Laya Gasa Trek 16days

Day 1: Fly into Paro

Your flight into Paro treats you to spectacular views as the plane weaves through the Himalayas, with your guide waiting to greet you on arrival. If you land in the morning or early afternoon, there’s time to explore Paro before settling in — starting with Ta Dzong, the 17th-century watchtower that now serves as home to the National Museum of Bhutan. From there, continue on to Rinpung Dzong, whose name translates to “Fortress of the Heap of Jewels.” The evening is spent overnight at a hotel in Paro.

Day 2: Acclimatization hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery

After breakfast, hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, perched at 3,100m on a cliff above Paro Valley. Legend says Guru Rinpoche flew here on a tigress’s back and meditated in the cave where the monastery now stands — a hike that doubles as good acclimatization for the trek ahead. After exploring, descend back toward Paro, stopping for lunch midway down the trail, then continue to the valley. Spend the evening strolling through Paro town before an overnight stay at a hotel

Day 3: Paro to Shingkha- Trek begins

9 km | 4–5 hours | 250m ascent | Camp altitude: 3,110m The day begins with a drive to Gunitsawa, the trek’s starting point, passing Drukgyal Dzong, apple orchards, and the villages of Tsento along the way, heading north through the Paro Valley. From here, the trek itself is a gentle one, following a gradual slope through conifer and rhododendron forest alongside the Pa Chu River, crossing it several times along the way. After roughly five hours of steady hiking, the trail reaches Shingkharap — a wide, open grassy clearing home to a single house that serves as a rest-stop for highlanders passing through. From there, a short walk further brings you to the campsite for the night, set at an altitude of 3,110m.

Day 4: Shingkarap to Soi Thangkha

15 km | 6–7 hours | 560m ascent | Camp altitude: 3,670m The trail continues alongside the Pa Chu River, weaving up and down through forests of pine, oak, and spruce. Underfoot, loose stones and a series of steep, abrupt climbs and drops make the going tougher as the altitude steadily builds. After crossing a bridge on the left side of the river, a hot lunch offers a welcome pause partway through the day. Beyond lunch, the trail follows the river further upstream, climbing through rhododendron forest before crossing the river once more. From there, a final stretch brings you to the campsite, set at an altitude of 3,670m.

Day 5: Soi Thangkha to Jangothang base camp

17KM | 4-5 HOURS | 370M ASCENT | CAMP ALT 4040M Beyond this point, the trail climbs above the treeline, which in Bhutan sits at roughly 3,700 meters. The day begins with a steady ascent toward an army camp, after which the trail continues to trace the river through open, treeless terrain, framed by impressive views of the surrounding peaks. Further along, the path crosses a muddy section before passing a mani wall and entering true yak-herding country, where a hot lunch awaits inside a yak herder’s camp. After lunch, the trail continues past the herding settlements of Soe and Takethang, before crossing a broad plateau and following a streambed onward. Passing through Dangochang village, the trail finally arrives at the spectacular campsite of Jangothang, set at 4,040m — a spot renowned for its superb, close-up views of Mount Jomolhari.

Day 6: Jangothang Acclimatization and Exploration

Today is an acclimatization day, with an optional four-hour hike north of camp. There’s barely a trail — just an open, endless slope leading up toward views of Mount Jichu Drake (6,989m), with the option to scramble higher, to 4,895m, for a stunning outlook on Mount Jomolhari. Keep an eye out for blue sheep, Himalayan rhubarb, griffon vultures, golden eagles, and the rare blue poppy along the way. Below, Jangothang base sits as a flat grassy plain, an old ruined fortress on a hillock in the foreground, framed by the towering peaks of Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. Alternatively, a shorter two-hour excursion leads to the twin Tshophu Lakes (4,400m) en route to Bonte La Pass. Since altitude sickness is common here, a rest day is strongly advised — whether you hike or simply relax at camp, it’s bound to be memorable.

Day 7: Jangothang to Lingzhi

18 km | 6–7 hours | 820m ascent | 860m descent | Camp altitude: 4,010m The day begins by following the stream for about half an hour before crossing a bridge to its right bank. From there, the trail climbs to the first ridge, rewarding the effort with a breathtaking view of Jomolhari (7,315m), Jichu Drake (6,662m), and Tserim Gang (6,532m). A stretch of relatively flat walking follows, leading across the valley before the trail climbs once more, this time to Nyile La pass at 4,870m. Beyond the pass, the route descends gradually toward camp, opening up panoramic views of the surrounding peaks along with a first glimpse of Lingshi Dzong. Time permitting, it’s worth detouring to this small fortress, perched on a hilltop overlooking Lingzhi village — for centuries, it served both as a resting point for Buddhist pilgrims and as a defensive stronghold against Tibetan and Mongol incursions. The night is spent camped at 4,010m.

Day 8: Lingzhi to Chebisa

12 km | 5–6 hours | 210m ascent | 340m descent | Camp altitude: 3,880m An optional detour climbs to Lingzhi Dzong (4,220m), overlooking Lingzhi Village, known for its medicinal herbs. The trail then continues past a prayer-flagged cairn and descends into Gongyul Village (3,870m), a small stone-house settlement in the valley. From there, an easy stretch leads to Chebisa Village (3,880m), marked by a frozen waterfall in colder months. Camp is set on a meadow opposite the village, with quiet valley views.

Day 9: Chebisa to Shoumothang

17 km | 6–7 hours | 620m ascent | 520m descent | Camp altitude: 4,220m The day opens with a steep, roughly four-hour climb up a ridge to Gogu La pass (4,500m), an area where rare blue sheep are often spotted picking their way across the rocks near the summit. Beyond the pass, the trail descends through stretches of rhododendron bush toward the lunch stop, before continuing through the afternoon along a route of scattered ups and downs. After crossing a stream and passing through rhododendron forest and yak herder camps, the trail reaches Shakepasa (3,980m). From there, a steep climb leads up the northern side of the valley, passing several more herders’ camps along the way, before arriving at the night’s camp, set beside a stream at 4,250m.

Day 10: Shoumothang to Robluthang

17 km | 6–7 hours | 620m ascent | 590m descent | Camp altitude: 4,160m The trail opens through a stretch lined with edelweiss, climbing gradually toward Jari La Pass (4,750m) — about two hours from camp — where sweeping views of Khangbum (6,526m) unfold to the southeast. From the pass, the trail drops into Tsarijathang Valley, the summer habitat of the rare Himalayan takin, Bhutan’s national animal. Stream crossings here are often unbridged, as monsoon flows wash them out, so some fording may be required. Beyond the water, the trail climbs steadily left toward Robluthang, a rocky meadow camp at 4,200m set amid dramatic mountain scenery.

Day 11: Robluthang to Lingmithang

19 km | 7–8 hours | 850m ascent | 870m descent | Camp altitude: 4,140m Today marks the trek’s highest crossing, climbing through boggy ground, stream crossings, and terrain dotted with marmot holes and moraine to reach Shingchen La pass (5,005m) — rewarded with a stunning view of Gangchenta, the Tiger Mountain (6,840m), filling the northern skyline. From the pass, a rocky trail descends along the moraine valley to the Kango Chhu River, narrowing at points and requiring another stream crossing. The trail then passes through cedar forest before reaching Lingmethang (4,140m), a scenic campsite set among riverside meadows, with Tiger Mountain rising dramatically behind.

Day 12: Lingmithang to Laya

10 km | 4–5 hours | 290m descent | Laya altitude: 3,850m Wake to Gangchenta Peak glowing in first light before setting off on a pleasant walk through a serene valley with constant mountain views. The trail passes through cool, damp forest alive with birdsong and moss, then a waterfall, before opening into fields dotted with stone houses. Soon you arrive at Laya, Bhutan’s second-highest settlement, with views of Tiger Mountain and, at times, Masanggang (7,165m). Take time to explore the village, where hospitality runs deep — a cup of tea or chang is often offered to visitors without hesitation. Layap women are known for their distinctive conical bamboo hats, trimmed with turquoise and silver, a style unique to this community. Tonight, after days of camping, you’ll stay in a local farmhouse with a yak-herding family, sharing in their warmth and daily way of life.

Day 13: Laya to Punakha Trek Ends

The day begins with a gentle two-hour descent from Laya, following a well-worn trail down to an army post by the riverside — the official end point of the trek. A vehicle will be waiting here for the scenic five-hour drive to Punakha, winding steadily downhill alongside the river through dense forest and the settlements of Gasa, Damji, and Tashithang. As the road nears upper Punakha, the landscape opens into terraced rice fields and traditional farmhouses, marking the return to lower, warmer valleys. By evening, you’ll arrive in Punakha, where a comfortable hotel and a well-earned hot shower await for the night.

Day 14: Punakha to Thimphu (2hrs drive)

Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, set strikingly at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (male river) and Mo Chhu (female river), where it resembles a grand ship anchored between the two — widely regarded as one of Bhutan’s most beautiful fortresses. From the dzong, a short walk past the local cremation ground leads to the country’s longest suspension bridge. Afterward, set off on a scenic drive toward Thimphu, pausing at Dochu La Pass (3,100m), where clear weather reveals breathtaking Himalayan views. Along the way, stop at Metsina for a short hike through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple honoring the 14th-century “Divine Madman,” Drukpa Kuenley, believed to bless women seeking fertility. From here, continue the drive onward to Thimphu.

Day 15: Explore Thimphu, the Capital

Visit the Memorial Chorten, a graceful stupa in the heart of Thimphu, before continuing on to Kuenselphodrang to admire the towering 169-foot Buddha Dordenma, said to be the largest bronze statue in the world. From there, head to the Takin Preserve in Motithang to see Bhutan’s unusual national animal, followed by a stop at the Post Office, where you can have personalized stamps made. Round out the day at the Farmers Market, Bhutan’s largest vegetable market, alive with local vendors and fresh produce. In the evening, drive to Paro for an overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 16: Departure

After breakfast, you’ll be driven to the airport for your departure flight, with our representative on hand to see you off and bid you farewell