Bhutan – Laya Gasa Trek

One of the most scenic treks in Bhutan offering amazing views of the most pristine and unspoiled landscapes in Bhutan

Duration: 12 nights 13 days camping trek & 5 nights 6 days cultural tour with hotel stay

Recommended Seasons: The ideal seasons is April to June and Mid-September to Mid-November

Trek Grade: Demanding

Laya Gasa Trek is aptly regarded as one of the most picturesque treks in Bhutan, passing through most pristine and unspoiled landscapes of the Kingdom. The trail takes one through gorgeous alpine meadows, high mountain passes and dense sub-tropical jungles before terminating in Damji in Tashithang. The initial part of the trek follows the same route as famous Jomolhari Trek through Jigme Singye National Park and offer scintillating views of Mt. Jomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsherimgang while later the route diverges and you’ll depart Lingshi for camp site at Chebisa, a charming little village with lovely waterfall. Along the trail you’ll also be able to spot wealth of faunal species such as blue sheep and Bhutan’s national animal, Takin. You’ll traverse through remote, isolated villages inhabited by Layaps (people of Laya), who still maintain their distinct culture, traditions and way of life. The trek also offers opportunity to rejuvenate at famous Gasa hot springs.      

Itinerary for Laya Gasa Trek

Day 1: Arrive Paro by Flight
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkatta, the journey offers magnificent views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift, one disembarks from the aircraft is the cool, clean and rejuvenating mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, warmly received by our representative and afterwards transfer to the hotel.

The beautiful valley of Paro encapsulates within itself a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries, National Museum and the country's only airport. Mount. Chomolhari (7,314m) reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley and its glacial water plunge through deep gorges to form Pa Chhu (Paro River). Paro is also one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields.

Afternoon visit Rinpung Dzong, which has a long and fascinating history. Built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. The approach or exit to the Dzong is also through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. Rinpung Dzong is also the venue of Paro Tshechu, held once a year in the spring.
Evening an exploratory walk around Paro main street, visiting local shops lined on both sides of the road.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro (Altitude 2,280m)

Day 2: Paro
After breakfast, drive to the base of Drukgyel Dzong, which is currently under restoration. On a clear day, there is fascinating view of Mount. Chomolhari (7314m) from the village below this ruined fortress.
Later take a short drive to Satsam Chorten (trail head point) for a walking excursion to Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang Lhakhang) (approx. 5-hour round trip walk). This most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries is perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress, and meditated at this place, hence the monastery is also called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site, which has long been recognized as a most sacred place, was visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646, the religious and temporal ruler of Bhutan. It is a place of pilgrimage which Bhutanese try to visit at least once in a lifetime. In April 1998 a fire had severely damaged the main structure of the building but now it has been fully restored to its original grandeur.

Later visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries of the Kingdom associated with the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro (Altitude 2,280m)

Day 3: Paro – Shana Zam – Thongdu Zam, Distance: 8km, approx. 3 / 4-hour walk, Ascent: 500m, Descent: 200m, Camp Altitude: 3,150m
Morning after breakfast, visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum, holding fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings, handicrafts, masks, costumes, armour and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. The visit will provide an insight into the rich and unique cultural heritage and tradition of Bhutan.
Then drive north of Paro valley till the Drukgyal Dzong, the ruined fortress which is currently under restoration. From here, we drive for another hour or so along the rough farm road to Shana Zam (2,850m). Then commences the trek gradually walking up the valley following Pa Chhu river’s bends into Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park to camp at Thongdu Zam.

Overnight camp at Thongdu Zam (Altitude, 3,150m)

Day 4: Thongdu Zam – Soi Thangthangkha, Distance: 20km, approx. 7 / 8-hour walk, Ascent: 770m, Descent: 10m, Camp Altitude: 3,610m
The trail again follows the Pa Chhu (Paro River), ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. After crossing a bridge to the left bank of the river, we stop for a hot lunch. Then we continue along the river, climbing upwards through rhododendron forests and crossing the river once more before reaching our campsite.

Overnight camp at Soi Thangthangkha (Altitude 3,610m)

Day 5: Soi Thangthangkha - Jangothang, Distance: 19km, approx. 6-hour walk, Ascent: 480m, Camp Altitude: 4,080m
The path ascends for a while till you reach the army camp. We then follow the river above the tree line, enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch is served at a yak herder’s camp. A short walk from here into the valley will takes us to our campsite at Jangothang (4,080m). From here, the views of Mount. Chomolhari and Jichu Drake are superb.

Overnight camp at Jangothang (Altitude 4,080m)

Day 6: Jangothang Halt
The rest day in Jangothang provides plenty of possibilities for day hikes with great views of lakes and snow-capped mountains such as Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. There are good chances to spot some blue sheep on the upper slopes of the valley. You can also trek up to Tosoh or hike around the area. There are good short hiking trails in three directions. Jomolhari and its subsidiary mountain chains lie directly west, Jichu Drake to the north and there are a number of unclimbed peaks to the east.

Overnight camp at Jangothang (Altitude 4,080m)

Day 7: Jangothang – Lingshi, Distance: 18km, approx. 7 / 8-hour walk, Camp Altitude: 4,000m
The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right bank. We now start our climb up to the first ridge, enjoying breathtaking view of Mt. Jomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsrim Khang. The trail then takes us across a fairly level valley floor until the climb to the Nyele-la (4,700m). We descend gradually from the pass to our campsite at Lingshi (4,000m), enjoying the panoramic view of the mountain peaks and Lingshi Dzong as we walk.

Overnight camp at Lingshi (Altitude 4,000m)

Day 8: Lingshi – Chebisa, Distance: 10km, approx. 5-hour trek, Ascent: 280m, Descent: 410m, Camp Altitude: 3,880m
One of the short trekking days but a fascinating one. Climb up to Lingshi Dzong, then a delightful path contours the hillside, passing numerous farms with good views across the valley of the Peaks, and arrive at Lingshi school and village. Lingshi region is known for medicinal plants and there is large collection center here. After a look around, walk out on along the hillside covered with wildflowers, as the trail traverse high and reaches a cairn and ridge, before descending to picturesque Goyul village with beautifully designed stone houses. Leaving Goyul, the path continues along the hillside for another hour to arrive at a spectacular fairy-tale-like setting of Chebisa village; located below the waterfall, with meandering creek, surrounded by ridges. The old stone houses with wooden slatted roofs clustered together, feels as though it is forgotten in time. Our campsite is on the opposite bank of the creek, at 3,880m.

Overnight Camp at Chebisa (Altitude 3,880m)

Day 9: Chebisa – Shomuthang, Distance: 15km, approx. 6 / 7-hour trek, Ascent: 890m, Descent: 540m, Camp Altitude: 4,220m
From the village, begin by climbing uphill on a steep slope. Several large herds of blue sheep are commonly sighted in the area. You should be able to see bearded vultures, griffons and many eagles, soaring overhead. You may see few Yak headers and their campsites in these areas. The trail begins to level and traverses Gobu-la at 4,440m (a ridge crossing). After Gobu la, make few ascends and descend crossing ridges and side valleys, through rhododendron forests, crossing stream, then over ridges, through cedar forests, fir and birch trees. The camp site is on a bench above Shagipasa river (4,220m.) The valley is beautiful with clear streams, rich forests, and stunning mountain scenery.

Overnight Camp at Shomuthang (Altitude 4,220m)

Day 10: Shomuthang – Robluthang, Distance: 16km, approx. 7-hour trek, Ascent: 700m, Descent: 760m, Camp Altitude: 4,160m
As the walk is bit difficult, it is advisable to start little early. From the campsite, climb up for about 2-hours to Jhari La (4,750m). Stunning view of Mt. Gangchenta ‘Great tiger mountain’(6,840m), Kangbum(6,526m), and Tsherim Kang and also the tip of Jumolhari can be seem from the pass. The scenery on this day’s walk is breathtaking. Descend to Tsharijathang valley, which has been declared sanctuary for Takins (national animal of Bhutan). It is quite common to see herds of this unique creature here. Cross a river and camp in a scenic position just half an hour’s walk up the hillside at Robluthang (4,160m).

Overnight Camp at Robluthang (Altitude 4,160m)

Day 11: Robluthang – Lemithang, Distance: 18km, approx. 6 / 7-hour trek, Ascent: 850m, Descent: 870m, Camp Altitude: 4,140m)
Today is another long and a tough day, crossing Shingela pass, the highest point on this trek. Follow the stream for a while, then climb onto moraine at 4,460m. Along the slopes, you will see lots of Blue sheep and probably some Takins. As you near the pass, it gets tougher, because of high altitude. After about 5 hours trek from the campsite, arrive at Singe la pass at 5,005m, where the snow covered Gangchenta, fills the horizon to the north. Descending from the pass, the trail follows moraine into another glacial valley. Cross the Kango chu steam and follow the valley to the north, through cedar forests interspersed with small meadows to a lovely campsite in a big meadow by the river at Lemithang (4,140m), with Gangchenta peak towering in the backdrop.

Overnight Camp at Lemithang (Altitude 4,140m)

Day 12: Lemithang – Laya, Distance: 9.5km, approx. 4 / 5-hour trek, Ascent: 60m, Descent: 340m, Camp Altitude: 3,840m 
Though shorter than some of the days so far, there is still quite a lot of ups and downs. Walk through the cedar forest, cross a small stream and make a decent to valley and then climb again and walk through the heavily wooded area. After about 4 hours trek, you will see the first house on the outskirts of Laya. There are two trails just before Laya. One leads to the upper Laya and you will be able to see the village and fields from the top. The lower path leads to directly near the village, which is near the Middle School at 3,840m. Ganchenta and Masangang (7,165m) dominates the skyline. This is also the first shop after we leave Paro. Free afternoon to wander around this fascinating village, meet its friendly people. The women with their pointed hats, and highly decorative jewellery, make a striking picture. Tonight, you may be able to watch dances and singing by the locals.

Overnight Camp at Laya (3,840m)

Day 13: Rest & Explore Laya Village
The extra day in Laya is to get some rest and to explore and meet the locals. This is one of largest isolated community of Bhutan with roughly 1500 people, who speak their own dialect and wear distinct dress. The women keep their hair long and wear conical bamboo hats with spike at the top (traditionally Bhutanese woman have close-cropped hair). They dress in black Yak wool jacket and skirt with some coloured strip. Their jewellery includes array of silver teaspoons tied at the back of the hair.

Overnight Camp at Laya (Altitude 3,840m)

Day 14: Laya – Koina – Gasa Hot Spring
Today is one of the long trekking days and so we must start really early as we are trying to cover more than usual one days’ trekking to avoid a muddy campsite at Koina. Also the new farm road has reached nearly Koina.  Although the overall tendency is to descend, there are many places where the path has to climb high above the river to negotiate steep spurs. Towards the end of day, meet the vehicle and drive to Gasa Dzong and further downhill to Gasa Tsachu (Hot spring), where we camp. Gasa Hot Spring is well known for its medicinal properties and there are several pools for you to enjoy the warm bath.

Overnight camp at Gasa (Altitude 2,240m)

Day 15: Gasa Hot Spring - Punakha
Enjoy one more dip in the hotspring before your breakfast. Then drive along the winding road, and downhill through rich subtropical jungles to Tashithang and then to Punakha, which could take about 3hours.

Afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong. Also known as ‘The Palace of Great Bliss’, Punakha Dzong was built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region. The Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan’s history and on 17 December 1907, the first King of Bhutan Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuk, was crowned here. Damaged by six catastrophic fires, an earthquake and once by flood, the Dzong has been fully restored by the fourth King. Dzongchung (or the little Dzong), built in 1328 by saint Ngagi Rinchen can still be seen opposite the main Dzong.

Then embark on a short walking excursion to Chimi Lhakhang: The Chimi Lhakhang (temple), situated on a round hillock in the centre of Punakha valley near Lobesa, was built in 1499 by the 14th Drukpa hierarch, Ngawang Choegyel, after the site was blessed by the maverick saint Drukpa Kuenley who in the late 15th century used humour, songs and outrageous behaviour to dramatise his teachings and owing to this also known as ‘Divine Madman’. The Lhakhang is situated about 10 km from centre of Punakha town near Sopsokha village, from where a 20-minute walk through fields of mustards and rice, leads to a hillock that is the site of temple. Prayer flags are lined all along the road from the tiny village hamlet known as Yowakha, along a stream to the monastery. All houses in the village are decorated with paintings of phalluses on their exterior walls. The lama Kuenley had called the hillock where the monastery exists as the breast of a woman because of its round shape.

Overnight at the hotel in Punakha. (Altitude 1,300m)

Day 16: Punakha – Thimphu (75km, approx. 3 hours’ drive)
After breakfast, drive to Bhutan’s capital city Thimphu via Dochu La.
Dochu-la pass located at a height of 3,088m/ 10,130 ft is a scenic location with chortens chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, it may be possible to see the following peaks from this pass in the order left to right: Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m ), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,570m, after this uplifting experience return to Punakha.

On arrival in Thimphu check into the hotel.

Later in the afternoon visit Memorial Stupa, built in 1974 to honour the Third King, Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1928-1972). The stupa is a prominent landmark in the city with its golden spires and bells. In 2008, it underwent extensive renovation. This stupa is unlike others as it does not enshrine human remains and only Druk Gyalpo’s photo in a ceremonial dress adorns a hall on ground floor. When he was alive, His Late Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk wanted to build a chorten to represent the mind of Buddha.

Then visit Changangkha Lhakhang, one of the ancient temples in Thimphu established on a site chosen by Phajo Drukgom Shigpo, the founder of Drukpa lineage in Bhutan. The central statue here is Chenrezig in a manifestation with 11 heads. From temple courtyard, there is fascinating view of Thimphu valley.

Conclude the sightseeing of the day with visit of Trashichhoedzong that has been the seat of the government since 1952 and presently houses the throne room and offices of His Majesty the King, the Secretariat and the Ministries of Home affairs and Finance. The dzong is located close to Thimphu town, next to the banks of the Wang Chhu River. It is an impressively large structure, surrounded by well-kept lawns and beautiful gardens.

Evening free to explore the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts Bazaar, to browse through example of Bhutan's fine traditional arts constituting hand-woven textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewellery, interesting items made from local materials.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2,320m)

Day 17: Thimphu – Paro (55km, approx. 1.1/2-hour drive)
Morning after breakfast, drive to see the iconic gigantic Buddha Dordenma (Vajra seated), the world’s largest sitting bronze statue. Majestically situated at Kuenselphodrang, it is an object of great veneration to all sentient beings. The land at Kuenselphodrang measuring 145 acres was gifted to Monks Body by His Majesty the Fourth King of Bhutan. The Park conserves 798.4 acres of forest area that surrounds the Buddha Dordenma statue. Dedicating it to the 60th birth anniversary celebration of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, His Holiness the Je Khenpo consecrated the 201 feet tall Buddha Dordenma statue at the Kuenselphodrang on 24th September 2015.

After this insightful visit drive to Textile Museum, established in 2001 under the royal patronage of Her Majesty Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck. The museum is managed by the Department of Culture, Ministry of Home & Cultural Affairs, Royal Government of Bhutan. Exhibitions here introduce the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and textiles made by women and men.

Institute for Zorig Chusum, commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School is an important learning center that offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school.

Located below the main town, Centenary Farmers Market popularly known as Weekend market is a pleasant, colourful & delightful place to mingle with locals. Farmers come from all over the country to sell their farm products in this market. Also available here are the handicrafts and artifacts, to purchase.

Afternoon, continue to Paro, en route visiting Simtokha Dzong, one of the oldest fortresses of the country, built in 1629. Legend associated with dzong’s construction mention that the fortress was built to subdue a demon that was harassing travellers to this region. The most noteworthy artistic feature of this dzong is the series of over 300 finely worked slate carvings behind the prayer wheels in the courtyard.

Evening at leisure in Paro city centre.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)

Day 18: Depart Paro
After breakfast transfer to Paro International Airport for flight to onward destination. Our guide will assist you with exit formalities and bid you farewell.