Laya Gasa Trek

Trip Description

Paro-Punakha-Thimphu-Paro

The Laya-Gasa Trek is one of the longer treks in our offering meant for intermediate to expert hikers. Its one of the most scenic treks which starts from Paro and passes through the famous Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Park which is known for its pristine environment and offers amazing immersion into Bhutan’s unspoiled landscapes. This fourteen day trek stretches for 217 km which begins at Drukgyel in Paro and takes you through gorgeous alpine meadows, high mountain passes and through the unique lifesyyles of the Layaps – highlander nomadic people of Bhutan, before ending in Punakha valley. Some of Bhutan’s high altitude mountain peaks of Mt. Jomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsherimgang greet trekkers along the way.

The trek is also rich with wildlife as it passes through prime habitat of Snow leopards, Tigers, Blue Sheep and Bhtuan national nnimal – the Takin. Herds of Blue Sheep is a common sighting. The trek ends at Gasa Tsachu hotsprings  rewarding hikers with a dip at the famous Gasa hot springs that is sure to rejuvenate you. The best seasons to complete this challenge are in March-to early June and September-to November end.

Quick overview

price Price

High Season - USD 4090

Regular Season - USD 3640

duration Duration

18 Nights

Tour Type Trip Type

Trekking

difficulty Difficulty

Day 1-Welcome to Bhutan

Metta Resort or Gangtey Palace Resort

If you are arriving on a bright sunny day, your holiday begins with a panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges from your Drukair seat, where you’ll be greeted by Mt. Everest and Mt. Kanchenjunga, and our very own Mt. Jomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drakey. You’ll have to make sure you request to be seated on the left side of the aisle aboard the plane to enjoy great views of the Himalayan ranges while you descend into Paro airport. In the afternoon we visit Ta Dzong (DZONG: a fortified monastery containing monk’s quarters and government offices) which now houses the National Museum. Below the museum is the Paro Rimpung Dzong, the centre of civil and religious authority in this valley. A short walk takes you to the base of the dzong and across a traditional cantilevered bridge.

Day 2-Excursion to Tiger's nest monastery.

Metta Resort or Gangtey Palace Resort

After breakfast drive to the road point access of Taktshang Monastery, the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries. Taktshang means “Tiger’s Nest,” so named because Guru Rimpoche - the 8th century saint who started the Mahayana stream of Buddhism - reportedly flew to the site of the monastery on the back of a flying tiger in the late centuries of the first millennium. The monastery is perched on a cliff nearly 1000m above the Paro valley floor. This day hike is not only historically and culturally interesting, but also incredibly scenic! It takes about two hours to reach the cafeteria, which gives a breathtaking view of the Tiger’s Nest. Continue hiking you can take another hour to reach the temple. Your tour leader will explain all the story and significance of the temple. The hike also serves to help you acclimatize to the altitude and prepare you for the trek in the coming days. On the way back visit the ruins of Drugyal Dzong fortress, which is an important Bhutanese heritage as it served as a strategic watchtower and a fortress that helped repel numerous Tibetan invasions in the 1600s. Peak of Jumolhari ‘Mountain of the Goddess’ can be seen on a clear day from here (7,329 mts/24,029 ft.). Visit Kyichu Lhakhang – believed to be the oldest Buddhist temple in Bhutan built during the 07th century. Stroll around town in the evening and then proceed to your resort to prepare for the trek.

Day 3-Drukgyel Dzong (Paro) – Shana, 2820m, Duration 5 hours, Distance 15 Km, B/L/D

Shana Campsite

Drive from Paro to the trek start point at Drukgyel Dzong (2580m), the fortress that once guarded Paro Valley against Tibetan invaders. The first day is a pleasant walk following the left bank of the Pachu River. A farm road serves as the trek route and passes through a number of very small villages with traditional houses and rice and vegetable fields on either side of the trail. After about an hour’s walk, the farm road ends at Mitsizamp. Crossing a bridge to the right side of the river, the trail climbs very gradually for another hour through the trees to Zakhapang (2,600m), where a nice lunch spot in an open field is found. After lunch the trek continues through blue pine forests, following close to the river. Gunyitsawa army outpost appears not long before the end of the day. The campsite at Shana, just beyond, is situated at an altitude of 2,820m in a beautiful open space surrounded by blue pine forest. Two traditional houses on the other side of the wide, fast-flowing river make up Shana village.

Day 4-Shana-Soi Thangthangka, 3580m, Duration 8 hours, Distance 22 Km

Soi Thangthangkha Campsite

This is a nice scenic trekking day, taking eight hours to reach the campsite. The trail continues to follow the river; gradually ascending through a mixed forest of blue pine and oak and, later in the afternoon, tall rhododendron trees, birch, fir and maple. Though the trail is a rough and rocky path, it is not too strenuous. In rainy conditions it can be quite muddy. There are several simple wooden bridges to cross and sometimes the river reaches right up to the trail. The lunch break comes after about 4 hours of walking through an ever-narrowing valley. Shing Karap or Thombuzam are popular stopping places at around 3,305m. Several trails lead in other directions, such as the trail to Tremo La (LA: Pass), which was the old salt-trading route to Tibet. Not long before reaching the campsite, the trail leads you up a ridge with a chorten (CHORTEN: Buddhist monument). Beyond, in the distance at the end of the valley Mt. Jomolhari (7314m) comes into view. Finally, after an 8 hour walk, you reach the campsite located in a spacious clearing and directly facing Jumolhari. The view next morning of the sun’s rays striking the peak is breathtaking.

Day 5-Soi-Thangthangka-Jangothang, 4080m,Duration 5-6 hours, Distance 19 Km

Jangothang Basecamp

The third day’s trek is shorter so it’s possible to set off a little later and progress at a leisurely pace. When you reach an army outpost you are required to stop and register your entry permits issued by the army headquarters in Thimphu. This matter will be taken care of by your guide. The Pachu River is again to the right and the trail passes through some tiny villages. It will take less than six hours to reach Jangothang. The altitude at the camp is 4,080m and is a beautiful place to spend the night. The imposing, rounded bulk of Jomolhari fills the view to the Northeast and in the evening the profile of the ruined Jangothang Dzong, populated by huge ravens, creates a mystical atmosphere. The area is rich in bird life including the fire-tailed sunbird, ibisbill, white throated dipper, yellow-billed chough, rosy pipit, snow pigeon, blue-fronted redstart, plumbeous water redstart, blood pheasant, snow partridge and many more.

Day 6-Jangothang, 4080m, Rest and acclimatisation

Jangothang Basecamp

Today is a day to rest and acclimatise to the altitude. The body also needs time to adjust to the falling temperatures, especially during the night. There are a number of opportunities to explore the valley and enjoy wonderful views of the mountains. To aid acclimatisation, a walk to a higher altitude then returning to sleep at a lower altitude is an important and strongly recommended strategy. A 2 hour leisurely hike will take you to the twin lakes of Tshophu. You can also do a 4 hour trek to get excellent views of the cone-shaped Jichu Drakye (6989m) which resembles the Matterhorn. It is a sight to hold! Many rank this as the most beautiful mountain in Bhutan.

Day 7-Jangothang – Lingshi, 4000m, Duration 6-7 hours, Distance 18 Km

Lingzhi Campsite

As you climb steeply into an area of glacial moraine, the views of Jichu Drakye and Jomolhari change along with your perspective. A steep and steady climb, perhaps through snow, brings you to the Nyile La, a pass at 4890m. From the top of the windy pass enjoy a 360 degree view. Tshering Gang (6,789) also comes into full view. A fairly tough trek over scree or snow leads down to the valley and then follows the side of a ridge towards the impressively situated Lingshi Dzong (4,370m). The camp site is some distance below the Dzong on a flat area near a community building made of stones, at an altitude of 4000m.

Day 8-Lingshi – Chebisa, 3990m, Duration 5-6 hours, Distance 10 Km

Chebisa Campsite

Shortly after leaving camp, cross a stream on a wooden bridge and ascend to reach a chorten below Lingshi Dzong, perched on the hilltop with a commanding view of the green hills, a winding river and magnificent peaks. Descend to Lingzhi village notable as a centre for medicinal herbs. From Lingzhi it’s an easy, pleasant walk through villages and yak herders’ camps. Lunch will be served at scenic Goyuna village. After lunch it’s a short walk to Chebisa village and then to camp by the side of a stream at an altitude of 3990 meters.

Day 9-Chebisa – Shomuthang, 4220m, Duration 6-7 hours, Distance 17 Km

Shomuthang Campsite

Today begins with a stiff climb up a ridge to Gogu La at an altitude of 4440 meters, taking nearly 4 hours to the top. After the pass the trail descends through rhododendron forest to a valley of dense forests of birch and fir trees. The trek continues along an undulating path. After crossing a stream, proceed through rhododendron forests and across yak herder’s camps. You may see some flocks of Blue Sheep grazing among the rocky crags above the trail. This is the Shakshepasa valley, one of the most beautiful valleys on the trek. Ascend on a steep trail up the side of the valley to 4220m before a traverse past yak headers huts. Camp is beside a stream at Shomuthang.

Day 10-Shomuthang – Robluthang, 4160m, Duration 6-7 hours, Distance 18 Km

Robluthang Campsite

The trek starts with an ascent up the valley, criss-crossing the stream. Climb to Jhari La (4,600m) then descend on a switchback trail that becomes rough and rocky as it enters a rhododendron forest. The trail enters the Tsheri Jathang valley, the summer grazing ground of the rare Himalayan Takin (Bhutan’s National animal). From here we may have to wade across the stream as the footbridge is frequently washed away. After crossing the stream towards the left bank the trail ascends to Robluthang camp at an altitude of 4160 meters.

Day 11-Robluthang – Lemithang, 4140m, Duration 7-8 hours, Distance 19 Km

Lemithang Campsite

A long climb up to the Shinche La (5005 meters). Blue sheep may be seen from the trail. The views of the mountains from the pass are breathtaking. After the pass descend on a rough trail which crosses numerous streams. After lunch the trail descends steeply to the floor of a valley then climbs through a rhododendron forest. Reach a plateau and pass through a cedar forest to our camp. The last part of the trek has fine views of the peak of Gangchey Ta (6840m).

Day 12-Lemithang – Laya. 3800m, Duration 4-5 hours, Distance 10 Km

Laya Campsite

In the morning you wake up with a superb view of Gangchey Ta in front of you. The walk to Laya is very pleasant with wonderful views. You will pass through a damp forest, filled with moss and singing birds. Arrive at Laya village, the second highest settlement in the country, at an altitude of 3,800 meters. The administrative name for the area is Layagewog and the main villages are Toko, Pashi, Neilo, Lubcha, Tonfra and Lungo. Laya is also part of the Jigme Dorji National Park.

Day 13-Rest day in Laya 3840m

Laya Campsite

Today we can explore the Laya village and see how the villagers live in this high altitude. The village is in one of the most beautiful valleys in the kingdom. You will be doing a short hike after your breakfast in Laya area, and then return for your lunch at the camp. Have a rest at the camp in the afternoon.

Day 14-Laya – Koina (River side camp) 3240m, Duration 6 hours, Distance 18 Km

Koina Campsite

Descend to an army camp and join the Mo Chu and follow the river until you cross the bridge. After the bridge it’s up and down several times through juniper and fir forests until you reach the camp at Koina at an altitude of 3,240 meters. The campsite at Koina is muddy, with no proper space to put up tents in case of rain. We may need to continue for another 2 hours to a better campsite beside the Mo Chu. Bears and Takins have been sighted in this area.

Day 15-Koina (River side) – Gasa 2760m, Duration 9 hours, Distance 20 Km

Gasa campsite

We begin early as it is the last and the longest day of your trek. Although you are heading downstream, the climbs on this trek are not yet finishworked. There is another major climb ahead to get over Bari La Pass at an altitude of 3900m. After the pass, it’s downhill until you reach Gasa village at the altitude of 2760 meters. We will be camping beside the small bazaar in Gasa.

Day 16-Gasa Tshachu – Punakha, 1250m, Drive 4 hours

Meri Phuensum Resort

We start the drive towards Punakha. The drive descends through heavily forested areas on a winding road, high above the valley floor. The gradient eases as we stop in a small park for a lunch beside the river. The afternoon drive continues alongside the Mo Chhu through scenic farmland and past Royal Family residences to the town of Punakha.

Day 17-Punakha – Thimphu. Drive 3.5 hours

Bhutan Suites or Hotel Pedling

After breakfast, visit the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal stupa, which involves a short scenic hike through paddy fields for about 45 minutes till the hilltop where the temple is located. From here you can also enjoy a majestic view of the underlying valley. The temple itself is a splendid example of Bhutan’s fine architectural and artistic traditions and the only one of its kind in the world. From here you can optionally take another great hike from the riverside crossing a suspension bridge to other side of the Mo Chu river for approximately 3 km with hours hiking. A picnic lunch is served on the banks of the Punakha river. Continue to Punakha Dzong – the most beautiful fortress in Bhutan situated at the confluence of two rivers. This ancient fortress is the winter residence of the monastic order’s leadership and still serves as the administrative headquarters for the Punakha region. The fortress is a fine example of Bhutan’s rich art and architecture, and our guide who is an expert in iconography will explain all aspects of art, architecture, history and its significance. Drive to Thimphu over the Dochula Pass (3140m). Situated atop the pass at the backdrop of fluttering prayer flags is the Druk Wangyal Chortens, a collection of 108 chortens (stupas) that was built to exemplify the greatness of the Fourth King. Continue to the capital city Thimphu. Note: Majority of our guests say that our food quality during the treks are better than most restaurants in Bhutan! However, after all these days in the mountains, I’m sure you will be craving for some western food, we’ll take you to the best Pizzeria in town – whose Pizzas/Pastas and salads are an absolute delight.

Day 18-Thimphu Sightseeing

Bhutan Suites or Hotel Pedling

Visit the Kuensel Phodrang where the gigantic 169 ft statue of Buddha Dordenma. The interior of the statue’s temple is easily one of the most beautiful and unique with thousands of other statues inside. We’ll also take a hike through the Kuensel Phodrang Nature overlooking the Buddha Statue and the valley below and hoist some prayer flags in the forests and send out some prayers in the world. Visit some of the treasures of the capital - the National Folk Heritage Museum, the Zorig Chusum school of 13 traditional arts/crafts, the Royal Textile Museum and Academy. Visit the Bhutan Post Office to see our famous stamps and you can also make your own stamps here and send postcards to your loved ones at home. Visit the colourful Centenial Vegetable market where proud villagers behind pyramids of their agricultural produce greet you with stone weights in their hands and smiles on their faces. It is interesting to see what may seem to you as ‘weird vegetables and forest products’ that actually enriches the Bhutanese palate. Spend a delectable evening with one of the best chefs in Bhutan, and our close friend who runs a fabulous restaurant in Thimphu. Enjoy the rest of the evening. In the afternoon, you can visit the Trashichhodzong Fortress, the office of His Majesty the King and the Prime Minister, followed by a visit to Changangkha temple. *We always encourage our guests to live like a Bhutanese while in Bhutan. If you fancy it, you can be dressed in our traditional attire for this day. NOTE – If you want to try mountain biking to the Buddha Statue, we can offer you our bikes complimentary as we encourage active and eco-friendly holidays. WE LOVE IT WHEN OUR GUESTS WANT TO BIKE as we are avid bikers ourselves. Trust me, theres something special about biking in Bhutan– almost an organic feel - about being on a bike and feeling the nature first hand!

Day 19-Departure

After breakfast at your hotel, your driver will take you to the airport. Your guide will help you with the formalities and fare you well on your onward journey.

What's Included and Excluded in this package

What’s Included:

  • Bhutan Sustainable Tourism Royalty/Levy ($65 per day per person)
  • Visa Fees ($40 per person)
  • All necessary permit fees
  • All transfers and sightseeing with entrance fees
  • All meals and evening tea
  • Drinking mineral water
  • All accommodations and camping equipment
  • English-speaking tour leader and driver
  • Brand new SUV
  • All trekking equipment and haulage
  • Wages for trekking crew and pony owners
  • Hot-stone bath (value-added with no extra cost)

What’s Excluded:

  • International airfare for flights in and out of Bhutan
  • All personal expenses like laundry, telephone, tips, shopping expenses
  • Spa Charges (except for the traditional hot-stone bath)
  • Travel and Medical insurance
  • Gratuity/Tipping
Ready to book this trip? or need further information? Write to us and we'll send you a customised proposal as per your requirements.







    Top