from 0 review
16 Days 15 Nights
Daily Tour
Unlimited
___
The Laya–Gasa Trek is one of Bhutan’s most spectacular and diverse long-distance journeys, renowned for its dramatic mountain scenery, high-altitude passes, remote villages, and rich cultural encounters. Considered one of the country’s finest treks, it takes you through pristine alpine landscapes, dense forests, glacial valleys, and the isolated highland community of Laya, home to the Layaps an ethnic group known for their unique dress, yak-herding lifestyle, and warm hospitality. The route also offers magnificent views of towering Himalayan peaks, including Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake, and culminates in the healing hot springs of Gasa, a perfect place to unwind after days of trekking. Combining natural beauty, cultural immersion, and physical challenge, the Laya–Gasa Trek is an unforgettable adventure for trekkers seeking Bhutan’s most authentic and untouched wilderness.
Arrive at Paro International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring Paro with visits to Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum, offering an excellent introduction to Bhutan’s culture and history. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the valley as you prepare for the trek ahead. Overnight in Paro.
Begin the day with a hike to the legendary Taktsang Monastery, dramatically perched on a cliff. The climb is invigorating and helps with acclimatization while providing sweeping views of Paro Valley. Explore the sacred monastery and return to Paro in the afternoon for some well-deserved rest. Overnight in Paro.
Start the trek with a drive to Sharna Zampa, then continue on foot through a beautiful forested river valley inside Jigme Dorji National Park. The trail ascends gradually with several gentle undulations over a distance of 22 km. As the valley narrows, you reach a wide meadow where the campsite awaits. On clear evenings, enjoy the first magnificent glimpse of Mount Jomolhari. Overnight at Thangthangkha.
Today’s 19 km trek leads you deeper into the Paro Chhu valley, opening into alpine meadows dotted with sparse woodland. Passing an army outpost and the villages of Soe, Takethang, and Dangochang, the scenery transforms into sweeping views of high ridges and snow-draped peaks. Arrive at Jangothang, one of Bhutan’s most spectacular campsites, facing Mount Jomolhari. Overnight at Jangothang.
Spend a full day at Jangothang for acclimatization. Hike to nearby lakes or toward the Jomolhari and Jichu Drake glaciers, keeping an eye out for blue sheep grazing on the upper slopes. Several short trails offer panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan giants. Return to camp for another peaceful night at Jangothang.
Begin with a steady ascent toward Nyilila Pass, enjoying majestic views of Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tsheringang. Descend into the broad Lingshi basin, where yak herder camps dot the landscape. Camp near a stone hut close to Lingshi Dzong, framed by the glaciers of Tseringang at the northern end of the valley. Overnight in Lingshi.
Today offers a gentler pace. Visit the atmospheric Lingshi Dzong, then walk through the villages of Lingshi and Goyul, known for their tightly clustered stone homes. Continue to the charming village of Chebisa, set beneath a lovely waterfall. Explore local homes or simply enjoy the tranquility of the valley. Overnight in Chebisa.
Climb gradually through wildflower-covered slopes before ascending a high ridge. The trail offers views of nearby peaks and lush valleys before descending toward Shomuthang, a scenic campsite in a peaceful high-meadow setting. Overnight at Shomuthang.
Begin a steady climb toward Jhari La, where you’ll be rewarded with views of Kang Bum and surrounding peaks. Descend into Tsheri Jathang, a protected takin habitat, then continue to Robluthang, located in a rugged, rocky meadow. Overnight at Robluthang.
Today’s journey crosses Sinche La, the trek’s highest pass. From the summit, enjoy dramatic views before descending past glacial lakes and moraines. Continue through the Kango Chhu valley until the majestic peak of Gangchhenta comes into view above the Limithang campsite. Overnight at Limithang.
A pleasant descent through a narrow valley brings you into dense forest and onward to Laya, one of Bhutan’s most fascinating highland villages. The traditional dress and customs of the Layap people make this an unforgettable cultural encounter. Visit the village school and health unit before settling into camp. Overnight in Laya.
Follow a trail that winds above the Mo Chhu river, offering views of cascading streams and waterfalls. Cross Kohi Lapcha and descend to the riverside campsite at Koina, set in a quiet forested valley. Overnight at Koina.
Climb steadily to Bari La, the final major pass of the trek, before descending into the region of Gasa. Continue to Gasa village or head down to the famed Gasa Hot Springs for a relaxing soak—an ideal way to rejuvenate after days of trekking. Overnight near Gasa Tsachu.
Drive from Gasa to Punakha, passing through beautiful landscapes and traditional hillside settlements. Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most historic and visually impressive structures. Enjoy a peaceful evening in the subtropical valley. Overnight in Punakha.
Travel back to Paro via Dochula Pass, where panoramic Himalayan views await on clear days. Spend your final evening in Bhutan relaxing or exploring Paro town at your leisure. Overnight in Paro.
Transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure flight. Leave Bhutan with cherished memories of remote landscapes, rich culture, and the unforgettable Laya–Gasa adventure. Thank You.
You can apply online for a visa here, or if you’re travelling with a tour operator, they may apply on your behalf. Read more about the visa here. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives requiring a visa can apply either online before travelling or in person upon arrival in Bhutan.
A correctly input visa application can take up to five days to process.
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s development. Since the kingdom first opened its doors in 1974, guests have played a critical role in our country’s growth. The SDF is collected by the national exchequer and funds are allocated to various projects that create long-term, sustainable opportunities for the Bhutanese people, through free healthcare, education and training, upskilling the tourism and hospitality industry, improved infrastructure, environmental preservation and conservation, cultural preservation programmes and initiatives that support local businesses and economies. The SDF is also a vital means of maintaining the exceptional forest cover and carbon-neutrality for which our small nation is world-renowned and globally critical. The SDF also helps us to ensure that we can continue to offer guests tranquillity and an intimate experience. A correctly input visa application can take up to five days to process.
The SDF is USD 100 per night for adults from all countries except for India. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay USD 50 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF. The SDF for Indian nationals (showing a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card) is Nu. 1,200 (or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees) per person, per night. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay Nu./INR 600 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.
