The Laya Gasa Trek in Bhutan is one of the most spectacular and challenging trekking adventures in the Himalayas. Known for its pristine alpine beauty and cultural richness, this trek takes you through remote mountain villages, high-altitude passes, and lush river valleys. The trail begins from the historic Drukgyel Dzong in Paro and leads deep into the isolated Laya region, home to the semi-nomadic Layap people. Along the way, trekkers enjoy views of iconic peaks like Jomolhari and Gangchhenta, cross high passes such as Nyile La and Sinche La, and relax in the famous Gasa hot springs at the end of the route. Ideal for experienced hikers, the Laya Gasa Trek in Bhutan offers a unique mix of nature, culture, and high-altitude adventure. This trek is perfect for those looking to explore off-the-beaten-path Bhutan with expert guides, well-equipped camps, and unforgettable Himalayan scenery.
The Laya Gasa Trek in Bhutan is ideal for trekkers looking to combine a high-altitude Himalayan experience with deep cultural immersion. From snow-capped peaks to untouched villages and natural hot springs, this trail promises a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in the mystical kingdom of Bhutan.
Trip Name: Beautiful Laya/Gasa Trek Itinerary
Duration: 20 days
Grade: Easy to Exotic
Type: Trekking
Max Elevation: 5005m
Route: Lingshi - Chebisa - Shomuthang - Robluthang - Limithang - Laya - Halt - Koina - Gasa - Geon Damji - Tashithang - Punakha - Thimphu - Paro
Best Season:
Duration: 20 days
Cost: USD 6000
The Laya Gasa Trek in Bhutan is a high-altitude trekking route that offers unmatched Himalayan beauty and cultural encounters. The trek reaches its highest point at Sinche La Pass (5,005 meters / 16,420 feet), making it one of Bhutan’s most demanding and rewarding adventures. Trekkers must be well-prepared for long hiking days, cold temperatures, and altitude changes.
Because of its challenging terrain and high elevation, the Laya Gasa Trek requires proper gear to ensure safety and comfort:
Essential Clothing:
Footwear:
Accessories:
Due to the altitude and rugged terrain, trekkers should have prior experience with multi-day hikes and good cardiovascular endurance. Pre-trip training including hiking, cardio, and strength exercises is strongly recommended. Acclimatization days are built into the itinerary to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Day 1/7: The sights and trekking trail is identical to the Jhomolhari Trek. This trek begins to differ from day 8:
Day 8: Lingshi - Chebisa
Trek Day 6 : Distance 10 km and walking time 5-6 hours. Starting at Lingshi ( 4010m)
Trek day 6 is a pleasant walk and you encounter parts of Lingshi village and the settlement of Goyak. On reaching camp at Chebisa village you can visit the village houses.
Day 9: Chebisa - Shomuthang
Trek Day 7 : Distance 17 km and walking time 6-7 hours. Starting at Chebisa (3880m)
On this day we walk mostly through wild high pastures and yak pastures with few people and their herds of Yak. We also walk through the 'Gobula' pass at 4440m. Camp is above a tributary to the Mo Chu river.
Day 10: Shomuthang - Robluthang
Trek Day 8 : Distance 18 km and walking time 6-7 hours. Starting at Shomuthang (4220m) and camp at Robluthang ( 4160m)
On the early part of the trek you will see views of Mt. Kang Bum (6526m) and Mt. Gangchenta (6840m). We pass by Tsheri Jathang, a valley by the river side where herds of Takin are normally seen during the summer months.
Day 11: Robluthang - Limithang
Trek Day 9 : Distance 19 km and walking time 6-7 hours. Starting at Robluthang (4160m)
Trek day 9 is a bit tough as we have to cross Sinche la (5005m) the highest altitude point on the trek. The second half of day's walk is through rocky trails and moraines. Limithang is in the Laya district and here you begin to see the wonderful children in funny hats. Camp at Limithang is beneath Gangchhenta; - the Great Tiger Mountain. If you have time it would be worthwhile to spend a rest and exploration day here.
Day 12: Limithang - Laya
Trek Day 10 : Distance 10 km and walking time 4-5 hours.Starting at Limithang (4140m)
Today is all the way down hill along a winding river valley with quite a closed-in feeling. The trail splits, one going down with the river to the camp site used by the army while the other stays high and takes you into the west side of Laya village. We can camp on a flat table land above the east end of Laya village.
Day 13: Laya - (Halt)
Trek Day 11 : Visit Laya village houses or hike above the camp. A day halt is interesting here or just spending the day with the Layaps (nomads)
Day 14: Laya -Koina
Trek Day 12 : Distance 19 km and walking time 6-7 hours. Starting at Laya (3840m)
The trail winds up and down along the Mo Chu river, avoiding natural obstacles and affording breathtaking views of the crashing river, feeder streams and water-falls. The beginning of the trek will take you past an army camp and the route junction for the Snowman trek. Campsite at Koina is one of the worst campsites on this trek but you will have to use it due to non availability of camp sites or availability of water.
Day 15: Koina - Gasa
Trek Day 13 : Distance 14 km and walking time 6-7 hours. Starting at Koina (3050m)
The route may seem all the way downhill but you have to cross the last pass on this trek - Barila pass at 3900m after which is all the way down hill till you reach camp. The camp is near the Gasa Dzong and village. If you prefer a hotspring dip you can go on for another 1-1/2 hours to Gasa Tsachu (hotspring). However, you have to decide at the start of the trek and inform the camp staff accordingly.
Day 16: Gasa - Geon Damji
Trek Day 14 : Distance 18 km and walking time 5-6 hours. Starting at Gasa (2770m)
On trek day 14, the trail winds through rolling hillsides with vistas of fields, villages and Oak and Pine forests. The trek also takes you through small settlements and final camp site at Geon Damji village - a large village with rice terraces on the hillsides.
Day 17: Geon Damji - Tashithang
Trek Day 15 : End of Trek : Distance 16 km and walking time 5 hours. Starting at Geon Damji (2430m) and ending at vehicle point at Tashithang (1840m) From here it is 18 km (1 hour drive) to Punakha.
Day 18: Punakha - Thimphu
Visit Chhimi Lhakhang - the temple of the devine madman (roundrtrip 1-1/2 hours walk ). Visit Wangdue and after lunch, drive on to Thimphu.
Day 19: Thimphu Sightseeing - Paro
We start in the morning with a visit to the Zelukha Nunnery, National Library, Memorial Chorten of Late King, Handicrafts Emporium, Post Office and walk around Thimphu city for shopping of souvenirs from Bhutan. If this day falls on a Saturday or Sunday a visit to the Weekend Market is a must. After lunch drive to Paro enroute visit to Simtokha Dzong the first fort built in 1627-29 by Shabdrung. We continue the journey following the Thimphu river towards Paro.
Day 20: Farewell and Departure.
Cost includes:-
· Private transportation By SUV Car
· All necessary travel permits
· English speaking local guide.
· Accommodation on a SINGLE room basis.
· Sightseeing and monastery entrance fees as per the itinerary
· Meal plan: Full Board Basis (B,L,D)
· Bhutanese Govt SDF $100 per person/ per night
· Bottle of drinking water while on tour.
· Bhutan visa fees
· Tented accommodation with full catering by our staff
· Supporting staff, Porters, trekking permit, and service charge
Cost excludes:-
· Flight ticket of any sector
· Additional cost due to natural calamity and unforeseen circumstance
· Personal expenses such as drink, guide tips & etc.
