Beautiful laya gasa trek

Beautiful Laya Gasa trek 12 days

The trek from Shana to Gasa is one of Bhutan’s most spectacular high-altitude adventures, taking travelers through remote Himalayan valleys, alpine forests, yak herders’ camps, and traditional mountain villages.

Beginning from Shana, the trail gradually follows the Paro River through beautiful pine, oak, spruce, and rhododendron forests before reaching the scenic campsite of Soi Thangthangkha at 3,750 meters. Along the way, trekkers are rewarded with peaceful wilderness, crystal-clear streams, and ever-changing mountain scenery.

From there, the journey continues toward Jangothang, often referred to as the base camp of Mount Jomolhari. Here, trekkers can enjoy magnificent views of snow-capped peaks including Jomolhari, Jitchu Drake, and Tsherim Gang. Moreover, the wide alpine valley surrounding Jangothang is considered one of the most beautiful trekking campsites in Bhutan.

In addition, a halt day at Jangothang allows time for rest, proper acclimatization, and a short excursion toward the glacier beneath Mount Jomolhari. As trekkers gain altitude, the trail crosses several spectacular high mountain passes including Nyelela, Gubula, Jarila, and Shingjela, all rising above 4,500 meters.

Although these sections are physically challenging, they reward trekkers with breathtaking panoramic views, pristine valleys, glacial lakes, and occasional sightings of blue sheep and the rare Himalayan takin, Bhutan’s national animal.

Furthermore, the route passes through the historic Lingshi Valley, where trekkers can admire the dramatic hilltop fortress of Lingshi Dzong before continuing toward the peaceful villages of Chebisa and Shomuthang.

As the trek progresses toward Robluthang and Limethang, the landscape becomes even more dramatic, featuring rugged mountain terrain, vast yak pastures, and stunning views of Mount Gangchhenta, also known as Tiger Mountain.

Eventually, the final stages of the trek descend gradually into the beautiful highland settlement of Laya, home to the indigenous Layap people who are known for their unique culture, traditional dress, and warm hospitality. After exploring Laya village and experiencing local cultural performances and traditional lifestyles, the trail continues through forests and river valleys toward Gasa.

Finally, the trek concludes with a relaxing visit to the famous Gasa hot springs, offering the perfect opportunity to soothe tired muscles after days of trekking through the Himalayas.

Altogether, this extraordinary journey combines breathtaking mountain scenery, rich cultural encounters, and remote wilderness experiences, making it one of Bhutan’s most unforgettable trekking adventures.

Season

April to June and mid-September to November.

FAQ

Is this trek physically demanding?

Yes, this is a challenging high-altitude trek, and therefore you must be physically fit and prepared for long walking days, steep ascents, and changing mountain weather conditions.

Are there tea houses on the trek route?

No, the trek passes entirely through remote wilderness areas, so there are no hotels or tea houses along the route. Instead, all accommodation is provided in tents with a full trekking support crew.

Do I need a partner to do this trek?

Although you can do this trek solo, it is generally more economical to share the trek with friends or other travelers since trekking logistics in Bhutan involve guides, cooks, horses, and camping equipment. However, if budget is not a concern, you can certainly enjoy the trek privately as well.

How is your refund and cancellation policy?

Please read our refund and cancellation policy for detailed information regarding booking changes, cancellations, and applicable refunds.

Fish beside a lake with an altitude of 4300 meters Trek through beautiful mountain passes and forests
Have a grand view of the Mount Everest and other giant mountains
Relax yourself via a traditional hot stone bath
Drink traditional red rice beer with unique local taste
Dress in traditional National Attire to take a photo
Get 1 Bhutan sim card of 5GB internet access
Culture dance show with dinner
Try local archery, which is not only Bhutan’s national sports, but also art

Day 1: Fly to Bhutan

The flight in Paro is one of the most specticular of all mountain flights. One can see Mount. Everest, Kanchenjanga, Makula, and peaks in Bhutansuch as Jhomolhari, Jitchu Drakey and Tsherim Gang. The first gift from Bhutan will be cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the airplane. Receive you by the representative from Men-Lha Adventure Company and transfer you to Hotel in Paro. Altitude: 2280mtrs.

National Museum: Built in 1649 as a watchtower but in 1968 it was converting into National Museum by the Third King. 7 storied Building in couch shape. One of the best museum in Asia.

Paro Dzong: Dzong is (Monastery Fortress in English). The person who unified Bhutan in 1616 called Zhabdrung Rinpoche built it in 1646. It survived the 1897 earthquake but a fire severely damaged the dzong in 1907. It is one of the most impressive and well known with finest example of Bhutanese Architecture.

Day 2: Paro

Sightseeing in Paro.

Taktsang Monastery: the Precious Master (Ugyen Rinpoche) founded this place in 8th century (747AD) during his second visit to Bhutan. He has meditated for four month has and founded this place as one of the most secret pilgrim site for Buddhist. It is also believe to be said that who ever visit this place once in their life will be counted as thousand time’s. After visit this place can purified your sin that has been committed. It is about 5hours hike, if you complete the hiking in an around Monastery.

Dungtse Monastery: Built in 1421 by Famous Tibetan saint Thangthong Gyalpo also known as ChagzamPa, A famous iron chain bridge duilder. It contains most extraordinary frescoes painting in the Himalayan world. The temple is conceived as a Mandala( a mystic Cosmic diagram). Over night in hotel.

Kychu monastery: Built in 659 AD by the Tibetan King Songtsen Geompo to pin down the Ogress. The construction of Kychu Monastery in Paro and Jambasy Monastery in Bumtang (central Bhutan) first put Bhutan on the Buddhist Map. Dinner and over night at hotel in Paro.

Day 3: Shana to Soi thangthangkha
The trail again follows the Paro river ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. Hot lunch or pack lunch will be serving after crossing the bridge on the left hand side. After lunch, follow the river climbing up through rhododendrons forests and finally crossing the bridge again reaching the campsite at the altitude of 3750mtrs. Walking distance: 8/9hours, 20kms.

Day 4: Thangthangkha to Jangothang
The path ascends for a while till you reach the army camp. Then follow the river above the tree line enjoying the stunning views of surrounding peaks. Lunch on the way and continue your walk. A short distance walk into the valley will take you into the campsite of Jangothang at 4040mtrs. Over night camp. Walking distance: 7hours, 19kms.

Day 5: Jangothang halt
Cleaning day and make a short day hike to the glacier near the Jhomolhari mountain. Over night camp.

Day 6: Jangothang to Lingshi valley
The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the wooden bridge on right side. Start the climb uphill with breathtaking view of Chomolhari, Jitsu Drakey and Tserim gang. The walk towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until the climb to the Nyelela passes at an altitude of 4700mtrs. After the pass gradually descend to the lingshi cam, enjoying the panoramic view of Lingshi Dzong. Over night camp at the altitude of 4000mtrs.

Walking distance: 7/8hours,18kms.

Day 7: Lingshi to Chebisa
Proceed ahead passing Lingshi Dzong, Preach on the hilltop with the command view of green hills. The Winding River and magnificent peaks. It is an easy day and pleasant walk through the village and yak herders’ camp. After lunch short walk will take you to the Chebisa village. Camp by the side of the stream at the altitude of 3850mtrs.

Walking distance: 5/6hours, 10km.

Day 8: Chebisa to Shomuthang
Today the trail began with a stiff climb up a ridge to Gubu la pass at an altitude of 4500mtrs, taking nearly 4 hours. After crossing, a pass descends to a lunch stop, through Rhododendrons bushes. After lunch continue your walk along the up and down path, after crossing the stream, through rhododendron forests and yak herders camp. You may also see the herd of Blue sheep now and then. Over night camp at altitude 4250mtrs.

Walking distance: 6/7hours, 17kms

Day 9: Shomuthang to Robluthang
The trek starts with a climb to Jari la pass at the altitude 4700mtrs. Then descends to Tasharijathang valley, the summer residence of rare Himalayan takin(national Animal) of Bhutan. From here, we may have to cross the stream most of the time the footbridge is washes away. After crossing the stream towards the left the trail ascends till you reach the campsite in Robluthang at an altitude 4200mtrs. Over night camp.

Walking distance: 6/7hours, 18kms

Day10: Robluthang to Limethang
It is along climb up to Shingjela pass 4900mtrs. The view of the mountains from the path is stunning. After the pass descends to Limethang. The path is quite narrow and you may have to cross the stream again and get wet. The last part of the trek is very interesting with the view of the Mount. Gangchen Ta(tiger mountain). Over night camp at an altitude 4100mtrs.

Walking distance: 7/8hours, 19kms.

Day11: Limethang to Laya
The morning you wake up with a superb view of the Mount. GangchenTa in front of you. The walk to Laya is very pleasant with wonderful views. You will pass through the damp forests, filled with mass and singing birds. Over night camp at an altitude 3800mtrs.

Walking distance: 4/5hours, 10kms

Day12: Laya halt
Explore in an around Laya Village. You can also visit the local houses and witness the cultural show performs by the local young ladies. Over night camp.

Day13: Laya to Chamsa
Descends to Army camp and Join the Mochu (Female River) of Punakha. Follow the river till you cross the bridge. After crossing the bridge will be up and down several times through Juniper and Fir forests till you reach the camp. Over night camp at an altitude of 3800mtrs.

Walking distance: 8/9hours, 19kms.

Day14:Chamsa to Gasa/Punakha
Walk for over half an hour on the flat land till you reach the Belela Pass. Its down hill all the way to Gasa, Lunch at Gasa Village at the altitude of 2700mtrs. After lunch visit the Dzong in Gasa and stroll in an around Gasa Village. The evenings descend to Gasa Tshachu (hot spring) for camp at 2200mtrs.

Walking distance: 6/7hours,14kms.

Day 15: Punakha to Paro

After breakfast drive to Paro. On way visit Lampelri recreational park. Rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight in Paro.

Day 16. Fly out