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 Hotel in Paro
Driving duration: 15km/ 30 Minutes
Elevation: 2250m / 7382ft
Day Hike to Tiger-nest (5-6 hrs round trip)
Attractions
– Tigers-nest Hike (one of the 10th Holiest places in the world)
– Visit Traditional Farmhouse
Overnight at Hotel in Paro
Driving Duration: (17km/1hrs) from Paro to Shana.
Walking Distance: (20km, 8 hours)900m Ascent
Elevation: 3750m/ 12303ft
Attractions:
– Drukgyel Dzong
– The trail follows Pachhu (Paro River), ascending through pine, oak, spruce, and Rhododendron forests.
Overnight camp at Thangthangkha
Walking Distance: (19km, 7- 8 hours) 290m Ascent
Elevation: 4040m/ 13254ft
Attractions:
– Your trek pass through yak herder settlements of Soe and Takethang
– The views of Mount Jumolhari and Jichu Drake
Overnight camp at Jangothang
Elevation: 4040m/ 13254ft
Attractions:
– Excursion to the twin Tshophu Lakes on the way to Bongtela Pass. Most people show signs of mountain sickness at this altitude, and it is recommended that all trekkers halt here.
– You are likely to spot rare blue sheep, Himalayan rhubarb, griffon vultures, golden eagles, and the remarkable blue poppy.
– If you do not wish to hike then simply relax in camp, either way it will be a memorable day.
Overnight camp at Jangothang
Walking Distance: (18km, 7- 8 hours) 800m Ascent,730 Descent
Elevation: 4010m/13156ft
Attractions:
– view of Jhomolhari (7314m), Jichu Drake (6989m) and Tsherim Gang (6789m).
– You will be climbing to the Ngye La pass at an altitude of 4,830m.
– enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding peaks and Lingshi Dzong
Overnight camp at Lingshi
Walking Distance: (12km, 5-6 hours) 250m Descent.
Elevation: 3850meters (12631ft)
Attractions:
– Breathtaking views of green hills, meandering rivers and magnificent of Lingshi Dzong
– Lingshi Primary School
– Walk through Lingshi Village & Yak herders Camp.
– Waterfalls
– Chebisa Village
Overnight camp at Chebisa
Walking Distance: (17km, 6-7 hours) 570 Ascent, 290m Descent.
Elevation: 4130meters (135491ft)
Attractions:
– 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
Elevation: 4130meters (135491ft)
Attractions:
– The trek begins with walking through the Edelweiss bound trail and then a climb to Jari La pass at an altitude of 4700m where you can visible snowcapped mountains of Khangbum (6526m)
– Tsarijathang valley which is the summer residence of rare Himalayan Takins (National Animal of Bhutan).
Overnight Camp at Robluthang
Walking Distance: (19 km, 7-8 hours) 850 Ascent, 870m Descent.
Elevation: 4140m/135821ft
Attractions:
– Today you will reach the top of Shingchen La pass (5005m) one of the highest passes in entire trek.
– spectacular view of the snow-covered Gangchen Tag or the Tiger Mountain (6840m).
– Limithang is a beautiful campsite, with scattered meadows by the river with Tiger Mountain (Gangchen Tag) towering behind your campsite.
Overnight camp at Limithang
Walking Distance: (10 km, 4-5 hours) 150 Ascent, 190m Descent.
Elevation: 3850meters (12631ft)
Attractions:
– The trek passes through a damp forest, filled with moss and singing birds and it is a long walk through this uninhabited valley.
– Waterfalls
– Laya Village
Overnight Camp at Laya
Elevation: 3850m/12631ft
Attractions
– 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
Walking Distance: (19 km, 6-7 hours) 950m Descent.
Elevation: 2850m/ 9350ft
Driving Duration: Koina -Gasa: 17km/1.5hrs
Attractions
– The trek descends to army camp and join the Mo Chhu (Female River of Punakha) through juniper and fir forests until you reach Koina at an altitude of 2900m.
– The drive from Koina to Gasa is through the fir, spruce, and rhododendron forest and after descending almost 1250m you reach Gasa.
– Gasa Dzong
– Dip in the Tshachu or the hot spring which will treat relieving you from any muscle aches after a long trek.
Overnight Camp at Gasa Hot Spring
Driving Duration: 81km,3 hrs
Elevation: 1310m/4300ft
Attractions
– Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten
– White Water Rafting at Mo Chu River (Extra Cost $250) if you are interested.
– Punakha Dzong
– Suspension Bridge
Overnight at Hotel in Punakha
Driving Duration: 77km,2 hrs
Elevation: 2350meters (7710 ft),
Attractions:
– Chimmi Lhakhang Temple
– Lobesa Village
– Dochula Pass (108 stupa)
– A Giant Buddha Statue with the view of Thimphu City
– Takin (National Animal)
– 13 Traditional Arts & Crafts (closed on government holidays)
– Explore Thimphu Town.
Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu
Driving Duration: 65km/1.5 hrs
Elevation: 2350m/ 7710ft
After breakfast, drive to Paro Airport for Departure
Attractions:
– Tachog Temple
-Chuzom ( Confluence of Thimphu & Paro River)
