• Duration 17 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate

    The moderate grade includes a one-week to fifteen-day itinerary. It can reach up to 5000 meter altitude range, but the trails will be moderate (neither easy nor tough). High altitude may affect walking speed and distance. You need to have acclimatization over 3000 meters.

  • Country Bhutan

The Laya Gasa trek explores Bhutan's northern outreach, which is close to the Tibetan border. It is one of the longest adventurous treks in Bhutan, offering incredible scenery, jaw-dropping mountain views, exotic blue sheep, and beautiful blue poppies.

This trek is an extension of the Jomolhari trek, so it is often regarded as the Jomolhari Laya trek. You will start the journey from Paro and travel across several climatic zones, exploring terraced fields, lush forests, alpine meadows, and barren glacial valleys.

Laya Valley is one of the main highlights of Laya Gasa trek for 11 days. It is a semi-nomadic village resided by Layaps, one of the indigenous groups of Bhutan. After Laya, you will descend to Gasa, where you can rejuvenate in natural hot springs.

What can you expect during the Laya Gasa trek in Bhutan?

The Laya Gasa trek is a camping trek. You will be supported by our reliable and professional Bhutanese crew during the journey. We will provide tents, food, and all other essentials during the trek. Our team will take care of setting tents and cooking meals at all campsites along the trail.

In our 17-day Laya Gasa trek itinerary, you will spend two acclimatization days at Jangothang and Laya. These acclimatization days will help you adjust to elevation and avoid altitude sickness.

The campsites we have picked to spend nights during trekking offer splendid landscapes. If you are trekking in the spring season, you can see exotic blue poppies all over the meadows.

Trust us; it will be one of the most mesmerizing sceneries you will ever see. The trail passes by many picturesque settlements, where you will meet locals and experience their daily lifestyle.

Interactions with the crew and the villagers make the journey joyful. During trekking, you will also explore alpine lakes, waterfalls, monasteries, and dzongs.

Highlights

  • Explore the northern outreach of Bhutan on this camping trek
  • One of the most adventurous, long trekking programs in Bhutan
  • Enjoy incredible scenery and jaw-dropping mountain views
  • Witness exotic blue sheep and beautiful blue poppies.
  • Travel across several climatic zones, exploring terraced fields, lush forests, alpine meadows, and barren glacial valleys
  • Explore a semi-nomadic village resided by Layaps
  • Enjoy natural hot springs in Gasa
  • Cross multiple high mountain passes
  • Pass by yak herders huts and explore alpine lakes, waterfalls, monasteries, and dzongs

How difficult is the Laya Gasa trek?

The Laya Gasa trek is challenging. Do not take it lightly. On average, you have to walk 6 to 7 hours a day during this trek. The trail ascends up to 5,000 meters above sea level and crosses many mountain passes. You will ascend and descend via rocky, steep paths.

Likewise, trekkers also have to deal with changing weather and climate. If you have traveled in the mountains before, you know it is always cold. Given the remote location of the Laya Gasa trek route, you will not have any modern facilities during the journey.

We will do our best to provide as many services as possible, but you have to adjust a lot. With that being said, trekkers who are well-prepared for the voyage will enjoy this remote, adventurous trek very much.

How to prepare for the trek?

To do the Laya Gasa trek, you have to be in good health and can walk at least 6 hours a day. Previous trekking experience will make the trek less stressful and very achievable.

If you have never trekked before, make sure you are physically and mentally ready for this trek or do some beginner-friendly treks before embarking on the Laya Gasa trek.

You need good strength, stamina, and endurance. So, consistently exercise for 4 to 6 weeks before the trek starts.

Why trek with us?

Trekking with us means you will receive full support and a safe, hassle-free journey. You will travel with a reliable guide and porters during the trek. We will take care of all the logistics, permits, transportation, etc, required for the trek. You can travel freely and enjoy your time.

Likewise, our Laya Gasa trek itinerary is customizable. If you want to make any changes to the itinerary or package, share them with us freely. There is no hidden cost or policy with us. We provide the services we say on our website.

Given our more than three decades of experience in organizing treks and tours in Bhutan, We, Adventure Treks Nepal, are the best travel partner for all age groups.

Itinerary
Trip Plan
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Upon landing at the airport in Paro, meet our team. They will drop you off at the hotel. Rest for a couple of hours, and later, meet your guide for a short tour. If time allows, you can visit Ta Dzong and Rinpung Dzong. Later in the evening, explore the local market and buy trekking essentials.

  • Meals: Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Start your morning with a delicious breakfast and get ready to hike to Taktsang Lhakhang. Enjoy a gradual uphill climb and stunning scenery on the way. After this place, you will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, a 7th-century monastery. From here, visit Drukgyel Dzong, a wrecked fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel

You will start trekking today. First, drive to Shana, the starting point of the trek. From here, you will ascend, descend for a few hours, and enter a beautiful river valley. Follow a narrow trail and descend to a meadow camp called Thangthangkha for the night stay.

  • Max Altitude: 3 ,750 m/12,303 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Duration: 30 minutes drive & 6-7 hours trek
  • Distance: 21 km/13 miles

The trail ahead of Thangthangkha goes through alpine meadows and passes by dense forests. You will follow the Pachu River and pass by Sio, Takethang, and Dangochang settlements on the way. Further, discovering flora and fauna, reach Jangothang for a night stay.

  • Max Altitude: 4,080 m/13,386 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Duration: 5-6 hours
  • Distance: 19 km/11.8 miles

It is a rest day. You will spend the morning hiking to Tsophu Lake and exploring the nearby areas. Enjoy stunning mountain views and landscapes, and spot different flowers and birds. This day is important for acclimatization.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent

The day starts with gradual uphill walking to Nylie La Pass. You can feel cold air blowing into your pace as you ascend. Upon reaching the top of the pass, I witnessed stunning views of the Tshering Gang (6,789 m) and many other mountains. From here, the trail drops down to Lingshi campsite.

  • Max Altitude: 4,010 m/13,156 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Duration: 6-7 hours
  • Distance: 19 km/11.8 miles

Leaving the Lingshi campsite, you will ascend to the Gom Yu settlement. Walk for an hour from here to reach a little valley with a huge waterfall. You can see the beauty of the Chebisa village.

  • Max Altitude: 3,880 m/12,729 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Duration: 3-4 hours
  • Distance: 12 km/7.4 miles

From Chebisa, the trail ascends to Gogu La (4,440 m). Then, it is a long descent from here. The trail then ascends to a ridge and descends along a muddy path to Jholethang Valley. You will descend deep into the fir and birch forest and walk above the valley floor to Shakya Pasang.

  • Max Altitude: 4,000 m/13,123 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Distance: 14 km/8.6 miles

The Shakya Pasang trail ascends to Jarela Pass (4,785 m), where you can enjoy breathtaking mountain views. The trail then steeply descends to a forest that leads to Tsarigathang Valley. Further, you cross a stream and ascend to Robkuthang campsite.

  • Max Altitude: 4,160 m/13,648 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Duration: 7-8 hours
  • Distance: 16 km/10 miles

Today, you have a long trekking day ahead of you. From Robkuthang, the trail ascends to Shinchela Pass (5,000 m), the highest pass on the Laya Ghasa route. You may see blue sheep, eagles, griffon vultures, and yaks on the way. The trail steeply descends from the pass, taking you to another glacial valley. Enjoy the view of Mt. Gangchey Ta and other mountains.

  • Max Altitude: 4,140 m/13,582 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Duration: 6-7 hours
  • Distance: 19 km/12 miles

From Limithang, you will walk along a beautiful river and pass by a damp forest. Relish the chirping of birds and a peaceful environment. Upon arriving at Laya village, you will settle into your tents.

  • Max Altitude: 3,850 m/12,631 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Distance: 9 km/5.5 miles

Spend this day resting and acclimatizing. Early in the morning, go on a hike and explore the lifestyle of yak herders. See how the locals live and Laya women wearing long, lovely hair.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent

From Laya, you will descend to the army camp and join the Mo Chhu River. Trek following the river and cross a bridge. You will then ascend and descend through fir and juniper forests to Koena (3,800 m). At Koena, you will meet with your car and driver. Drive to Gasa for the night. Enjoy natural hot springs here.

  • Max Altitude: 2,200 m/7,218 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Duration: 6-7 hours
  • Distance: 19 km/12 miles

On this day, you will drive to Punakha. Visit Damji village. Enjoy a lovely ride. Spend the evening exploring the local market.

  • Max Altitude: 1,300 m/4,265 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Distance: 14 km/8.6 miles

Start your day early with a delicious breakfast and visit tourist sites like Punakha Dzong and Khamsum Yulley with your guide. After exploring these monuments, you will drive to Thimphu for a night stay.

  • Max Altitude: 2,350 m/7,710 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Duration: 6-7 hours
  • Distance: 73 km/45 miles

Spend the morning exploring tourist sites like the National Library, Arts & Crafts School, Textile Museum, and Simply Bhutan Museum. All these museums will give you great insights into Bhutanese texts, legends, manuscripts, art, textiles, culture, and traditions. After the tour, you will drive to Paro with your guide.

  • Max Altitude: 2,200 m/7,218 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 1.5 hour
  • Distance: 50 km/31 miles

You will depart from Paro today. Our team will drop you off at the international airport according to your flight schedule.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
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Cost Details
Included
  • Transport by private vehicle
  • Government levy/taxes & visa fee
  • Government approved 3-star hotels (In Cities) with Breakfast, Lunch Dinner..
  • An English speaking guide
  • Bottled water in vehicle (Cities).
  • Permits, entrance fees, & sightseeing
  • Sleeping tents, sleeping mats & pillows (Trekking).
  • Dinning tents, kitchen tent & toilet tent. (Trekking).
  • Tables, chairs, utensils, hot water bags. (Trekking).
  • Trekking chef & assistants. (Trekking).
  • Horses to carry trek equipments. (Trekking).
  • Food supplies. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. (Trekking).
Excluded
  • International Airfare.
  • Travel Insurance.
  • Laundry, Drinks & beverages, like bills of personal nature.
  • Tips.
  • Sleeping bag
Essential Information

Best weather

The best times to do the Laya Gasa trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (mid-September to November). These seasons are not wet, and the trail condition is also nice. The weather remains stable, so camping will be fun. Likewise, a moderate climate makes walking bearable. There is no snow on the trail, and the chances of rainfall are also quite low.

Altitude sickness and how to prevent it

You may suffer from altitude sickness during the Laya Gasa trekking if your body does not acclimatize. To prevent this, we have included two acclimatization days in our itinerary. Likewise, we have maintained our daily ascends to allow you ample opportunity to rest and adjust to the elevation.

Altitude sickness happens when you travel at a high altitude and are not used to it. As the elevation rises, the oxygen level goes down, making you prone to altitude sickness. There are a few things that you can do to avoid altitude sickness. We have mentioned them below:

  • Drink at least 2 liters of water daily. By keeping yourself hydrated, you immensely lower the risk of altitude sickness.
  • Do not drink alcohol or smoke while ascending because these substances will dehydrate you.
  • Maintain your pace, and do not rush.
  • Get ample rest daily and have lots of food.
  • If you feel uneasy or see symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, difficulty in breathing), inform your guide and get first aid.

Travel Insurance

Get well-covered travel insurance for the Laya Gasa trek. Your insurance coverage should include medical bills, helicopter evacuation, loss/theft of personal belongings, etc. If any unseen situation happens during the trek, the travel insurance will help you financially and ensure your safety.

Accommodation during the trek

The Laya Gasa trek is a camping trek, so the accommodation will be tents. We will provide all tents and essentials for the trek in our package cost. You do not have to buy them. We also provide enough on-field crew to make the journey hassle-free for you.

We offer single and twin-shared sleeping tents. You will receive comfortable mattresses, pillows, and blankets. Likewise, we'll build separate dining and toilet tents at all campsites.

Food

In the package, you will get three meals a day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can also bring snacks, nuts, bars, etc, for the journey. We will pre-design the menu, combining Bhutanese and Western options.

All the food will be selected according to your taste, but we highly recommend adding Bhutanese dishes for more authentic flavors. Trekkers who have dietary restrictions should inform us in advance. Similarly, we will carry ample ingredients, fuel, and drinking water for the journey.

Laya Gasa trek packing list

We have to pack the smallest things for the Laya Gasa trek. Below is a list of things you will need on this trip.

  • Breathable underwear
  • Base layer
  • Thermal layer
  • Trekking t-shirts and pants
  • Down jacket
  • Fleece jacket
  • Windproof/waterproof jacket and pant
  • Thermal socks, gloves, beanie, and scarf
  • Dry towel
  • Hiking socks
  • Trekking boots and a causal pair of shoes/slippers
  • Duffel bag and day pack
  • Sleeping bag
  • Trekking poles, UV ray protection sunglass, sun hat
  • Reusable water bottles and water purification tablets
  • Portable torch, knife, map
  • Personal first aid kit (bandaids, insect repellant, ointment, hand sanitizer, crack bandage, pain relief gel/spray, general medicine, etc)
  • Toiletries (toilet paper, wet tissues, deodorant, SPF, lip balm, moisturizer, comb, toothpaste/brush, soap, etc)
  • Snacks, nuts, energy bars, ORS (electrolyte powder)
  • Cash, travel insurance documents, passport-size photo, valid passport, travel visa
  • Book, journal, travelers games
FAQs

The most preferable time of the year to do the Laya Gasa trek is April and the first two weeks of November. The region is exceptionally stunning at this time of the year, and the mountain views are also excellent. You will also enjoy trekking between March to May and mid-September to November.

The Laya Gasa trek is a long journey. It usually takes 17 to 18 days to complete this trek. You can definitely customize the itinerary as you wish.

The Laya Gasa trek is challenging and recommended to trekkers with previous experience. You have to be in good shape physically and mentally to enjoy this trek, which spans various elevations and terrain and crosses multiple high mountain passes.

Yes, hiring a guide and porter for the Laya Gasa trek is necessary. By joining us for the trek, you will get a native, professional guide and porter to help you during the trek. Foreigners in Bhutan are not allowed to travel independently.

Be aware of altitude sickness symptoms and keep yourself hydrated to avoid altitude sickness. You have to be in your optimal condition, so maintain your pace, do not tire yourself unnecessarily, eat carbohydrate-rich food, and get ample rest.

If you see symptoms of altitude sickness, inform your guide and get first aid. If the symptoms do not go away, you may also have to descend.

The terrain along the Laya Gasa trail is uneven, steep, and rugged. The trail constantly ascends and descends. You will trek across forests, terraced fields, meadows, and mountain passes.

No, there is no reliable mobile network coverage along the route. You may get a network in some places, but most of the journey will be off the grid.

We recommend trekkers to buy solar chargers or solar power banks for the journey. You will get electricity in some places to upgrade your devices but do not rely on it. Carry alternatives.

Whether you want to bring a satellite phone or not for the trek is up to you. Our guide will be equipped with a satellite phone to make emergency contact with us.

Our Laya Gasa trek package cost covers the base salary for guides and porters. We request our guests to tip guides and porters after their service ends. It is a great way to say thank you and motivate them to provide better service.

We do not have hidden costs or fees. Our prices are transparent. We also pre-inform our guests of any additional costs that they may encounter.

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