The first part of the Laya Gasa Trek goes along the same route as the Jomolari Trek right until Lingshi. Besides the unforgettable views of Mount Jomolhari, the trek offers spectacular views on Jichu Drake, Gangchhenta (Great Tiger Mountain). Between Jangothang and Laya the trail hardly goes below 4,000m and one has good opportunities to spot blue sheep or even takin. Some beautiful Bhutanese mountain villages, the unique culture and appearance of the Layaps (people of Laya district) and finally a day of relaxation at the Gasa hot springs add to an extremely rewarding trekking experience. All in all, the Laya Gasa Trek is considered to be the most beautiful trek of Bhutan, only to be beaten by the tough Snowman Trek.
Program
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Day 1
Paro
The flight into Paro offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas – the perfect way to start your trip. Upon arrival, you will need to complete your visa formalities. You will then be met by a Bhutan Peak Adventure representative, who will accompany you throughout the tour.
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Day 2
Taktsang Hike
Drive to the trail route of Taktsang Monastery in Paro. Taktsang is a Buddhist monastery, also known as the Tiger’s Nest. You will hike to the Monastery for about three hours; after a tour of the Monastery, walk toward the cafeteria, where lunch will be served. The cafeteria is a beautiful viewpoint from which the Taktsang Monastery is visible. After lunch, hike down where the car will be waiting to take you to the hotel. On the way, visit the sacred Kyichu Lhakhang for a free evening
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Day 3
Soi Thangthangkha
In the morning, we drive to Guni Tsawa, where an Army camp is located, and we begin our trek. The trail continues uphill through the river valley, gradually becoming narrower and closing in after a short distance. The winding trail, with frequent climbs and descents, leads us to our campsite in a meadow with a stone shelter at 3,720 meters. By then, we will have trekked about 23km in around 7-8hours
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Day 4
Jangothang
Continue the trail along the Pachhu River. The valley opens up again after you cross a small army outpost. As you trek through the open valley, you’ll enjoy views of high ridges and snow-capped mountains, along with yaks and a yak herder’s camp on the valley floor. After trekking 15 kilometres over the course of 5 to 6 hours, you will reach the ruined fortress at the base of Mt. Jomolhari, situated at an altitude of 4,040 meters. Set up camp here for the night!
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Day 5
Jangothang Halt
After two long days of trek, you will have a good chance to relax under the sun just in front of the Jomolhari. However, if you are interested, you may venture further from the base camp and climb to Tsho Phu at 4300m—spend the night at camp.
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Day 6
Lingshi
Climb gradually toward the pass through a vast pastureland. On your way, depending on the season you are trekking, you will find some yak herders in their camps. Descending from the pass to Lingshi, you will have a beautiful view of Lingshi Dzong, the Valley, Tserim Kang (Mountain), and its glaciers. At 4150 m, camp in a stone shelter with a built-in fire pit or in the tent! By then, we will have covered 19 km of trail within 5 to 6 hours of trekking.
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Day 7
Chebisa
Today is the shortest day of our trip. Upon reaching Chebisa at 3,850 m, having trekked for 3 to 4 hours and covered 12 km of trail, camp alongside the village settlement. You can visit the village houses and experience the Bhutanese rural life.
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Day 8
Shomuthang
Trekking through a vast pastureland will lead to Gobu La Pass. Along the way, you find some Yak herders. Conquering Gobu La Pass at 4,305 m, descend to the valley. The campsite will be above a riverbank, a tributary of the Mochhu River, at an elevation of 4,260 m. By then, we will have trekked 17km in 5 to 6 hours.
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Day 9
Robluthang
We start early because the trek is a little strenuous. Upon crossing the Jerela Pass at 4,600 m, descend to Tsharijathang Valley, where you can see the herds of Takin, the National Animal of Bhutan. Camp at Tsharijathang at 4,390 m after having trekked 15km for 6 to 7 hours!
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Day 10
Lingmethang
Cross the Shingela Pass at 4,900 m, and you take a downhill trek following the valley. Lingmithang, a beautiful village located under Laya County, offers an opportunity to see people dressed in traditional Laya costumes with long bamboo hats on their heads. Camp at Lingmithang at an elevation of 4,140 m after a day-long trek of 6 to 7 hours covering 19 km of the trail! A day spent exploring the valley and meeting the people in unique costumes and their customs will be an exceptional experience.
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Day 11
Laya
The day’s trek is a downhill walk along the narrow, winding river valley. The trail leads you to the west side of the Laya Village. At an elevation of 3,850 meters, the campsite is situated on a high, flat bench above the village. The trek stretches for about 10 km, requiring 3 to 4 hours of regular trekking
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Day 12
Laya Halt
Taking a day off in Laya will allow us ample time to explore the village in depth.
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Day 13
Koena
The trail involves a series of winding rounds to avoid cliffs while affording a breathtaking view of crashing river, feeder streams and cascades of waterfalls. Covering 19km of trail in 6 to 7 hours, we reach our campsite at 3,800 m.
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Day 14
Gasa
Upon crossing the Babela Pass at 3,740 m, the trail descends, leading up to our campsite, located near Gasa Dzong at an elevation of 2,900 m. The 17km stretch of the trek takes 6 to 7 hours of regular trekking. Camp near the Hot Spring!
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Day 15
Drive to Punakha
Drive to Punakha which is approximately 2-3 hours of drive. After lunch, visit Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang.
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Day 16
Thimphu
Drive to Thimphu—driving hours are approximately 2.5 hours. Continue with a few sightseeing in Thimphu
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Day 17
Departure
Departure
Prices shown are for 3 star hotels. A custom trip with 4- or 5- hotels can be arranged in the cities but only basic accommodation in home stays are available during the trek.
| Group Size | Price/Person (USD) |
| 2 | 5115 |
| 4 | 4244 |
| 6 | 3916 |
| 8 | 3766 |
| 10 | 3710 |
Guests wishing to stay in a single room will incur a single supplement charge of $197.
Included
- Visa fee and SDF
- Hotel accommodation on twin sharing basis
- Full board meal plan with Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Registered English speaking Guide
- Comfortable luxury private vehicle (according to group size)
- Complimentary water
- Entrance fees to parks, monuments, and monasteries listed on itinerary
Excluded
- Airline Tickets
- Table drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Any expenses arising out emergency situation
- Tips to guides and drivers
- Any other expenses not mentioned in the included section