Laya Gasa Trek
Sept. 15, 2025, to : Sept. 28, 2025
13 Days
USD{{ defaultPrice
}}
Description
This trek route offers great variety of trekking conditions, from picturesque farmland and forests to alpine pastureland and high passes.
Spectacular campsites, beneath some of Bhutan’s most impressive peaks, of which the most notable are Mount Chomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake, are also the features of this trekking route. Numerous isolated Dzongs and scattered settlements, including the outlandish village of Laya, provide a great deal of cultural interest enroute.
Wildlife such as the blue sheep, marmots, musk deer and the national animal, the Takin, can be seen. One should also not rule out the possibility of the rare sighting of a snow leopard, great Himalayan bear or even the yeti!
Features
-
This trek offers interesting trekking conditions from picturesque farmland and forests to alpine pastureland and high passes. Spectacular campsites, beneath some of Bhutan’s most impressive peaks are also the features of this trekking route. Various isolated places of cultural interest fen route further enhance its characteristics.
Itinerary
-
Day 01 : Arrival at Paro valley by Druk Air
The Druk Air flight to the Kingdom of Bhutan is one of the most spectacular flights in the entire Himalayas. Every flight over the tiny region offers a mesmerizing aeronautical feat and a thrilling descent into the Kingdom. The immigration and customs formalities need to be clarified upon arrival at Paro. The respective guide will receive you and escort you to your hotels. You are in for an exciting holiday in Bhutan. You can take an evening stroll around the town and enjoy the beautiful night view of the Paro valley.
Day 02 : A tour around Paro
A visit to Ta Dzong(National Museum), which was once a watch tower which was later converted to the National Museum in 1968. It accommodates many antiques such as thangka paintings, textiles, weapons and Bhutan’s renowned postage stamps. Lateron, a tour around Rinzung dzong (fortress of the heap of jewels) which has a fascinating history. This will keep you occupied for the morning. In the afternoon, a visit to the ruined fortress of Drukgyel Dzong where Bhutanese armies have successfully defeated several Tibetan invasions. Later afternoon, a visit to the traditional homes of the indigenious people to experience their lifestyle. Followed by a visit to Kichu Lhakhang, one of the most sacred and oldest monasteries in the country. And finally, a trip back to the hotel for a peaceful rest.
Day 03 : Paro to Shana, 17 km, 5 / 6 hours
It’s time to leave the road and take the trial.The trecherious trek starts from Drukgyel Dzong(2,580m) with a short downhill on a wide trail. The trail climbs gently traversing through well maintained rice terraces and fields of millet. The route later enters an area of apple orchards and forests. Soon the valley widens and you reach the army post of Gunyitsawa(2,810m). This is the last stop before Tibet. At 2,87m, just beyond Sharma Zampa, there are several good camping places in meadows surrounded by trees.
Day 04 : Shana to Soi Thangthangkha, 20 km, 7 / 8 hours
When the first lights hit the hill tops, we will commence our journey.The trail again follows Pa Chhu (Paro river), ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. Hot lunch will be served after crossing the bridge towards the left side of the river. After we have our fill, we will follow the river climbing up through rhododendron forests and finally crossing the bridge again, reaching the campsite at the altitude of 3,750m.
Day 05 : Soi Thangthangkha to Jangothang, 19 km, 7 / 8 hours
We get started in the early morning.The path ascends for a while till you reach the army camp. Then follow the river above the tree line enjoying the stunning view of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch will be served inside a yak herder’s camp. A short walk into the valley will take you to the camp at Jangothang at an altitude of 4,040m. From here, one can witness the majestic view of Mount. Chomolhari and Jichu Drake.
Day 06 : Jangothang to Lingshi, 18 km, 7 / 8 hours
The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. Then we will start the ascent upto the first ridge with a breathtaking view of Mount. Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsrim Khang. Then we continue walking towards the valley,which is almost flat, until the climb to the Nyele la pass at an altitude of 4,700m. After the pass, it’s a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the panoramic view of the peaks and Lingshi Dzong. Then we will set out camp at an altitude of 4,000m.
Delightful View
Day 07 : Lingshi to Chebisa, 10 km, 5/6 hours
After passing Lingshi Dzong, we will proceed our journey through the hilltop with a commanding view of green hills, the winding roads and magnificent peaks. The actual name of Lingshi Dzong is Yugyel Dzong. Built in the 17th century, it played a crucial role in controlling travel over Lingshi La (pass) between Tibet and Bhutan. Today’s walk will be easy and pleasant through villages and yak herders camp. We will camp by the side of a stream at an altitude of 3,860m.
Day 08 : Chebisa to Shomuthang, 17 km, 6/7 hours
The day begins with a stiff climb to Gomby La (4,450m) and a long descent to a stream at 4,170m. The trail will lead to a small ridge through a cedar forest. It is a long climb over the ridge, then the trail descends on a muddy path into main Jholethang valley in a deep forest of fir and birch. In the afternoon, the trail traverses high above the valley floor on a stream right to Chachim, a yak pasture at 4,260m. The camp will be set at 4,250m in a cluster of brush beside a stream at the bottom of the valley.
Day 09 : Shoumuthang to Robluthang, 18 km, 6/7 hours
The trek begins with a climb to Jari La pass at altitude 4,700m then descends to Tasharijathang valley, the summer residence of rare Himalayan Takin (Bhutan’s National animal). Later after crossing the stream, the trail ascends till you reach Robluthang camp at altitude of 4,200m.
Day 10 : Roluthang to Limithang, 19 km, 7/8 hours
This will be a long and tough climb crossing Shinjela (4,900m), the last and highest pass en route. You may be able to spot Blue Sheep high on the slopes. From Shinjela, the descent is on a rough, rocky trail that follows moraine into another glacial valley. The last part of the trek is very interesting with a fascinating view of Mt. Gangchey Ta. The camp will be set within the meadow at 4,140m.
Day 11 : Limithang to Laya, 10 km, 4/5 hours
The walk to the valley of Laya is very pleasant with many delightful views. You will pass through a damp forest, filled with moss and singing birds. Upon arrival at Laya village, the second highest settlement in the country at an altitude of 3,800m, the night will be held in the home of the yak herders or in the open grassland.
Day 12 : Laya to Chamsa, 19 km, 8/9 hours
We will proceed our journey descending to army camp and join the Mo Chhu river. We will follow the river till we cross the bridge. After crossing the bridge, the trail descends and ascends several times through juniper and fir forest until we reach the camp at Chamsa at an altitude of 3,500m.
Day 13 : Chamsa to Gasa Tsachu, 14 km, 6/7 hours
We will walk for about half an hour over flat land till the Bari La (3,900m). There is a small rock cairn and a few prayer flags at the pass. The route starts down again, sometimes steeply, through a bamboo forest to a stream. Later after lunch, it is downhill all the way to Gasa Tsachu. We will have a quick tour around the Gasa village and Dzong, built in the 17th century. Then descend to Gasa Tsachu (hot spring) and set our camp at an altitude of 2,200m.
Day 14 : Gasa Tsachu to Damji, 18 km, 6 hours
Inclusions
-
Price Includes
- A minimum of 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars can be upgraded at an additional fee)
- All meals / Tea & snacks
- All internal transport (excluding Domestic flights)
- Sightseeing with entrance fees
- An experienced English speaking tour leader
- Bottled water in the vehicle
- SDF (Sustainable Development Fees/Government Fees) & Visa Fees
While on trek the following are included
- Camp site Fees
- Two person tents
- All meals (Veg/Non-Veg as per your preferences)
- Eating utensils
- Foam mattresses
- Dining & toilet tents
- Pack Ponies to transport equipment
Exclusion
-
Price Excludes
- Flights
- Travel & Health Insurance
- Additional personal expenses such as souvenirs, meals, snacks, alcohol, laundry, tips, and gratuities for the tour leader and staff.
Additional information
Cancellation policy
Price Details
| Package | Days | Group Size | Tour Price/day | SDF/day | Total per Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (3★) | 14 | Solo | 3570 | 1400 | 2,170 |
| Standard (3★) | 14 | 2 pax | 400 - 5600 | 200 - 2800 | 2,800 |
| Standard (3★) | 14 | 3+ pax | 600 - 8400 | 300 - 4200 | 4200 |
| Standard (3★) | 10 | Solo | 2550 | 1000 | 1,550 |