Laya Gasa Trek in Bhutan.
The Laya Gasa Trek is one of Bhutan’s most scenic and rewarding treks, offering a blend of breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural experiences. The trek begins at Shana in Paro and concludes at the Gasa hot springs, covering a distance of 166 km over 12 days. The route passes through high-altitude yak herding camps at Tegethang and crosses several mountain passes, including Nyelala Pass (4700m) and Gokula Pass (4320m).
Trekkers are rewarded with stunning views of Mt. Jomolhari, Tserimgang, Table Mountain, Gangkhar Puensum, and Masagang. Along the way, they experience the unique highland culture of the Layap people in the remote Laya village. The trek concludes with a relaxing soak in the famous Gasa hot springs.
The Laya Gasa trek is challenging, reaching a maximum altitude of 5005m, making it ideal for experienced trekkers.
Laya Gasa Trek in Bhutan
Highlights of the trip:
- Visit to the remote and beautiful Laya village.
- Meet the layaps of upper Himalayas.
- Experience unique culture.
- Most scenic landscapes.
- Pristine villages, farm houses and local people.
- Diverse flora and fauna.
- Ancient monasteries, temples and magnificent dzongs.
Sketch itinerary:
- Day 01. Arrive Paro & sightseeing (Altitude 2280 m).
- Day 02. Paro – Hike to Taktsang monastery – Shana |22 km | Drive: 1 hour | Altitude: 2820 m.
- Day 03. Shana – Thang Thangka (Start of Laya Gasa trek Bhutan) | 22 Km | Hike: 7 – 8 hours | Altitude: 3610 m.
- Day 04. Thang Thangka – Jangothang |19 Km | Hike: 5 – 6 hours | Altitude: 4080 m.
- Day 05. Jangothang halt: Acclimatization for Laya Gasa trek Bhutan.
- Day 06. Jangothang – Lingshi | 17 km | Hike: 6 – 7 hours | Altitude: 4000 m.
- Day 07. Lingshi – Chebisa |10 km | Hike: 5 – 6 hours | Altitude: 3880 m.
- Day 08. Chebisa – Shomuthang | 17 km | Hike: 6-7 hours | Altitude: 4220 m.
- Day 09. Shomuthang – Robluthang | 18 km | Hike: 6 – 7 hours | Altitude: 4160 m.
- Day 10. Robluthang – Lemithang | 19 km | Hike: 6-7 hours | Altitude: 4140 m.
- Day 11. Lemithang – Laya | 10 km | Hike: 4-5 hours | Altitude: 3840 m.
- Day 12. Laya (halt) – Laya Gasa Trek Bhutan.
- Day 13. Laya – Koena | 19 km | Hike: 6-7 hours | Altitude: 3050 m.
- Day 14. Koena – Gasa (End of Laya Gasa trek Bhutan) | 14 km | Hike: 6-7 hours | Altitude: 2,638 m.
- Day 15. Gasa – Punakha sightseeing | 78 km | Drive: 3 hours | Altitude: 1242 m.
- Day 16. Punakha sightseeing – Thimphu | 76 km | Drive: 2 1/2 hours | Altitude: 2334 m.
- Day 17. Thimphu sightseeing | Altitude: 2334 m.
- Day 18. Thimphu – Paro (Departure) | 54 km | 1 hour drive.
Laya Gasa trek cost:
The costs given below are inclusive of sustainable development fee (SDF) of US $ 100 per person per night and Bhutan visa fee US $ 40 per person.
Entrance fees for monuments and festivals visits to be paid separately.
The Laya Gasa trek costs / prices for different group sizes are below:
- 2 people: US $ 5885 per person.
- 3 – 10 people: US $ 5680 per person.
Nature of trip: Private & guided Bhutan trip.
Detailed Itinerary for Laya Gasa Trek.
Day 1. Arrive Paro and sightseeing | Altitude 2280 m.
Upon arrival at Paro Airport, your guide will welcome you and drive you to your hotel.
In the afternoon, begin your sightseeing with a visit to Ta Dzong, the National Museum of Bhutan, where you can explore Bhutan’s rich history, culture, and artifacts. Afterward, head to Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, an impressive fortress-monastery known for its stunning Bhutanese architecture and strategic location.
In the evening, enjoy a visit to a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, where you can experience the local lifestyle, culture, and hospitality firsthand.
End the day with a delicious dinner at the hotel, followed by an overnight stay.
Day 02. Hike to Tiger’s nest monastery – Shana.
In the morning, drive to Satsam chorten and 2 hours hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery (Paro Taktsang). Legend has it that Guru Padma Sambhava, the tantric mystic flew here on the back of a flying tiger.
Afternoon, visit to Drugyal dzong built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
Then visit Kichu lhakhang built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan King Srongtsen Gampo. He built 108 temples in a single day to pin the ogress to the earth forever.
In the evening, drive to Shana (22 km. 2 hour drive).
Dinner and overnight at the camp.
Day 3. Shana – Thang Thangka | 22 Km | Hike: 7 – 8 hours | Altitude: 3610 m.
The trail winds along the river, taking you through a lush, heavily forested area interspersed with a few isolated farmhouses, offering glimpses of rural Bhutanese life. The journey showcases the serene beauty of nature, with towering trees and the soothing sound of flowing water accompanying you.
After a long day of trekking, you’ll reach the campsite, nestled in a picturesque meadow with a stone shelter, providing a tranquil spot to rest for the night.
Altitude: 3610 m | Distance: 22 km | Time: 7–8 hours | Ascent: 770 m | Descent: 10 m.
Day 4. Thang Thanka – Jangothang | 19 Km | Hike: 5 – 6 hours | Altitude: 4080 m.
In the morning, the trail leads through Tegethang, a winter grazing ground for yak herders, offering a fascinating glimpse into their traditional lifestyle. Along the way, you’ll encounter numerous yaks dotting the landscape, adding to the charm of the journey.
As you approach the Jomolhari base camp at 4,115 m, breathtaking views of high mountains surround you. Nearby, the ruins of an ancient fortress, once used to guard Bhutan from Tibetan invasions, stand as a historical landmark.
Altitude: 4080 m | Distance: 19 km | Time: 5–6 hours | Ascent: 480 m.
Day 5. Jangothang Halt | Altitude: 4080 m.
Rest day at Jangothang, enjoy the superb view all around. This trail / halt is also common to Yaktsa trek, Jomolhari trek in Bhutan and Snowman trek.
For day hikes, you have 3 options on this day at Jangothang. It is also the highlight of Laya Gasa trek itinerary.
Hike to Jichu Drake glacier which is around 3 hours (Back and Forth).
Hike to Jomolhari glacier which is around 4 ½ hours (Back and forth).
Walk up the mountain between Jomolhari and Jichu Drake, the summit is at 5200 m. This is 8 hours (Back and forth).
Dinner and overnight in camp.
Day 06. Jangothang – Lingshi | 17 km | Hike: 6 – 7 hours | Altitude: 4000 m.
This trek signifies the conclusion of the first part of the Jomolhari trek and the beginning of the stunning Laya Gasa Trek. Begin your hike early, and after approximately 3 to 4 hours, you’ll reach the Nyelela Pass, standing at an elevation of 4,700 meters.
After crossing the pass, the trail descends toward a circular hut located below Lingshi, where you’ll set up camp for the night. As you make your way down from Lingshi, you’ll be treated to your first glimpse of the enchanting dzong, perched majestically on a high hill.
Enjoy dinner and spend the night at the campsite.
Altitude: 4,000 meters
Distance: 17 kilometers
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
This day combines challenging ascents, breathtaking views, and a touch of cultural wonder, setting the stage for the adventures ahead on the Laya Gasa Trek.
Day 07. Lingshi – Chebisa |10 km | Hike: 5 – 6 hours | Altitude: 3880 m.
Climb gently to reach another delightful village, Gom Yu, which is set right below a 300 m cliff. We camp at Chebisa by the side of the river. The walk is an easy one.
Dinner and overnight in camp (Altitude of 3880 m).
Distance: 10 km; Hike time: 5 – 6 hours.
Day 08. Chebisa – Shomuthang | 17 km | Hike: 6-7 hours | Altitude: 4220 m.
We start with quite a stiff climb through high pastures up the Gokula pass (4,320 m). We climb gradually and head down to the camp near a river bed.
Dinner and overnight in camp (Altitude 4220 m).
Distance: 17 km; Hike time: 6-7 hours.
Day 09. Shomuthang – Robluthang | 18 km | Hike: 6 – 7 hours | Altitude: 4160 m.
Cross over the Jarela pass at 4,640 m where we once again get stunning views of the Himalayan Mountains above us.
We drop steeply down a forest trail to the Tsarigathang valley, where herds of Takin roam. Then cross a knee deep river before climbing up Robluthang where we camp.
Dinner and overnight in Camp (Altitude: 4,160 m).
Distance: 18 km; Hike time: 6 – 7 hours.
Day 10. Robluthang – Lemithang | 19 km | Hike: 6-7 hours | Altitude: 4140 m.
Today is one of the hardest days of the trek.
Climb to Shinchela pass at 4,870 m. We see stunning views of mountains, including the spectacular Gang Chen Ta at the head of the valley.
On a clear day, practically all the mountains on the northern border are visible. Eagles, griffin vultures, blue sheep and yaks abound in this area. We descend down to camp on a lovely spot by the river bank.
Dinner and overnight in camp (Altitude 4,140 m).
Distance: 19 km; Hike time: 6-7 hours.
Day 11. Lemithang – Laya | 10 km | Hike: 4-5 hours | Altitude: 3840 m.
Walk along the river and through a forest of rhododendron and silver fir and then enter the village of Laya.
The people of Laya are famous for their vertical stripe Yak hair clothing and their strange conical bamboo hats. The features of the people are even more Tibetan-Mongolian than the Bhutanese who live in the central valleys.
Rest of the day is spent at leisure. You can enjoy great views of the Masagang and the other peaks.
Camp at altitude 3840 m; Distance: 10 km; Hike time: 4-5 hours.
Day 12. Laya (halt) – Laya Gasa Trek Bhutan.
We have a rest day at Laya and an opportunity to meet the local people.
Explore the beautiful Laya village.
Dinner and overnight in camp.
Day 13. Laya – Koena | 19 km | Hike: 6-7 hours | Altitude: 3050 m.
The trail winds along the river valley offers breathtaking views of the crashing river, feeder streams and waterfalls.
Camp at altitude 3050 m; distance:19 km; hike time: 6-7 hours.
Day 14. Koena – Gasa (End of Laya Gasa trek Bhutan) | 14 km | Hike: 6-7 hours | Altitude: 2,638 m.
Today is the final day of Beautiful Laya Gasa trek itinerary.
Climb up to Balela pass at 3,740 m and then descend to Gasa village. The first sight of the Gasa dzong perched on the hillside over the village.
Camp near the hot spring, a chance for a good hot bath.
Camp at altitude: 2,638 m; distance: 14 km; hike time: 6-7 hours.
Day 15. Gasa – Punakha sightseeing | 78 km | Drive: 3 hours | Altitude: 1242 m.
On the way, hike to Khamsum Yulley monastery (short hike 45 minutes).
Afternoon – visit Punakha dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Punakha is the winter residence of Je Khenpo, the chief abbot of Bhutan. The third king Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first national assembly here in 1952.
In the evening, walk across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan (160 meters). This bridge is considered the longest of its kind and connects the two sides of the Pho chu river. You will get a great view of the river, valley, temple, and a good boost of adrenaline as well.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
Day 16. Punakha sightseeing – Thimphu | 76 km | Drive: 2 1/2 hours | Altitude: 2334 m.
In the morning, drive to Thimphu via Wangdue Phodrang.
On the way, visit to Chimi lhakhang built in 1499 to honor Lama Drukpa Kuenley, “The divine madman”. The temple is also called “The temple of fertility”.
Then view Wangdue Phodrang dzong built in 1638 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
In the evening, visit to Tashichho dzong, seat of the national government and the central monastic body.
Then free to stroll in the town.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
Day 17. Thimphu sightseeing | Altitude: 2334 m.
Start the morning with a visit to the Memorial Chorten, built in honor of the Third King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Then, explore the tallest sitting Buddha statue at Kuensel Phodrang, standing 51.5 meters tall. Visit Changangkha Lhakhang, Thimphu’s oldest monastery built in the 13th century by Phajo Drugom Shigpo, and the Takin Preserve Center, home to Bhutan’s national animal, believed to be a mix of a cow and goat. Enjoy the scenic Sangaygang Viewpoint, offering stunning views of Thimphu Valley, and visit Dupthop Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s few surviving nunneries.
Have lunch at Simply Bhutan Museum, an immersive cultural experience. In the afternoon, visit the Painting School, which showcases Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. End the day witnessing an archery match at Changlimithang Stadium, Bhutan’s national sport.
Conclude with dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 18. Thimphu – Paro (Departure) | 54 km | 1 hour.
After breakfast, drive to the airport for your departure, marking the end of your Bhutan adventure. Farewell and safe travels!
Tour cost includes
- All meals [breakfast / lunch / dinner].
- Accommodation [twin / double sharing basis]. Single room supplement is extra.
- All transportation within the country including airport transfers.
- Sustainable development fee (SDF).
- Bhutan visa fee.
- English speaking local guide.
- Sightseeing.
- Bottled water.
Tour Cost Excludes
- Entrance fees for museums and monuments.
- Domestic/International flight (Drukair / Bhutan Airlines fares).
- Insurance premiums.
- Payments for service provided on a personal basis.
- Cost incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest etc.
- Cost for any services not mentioned in the “Cost Include head”.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, soft drinks, etc...
- Tips for guide and driver.
What to pack for a trek
- Personal clothing: strong normal clothing (according to season). Preferably cotton, even for summer, woolen clothing for the evening and winter.
- Strong comfortable trekking boots – water – resistant for the rainy period – June – August.
- Sunscreen.
- Flash light.
- Rain coat (especially for rainy period –June – August).
- Head gear / hat / cap; sun and rain protection.
- Water pills – for extra caution in purifying stream; (boiled water is provided at all times during the trek).
- Aspirin – incase of altitude sickness.
- Lots of socks.
- Warm clothes.
- Sunglasses.
Optional items:
- Head gear.
- Folding umbrella (only for wet months — July and August).
- One towel.
- Wet – packed tissue paper.
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