt. Jomolhari if the weather permits.
Day 04: Thangthangkha – Jangothang
Trek Details: Continue along the Paro Chhu River, passing alpine meadows and sparse forest. Cross an army checkpoint. Enjoy views of high ridges and snow-capped peaks. Encounter yaks and herder’s homes. Pass through the villages of Soe, Takethang, and Dangochang. Arrive at Jangothang, a beautiful campsite with views of Mount Jomolhari.
Day 05: Jangothang Halt
Rest Day: Enjoy acclimatization with options for day hikes. Possible hikes to Tshophu Lake and chances to spot blue sheep. Views of Jomolhari and Jichu Drake.
Day 06: Jangothang – Lingshi
Trek Details: Trek with spectacular views of Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tserim Gang. Cross the Nyelela Pass (4,700 m). Reach Lingshi village with first views of Lingshi Dzong on a high hill.
Day 07: Lingshi – Chibesa
Trek Details: Shorter day with a chorten visit and an optional detour to Lingshi Dzong (4,220 m). Pass through Lingshi and Goyul villages. Reach Chebisa with time to explore village houses and a nearby waterfall.
Day 08: Chebisa – Shomuthang
Trek Details: Start with a long ascent behind Chebisa Village to Gobu La (4,410 m). Descend into a valley, then climb and descend to Shakshepasa (3,980 m). Reach the campsite at Shomuthang by the Nochu River.
Day 09: Shomuthang – Robluthang
Trek Details: Climb up the valley to view Kang Bum (6,526 m) and edelweiss. Reach Jhari La (4,750 m) with views of Sinche La and the Great Tiger Mountain (Gangchhenta, 6,840 m). Camp at Robluthang in a rocky meadow with Takin sightings.
Day 10: Robluthang – Limithang
Trek Details: Ascend for 40-60 minutes, then continue through boulder fields. Steep climb to Sinche La (5,005 m). Descend past a terminal moraine and glacial lake. Reach Limithang campsite with views of Gangchhenta.
Day 11: Limithang – Laya
Trek Details: Descend through a narrow, winding river valley and dense forest. Arrive at Laya village with views of Mt. Gangchhenta and Mt. Masagang. Camp below the village school.
Day 12: Laya – Koina
Trek Details: Wind up and down along the Mo Chhu River valley with views of raging rivers, streams, and waterfalls. Reach Kohi Lapcha (3,300 m) and descend to Koina Chhu for camping.
Day 13: Koina – Gasa
Trek Details: Final major climb over Bari La (3,740 m). Descend to Gasa village (2,770 m). Relax at Gasa Tsachu (hot springs) after descending for an additional hour.
Day 14: Gasa – Punakha (75km, Approx 4hrs drive)
Morning Relax in Gasa Hot Spring and after breakfast drive back to Punakha. Later in the day visit Bhutan Longest suspension Bridge & Punakha Dzong (Palace of Great Happiness), built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers. Later in the day go for excursion to Chimi Lhakhang (the temple of fertility).
Overnight stay at the hotel in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m)
Day 15: Punakha to Thimphu sightseeing – ( Approx 2 hrs Drive)
After breakfast drive to Thimphu vai Dochula pass and on arrival visit the following places:
Towards evening visit Trashichhoedzong the central administration center of Bhutan and the picturesque fortress of pride, King’s Memorial Chorten and go for a walk in Coronation Park & stroll through the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts bazaar.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m)
Day 16: Thimphu to Paro Hike to Tiger Nest (approx 6 hours hike)
After breakfast take 1.1/2 hrs drive to Paro and then go for a hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s nest) approx 6 hours round trip hike. It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. After Hike drive back to the hotel to refresh and relax.
Evening an exploratory walk around Main Street and market area…
Overnight stay will be at hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)
Day 17: “Final Adieu” – Farewell & Departure
After the hearty breakfast check out of the hotel and transfer to Paro Airport enjoying the and there your team will bid you the final adieu with an undying hope of your visiting our country again to explore the unvisited parts and regions with many more adventures together. We bid you farewell with picturesque memories of Bhutan.
For your accommodation, we have selected Department of Tourism-approved trekking cam sites & 3-star hotels, ensuring you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay throughout your trip. These hotels offer great services and amenities to enhance your experience in Bhutan.
If you would like to make any changes to the hotel selections or upgrade your stay to a higher category, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is happy to assist you in customizing your accommodations to better suit your preferences.
We are here to ensure that your tour is tailored to your needs and expectations. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Day 1: Paro – Overnight stay at Riverfront Resort
Day 2: Paro – Overnight stay at Riverfront Resort
Day 3: Trekking – overnight stay at Thangthangkha campsite – Altitude approx 3610 m
Day 4: Trekking – overnight stay at Jangothang campsite – Altitude approx 4080 m
Day 5: Trekking – overnight stay at Jangothang campsite – Altitude approx 4080 m
Day 6: Trekking – overnight stay at Lingshi campsite – Altitude approx 4150 m
Day 7: Trekking – overnight stay at Chibesa campsite – Altitude approx 3880 m
Day 8: Trekking – overnight stay at Shomuthang campsite – Altitude approx 4220 m
Day 9: Trekking – overnight stay at Robluthang campsite – Altitude approx 4160 m
Day 10: Trekking – overnight stay at Limithang campsite – Altitude approx 4140 m
Day 11: Trekking – overnight stay at Laya campsite – Altitude approx 3840 m
Day 12: Trekking – overnight stay at Koina campsite – Altitude approx 3050 m
Day 13: Trekking – overnight stay at Gasa campsite – Altitude approx 2240 m
Day 14: Punakha – Overnight stay at Hotel Kingaling
Day 15: Thimphu – Overnight stay at Hotel Dharla
Day 16: Paro – Overnight stay at Riverfront Resort
Trekking Inclusion
Please note that the type of vehicle will be, SUV, Ertiga, Innova, H1 Bus, HiAce Bus, or Coaster Bus—will be arranged based on the number of travelers in group before and after the trek including pick from trekking starting and ending point.
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Booking policy:
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17Days/16 Nights
Bhutan