Himalayan Trekking Adventures

17 DAYS

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17 Days Laya-Gasa Trek A Himalayan Adventure

The Laya–Gasa Trek is one of Bhutan’s most spectacular and challenging trekking routes, renowned for its dramatic mountain scenery, pristine wilderness, and encounters with remote highland cultures. Spanning 17 days, this trek takes you from the lush valleys of Paro to the mystical fortress of Lingzhi, across high passes over 5,000 meters, and into the traditional villages of Laya. Along the way, trekkers are rewarded with stunning views of Bhutan’s sacred peaks such as Jomolhari (7,315m), Jichu Drake (6,989m), Tsherim Gang (6789m) and Gangchen Ta, as well as encounters with wildlife including blue sheep, griffon vultures, and the rare Himalayan takin. The journey culminates with a rejuvenating dip in the famous Gasa hot springs before returning to Punakha, Thimphu, and Paro.

This trek is suited for adventurous travelers seeking both physical challenge and cultural immersion, offering a rare opportunity to explore Bhutan’s most remote landscapes and highland traditions.

Best Seasons:

  • Spring (March – May): Clear skies, rhododendrons in bloom
  • Autumn (September – November): Crisp weather, best mountain views

Tour Highlights

  • Scenic mountain flight into Paro Valley.
  • Hike to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang).
  • Trek through forests of pine, fir, and rhododendron into high alpine valleys.
  • Spectacular views of Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, Tsherim Gang, and Gangchen Ta.
  • Cross high mountain passes, including Shingchen La (5,005m).
  • Visit Lingzhi Dzong and the isolated highland villages of Laya, Bhutan’s second highest settlement.
  • Encounter wildlife such as blue sheep and the rare Himalayan takin.
  • Relax in the therapeutic Gasa hot springs (Tshachu).
  • Explore Punakha Dzong, Thimphu’s cultural landmarks, and Paro’s historic sites.

Itinerary

On a clear day, the flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights. Upon arrival, you will be greeting you by our representative. In Paro, visit the 17th century Ta Dzong (watch tower). Next head to the Paro dzong (Rinpung Dzong) meaning “fortress of the heap of the Jewels”. Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast, you will hike to the magnificent Taktshang Monastery at 3100m. after exploring the monastery, you enjoy a lunch at the Taktshang cafeteria. After lunch you will walk further down to the valley where your transport will be waiting to transfer you back to the town. Explore the Paro town and hotel. Overnight in Paro.

11KM | 4-5 HOURS | 250M ASCENT CAMP ALT 3010M

Today you will dive to the starting point of the trek called Zangkipang, where our trekking crews and horses will be waiting.  It is a light trek moving slowly on a gradual slope through conifers and rhododendrons flanking the Paro Chhu. After 2/3 hours of continuous hiking and crossing several streams, you will reach at Shingkharap. The camp will be near the beautiful Pachhu river. Camp at an Altitude of 3010m.

15KM | 6-7 HOURS | 650M ASCENT CAMP ALT 3650M

We will begin trekking along the trail, which follows the river through a heavily forested area, narrowing and closing in, eventually winding up and down along the drainage. Hot lunch will be served along the trail. After lunch follow the river climbing through rhododendrons forest and finally crossing the bridge again, reaching to the campsite at the altitude of 3650m.

16KM | 4-5 HOURS | 290M ASCENT CAMP ALT 4050M

In the morning, after passing a small army post, the trail will slowly leave the forest line and gradually climb into a beautiful valley, passing Tegethang. After crossing the tree line enjoying the stunning view of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch will serve on the way. A short walk into the valley will take you to the base camp at Jangothang at an Altitude of 4050m.

Rest day at Jangothang, enjoy the superb view of all around. You may choose to either rest at the camp or go for an excursion to Tshophu, a twin lake.

18KM | 6-7 HOURS | 800M ASCENT CAMP ALT 4100M

The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. Today we will enjoy the spectacular views of the Jomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tshering Gang. Then walk towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until the climb to the Neyle La pass at an altitude of 4830m and descend to a circular hut below Lingzhi, where we will camp and obtain our first views of the truly mystical Dzong atop a high hill.

12KM | 5-6 HOURS | 100M ASCENT | CAMP ALT 3850M

This is a Magical day. After we leave Lingzhi, we will gently climb gently to reach another delightful village right below a 300m cliff, Gongyul. Another hour walk brings us to a lovely little valley with a huge waterfall at one end of the village of Chebesa. Camp by the rive side of stream at an altitude of 3850m.

17KM | 6-7 HOURS | 580M ASCENT | 290M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 4130M

Today, begin with a stiff climb up to Gobu La pass at an altitude of 4420m. After the pass, we drop through forests of dwarf rhododendron. In the afternoon continue along the up and down path, cross the stream and then walk through rhododendron forest and yak herder’s camp. You may see blue sheep. Camp at altitude of 4130m.

15KM | 5-6 HOURS | 620M ASCENT | 590M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 4160M

We will begin a long haul over the Jarela pass at 4750m. where once again get stunning views of the Himalayan Mountains above us. Then descent to Tsharijathang valley, the summer residence of rare Himalayan Takins (national animal of Bhutan). After crossing the stream towards the left, the trail ascends till you reach Robluthang. Camp at an altitude 4160m.

19KM | 7-8 HOURS | 850M ASCENT | 870M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 4100M

It is one of the hardest days of the trek. We climb up to Shingchen la pass at an altitude of 5010m and are rewarded with stunning views of mountains, including the spectacular Gangchen Ta at the head of the valley. After the pass, descent to Lingmithang. The path is quite narrow, and you may have to cross a stream time and again. Arrive campsite at an altitude 4140m.

10KM | 4-5 HOURS | CAMP ALT 3850M

The day to Laya is very pleasant with wonderful views and walk along the river, one of the tributaries of Mochhu. 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 altitude of 3850m.

We have a rest day at Laya and one can take a leisurely walk through the village or short hike above the Laya village.

Descend to the army camp where the trek ends. From here we drive through the fir, spruce and rhododendron forest to Gasa District. Here you can have a relaxing dip in the Tshachu or hot spring. Then you will drive to Punakha which is about two and half hours. Overnight in hotel, Punakha.

Formally the ancient capital of Bhutan the beautiful Punakha valley located at the meeting point of two rivers, abounds with terraced rice crops. Visit the Majestic Dzong walking over the traditional Bhutanese cantilever bridge. After that visit the suspension bridge, one of the longest in Bhutan. After lunch drive to Thimphu. Enroute stop at Metshina and short hike to Chimi Lhakhang Temple, fertility temple. Drive to Thimphu, Capital of Bhutan. Overnight in hotel.

The day begins with visit to National Memory Chorten, and the Giant Buddha overlooking Thimphu valley. Then drive to zoo to see the national animal of Bhutan. After lunch visit the painting school and National Library where you can see collection of different books. Drive to Paro. Overnight in hotel.

After breakfast transfer to the airport for flight to onward destination.

Tour Inclusive and Exclusives

Inclusive

  • Sustainable Development Fee & visa fee
  • Transport by private vehicle
  • Government approved 3-star hotels
  • English speaking guide
  • Bottled water in vehicle
  • Permits, entrance fees, & sightseeing
  • Sleeping tents, sleeping mats & pillows
  • Dinning tents, kitchen tent & toilet tent
  • Tables, chairs, utensils, hot water bags
  • Trekking chef & assistants
  • Horses to carry trek equipments
  • Food supplies

Exclusive

  • International airfare to/from Bhutan.
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Personal trekking gear (sleeping bags, trekking boots, down jackets, etc.).
  • Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, or personal snacks.
  • Tips for guides, cooks, and trekking staff (at your discretion).
  • Extra nights in hotels due to late arrival/early departure or unforeseen circumstances.
  • Any expenses arising from unexpected events such as flight delays, weather conditions, or medical emergencies.

Himalayan Trekking Adventures

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