Laya-Gasa Trek
Journey Through Bhutan’s Hidden Himalayas
- 14 Days - 13 Nigths
The Laya-Gasa Trek is one of Bhutan’s most scenic and challenging trekking routes, offering an immersive journey through the Himalayan mountains, remote villages, and traditional Bhutanese culture. This high-altitude trek connects the Laya village, home to the semi-nomadic Layaps, and the hot spring town of Gasa, known for its medicinal hot springs. The trek offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and pristine valleys, making it an unforgettable adventure for seasoned trekkers and nature enthusiasts alike.
The trail continue it’s gradual climb alongside of Pachhu river through oak forest, rhododendron and ferns and breathing taking vista. The camp site at 3575m is surrounded with beautiful view and lulled by the sound of Paro chhu or Pachhu river.
Today you will start with beautiful landscape reaching to summer pastures of Yaks, truly beats of bounty of herders providing abundant cheese, butter, meat and thick waterproof hair for making blankets. Upon reaching community school, twenty minutes walk, you will reach to camp site 4040 m is heralded by pray flags fluttering by wind.
Morning after breakfast, you will walk to Tshophu lake which is an hour walk to get there. Later walk back for lunch and after lunch, you are free.
After ten minutes walk from the campsite, you will have view of Mount. Jigchu Dakey(6589 m) then the trail lead uphill until reach to Nylela Pass(4890 m). Upon reaching the pass, there is good view of Mount. Tserim Gang(6789 m). After pass the trail descent and en route you will have view of Lingshi dzong before reach to camp. The camp at 4010.
After ten minutes walk from the campsite, you will have view of Mount. Jigchu Dakey(6589 m) then the trail lead uphill until reach to Nylela Pass(4890 m). Upon reaching the pass, there is good view of Mount. Tserim Gang(6789 m). After pass the trail descent and en route you will have view of Lingshi dzong before reach to camp. The camp at 4010.
Leaving Lingshi village behind, the most pleasant walk of the partly covered by herbal medicinal plants. The far distance Jhlari la, the pass for next day can be seen. Looking to south, some lofty peak an average height of 4500m make a beautiful vista. After one hour a small cairn with some prayer flags is reached on the ridge called Talela(4100m). looking back back from here can see Nylela pass and mount. Jigchu Dakey. The trail descend into village called Gangyul an after an hour walk reach to Chebsa camp at 3990m.
Today you will be climbing steep about 450m up a grassy slope lead to a peak called Gombu la(440m). During the climb, there is possible to see blue sheep and vulture and the trail is little tricky with steep drop down into valley. From the pass trail descend 250m cross the strem to reach lunch sport. After lunch the trail pass descend through forest on a wet trail and finally reach Jolethang chhu. Camp is possible on both side of the river. Camp at 4030m.
The day start with climbing about 200m, after crossing Yarila chhu, following gradual time, valley left behind and finally steep 30 m climb with several switch back on a chalky white trail lead to Jare la(4785m) a pass with several prayer flags. Normally it take three hours from pass to camp.
From the pass there is good view to the east and north-east mountain if the clear day. Camp at 4160m.
Today you can start early as possible to enjoy the best possible view from pass. Leaving camp, the trail cross small streams and after 20 minutes a steep zigzag start leading to prayer flags at 4400m. From here a large glacial valley opens up leading to east and finally to today pass. After several hours walked, a final climb about 300m and will reach to Sinche la pass(5000m). After pass the trail descend 45 minutes through rocky part and will get to lunch sport. Continue next to Ralung chhu to a place some huts, from here there is good view of Tiger Mountain. From here a short steep descent lead to sandy place and cross the bridge towards to right and after 20 minutes walk, you will get to camp site at 4160m.
Morning leaving camp, you will be crossing Timuchang chhu through cedar and fir forest. After one hour landslide area is reached, dropping steeply down to the river. After crossing the bridge, you may catch the stunning view of Tiger Mountain. About 30 minutes before reaching Laya, there is trail leading to upper Laya, but you can keep going lower trail. After some small up and down and crossing a ridge you reach to stupa and finally you will reach Laya.
Today you will explore in laya village.
Leaving village, the trail descent any finally you will reach to army station after crossing river.The peak of Masang Gang is barely visible side from the valley. After passing army station, the trail goes up crossing few streams and it turns corner into valley, goes to short distance up the vally and cross Bahitung chhu at 3290m. This used to be a lunch spot for the travelers . Later the trail several major climbs overhanging rock cresting at top, another 150m descent to the stream. After some more up and down through the bamboo about 100m above river, there is serious climb to Kohi Lapcha(3300m). Later muddy trail stays high about 30 minutes until reach a stone staircase, where it turns into side valley and finally you will reach to Koina camp at 3050m.
Leaving the camp, the trail lead upwards through the mud fir forest and after three hours walked from camp, finally you will reach to Bari la pass(3900m). After pass, the trail lead down wards through the bamboo forest and after crossing steeply area, finally you will see the Gasa dzong. The trail pass old chorten, then cross a large stream, then traverses along the side valey to four chortens and finally you will reach Gasa. Alternative camp site either to camp Gasa not to hot spring(Tsachhu). It’s another 1 ½ hours walk down hill to reach hot spring.
FULL DAY REST AT HOT SPRING
Morning car will be there to pick you and will transfer to Punakha.
Note:- The detail itinerary will be provided upon the confirmation of your trip.
| Inclusions: | Exclusions: |
| Accommodation | International Flights |
| Meals | Travel Insurance |
| Guide and Support Staff | Personal Expenses |
| Trekking Permits and Fees | Visa Fees |
| Transportation | Tips and Gratuities |
| Camping Equipment | Extra Activities |
| Emergency Support | Additional Meals |
| Hot Springs Visit (Gasa) | Personal Trekking Gear |
| Trekking Insurance | Emergency Expenses |
Key Highlights of the Laya-Gasa Trek:
Spectacular Mountain Views:
- The trek offers breathtaking panoramic views of towering peaks such as Gangchen Ta, Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tserim Gang. These awe-inspiring vistas are a highlight for trekkers who are keen on experiencing Bhutan’s high-altitude landscapes.
Remote and Unique Villages:
- The Laya village is one of the most remote settlements in Bhutan, inhabited by the Layap people, known for their distinct culture, traditional yak herding lifestyle, and deep connection to the land. You will have the opportunity to learn about their unique way of life and traditions.
- The trek also passes through Gasa, known for its hot springs that offer therapeutic benefits and are a great place to relax after the physical exertion of the trek.
Cultural Immersion:
- Along the route, trekkers pass through small Bhutanese villages where they can interact with the local people, experience Bhutanese hospitality, and observe traditional practices. You may also have the opportunity to visit monasteries, including Laya Monastery, which holds significant cultural and spiritual importance for the region.
Diverse Flora and Fauna:
- The trek takes you through a variety of ecosystems, including dense forests, alpine meadows, and glacial valleys. You’ll encounter a wide range of flora and fauna, such as rhododendron forests, blue poppies, snow leopards, red pandas, and numerous species of birds and butterflies.
High Altitude Challenge:
- The Laya-Gasa trek is challenging due to its high altitude, with the trek reaching elevations of over 4,000 meters (13,000 feet). Trekkers will experience the difficulty of trekking at high altitudes but will be rewarded with breathtaking views and a sense of achievement upon reaching the highest points.
Hot Springs of Gasa:
- After the physically demanding trek, a visit to the Gasa Hot Springs is a highlight. Known for their therapeutic properties, these natural hot springs are a perfect way to relax and rejuvenate your muscles after days of trekking through rugged terrain.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience:
- The Laya-Gasa Trek is relatively remote, meaning you will avoid the crowds typical of other popular trekking routes in Bhutan. This makes it ideal for those seeking a more secluded and peaceful trekking experience, far from the usual tourist trail.
LAYA-GASA TREK INFORMATION !
- Locations: Laya & Gasa, Bhutan
- Festival Date : Spring & Autumn
- Vehicle: Coster Buss & Luxury cars
- 14 Days - 13 Nigths
- moderate to challenging
- 10-15°C
Should Carry
- Passport
- Visa
- Tour Permit
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle