Laya Gasa Trek In Bhutan

The details of 12 day beautiful Laya Gasa trek itinerary in Bhutan, Laya Gasa trek cost, difficulty level, altitude and more. This trek starts at Shana, Paro and ends at the hot spring in Gasa. Total distance covered 166 km, average walking distance a day 16 km per day. With immense opportunity to see diverse flora and fauna, you will pass through the nomadic Yak herders’ camp at Tegethang. The route also passes through numerous passes including Nyelala pass (4700 m), Gokula pass (4320 m) and others.

You can see spectacular views of Mt. Jomolhari, Tserimgang, Table mountain, Gangkhar Puensum and Masagang. You will be introduced to the unique culture of Layap people of the remote Laya village. Highest elevation is 5005 m

Laya Gasa Trek In Bhutan

Trek facts:

  • Trek duration: 12 days.
  • Difficulty level: Hard.
  • Starting point: Shana, Paro.
  • Ends at: Gasa Hot Spring.
  • Best time for Laya Gasa Trek: March – May & Sept. – Nov.

Laya Gasa trek Bhutan – Highlights:

  • Visit to the remote and beautiful Laya village.
  • Meet the layaps of upper Himalayas.
  • Experience unique culture.
  • Most scenic landscapes.
  • Pristine villages, farm houses and local people.
  • Diverse flora and fauna.
  • Ancient monasteries, temples and magnificent dzongs.

Laya Gasa trek itinerary.

The Laya Gasa trek itinerary given below is for 18 days and is combined with cultural tour.

  • Day 01. Arrive Paro and sightseeing (Altitude 2280 m).
  • Day 02. Paro – Hike to Taktsang monastery – Shana |22 km | Drive: 1 hour | Altitude: 2820 m.
  • Day 03. Shana – Thang Thangka (Start of Laya Gasa trek Bhutan) | 22 Km | Hike: 7 – 8 hours | Altitude: 3610 m.
  • Day 04. Thang Thangka – Jangothang |19 Km | Hike: 5 – 6 hours | Altitude: 4080 m.
  • Day 05. Jangothang halt: Acclimatization for Laya Gasa trek Bhutan.
  • Day 06. Jangothang – Lingshi | 17 km | Hike: 6 – 7 hours | Altitude: 4000 m.
  • Day 07. Lingshi – Chebisa |10 km | Hike: 5 – 6 hours | Altitude: 3880 m.
  • Day 08. Chebisa – Shomuthang | 17 km | Hike: 6-7 hours | Altitude: 4220 m.
  • Day 09. Shomuthang – Robluthang | 18 km | Hike: 6 – 7 hours | Altitude: 4160 m.
  • Day 10. Robluthang – Lemithang | 19 km | Hike: 6-7 hours | Altitude: 4140 m.
  • Day 11. Lemithang – Laya | 10 km | Hike: 4-5 hours | Altitude: 3840 m.
  • Day 12. Laya (halt) – Laya Gasa Trek Bhutan.
  • Day 13. Laya – Koena | 19 km | Hike: 6-7 hours | Altitude: 3050 m.
  • Day 14. Koena – Gasa (End of Laya Gasa trek Bhutan) | 14 km | Hike: 6-7 hours | Altitude: 2,638 m.
  • Day 15. Gasa – Punakha sightseeing | 78 km | Drive: 3 hours | Altitude: 1242 m.
  • Day 16. Punakha sightseeing – Thimphu | 76 km | Drive: 2 1/2 hours | Altitude: 2334 m.
  • Day 17. Thimphu sightseeing | Altitude: 2334 m.
  • Day 18. Thimphu – Paro (Departure) | 54 km | 1 hour drive.

Comprehensive Schedule for the Laya Gasa Trek Trek in bhutan

Your guide and the driver will receive you at the Paro International Airport and drive to the Hotel.

In the afternoon, visit Ta dzong built in 1649, an ancient watch tower which now houses the national museum of Bhutan.

Then visit Rinpung dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to defend Paro valley against the Tibetan invasion.

In the evening, free to stroll in the town.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

Today, we start Laya Gasa trek itinerary.

In the morning, visit Kichu lhakhang built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan King Srongtsen Gampo.

Then hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery (Paro Taktsang) – 2 hours. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche; the tantric mystic flew here on the back of a flying tiger.

In the afternoon, visit to Drugyal dzong built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

Then drive to Shana. Dinner and overnight in camp.

Begin your day by driving to Shana, covering a distance of 22 km. Once in Shana, commence the hike to Thang Thangka, where the camp is nestled in a meadow alongside a stone shelter.

Altitude: 3610 m; Distance: 22 Km; Hiking Time: 7 – 8 hours.

Today we pass Tegethang, a winter home of Yak herders. high mountains overlook the camp and visible nearby are the ruins of an old fortress used to guard Bhutan against Tibetan invasions.

Dinner and overnight in camp.

Altitude: 4080 m; Distance: 19 Km; Hike time: 5 – 6 hours.

Rest day at Jangothang, enjoy the superb view all around. This trail / halt is also common to Yaktsa trek, Jomolhari trek in Bhutan and Snowman trek.

For day hikes, you have 3 options on this day at Jangothang. It is also the highlight of Laya Gasa trek itinerary.

Hike to Jichu Drake glacier which is around 3 hours (Back and Forth).
Hike to Jomolhari glacier which is around 4 ½ hours (Back and forth).
Walk up the mountain between Jomolhari and Jichu Drake, the summit is at 5200 m. This is 8 hours (Back and forth).

Dinner and overnight in camp.

This trek signifies the completion of the first leg of the Jomolhari Trek and the commencement of the enchanting Laya Gasa Trek.

Embark on the hike, and after approximately 3 to 4 hours, reach the Nyelela Pass at an elevation of 4,700 meters.

Post the pass, descend to a circular hut just below Lingshi, where our camp is set. On the descent from Lingshi, we catch our initial glimpses of the truly mystical dzong perched atop a high hill.

Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the camp.

Altitude: 4000 m; Distance: 17 km; Hiking Time: 6 – 7 hours.

Climb gently to reach another delightful village, Gom Yu, which is set right below a 300 m cliff. We camp at Chebisa by the side of the river. The walk is an easy one.

Dinner and overnight in camp (Altitude of 3880 m).

Distance: 10 km; Hike time: 5 – 6 hours.

We start with quite a stiff climb through high pastures up the Gokula pass (4,320 m). We climb gradually and head down to the camp near a river bed.

Dinner and overnight in camp (Altitude 4220 m).

Distance: 17 km; Hike time: 6-7 hours.

Ascend over the Jarela Pass at an elevation of 4,640 meters, treating us once more to breathtaking views of the towering Himalayan Mountains above. Descend sharply along a forested trail to the Tsarigathang valley, where herds of Takin freely roam. Cross a knee-deep river before ascending to Robluthang, where our camp is set.

Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the camp.

Altitude: 4,160 m; Distance: 18 km; Hiking Time: 6 – 7 hours.

Today is one of the hardest days of the trek.

Climb to Shinchela pass at 4,870 m. We see stunning views of mountains, including the spectacular Gang Chen Ta at the head of the valley.

On a clear day, practically all the mountains on the northern border are visible. Eagles, griffin vultures, blue sheep and yaks abound in this area. We descend down to camp on a lovely spot by the river bank.

Dinner and overnight in camp (Altitude 4,140 m).

Distance: 19 km; Hike time: 6-7 hours.

Walk along the river and through a forest of rhododendron and silver fir and then enter the village of Laya.

The people of Laya are famous for their vertical stripe Yak hair clothing and their strange conical bamboo hats. The features of the people are even more Tibetan-Mongolian than the Bhutanese who live in the central valleys.

Rest of the day is spent at leisure. You can enjoy great views of the Masagang and the other peaks.

Camp at altitude 3840 m; Distance: 10 km; Hike time: 4-5 hours.

Take a day of rest in Laya, providing an opportunity to engage with the local community. Discover the charm of the picturesque Laya Village.

Conclude the day with dinner and spend the night at the camp.

The rail winds along the river valley offers breathtaking views of the crashing river, feeder streams and waterfalls.

Camp at altitude 3050 m; Distance:19 km; Hike time: 6-7 hours.

Today is the final day of Beautiful Laya Gasa trek itinerary.

Climb up to Balela pass at 3,740 m and then descend to Gasa village. The first sight of the Gasa dzong perched on the hillside over the village.

Camp near the Hot spring, a chance for a good hot bath.

Camp at altitude: 2,638 m; Distance: 14 km; Hike time: 6-7 hours.

In The Morning, Drive To Punakha.

On the way, hike to Khamsum Yulley monastery (short hike 45 minutes).

Afternoon – visit Punakha dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Punakha is the winter residence of Je Khenpo, the chief abbot of Bhutan. The third king Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first national assembly here in 1952.

In the evening, walk across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan (160 meters). This bridge is considered the longest of its kind and connects the two sides of the Pho chu river. You will get a great view of the river, valley, temple, and a good boost of adrenaline as well.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the morning, drive to Thimphu via Wangdue Phodrang.

On the way, visit to Chimi lhakhang built in 1499 to honor Lama Drukpa Kuenley, “The divine madman”. The temple is also called “The temple of fertility”.

Then view Wangdue Phodrang dzong built in 1638 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

In the evening, visit to Tashichho dzong, seat of the national government and the central monastic body.

Then free to stroll in the town.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In The Morning, Visit National Memorial Chorten (1974) Built In Honor Of The Third King, Late His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

Then visit the tallest statue of sitting Buddha (51.5 meters) at Kuensel Phodrang.

Later visit Changangkha lhakhang, Takin preserve center, Sangay gang view point and Dupthop lhakhang.

In the afternoon, visit to painting school, the school of 13 arts and crafts.

In the evening, free to stroll in the town.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

After breakfast, drive to the airport and farewell.

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