Laya Gasa trek route starts at Drukgyal Dzong in Paro and ends at Damji in Gasa. It passes through thick sub-tropical forests, mountain passes, and alpine meadows. Along the way we can see Mt. Gangkar Punsum and several snow-capped mountain peaks. The 271-km trail takes 14 days. Frequent steep ascents and descents make the trek one of the more difficult ones offered in Bhutan.
During the first five days of Laya Gasa trek, we take the same route as the Jomolhari Trek that passes by Jigme Singye National Park. On the sixth day, we divert towards Lingzhi for the campsite at Chebisa, a small nomadic village.
This route is one of the most scenic. Along the route, we can spot the blue sheep and the takin. We also pass through nomadic villages in Laya. The inhabitants of Laya are totally different from rest of the Bhutanese in terms of culture, tradition, costume, and way of life.
The long trek will be supplemented with a refreshing relish in the Gasa Hot Spring. The best time to do Laya Gasa trek is between April and June and mid-September and mid-November. Check all our Bhutan tours. Involve in community forum to get best advices and guides to travelling in Bhutan.
Itinerary – Laya Gasa Trek
Day 1: Arrive in Paro, Bhutan
Our company guide will receive you at the Paro International Airport and transfer you to the hotel. If you arrive early, you will be taken on a local sightseeing tour. We will visit the National Museum – locally known as Taa Dzong or the Watch Tower – Rinpung Dzong and some other places of historical importance. Towards evening you will check in your hotel and rest. Overnight in Paro at a 3 star hotel/resort.
Day 2: Drive from Gunyitsawa Village to Sharna Zampa
- Time: 40mins Trail: 80m descent
- Campsite altitude: 2,850m
The Royal Bhutan Army at Gunyitsawa checks our trek permit and endorses it. The Laya Gasa trek begins here.
Day 3: Trek to Thangthangkha (a day-long trek)
- Time: 7 – 8hrs.
- Distance: 22km Trail: 770m ascent, 10m descent
- Campsite altitude: 3,610m
Day 4: Trek to Jangothang
- Time: 5 – 6hrs.
- Distance 19km Trail: 480m ascent
- Campsite altitude: 4,080m
If we arrive early, we will be able to see Mt. Jomolhari. Otherwise, we will have to wait until the following morning. From here, the trek continues upward along the Pacchu river valley.
Day 5: Halt at Jangothang
Today, our stop at Jangothang provides plenty of time for splendid views of lakes and snow-capped mountains, including Jomolhari, and Jichudrake. If we are lucky, we may spot blue sheep on the upper slopes.
Day 6: Trek to Lingzhi
- Time: 6 – 7hrs.
- Distance: 18km
- Trail: 840m ascent, 870m descent
- Campsite altitude: 4,010m
Today, we climb up and down almost the same altitude. After traveling a short distance from the camp, we climb up steeply for about 90 minutes and then we climb Nyilila pass, resting at 4870 m.
Day 7: Trek to Chebisa
- Time: 5 – 6hrs.
- Distance 10km
- Trail: 280m ascent, 410m descent
- Campsite altitude: 3,880m
Today, shortly after the trek starts, we reach a choeten below Lingzhi Dzong. From here, we can choose either to continue trekking on the main trail or take a detour.
Day 8: Trek to Shomuthang
- Time: 6 – 7hrs.
- Distance 17km
- Trail: 890m ascent, 540m descent
- Campsite altitude: 4,220m
Today we will have to ascend for almost three hours. We then come across a huge pastureland towards Gobula pass. Along this route, we may see a few yak herders.
Day 9: Trek to Robluthang
- Time: 6 – 7hrs.
- Distance: 18km
- Trail: 700m ascent, 760m descent
- Campsite altitude: 4,160m
Today, we climb up the valley to view Kang Bum at 6,526 m. After two hours walk we reach Jhari La at 4,750 m. From Jhari La we can catch sight of Sinche La.
Day 10: Trek to Limithang
- Time: 6 – 7hrs.
- Distance: 19km
- Trail: 850 m ascent, 870m descent
- Campsite altitude: 4,140m
As the trek becomes more adventurous, today we start the trek with an hour of ascent. After an hour, we come across a forest of boulders to cross which takes an hour and a half. The trail then climbs steeply for an hour and finally we reach Sinche La at 5,005m.
Day 11: Trek to Laya
- Time: 4 – 5hrs.
- Distance: 10km
- Trail: 60m ascent, 340m descent
- Campsite altitude: 3,840m
Today, the trail takes us downhill across a narrow river valley and densely forested area to the west of Laya. Hoping you are feeling great with our Laya Gasa Trek.
Day 12: Trek to Koina
- Time: 6 – 7hrs.
- Distance: 19km
- Trail: 260m ascent, 1,070m descent
- Campsite altitude: 3,050m
Today the trek ends near Mochhu River. The location offers intriguing views of the river, streams and waterfalls.
Day 13: Trek to Gasa
- Time: 6 – 7hrs. Distance: 14km
- Trail: 740m ascent, 1,500m descent
- Campsite altitude: 2,240m
This is the last climb of the Laya-Gasa. The trek passes by Bari La at 3,740m, after which it descends to Gasa village at 2,770m. End of Laya Gasa trek. This trek ends in Gasa where we find the remote Gasa village and historically significant Gasa Tashi Thongmon Dzong. Overnight: Gasa Hot Spring Guesthouse.
Day 14: Enjoy Gasa Hot Spring
The long trek will be supplemented with a refreshing dip in the Gasa Hot Spring. In the afternoon travel to Punakha, where you will stay the night in hotel.
Day 15: Departure
See off at the airport by the guide and driver. Your tour is completed!
Bhutan Travel Information
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Specification: Bhutan Laya Gasa Trek
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Photos: Bhutan Laya Gasa Trek
1 review for Bhutan Laya Gasa Trek
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Oleg –
This is an outstanding trekking tour in Bhutan. We did this in September 2019 and it was great experience! I am recommending this tour to all my friends and families.