Laya Gasa Trek
13 nights / 14 days
Level of difficulty
Moderate - Hard
April, May, September, October, and November
Laya Gasa Trek
For adventurous nature lovers
The trek that has it all
The Laya Gasa Trek, also known as the Nomad trek, is a beautiful and challenging trekking route known for its stunning natural scenery and rich cultural experiences. This trek, perfect for adventure enthusiasts, takes you through untouched high-altitude landscapes with breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains. The trek starts in Paro and ends in the village of Gasa, though you can choose to do it in reverse. Covering 217 km (135 miles), the trek passes through high mountain passes, lush valleys, dense forests, and remote villages. Along the way, you'll have the chance to meet local communities, experience the diverse cultures of different regions, and see how they live.
Highest Altitude Trekked
5005m
Avg Walking Distance per Day
17Km
Avg Walking Time per Day
6 hours
Meals on Trek
B, L, D, Snacks
Itinerary
Arrival & Welcome
Your friendly tour guide will be waiting for you with your name on a sign at Paro International Airport. You'll be taken to your hotel to unpack and enjoy a cup of tea, and then you can go sightseeing if you want.
Note: Depending on your arrival time, some sightseeing spots may not be possible. This will be discussed during the booking process.
We'll take a short drive to visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, believed to have been built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. There's an orange tree in the temple grounds that miraculously always has fruit.
After an early lunch, we'll visit the National Museum, Ta Dzong, which has a collection of ancient thangka paintings, textiles, weapons, and other artifacts. Then you're free to explore the charming streets of Paro at your own pace as you get used to the altitude.
Overnight: Paro
After breakfast, we'll hike to the famous Taktsang Monastery, also known as "Tiger's Nest." The hike to the viewpoint takes 1.5 hours and offers a stunning panoramic view of the monastery, which seems to cling to the side of a cliff. We'll take a break at the Viewpoint Cafeteria to enjoy the scenery, then continue our hike to the monastery, which takes about another hour.
According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress in the 8th century and meditated in a cave here for three months. The main monastery was built in 1692. Despite being damaged by a fire in 1998, it has been beautifully restored.
After exploring the monastery, we'll hike back down, stopping for lunch at the Viewpoint Cafeteria before returning to the road.
Overnight: Paro
21 km | 7-8 hours | 770m ascent | Camp altitude: 3500m
Get ready for a challenging day of trekking with lots of ups and downs.
The trek starts by following the Pachhu (Paro River) through forests of pine, oak, and spruce. After two hours of hiking and crossing several streams, we'll reach a stone house (Shingkharap) at an altitude of just over 3000m.
After lunch, we'll continue uphill through rhododendron forests until we reach a chorten (a Buddhist monument). From there, we'll turn left and follow the trail for another 30 minutes until we reach our campsite at Thangthangkha, nestled in beautiful alpine meadows at 3500m. If the weather is clear, we might catch a glimpse of Jomolhari (the best photo spot is near the toilets).
12 km | 5-6 hours | 290m ascent | Camp altitude: 4100m
Today is a relatively easy day of trekking, but we'll be going above the tree line to higher altitudes over 4000m, so we'll take it slow and enjoy the scenery.
The trek follows the Paro Chhu valley through alpine meadows and patches of forest. We'll pass an army checkpoint and enjoy stunning views of the mountain ranges and snow-capped peaks. Along the way, we'll see yaks and herders' homes and pass through the villages of Soe, Takethang, and Dangochang, where barley, potatoes, and turnips are grown. The highlight of the day is reaching Jangothang, a beautiful campsite at 4100m known for its panoramic views of Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and ancient ruins.
Acclimatization Hike to Tshophu Lake & Bonte La | Altitude reached: 4450m – 4840m
Today, we'll take an acclimatization hike to the Tshophu lakes (next to Nyile La) at 4450m. We'll hike north from the camp, passing small settlements before starting a challenging eastward climb.
As we continue, a hidden valley will gradually open up, revealing two stunning ice lakes. We'll explore the first lake and, if the group is up for it, hike further to the second lake, where we'll have magnificent views of Jomolhari I, Jomolhari II (two of the three peaks of Jomolhari), and Jichu Drake peaks.
Look out for herds of blue sheep, which are common in the area. For those seeking more adventure, we can continue to the Bonte La pass at 4850m before returning. After enjoying the lakes, we'll hike back to our campsite at Jangothang for some well-deserved rest.
Note: At this altitude, it's common for trekkers to experience symptoms of mountain sickness, so it's important to rest. You can either relax at the campsite or join the acclimatization hike.
21 km | 6-7 hours | 840m ascent | 870m descent | Camp altitude: 4100m
We'll start from the camp and hike across gentle grassy slopes to reach the Nyile La pass at 4850m. This part of the trek isn't too difficult, but if it's your first Himalayan pass, take your time, especially during the final steeper sections. The terrain will change from grassy slopes to loose scree and sand. The views along the way, including Jichu Drake, will be breathtaking.
After crossing the Nyile La, we'll leave behind the views of Jomolhari and Jichu Drake and descend steeply through rhododendron forests until we reach Lingshi village. A highlight in this area is the Lingshi Dzong, a fortress built to protect against invasions from Tibet, guarding not only Lingshi but also the surrounding villages.
12 km | 4-5 hours | 280m ascent | 410m descent | Camp altitude: 3850m
Today's trek is relatively short, giving us some flexibility in our activities. If the group is feeling energetic, we can take a morning side trip to the picturesque Chhokam Tsho (Lake) at 4340m near the base camp of Jichu Drake. This optional detour involves an additional 8km of hiking with a 450m ascent and descent, taking about three hours.
Alternatively, we can start the day's hike directly from the camp, heading towards a chorten. From here, we have two options: continue on the main trail or take a detour uphill to the Lingshi Dzong, located on a high ridge. The dzong offers a unique atmosphere of peaceful mysticism and provides great views of the surrounding valley.
After visiting the Lingshi Dzong, we'll pass through the villages of Lingshi and Gonyul. In Gonyul, the stone houses are clustered closely together, forming a compact village, which is unusual in Bhutan, where villages are typically scattered.
At our campsite in Chebisa, you'll have time to explore the village houses if you wish. There's also a beautiful waterfall behind the village that's worth visiting.
Today's trek offers a mix of optional side trips, cultural exploration, and beautiful scenery, allowing us to tailor the experience to the group's preferences.
15 km | 6 hours | 950m ascent | 640m descent | Camp altitude: 4130m
Today’s trek spans 15 km and takes about 6 hours to complete, involving a 950m ascent and a 640m descent. The campsite is set at an altitude of 4130m. We begin with a long climb behind Chebisa village, which takes around 2-3 hours.
The trail leads through expansive pasturelands, offering panoramic views as we approach Gogu La at an elevation of 4420m. Along the way, we may encounter local yak herders tending to their herds, as well as herds of blue sheep grazing on the slopes above the trail.
After crossing Gogu La, we descend into the valley, then climb briefly before descending again to reach Shakshepasa, a yak herders' camp at 3980m in a wide, flat valley. Depending on water availability and our group size, we may either camp here or continue with an additional climb to Shomuthang at 4130m.
14 km | 4-5 hours | 500m ascent | 760m descent | Camp altitude: 4160m
Today’s trek covers 14 km and takes around 4-5 hours, with a 500m ascent and a 760m descent, leading to a campsite at 4160m. We start by ascending the valley, offering breathtaking views of Kang Bum, standing at 6526m.
After approximately three hours of climbing, we reach Jhari La at 4750m, where we catch our first glimpse of Shinchen La, the pass we’ll cross tomorrow. If weather permits, we might also see Tsheringmigang and the majestic summit of Jomolhari.
The relatively short trek today allows time for an optional climb to Jhari Peak (4935m) for enhanced panoramic views. After descending, we reach Tsheri Jathang, a herder’s camp above the river, in a scenic wide valley. This area is a designated takin sanctuary, and during summer, it serves as a migratory ground for herds of takin, Bhutan’s national animal. A short uphill trek brings us to our campsite at Robluthang, nestled in a rocky meadow.
17 km | 6-7 hours | 850m ascent | 870m descent | Camp altitude: 4140m
Today’s trek spans 17 km and takes approximately 6-7 hours, with an ascent of 850m and a descent of 870m. The campsite is located at 4140m. We begin with a 40-60 minute ascent, followed by a gradual climb through a boulder field for another hour and a half.
A steep one-hour ascent brings us to the highest point of the trek, Shinchen La at 5010m. As we descend, we encounter a remarkable terminal moraine and a glacial lake at the valley’s foot. The descent continues through a lateral moraine, leading us to cross the Kango Chhu creek and eventually arrive at the Limithang campsite, with the imposing peak of Tiger Mountain adding grandeur to the surroundings.
Overnight: Paro
10 km | 4-5 hours | 60m ascent | 350m descent | Camp altitude: 3850m
Today’s 10 km trek takes around 4-5 hours, with a gentle 60m ascent and a 350m descent, leading to a campsite at 3850m. The route follows a downhill path along a narrow river valley. After days of trekking, we finally enter a densely forested area that gradually opens up to reveal the western side of Laya village, with stunning views of peaks such as Tiger Mountain (6740m) and Masagang (7194m).
The campsite is situated below the village school, offering a serene environment to explore the village and experience the unique culture of the Layap people. You may see Layap women in traditional conical bamboo hats adorned with colorful beads and, if invited into a local home, enjoy their hospitality with a taste of ‘ara,’ a locally brewed spirit.
Overnight: Paro
11 km | 4-5 hours | 700m descent
Our journey today involves an 11 km trek taking around 4-5 hours, with a 700m descent. We leave Laya (3800m) behind, descending through mixed conifer forests alongside a glacial river adorned with waterfalls. Upon reaching the road point, our Snow Leopard trek concludes, and we bid farewell to our trekking crew. From here, we travel by road to Punakha, a picturesque journey of approximately 4 hours.
Overnight: Punakha
Sightseeing & leisurely drive back to Paro
After breakfast, we visit Punakha Dzong, the winter residence of the Central Monastic Body. Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, this dzong is where he established the dual system of governance.
Punakha Dzong is one of Bhutan’s most breathtaking dzongs, located at the confluence of two rivers. We will explore the dzong’s interior and stroll around its picturesque grounds. We’ll also visit the suspension bridge behind the dzong, a favorite among visitors.
After lunch, we depart Punakha and head west to Paro, arriving in Paro town later in the afternoon. Enjoy the scenic drive, and if we’re lucky, we might spot a grey langur, an auspicious sight according to Bhutanese beliefs. We’ll also stop briefly at the Royal Botanical Gardens at Lampelri before reaching Paro.
In Paro, you’ll be welcomed into a traditional homestay, where you can experience a famous hot stone bath and enjoy local hospitality. Our host will serve a sumptuous Bhutanese dinner.
Overnight: Paro
Spend the morning at leisure before heading to the airport for your onward flight. In Bhutan, we never say goodbye, believing we will have the good fortune of meeting again. The team at Adventures Journey sincerely hopes you enjoyed traveling with us. Take care until next time.