17 Days | Jomolhari, Laya & Highland Culture
Laya Gasa Trek
Discover the Laya Gasa Trek in Bhutan, a 17-day highland journey through the Jomolhari region, remote mountain passes, yak-herder settlements, hot springs, and the remarkable village of Laya. This itinerary combines one of Bhutan’s most rewarding trekking routes with cultural highlights in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and Gasa, making it ideal for experienced hikers who want a challenging trek with deep cultural depth.
Trip at a Glance
Duration
17 Days 16 Nights
Tour Type
Trekking
Difficulty
Strenuous
Best Time
Apr – Jun & Sep – Nov
Trip Style
Private & Customizable
Altitude
1,200m – 5,005m
Ready to plan your Laya Gasa Trek? Send us your travel dates and interests, and we’ll help customize the itinerary.
Laya Gasa Trek Overview
The Laya Gasa Trek is one of Bhutan’s finest high-altitude trekking journeys, combining dramatic Himalayan scenery with remote highland culture. The route begins in Paro and follows the classic Jomolhari trail through Shana, Soi Thangthangkha, and Jangothang before continuing toward Lingshi, Chebisa, Shomuthang, Robluthang, and finally Laya, one of Bhutan’s most distinctive highland villages.
From Jangothang, the trek crosses high passes and remote valleys with sweeping mountain views, alpine meadows, yak pastures, glacial rivers, and traditional settlements. The journey offers close encounters with communities whose traditions remain deeply tied to the land, livestock, and seasonal movement through the mountains.
After completing the Laya Gasa Trek, descend toward Gasa and continue to Punakha, Thimphu, and Paro for a cultural finish. This itinerary is ideal for experienced hikers seeking a challenging Bhutan trek with strong cultural depth, remote landscapes, and a complete journey through western and northern Bhutan.
If you are comparing the Laya Gasa Trek with other Bhutan trekking routes, you may also like our Jomolhari Base Camp Trek, Dagala Trek, or Druk Path Trek itineraries. For planning details, see our Bhutan Visa & SDF and Bhutan Travel Cost guides.
Tour Highlights
- Hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro
- Trek through the spectacular Jomolhari region
- Camp beneath Mount Jomolhari at Jangothang
- Cross high mountain passes with panoramic Himalayan views
- Visit Laya, one of Bhutan’s most distinctive highland villages
- Experience yak-herder culture, alpine landscapes, and remote valleys
- Relax near the hot spring region of Gasa
- Visit Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful fortress-monasteries
- Explore cultural landmarks in Paro and Thimphu
- Complete a challenging trek through western and northern Bhutan
For official Bhutan travel updates, entry rules, and visitor information, please refer to the Department of Tourism Bhutan.
Day 01 | Arrival in Paro and Cultural Introduction
Arrive at Paro International Airport, where your guide from Phuentshok Tours & Treks will welcome you. After completing arrival formalities, begin with a gentle introduction to Paro Valley, one of Bhutan’s most historic and beautiful regions.
Visit Rinpung Dzong, a fine example of Bhutanese fortress architecture, and the National Museum, housed in the old watchtower above the dzong. If time permits, take a relaxed walk through Paro town to explore local shops and cafés.
Overnight: Paro
Day 02 | Hike to Taktsang Monastery / Tiger’s Nest
After breakfast, hike to Taktsang Monastery, famously known as Tiger’s Nest. Perched dramatically on a cliffside above Paro Valley, this sacred monastery is one of Bhutan’s most iconic pilgrimage sites.
The hike usually takes around 4–5 hours round trip, depending on pace. The trail passes through pine forest, prayer flags, and beautiful viewpoints before reaching the monastery. After the hike, return to Paro and, if time allows, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples.
Overnight: Paro
Day 03 | Paro to Shana / Gunitsawa and Trek to Thongdu Zam
After breakfast, drive north from Paro toward the trekking start point near Shana / Gunitsawa. The road follows the Pa Chhu river through rural settlements, forested slopes, and traditional farm landscapes.
After meeting the trekking crew and completing the necessary arrangements, begin the trek with a gentle walk along the river valley. The trail passes through forest, small settlements, and open areas before reaching the first campsite.
Trek: Approx. 3–4 hours
Camp Altitude: Approx. 2,850m
Overnight: Thongdu Zam Camp
Day 04 | Trek from Thongdu Zam to Soi Thangthangkha
Today’s trail follows the Pa Chhu through a beautiful forested valley. The route gradually gains altitude as it passes through mixed forest, river crossings, and narrow sections of trail.
As you move deeper into the mountains, the landscape becomes wilder and more remote. On clear days, you may get your first distant glimpse of Mount Jomolhari before reaching the campsite at Soi Thangthangkha.
Trek: Approx. 6–7 hours
Camp Altitude: Approx. 3,610m
Overnight: Soi Thangthangkha Camp
Day 05 | Trek from Soi Thangthangkha to Jangothang
Continue trekking along the valley as the forest gradually gives way to open alpine landscapes. The trail passes yak herder settlements, highland pastures, and river meadows, with increasingly dramatic views of the surrounding peaks.
Arrive at Jangothang, the spectacular base camp area below Mount Jomolhari. This is one of the most beautiful campsites in Bhutan, with wide views of snow-capped mountains and open highland scenery.
Trek: Approx. 5–6 hours
Camp Altitude: Approx. 4,080m
Overnight: Jangothang Camp
Day 06 | Acclimatization and Exploration at Jangothang
Spend the day at Jangothang for acclimatization and exploration. Depending on weather and fitness, you may take a day hike toward nearby ridges, lakes, or viewpoints that offer excellent views of Mount Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and surrounding Himalayan peaks.
This day is important for adjusting to the altitude before crossing higher passes later in the trek. It also allows time to enjoy the dramatic landscape at a slower pace.
Walk: Approx. 3–5 hours, flexible
Highest Point: Approx. 4,500m, depending on side hike
Overnight: Jangothang Camp
Day 07 | Trek from Jangothang to Lingshi
Today is one of the major high-altitude trekking days. The trail climbs gradually from Jangothang toward Nyile La Pass, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and alpine valleys.
After crossing the pass, descend toward Lingshi, a remote highland settlement known for its dramatic location and historic dzong. The day combines open ridges, yak pastures, and sweeping Himalayan scenery.
Trek: Approx. 6–7 hours
Highest Point: Approx. 4,870m
Camp Altitude: Approx. 4,010m
Overnight: Lingshi Camp
Day 08 | Trek from Lingshi to Chebisa
After breakfast, continue through the highland landscapes of northern Bhutan. The trail passes below Lingshi Dzong and follows a scenic route through villages, pastures, and open valleys.
Arrive at Chebisa, a beautiful village known for its traditional stone houses and waterfall nearby. This is a shorter trekking day, allowing time to rest, explore the village area, and enjoy the quiet highland atmosphere.
Trek: Approx. 4–5 hours
Camp Altitude: Approx. 3,880m
Overnight: Chebisa Camp
Day 09 | Trek from Chebisa to Shomuthang
The day begins with a climb from Chebisa toward Gogu La Pass. The ascent is steady, but the views from the higher ridges are rewarding, with open valleys, grazing yaks, and distant mountain scenery.
After crossing the pass, descend through alpine pastures and continue toward the campsite at Shomuthang. This section offers a strong sense of remoteness and wilderness.
Trek: Approx. 6–7 hours
Highest Point: Approx. 4,440m
Camp Altitude: Approx. 4,220m
Overnight: Shomuthang Camp
Day 10 | Trek from Shomuthang to Robluthang
Today’s route crosses another high pass and continues through rugged alpine terrain. The trail climbs gradually before crossing Jhari La Pass, with views of surrounding peaks and deep valleys on clear days.
After the pass, descend through yak grazing areas and continue toward Robluthang. The campsite is set in a remote mountain landscape, surrounded by open pastures and high ridges.
Trek: Approx. 6–7 hours
Highest Point: Approx. 4,750m
Camp Altitude: Approx. 4,160m
Overnight: Robluthang Camp
Day 11 | Trek from Robluthang to Limithang
This is one of the most challenging and rewarding days of the trek. The trail climbs toward Shingchen La Pass, the highest point of the route, offering dramatic mountain views in clear weather.
After crossing the pass, descend toward Limithang, a beautiful campsite with views of Gangchhenta, also known as the Great Tiger Mountain. The landscape here is wild, open, and deeply memorable.
Trek: Approx. 7–8 hours
Highest Point: Approx. 5,005m
Camp Altitude: Approx. 4,140m
Overnight: Limithang Camp
Day 12 | Trek from Limithang to Laya
After breakfast, follow the trail through a beautiful valley, gradually descending toward Laya, one of Bhutan’s most remarkable highland villages. The route passes rivers, forests, and open slopes before reaching the settlement.
Laya is known for its distinctive culture, traditional dress, and remote mountain setting. After days in the wilderness, arriving in the village feels like a major highlight of the journey.
Trek: Approx. 4–5 hours
Village Altitude: Approx. 3,840m
Overnight: Laya Camp / Local Camp Area
Day 13 | Explore Laya Highland Village
Spend a full day exploring Laya and learning about highland life. The Layap people have a distinct culture, language, dress style, and way of life shaped by the mountains and yak herding traditions.
Walk through the village, meet local residents where appropriate, and enjoy views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. This rest day also provides time to recover after the demanding high-pass sections of the trek.
Walk: Flexible village exploration
Overnight: Laya Camp / Local Camp Area
Day 14 | Trek from Laya to Koina
Leave Laya and begin the descent toward Koina. The trail follows river valleys, forested sections, and mountain slopes, gradually moving from high alpine terrain into lower vegetation zones.
This is a long but scenic trekking day, with changing landscapes and a sense of transition from the highlands toward the lower valleys of Gasa.
Trek: Approx. 6–7 hours
Camp Altitude: Approx. 3,050m
Overnight: Koina Camp
Day 15 | Trek to Gasa and Drive to Punakha
After breakfast, complete the final section of the trek toward Gasa. Depending on road and trail conditions, your vehicle will meet you near the roadhead for the drive to Punakha.
Gasa is known for its remote setting and hot spring region. If time and logistics allow, a short stop near the hot spring area can be included before continuing to Punakha. The drive descends into warmer valleys, offering a comfortable cultural ending after the trek.
Trek: Approx. 3–4 hours
Drive: Approx. 4–5 hours
Overnight: Punakha
Day 16 | Punakha to Thimphu via Dochula Pass
Begin the day with a visit to the magnificent Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. This is one of Bhutan’s most beautiful and historically important dzongs.
Afterwards, drive to Thimphu via Dochula Pass, where 108 memorial chortens stand against a backdrop of Himalayan peaks on clear days. In Thimphu, enjoy a relaxed evening after the long trekking journey.
Overnight: Thimphu
Day 17 | Departure from Paro
After breakfast, complete your check-out formalities. Your guide and driver will be waiting to escort you on the scenic drive to Paro International Airport.
At Phuentshok Tours & Treks, every Bhutan Experiences™ journey is thoughtfully planned to make your trip smooth, personal, and well supported from arrival to departure. Our trekking tours combine Bhutan’s spectacular mountain landscapes with cultural experiences, allowing you to explore remote trails, traditional villages, ancient monasteries, and iconic landmarks along the way. Each journey is private and customizable, with accommodation, meals, transport, licensed guides, trekking support, permits, sightseeing, and essential travel arrangements carefully organized for you.
Below is a clear overview of what is typically included and excluded in our Bhutan trekking tour packages. Final details may vary depending on your itinerary, trekking route, hotel category, travel dates, group size, camping requirements, and personal travel preferences.
Includes
- 3-star hotel accommodation
- Daily meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- Private transport with driver
- Airport transfers in Bhutan
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- Bhutan visa arrangement support
- Route permits where required
- Bottled drinking water
- Government Sustainable Development Fee
- Standard trekking equipment and camp setup
- Pack ponies to carry trekking equipment
- Trekking support crew
- Sleeping mat
Excludes
- International airfare
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
- Spa and wellness services
- Tips for guide and driver
- Sleeping bag
- Optional activities
- Any services not mentioned
Ready to plan your Laya Gasa Trek? Send us your travel dates and interests, and we’ll help customize the itinerary.