Laya Gasa Trek
19 Nights / 20 Days
Laya-Gasa Trek is one of the most scenic long distance treks in Bhutan. The trek runs along the Tibetan border and offers amazing views of some of the most pristine and untouched landscapes in Bhutan. The trek begins at Drukgyel in Paro and takes you through serene alpine meadows and high mountain passes with magnificent views of Mount Jomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsherimgang. The trek will traverse the remote semi-nomadic village of Laya. You will get to enjoy the unique culture and tradition of the indigenous people of Laya (Layaps). You will also see native animals such as blue sheep and Takins along the trail. From Laya you descend to Gasa, where you will have a day of relaxation at the hot spring to rejuvenate.
Day 01: Paro – Thimphu
Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Touching down at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide upon exiting the arrival hall. Today, we will take it easy to acclimatise to the altitude.
Sangaygang Drive about 15 minutes from the main city to a hillock where the Bhutan Broad Casting Tower is stationed. From there you can relish the beautiful scene of the whole of Thimphu City. On the way up or down from the hillock, you can also see Takin the national animal of Bhutan.
Buddha Point at Kuensel Phodrang will also be open to tourists once it is completed. The 169 feet bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma , Vajra Throne Buddha symbolising indestructibility will be completed soon. The Buddha statue itself is competed awaiting paintings, but visitors can drive up to the Buddha point and view the tallest statue of Lord Buddha. The view of Thimphu valley from the Buddha point is spectacular and beautiful, especially at night.
Takin enclosure – On the way to the viewpoint over Thimphu is the home of Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin; a strange looking beast some say looks like a beestung moose.
Day 02: Tour of Thimphu
Heritage Museum – Dedicated to connecting people to the Bhutanese rural past though exhibition of artefacts used in rural households.
Textile Museum – Witnesses the art of traditional weaving.
Thimphu Dzong – The largest Dzong, is also the seat of the office of the King of Bhutan.
National Memorial Chorten – Which was built in honor of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk.
Paper Making Factory – Witnesses the art of paper making.
Simtokha Dzong – Five miles from Thimphu, on a lofty ridge, stands Semtokha Dzong the oldestfortressin the Kingdom.
Day 03: Thimphu – Puankha
Dochula Pass – the 108 chortens was built by the present Queen Mother of Bhutan Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over indian militant sand to liberate the souls of the souls lost
Punakha Dzong – Built in 1637, the dzong continues to be the winter home for the clergy, headed by the Chief Abbott, the Je Khenpo. It is a stunning example of Bhutanese architecture, sitting at the fork of two rivers, portraying the image of a medieval city from a distance. The dzong was destroyed by fire and glacial floods over the years but has been carefully restored and is, today, a fine example of Bhutanese craftsmanship.
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten – Built by the third Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon wangchuck this Chorten is a slpendid example of of the Bhutanese architecture and art and is the only one of its kind in the world. It has been built over eight and a half years and its details have been drawn from religious scripture.
Day 04: Tashithang – Damji
We drive to Tashithang and make our way up to Damji. We follow the Mo Chhu upwards through the heavily forested area till we reach Damji. At Damji, we camp near by the village.
Day 05: Damji – Gasa
Distance 15 km; Duration 4-5 hours
The path continues ascending and descending, yet again through heavily forested areas and they will be rich in wild orchids. Down by the river side is Gasa Tshechu (hot spring) and it is worth a dip since it is believed to have medicinal values. Over night at Gasa Tshechu. Take a dip and relax in one of the hot springs which is believed to have healing powers.
Day 06: Gasa – Koina via Bale La
Distance: 22 km; Duration: 5-6 hours
We begin with a gradual climb Bale La (3,740m) and then descend to Koena. We camp here for the night at our designated campsite.
Day 07: Koina – Laya
Distance: 20 km; Duration 5-6 hour
Today we follow the Mo Chhu through heavily forested areas and then climb up to the valley of Laya. The people of Laya are famous for their vertical stripe yak hair clothing and their strange conical bamboo hats. The women wear their hair long and with great deal of turquoise and jade jewellery. Good views of the Masagang and the other peaks.
Day 08: Laya Halt
We have a rest day at Laya. We can spend this time scouting the area and meeting the local people and understanding their way of life.
Day 09: Laya – Limithang
Distance: 10 km; Duration: 4-5 hours
We cross the river and We walk along the river, one of the tributaries of the Mochu and through a forest of rhododendron and silver fir. The trail goes uphill through a winding river valley through cedar and fir forest reaching Limithang.
Day 10: Limithang – Robluthang via Sinche La
Distance: 14 km; Duration: 6-7 hour.
We climb up to the pass which is at an altitude of 5,000m and then descend to Robluthang.
Day 11: Robluthang – Shakyapasang via Jare La
Distance: 22 km; Duration: 7-8 hour
Today’s trek is a long trek of 7-8 hours. Crossing the Yarila chhu twice, following a good trail most of the time. We climb up top the pass at 4,785m and then descend down in a zig zag manner to reach our campsite.
Day 12: Shakypasang – Chebisa via Gombu La
Distance: 17 km; Duration: 6-7 hour
Climb to Gombu La at 4,687m and make a steep descent to Chebisa. During the descent you might see herds of Himalayan blue sheep and the bearded vulture.
Day 13: Chebisa – Lingshi
Distance: 12 km; Duration: 4-5 hour
Today’s trek is the most pleasant trek of the whole trek which starts on a wide trail located high above the valley. The hillsides are partly covered with medicinal plants. Soon Lingshi Dzong can be seen and our campsite.
Day 14: Lingshi – Jangothang via Nyile La
Distance: 17 kms; Time: 6 – 7 hours.
Today we will be crossing gorges with small river crossing after which the trail becomes easy, flat and good leading to a viewing point.
Day 15: Jangothang halt
Most people will feel the effects of ascending different altitudes ranges, so a rest day at Jangothang will with acclimatization. There are some good day hikes from Jumolhari camp, and it is important to hike today so that you will acclimatize. Follow the standard rule : Trek high, sleep low. The area is rich in livestock, which has always been very valuable at these high places.
Day 16: Jangothang – Thangthangkha
Distance: 15 Km; Duration: 5 – 6 hours.
Trek to Thangthanka through the army camp.
Day 17: Thangthangkha – Shana
Distance 21 Km; Time 7 – 8 hours.
We cross several traditional wooden bridges finally arriving at a junction enroute, where another path leads over the Tremo La to Tibet. This route was formerly used by Bhutanese people as a trading route to Tibet. The trail winds up and down along the drainage and follows the river through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses.
Day 18: Shana – Paro
Distance: 14 km; Duration: 5-6 hour
This is somewhat an easy trek. Through the military camp we follow the paro river down the valley to reach Drugyel Dzong. the Drukgyal Dzong, the ruined fort, which was once defended this valley from Tibetan invasions. Mount Jomolhari, the sacred summit, reaches skyward beyond the dzong.
Day 19: Tour of Paro
Drukgyal Dzong – A morning drive, north of Paro valley brings us to the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong. Built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan, the Dzong was destroyed by an accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate.Explore the ramparts and relive the memories of a glorious past.
Taktsang Monastery – A one hour hike to the cafeteria is also a vantage view whereby you can enjoy the stunning view of the monastery. Prayer flags adorn the cliffs and this is also where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in the 8th century.
Kyichu Lhakhang – After a sumptuous local lunch, we will retrace our steps to visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.
Day 20: Departure
Today is your last morning in this mystical and memorable country of Bhutan. We will have breakfast and proceed to check in for your flight. We hope you have enjoyed your trip immensely and will bring your friends to Bhutan in the future.
Bhutan visa fee
Government royalty & taxes
Dedicated English speaking tour guide
Dedicated tour vehicle and driver
3-star accommodation (twin sharing)
Daily 3 meals (B/L/D)
Airport transfer
Bottle water
Entry fees to parks and monuments
Trekking and Camping Equipment
Tents(Sleeping, toilet, Kitchen)
Full porterage throughout the trek
Professional camp chef
Flights to and from Bhutan
Personal expense/shopping
Alcoholic beverages
4 or 5 star accommodation (extra charges will apply)
Travel insurance
Tips for guide and driver