Laya-Gasa is considered as one of the most challenging and scenic treks in Bhutan. The trekking begins from the Drukgyel Dzong in Paro leading all the way to Koina in Gasa taking you through picturesque farmlands, forests of alpine pastureland, high isolated passes and valleys. Take a minute to enjoy breathtaking views of Bhutan’s towering peaks such as Mt. Jumolhari, Jitchu Drake, and Masang Gang as your trek procedes. Laya and Gasa is situated in the Himalayas of Bhutan, therefore it offers refreshing breeze and an opportunity to explore different types of plants, animals and valleys filled with unique culture and tradition unlike any other in Bhutan.
While trekking along the Himalayan passes, you will feel like you have reached a magical kingdom. To reach this potential, the tour highlights on:
Trip Costs
The minimum daily tour package covers the following services.
$ 6395 (Single Traveler)
$ 5883 (Couple -per person)
$ 5499 (3 – 6 Travelers -per person)
$ 5116 (7- 9 Travelers -per person)
$ 4860 (10 Travelers & above – per person)
Price Includes
Price Excludes
Elevation: 2350m / 7710ft
Paro sightseeing
Attractions
– Paro Dzong
– Paro Museum
– Explore in Paro Town
Overnight at the hotel in Paro
Hiking Duration: Approx. 5 to 6 hrs roundtrip
Elevation: 3120m / 10236ft
Day Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Approx. 5-6 hrs round trip)
The hike up to the Taktsang Monastery gives us the opportunity to acclimatize to the country’s altitude and prepares us for the trek the next day.
Attractions
– Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
– Explore at Paro Town
Overnight at the hotel in Paro
Driving Duration: 17 km/1 hour drive
Trekking Duration: 20-22km, 7-8 hrs
Ascent: 2250ft/685m, Descent: 0ft/0m.
Before starting the trek, visit Drukgyel Dzong on the way.
The trek starts with the trail following Pachhu (Paro River), ascending through pine, oak, spruce, and Rhododendron forests.
Overnight at the campsite (Altitude: 3750M)
Trekking Duration: 19 km/ 6-7 hrs
Ascent: 1530ft/469m, Descent: 0ft/ 0m
Today’s trail follows the river and changes direction several times.
As the altitude nears 4000m, a few villages appear, including Dangojang, about 30 minutes before the Jhomolhari camp. Views of Jitchu Drake (6850m) and the ice-covered east face of Jhomolhari (7315m) gradually come into sight.
Overnight at the campsite (Altitude: 4050M)
Elevation: 4050m/ 13254ft
After gaining 1800m in three days, most people will feel the altitude, so a rest day at Jhomolhari Camp (4050m) aids acclimatization. It’s important to hike today—one of the best options is a 2-hour walk to the twin Tsho Phu lakes, offering stunning views of Jhomolhari and Jitchu Drake.
Overnight at the campsite (Altitude: 4050M)
Trekking Duration: 19 km/ 7-8 hrs
Ascent: 2772 ft/845m, Descent: 2395 ft/730m.
After a 3 to 3.5-hour climb, reach Nyile La Pass (4830m), offering views toward the east-northeast. Descend a short, steep section with loose stones. As the trail continues, enjoy views of Masa Gang and the striking Lingshi Dzong.
Overnight at campsite (Altitude: 4100m)
Trekking Duration: 10 km / 5-6 hrs
Ascent: 280m /919ft, Descent: 410m /1345ft
Today, we will continue northeast past Lingshi Dzong through alpine pastures with rhododendron and daphne, reaching the picturesque village of Chebisa. The valley features stone houses, a tall waterfall, a hanging lake, and ancient juniper trees. Walk through Lingshi Village & Yak herders Camp.
Overnight camp at Chebisa (Altitude: 3863m)
Trekking Duration: 17km/6-7 hrs
Ascent: 890m /2920ft, Descent: 540m /1772ft
Begin your trek with a steep climb up a ridge to Gogu La pass (4500m) which will take nearly four hours. It is common to spot rare blue sheep on the rocks near the top of this pass. The trail will pass through rhododendron bushes & Yak herder camps.
Overnight Camp at Shoumuthang (Altitude: 4216m)
Trekking Duration: 18 km/ 6-7 hrs
Ascent: 700m /2297ft, Descent: 760m/ 2493ft
We begin with a steep ascent to Jare La, passing grassy slopes where blue sheep and griffons are often spotted. From the pass, marked by cairns and flags, we get views of the next and highest pass—Shinge La.
The trail descends through forests of rhododendron, spruce, cypress, and birch to a broad valley. Here, we may encounter Layap herders, known for their conical hats and yak-wool tents.
We then ascend to our campsite at Robluthang. Overnight Camp at Robluthang (Altitude: 4165m)
Trekking Duration:19 km/ 7-8 hrs
Ascent: 850m /2789ft, Descent: 870m /2854ft
Today, you’ll cross Shingchen La Pass (5005m), one of the highest points of the entire trek. Enjoy spectacular views of the snow-covered Gangchen Tag, also known as Tiger Mountain (6840m). Limithang offers a stunning campsite, with open meadows by the river and Gangchen Tag towering majestically in the background.
Overnight camp at Limithang (Altitude: 4150m)
Trekking Duration: 11 km, 5-6 hrs
Ascent: 150m /492ft, Descent: 190m /623ft
The trek passes through a damp forest, filled with moss and singing birds and it is a long walk through this uninhabited valley. The forests are thick for the several hours; and the trail winds down beside the river steeply, until we reach pastures of the farmers of outer Laya.
Overnight Camp at Laya (Altitude: 3820m)
Elevation: 3850m/12631ft
Rest day at Laya. Today, visit a local farmhouse for an experience for authentic Bhutanese lifestyle and unparalleled hospitality of a Bhutanese host. Layap women have very conspicuous attire, wearing conical bamboo hats decorated with turquoise and silver ornaments.
Overnight Camp at Laya (Altitude: 3820m)
Trekking Duration: 2-3 hrs
Descent: 950m
Driving Duration: Approx. 2hrs
The trail descends steeply through tall conifers to the river and an army post. Expect muddy trails due to fertile black soil and frequent horse caravans between Laya and the roadhead. Scenic waterfalls over large boulders enhance the final day of the trek.
At Taktsimakha, a vehicle will transfer us to Gasa village (2850m).
We’ll visit the famous Gasa hot springs to relax and celebrate the end of our trek.
Overnight at campsite
Driving Duration: 81km/3 hrs
Elevation: 1310m/4300ft
Attractions
– Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten
– White Water Rafting at Mo Chu River (Additional Charges) if you are interested.
– Punakha Dzong
– Suspension Bridge
Overnight at the hotel in Punakha
Driving Duration: 77km/2 hrs
Elevation: 2350m/7710ft
Before heading to Thimphu, visit Chimi Lhakhang Temple. Then drive to Thimphu, crossing Dochula Pass (with its 108 stupas) once again. Upon arrival, proceed with sightseeing at the following locations:
– A Giant Buddha Statue with the view of Thimphu City
– Takin (National Animal)
– 13 Traditional Arts & Crafts (closed on government holidays & weekends)
– Explore Thimphu Town.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu
Driving Duration: 65km/1.5 hrs
Elevation: 2350m/ 7710ft
Drive to Paro Airport from Thimphu via Tachog Temple &-Chuzom (Confluence of Thimphu & Paro River). Five days’ tour will end after boarding your flight to your onward destination as you bid farewell to the beautiful Kingdom of Bhutan.
