Laya Gasa Trek
Tour Overview
Embark on a 16-day adventure through Bhutan’s enchanting landscapes with the Laya Gasa Trek. Begin in Paro with a visit to the iconic Taktsang Monastery. Trek through diverse terrains, from lush river valleys to high mountain passes, encountering yak herder camps, remote villages, and stunning views of snow-capped peaks. Acclimate in picturesque campsites, soak in Gasa’s hot springs, and explore cultural landmarks like Punakha Dzong. Conclude your journey in Paro, leaving with unforgettable memories of Bhutan’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Daily Itinerary for Laya Gasa Trek (16 Days)
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Day 1: Arrival in Paro (2,250 meters)
Arrive at Paro International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Spend the day exploring Paro, visiting Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum to immerse yourself in Bhutanese culture and history. Enjoy the serene beauty of the valley and prepare for the trek ahead. Rest and acclimate in Paro, staying overnight to ensure you are well-prepared for the journey.
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Day 2: Paro – Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) (3,120 meters)
Hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery, perched on a cliffside. This challenging yet rewarding trek helps with acclimatization while offering breathtaking views of the Paro Valley. Explore the monastery and learn about its significance in Bhutanese culture. Return to Paro in the afternoon for some relaxation. Overnight stay in Paro.
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Day 3: Paro – Sharna Zampa – Thangthangkha (2,850 meters to 3,610 meters)
Trek 22 km with a 770-meter ascent and 10-meter descent over seven to eight hours. The trail continues with lots of small ups and downs through the river valley into Jigme Dorji National Park. The valley narrows gradually, leading to a meadow where the camp is set up. Enjoy the first great view of Mount Jomolhari if weather permits. Camp overnight at Thangthangkha.
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Day 4: Thangthangkha – Jangothang (3,610 meters to 4,080 meters)
Trek 19 km with a 480-meter ascent over five to six hours. Continue up the Paro Chhu valley, which widens into patches of alpine meadow and sparse forests. Cross an army outpost and pass the villages of Soe, Takethang, and Dangochang. Enjoy spectacular views of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. Reach Jangothang, one of the most beautiful campsites in the Himalayas, with a spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari. Camp overnight at Jangothang.
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Day 5: Jangothang Halt
Spend the day acclimatizing and exploring Jangothang. Hike to lakes and snow-capped mountains like Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. Spot blue sheep on the upper slopes of the valley. Trek up to Tosoh or hike around the area, enjoying short trails in three directions with views of Jumolhari, Jichu Drake, and unclimbed peaks. Return to the Jangothang campsite for another overnight stay.
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Day 6: Jangothang – Lingshi (4,080 meters to 4,010 meters)
Trek 18 km with an 840-meter ascent and 870-meter descent over six to seven hours. Climb rapidly for half an hour, then gradually ascend to the Nyilila pass at 4,870 meters. Enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tsheringang. Descend to the Lingshi basin, passing yak herder tents. Camp next to a stone hut near Lingshi Dzong. Enjoy views of Tseringang and its glaciers rising at the north end of the valley. Camp overnight at Lingshi.
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Day 7: Lingshi – Chebisa (4,010 meters to 3,880 meters)
Trek 10 km with a 280-meter ascent and 410-meter descent over five to six hours. Take an easy day with a short walk. Visit Lingshi Dzong (4,220 meters) for a mystic atmosphere and great valley views. Pass through Lingshi and Goyul villages, noting the compact, clustered stone houses. Camp at Chebisa, a picturesque village with a beautiful waterfall. Visit local houses if you feel up to it. Camp overnight at Chebisa.
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Day 8: Chebisa – Shomuthang (3,880 meters to 4,220 meters)
After breakfast, drive back to Paro, a journey of approximately 4 hours. In Paro, visit the Rinpung Dzong, an impressive fortress monastery, and the National Museum of Bhutan, housed in the Ta Dzong watchtower, which showcases Bhutanese art, artifacts, and history. Spend the evening wandering through Paro town, exploring its quaint shops and markets. Overnight in Paro.
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Day 9: Shomuthang – Robluthang (4,220 meters to 4,160 meters)
Trek 18 km with a 700-meter ascent and 760-meter descent over six to seven hours. Start early to climb up the valley and view Kang Bum (6,526 meters) and edelweiss. After two hours of climbing, reach Jhari La (4,750 meters). Enjoy the first sight of Sinche La pass, the next day's challenge. Pass through Tsheri Jathang, a takin sanctuary. Climb slightly to reach Robluthang, camping in a rocky meadow. Camp overnight at Robluthang.
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Day 10: Robluthang – Limithang (4,160 meters to 4,140 meters)
Trek 19 km with an 850-meter ascent and 870-meter descent over six to seven hours. Cross Sinche La pass (5,005 meters), the highest pass on the trek. Descend to a stone house where Laya women sell weaving products. See a terminal moraine and glacial lake. Cross the Kango Chhu and reach Limithang campsite, with Gangchhenta peak towering overhead. Camp overnight at Limithang.
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Day 11: Limithang – Laya (4,140 meters to 3,840 meters)
Trek 10 km with a 60-meter ascent and 340-meter descent over four to five hours. Walk downhill through a narrow winding river valley, passing deep forests. The trail leads to Laya village, with views of Gangchhenta and Masagang peaks. Visit the community school and basic health unit. Camp below the school. Camp overnight at Laya.
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Day 12: Laya – Koina (3,840 meters to 3,050 meters)
Trek 19 km with a 260-meter ascent and 1,070-meter descent over six to seven hours. The trail winds up and down along the Mo Chhu river valley, offering breathtaking views of the crashing river, feeder streams, and waterfalls. Cross Kohi Lapcha pass (3,300 meters). Descend to Koina Chhu and reach the Koina campsite. Camp overnight at Koina.
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Day 13: Koina – Gasa (3,050 meters to 2,240 meters)
Trek 14 km with a 740-meter ascent and 1,500-meter descent over six to seven hours. Cross Bari La pass (3,740 meters), the last major climb of the trek. Descend to Gasa village (2,770 meters), where you find the first restaurants since Drukgyel Dzong. Decide to stay in Gasa village or descend another hour to Gasa Tsachu (hot springs) for a relaxing soak. The Gasa Tsachu is one of Bhutan's most popular hot springs. Camp overnight at Gasa Tsachu.
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Day 14: Gasa – Punakha
After breakfast, drive from Gasa to Punakha, enjoying the beautiful landscapes and traditional villages along the way. Visit Punakha Dzong, one of the most impressive and historically significant dzongs in Bhutan. Stroll through the nearby rice fields and explore the surrounding area. Overnight stay in Punakha.
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Day 15: Punakha – Paro
Drive from Punakha to Paro, stopping at Dochula Pass for stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan range. Continue to Paro, where you can relax and enjoy your final evening in Bhutan. Overnight stay in Paro.
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Day 16: Departure from Paro
Transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure. Take with you cherished memories of Bhutan’s natural beauty and cultural richness. Safe travels and farewell!
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- Included in this package
- Bhutan visa fee
- Government royalty & taxes
- Dedicated English speaking tour guide
- Dedicated tour vehicle and driver
- 3-star accommodation (twin sharing)
- Daily 3 meals (B/L/D)
- Airport transfers
- Bottled water in Vehicle
- Not Included in package
- Flights to and from Bhutan
- Personal expense/shopping
- Alcoholic Beverages
- 4 or 5 star accommodation (extra charges will apply)
- Premium Travel insurance
- Entry fees to parks and monuments
- Tips for guide and driver
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