This trek offers interesting trekking conditions from picturesque farmland and forests to alpine pastureland and high passes. Spectacular campsites, beneath some of Bhutan’s most impressive peaks are also the features of this trekking route. Various isolated places of cultural interest fen route further enhance its characteristics.

Laya Gasa Trek

Day 01 : Arrival at Paro valley by Druk Air

The Druk Air flight to the Kingdom of Bhutan is one of the most spectacular flights in the entire Himalayas. Every flight over the tiny region offers a mesmerizing aeronautical feat and a thrilling descent into the Kingdom. The immigration and customs formalities need to be clarified upon arrival at Paro. The respective guide will receive you and escort you to your hotels. You are in for an exciting holiday in Bhutan. You can take an evening stroll around the town and enjoy the beautiful night view of the Paro valley.

Day 02 : A tour around Paro

A visit to Ta Dzong(National Museum), which was once a watch tower which was later converted to the National Museum in 1968. It accommodates many antiques such as thangka paintings, textiles, weapons and Bhutan’s renowned postage stamps. Lateron, a tour around Rinzung dzong (fortress of the heap of jewels) which has a fascinating history. This will keep you occupied for the morning. In the afternoon, a visit to the ruined fortress of Drukgyel Dzong where Bhutanese armies have successfully defeated several Tibetan invasions. Later afternoon, a visit to the traditional homes of the indigenious people to experience their lifestyle. Followed by a visit to Kichu Lhakhang, one of the most sacred and oldest monasteries in the country. And finally, a trip back to the hotel for a peaceful rest.

Day 03 : Paro to Shana, 17 km, 5 / 6 hours

It’s time to leave the road and take the trial.The trecherious trek starts from Drukgyel Dzong(2,580m) with a short downhill on a wide trail. The trail climbs gently traversing through well maintained rice terraces and fields of millet. The route later enters an area of apple orchards and forests. Soon the valley widens and you reach the army post of Gunyitsawa(2,810m). This is the last stop before Tibet. At 2,87m, just beyond Sharma Zampa, there are several good camping places in meadows surrounded by trees.

Day 04 : Shana to Soi Thangthangkha, 20 km, 7 / 8 hours

When the first lights hit the hill tops, we will commence our journey.The trail again follows Pa Chhu (Paro river), ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. Hot lunch will be served after crossing the bridge towards the left side of the river. After we have our fill, we will follow the river climbing up through rhododendron forests and finally crossing the bridge again, reaching the campsite at the altitude of 3,750m.

Day 05 : Soi Thangthangkha to Jangothang, 19 km, 7 / 8 hours

We get started in the early morning.The path ascends for a while till you reach the army camp. Then follow the river above the tree line enjoying the stunning view of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch will be served inside a yak herder’s camp. A short walk into the valley will take you to the camp at Jangothang at an altitude of 4,040m. From here, one can witness the majestic view of Mount. Chomolhari and Jichu Drake.

Day 06 : Jangothang to Lingshi, 18 km, 7 / 8 hours

The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. Then we will start the ascent upto the first ridge with a breathtaking view of Mount. Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsrim Khang. Then we continue walking towards the valley,which is almost flat, until the climb to the Nyele la pass at an altitude of 4,700m. After the pass, it’s a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the panoramic view of the peaks and Lingshi Dzong. Then we will set out camp at an altitude of 4,000m.

Day 07 : Lingshi to Chebisa, 10 km, 5/6 hours

Delightful View

After passing Lingshi Dzong, we will proceed our journey through the hilltop with a commanding view of green hills, the winding roads and magnificent peaks. The actual name of Lingshi Dzong is Yugyel Dzong. Built in the 17th century, it played a crucial role in controlling travel over Lingshi La (pass) between Tibet and Bhutan. Today’s walk will be easy and pleasant through villages and yak herders camp. We will camp by the side of a stream at an altitude of 3,860m.

Day 08 : Chebisa to Shomuthang, 17 km, 6/7 hours

The day begins with a stiff climb to Gomby La (4,450m) and a long descent to a stream at 4,170m. The trail will lead to a small ridge through a cedar forest. It is a long climb over the ridge, then the trail descends on a muddy path into main Jholethang valley in a deep forest of fir and birch. In the afternoon, the trail traverses high above the valley floor on a stream right to Chachim, a yak pasture at 4,260m. The camp will be set at 4,250m in a cluster of brush beside a stream at the bottom of the valley.

Day 09 : Shoumuthang to Robluthang, 18 km, 6/7 hours

The trek begins with a climb to Jari La pass at altitude 4,700m then descends to Tasharijathang valley, the summer residence of rare Himalayan Takin (Bhutan’s National animal). Later after crossing the stream, the trail ascends till you reach Robluthang camp at altitude of 4,200m.

Day 10 : Roluthang to Limithang, 19 km, 7/8 hours

This will be a long and tough climb crossing Shinjela (4,900m), the last and highest pass en route. You may be able to spot Blue Sheep high on the slopes. From Shinjela, the descent is on a rough, rocky trail that follows moraine into another glacial valley. The last part of the trek is very interesting with a fascinating view of Mt. Gangchey Ta. The camp will be set within the meadow at 4,140m.

Day 11 : Limithang to Laya, 10 km, 4/5 hours

The walk to the valley of Laya is very pleasant with many delightful views. You will pass through a damp forest, filled with moss and singing birds. Upon arrival at Laya village, the second highest settlement in the country at an altitude of 3,800m, the night will be held in the home of the yak herders or in the open grassland.

Day 12 : Laya to Chamsa, 19 km, 8/9 hours

We will proceed our journey descending to army camp and join the Mo Chhu river. We will follow the river till we cross the bridge. After crossing the bridge, the trail descends and ascends several times through juniper and fir forest until we reach the camp at Chamsa at an altitude of 3,500m.

The Layap people of Bhutan

Day 13 : Chamsa to Gasa Tsachu, 14 km, 6/7 hours

We will walk for about half an hour over flat land till the Bari La (3,900m). There is a small rock cairn and a few prayer flags at the pass. The route starts down again, sometimes steeply, through a bamboo forest to a stream. Later after lunch, it is downhill all the way to Gasa Tsachu. We will have a quick tour around the Gasa village and Dzong, built in the 17th century. Then descend to Gasa Tsachu (hot spring) and set our camp at an altitude of 2,200m.

Day 14 : Gasa Tsachu to Damji, 18 km, 6 hours

Day 15 : Damji to Tashithang, 16 km, 6 hours

We will continue following the Mo Chhu river through heavily forested areas till we reach Tashithang at an altitude of 1,620m.This will be the end of the 12 day long journey by foot. We will be picked up by our transport and transferred to the hotel in Punakha.

Day 16 : Punakha to Thimphu (75 km, 2.1/2 hours)

A visit to the Punakha Dzong in the evening and Khamsm Yulley Namgyel Chhorte in the morning. Then drive to Wangduephodrang and make a quick visit to the Dzong. In the afternoon, we will explore the local market. After that, we will drive back to Thimphu for an overnight stay.

Day 17 : Thimphu to Paro (55 km, 2hours)

A Full day of sightseeing in Thimphu where we will visit Memorial Chorten, Tashichhodzong, National Library, Arts & Crafts School, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, Handicrafts Emporium. In the evening, we will drive back to Paro for overnight stay.

Day 18 : Paro Depart

On the final day, drive to the airport for a flight to an onward destination.

Browse more trekking tours

Snowman Trek

Laya Gasa Trek

Duer Hot Spring Trek

Chomolhari Trek

Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek

Bumthang Cultural Trek

Druk Path Trek

Gantey Trek

Himalayan lodges and retreats

Want to make reservations ahead of time? Consider our line-up.

The Village lodge Bumthang

Bumthang is a religious central hub, and one of the most desired tourist destinations in Bhutan.

learn more

The Valley Camp Phobjikha

The valley camp is a one of a kind retreat that offers cozy rooms and amenities.

learn more

The Village Lodge Paro

Paro is home to many fascinating things. Experience the relaxing lifestyle in the village.

learn more

Taktsang Village Resort

Paro has many highlights for tourists. One of the most beautiful of Bhutan’s valleys.

learn more

We provide service for parties of all sizes.

Enjoy our premium service whether you’re a solo traveler or coming with a group!

0

Solo Travelers

0

Group Travelers

Things you should know

The daily $250 tariff

Foreign travelers to Bhutan have to pay an all inclusive daily Tariff of $ 250. This pays for all their expenses during their stay.

Mandatory travel guide

All tourists must be accompanied by a guide assigned to them by their travel agent. The guide fee is paid from their daily tariff.

Which season to visit?

The best time to visit the country is during the Spring and Autumn seasons. There are many festivals and sights to see during these times of the year.

How to get here?

There is one international airport in the country. Regular flights are conducted by the two airlines; Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines. Contact us for more information on availability of flights to our country.

Preparing for the weather

Bhutan is a country that enjoys all four season of the year. Be sure to pack according to the season in which you intend to make your travel plans.

Embrace the culture

Prepare to embrace our culture while remembering to respect the way of life. Temples and Dzongs (Fortresses) require etiquette and proper dress codes.

For more information contact us!

Get in touch!

Laya Gasa Trek

Laya Gasa Trek