LAYA
GASA

LAYA GASA TREK

Laya-Gasa Trek: A Scenic Adventure in Bhutan’s Pristine Landscapes

The Laya-Gasa Trek is one of the most visually stunning and remote trekking routes in Bhutan, offering trekkers a chance to explore unspoiled natural beauty and traditional Bhutanese culture. Also known as the Half Snowman trek or Chomolhari Laya Gasa Trek, this journey follows the border with Tibet, from Paro to Laya village, crossing four high mountain passes. It is a shortened version of the Snowman Trek, which typically takes 28 days, but still offers an adventure filled with breathtaking views, wildlife, and spiritual experiences.

The Route and Scenic Views
The trek begins with a visit to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), one of Bhutan’s most iconic and picturesque sites. After a drive to Drugkyel Dzong, the actual trek starts from Shana in the scenic Paro Valley, surrounded by lush rhododendron forests. The journey follows the same route as the Jomolhari Trek for the first half, passing through the Jigme Singye National Park and offering awe-inspiring views of Mt. Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tsherimgang—three of the most majestic peaks in Bhutan. As trekkers ascend through this route, they’ll have the chance to spot rare wildlife like the blue sheep and the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin. This trek is a great opportunity for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts to experience Bhutan’s rich biodiversity in its natural habitat.

The High Passes and Challenging Terrain
The Laya-Gasa Trek is rated as strenuous and requires good physical fitness due to the challenging high-altitude terrain. The trek crosses two significant mountain passes: the Neylela Pass (4700m) and the Singchen La Pass (5005m), offering panoramic views of the Himalayas.

These high-altitude sections provide trekkers with an exhilarating sense of accomplishment as they navigate through rugged terrain and experience the stunning landscapes of Bhutan.Cultural and Spiritual InsightsIn addition to the natural beauty, the trek also offers a glimpse into the traditional and isolated culture of Bhutan. Bhutan is one of the world’s most isolated nations, and its culture is carefully preserved and protected. Visitors can experience the Bhutanese way of life, including its monasteries, traditions, and hospitality, making the Laya-Gasa Trek not just a physical journey, but a cultural and spiritual one as well

After crossing the high passes, the trek descends into the village of Laya, where trekkers can rest and soak in the natural hot springs at Gasa, a well-deserved reward after several days of challenging trekking. The hot springs are known for their therapeutic qualities, offering a peaceful and relaxing end to the trek.

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LAYA GASA TREK at a glance

Overnight in tents while on trek

From 22 days but if you want a shorter trek look at the Jomolhari trek or even the Jomolhari Loop

Starts and ends in Paro and includes some sightseeing. A pre and post tour of Kathmandu can be included.

Scenic, rugged and an extended strenuous trek that requires a good level of fitness. It includes two high passes

LAYA GASA TREK itinerary

Day-1: Arrival Paro (By Druk Air).

The flight into Paro is a brilliant introduction to the spectacular beauty of Bhutan. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world's highest peaks give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. On arrival you will be met and driven to your hotel. Evening visit to Paro market and town. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day-2: Paro day hike to Taktsang monastery

The hike which is all the way uphill takes about 2 /3 hours through villages and pine forests. The monastery clings to a huge granite cliff 800 meters from the Paro valley. Return to Hotel

Day-3: Paro - Shana [17 Kms, 5/6 Hours]

The trek starts from Drukgyel Dzong at 2580m with a short downhill walk on a wide trail. The trail climbs gently traversing through well maintained rice terraces and fields of millet. The route later enters an area of apples orchards and forests. Soon the valley widens and you reach the army post of Gunyitsawa at 2810m. This is the last stop before Tibet. At 2870m, just beyond Sharma Zampa, there are several good places in meadows to set up our tents surrounded by trees.

Day-4: Shana - Soi Thangthangkha [20 Km, 7/8 Hours]

The trail again follows Pa Chu (Paro River), ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. Hot lunch will be served after crossing the bridge towards the left side of the river. After lunch we follow the river and climb up through rhododendron forests and finally crossing the bridge again, reaching to an altitude of 3,750m.

Day-5: Soi Thangthangkha - Jangothang [19 Km, 7/8 Hours]

The path ascends for a while till you reach the army camp. We then follow the river above the tree line enjoying the views of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch will be served inside a yak herder's camp. A short walk into the valley will take you to the camp at Jangothang at an altitude of 4,000m. From here, the view of Mount Chomolhari and Jichu Drake is superb.

Day-6: Rest Day at Jangothang

Enjoying the superb view around.

Day-7: Jangothang - Lingshi [18 Km, 7/8 Hours]

The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. We start the climb up to the first ridge with breathtaking views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsrim Khang. We then walk towards the valley before ascending to the pass at an altitude of 4700m. After the pass it's a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the panoramic view of the peaks and Langshi Dzong. Camp at the altitude of 4000m.

Day-8: Lingshi - Chebisa [10 Km, 5/6 Hours

Today is an easy day and pleasant walk through villages and yak herders camp. After lunch, a short walk will take you to Chebisa village. We stay by the side of stream at the altitude of 3850m.

Day-9: Chebisa - Shomuthang [17 Kms, 6/7 Hours]

Today begins with a steep climb up a ridge to Gubu la at an altitude of 4500m, taking nearly four hours. After the pass we descend to a lunch stop, through rhododendron bushes. Afternoon continue along the up and down path, after crossing the stream, through rhododendron forests and yak herders camp. You may see Blue Sheep now and then. Camp at altitude of 4,250m.

Day-10: Shomuthang - Robluthang [18 Kms, 6/7 Hours]

The trek starts with a climb to Jari la at the altitude of 4700m. Then descend to Tasharijathang valley, the summer residence of rare Himalayan Takin (national animal of Bhutan) From here we may have to cross the stream as most of the time the foot bridge is washed away. After crossing the stream towards the left, the trail ascends till we reach Robluthang at an altitude of 4200m.

Day-11: Robluthang - Limithang [19 Kms, 7/8 Hours]

It's a long climb up to Shinje la pass (altitude 4900 m). The view of the mountains from the path is stunning. After the descend to Lemithang. The path is quite narrow and you may have to cross stream again and get wet. The last part of the trek is very interesting with the view of Mount. Gangchey Ta peak. Arrive at the site at the altitude of 4100m.

Day-12: Limithang - Laya [10 Kms, 4/5 Hours]

In the morning you wake up with a superb view of Gangchey Ta peak in front of you. The walk to Laya is very pleasant with wonderful views. You will pass through a camp forest, filled with moss and singing birds. Arrive at Laya village, the second highest settlement in the country, at the altitude of 3800m.

Day-13: Rest Day At Laya

Explore the village.

Day-14: Laya - Chamsa [19 Kms, 8/9 Hours]

Descend to army camp and join the Mo Chu (mother river of Punakha). Follow the river till you cross the bridge. After the bridge it is up and down several times, through juniper and fir forests until you reach the camp at Chamsa at an altitude of 3800m.

Day-15: Chamsa - Gasa Tshachu [14 Kms, 6/7 Hours]

Walk for about half an house over flat land till the Bele la pass. Its down hill all the way to Gasa Tshachu. Lunch at Gasa village at the altitude of 2700m. After lunch visit the village and Dzong. The Dzong was built in 17th century by the first religious King, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, to protect the valley against Tibetan invaders. Then proceed to Gasa Tshachu (hot spring) for camp at an altitude of 2200m.

Day-16: Gasa Tshachu Rest Day

After a long trek, this is the place to relax.

Day-17: Gasa Tshachu - Damji [18 Kms, 5/6 Hours]

The path continues ascending and descending through heavily forested areas and wild orchids. In this area, there are leeches so one must be careful. Camp nearby the village at an altitude of 2400m.

Day-18: Damji - Tashithang - Punakha[16 Kms, 5/6 Hours]

It is the last trekking day. Continue following the Mo Chu river down through heavily forested area till you reach Tashithang at an altitude of 1,620m. Connecting Horizons Adventures transport will be waiting to drive you at Punakha (15 kms), following the river all the way. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Day-19: Punakha - Thimphu

Morning sight seeing in Punakha and Wangdiphodrang valleys visiting Dzong and the local market. Afternoon drive to Thimphu. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day-20: Thimphu

Today city tour of Thimphu. Visiting Memorial Chorten, Tashichhodzong, National Library, Painting School, Traditional Medicine Institute, Handicrafts Emporium. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day-21: Thimphu - Paro

Morning for shopping and at leisure. After lunch drive to Paro visiting Simtokha Dzong en route. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day-22: Paro Depart

After early breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.

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bELOW ARE SOME OF THE QUESTIONS WE ARE FREQUENTLY ASKED about the LAYA GASA TREK

Where is Bhutan?

Bhutan is nestled in between India and the Tibetan region of China. Bhutan was known as ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’ is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, and often also referred as the last Shangri-la.

Do I need a visa for Bhutan?

Yes a visa for Bhutan is required for every foreign traveler and has to be processed by a local tour operator, as no foreign embassy abroad grants tourist visas. The visa cost is currently $40 and your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after you leave Bhutan.

Is the water safe to drink?

Tap water is not safe to drink so you would need to buy mineral water which is readily available. Mineral water is readily available throughout the country. While on trek the guides will ensure that the water is boiled.

What plug points are used in Bhutan?

As a traveller from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, D, M, G. As a traveller from England you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, D, M. As a traveller from South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, G.

When is the best time or months to trek the Laya Gasa route?

The best to come to Bhutan for trekking is in the spring, from March to May, or the autumn, from September to November. Skies are clear and bright, the sun is usually shining, and the temperature is warm, though sometimes a little chilly in the evenings.

Summer, from June to August, is the monsoon season in Bhutan, and while the rain mostly falls at night or in the evenings, there are times when it can rain all day long.

Is the base camp trek the same as the Jomolhari Loop Trek?

These two treks are different. the Jomolhari Loop Trek is called a “loop” trek, because the trek heads out to Jangothang and then comes back to Gunitsawa Village following a slightly different route that you went up on returning instead via Thongbu. The loop trek from Gunitsawa Village to Jangothang and back takes around seven days, and covers a distance of around 82 kilometers, or around 50 miles. By comparison the base camp trek is longer and also at higher altitude as it includes two high passes.

What are the meals like on the trek?

All meals on trek are prepared for by the support team. We can also cater for vegetarian and any other ditary requirements.

Why are treks in Bhutan so expensive compared to Nepal and India?

Bhutan has ‘High Value, Low Impact’ tourism policy to preserve its cultural heritages and environment. Thus, with a high rate, it welcomes responsible travelers and few visitors. The policy is built on a daily “visa” fee of US$250 during the high season (which runs March to May and September to November), and US$200 during the low season (all other months). The amount sounds alarming, but is actually a minimum spending requirement that includes meals, three-star (minimum) accommodations in city hotels or countryside resorts, land transport, and guide service for every day spent in the country.

What temperatures can we expect while trekking?

The weather in the mountains is difficult to predict as it varies from one month to the next and also on altitude gain. Nights are generally colder (-2C to -15C) than the daytime (5C to 20C). It is also important to make sure that you stay warm and dry in all weather conditions.

Where can I get climbing Insurance for Bhutan treks?

If you are going hiking or climbing or trekking then you need extra cover for your activities. Hiking and Climbing have become popular for many adventure seekers looking to add a climb up Kilimanjaro or a trek to Everest Base Camp, Annapurna or even Island Peak to their list of amazing adventures. But any climb to high altitude carries with it a number of risks and having the correct and good trekking insurance is an absolute must. We recommend two different groups depending on which country you reside in. For further details, click on the icon

How difficult is the hike to the Tiger's Nest Monastery (Takstang)?

The elevation gain is around 530m or 1700 feet so it is a substantial climb and takes around 5-7 hours in total. However it is well worth the effort. By doing this at the start of the tour it helps with acclimatisation.

What are the hotel standards in Bhutan?

Hotels in Bhutan are rated according to a National 5 star rating system. This does not mean all hotels are 5 star, but rather that every classification of accommodation from home stays to guesthouses, have to adhere to a set of government standards. As such, the standard hotels, lodges and guesthouses are usually good, often small and with a great ambiance. All tour operators are required to provide their guests with a minimum of 3 Star accommodations so you can be assured of your comfort. Most hotels provide their guests with television, room service, fitness centers, spas and wi-fi. However the exact services available will vary from hotel to hotel. The more popular tourist destinations like western and central Bhutan usually have the higher standards of star rated European and Asian properties. There are a few luxury hotels and resorts, but they are rather expensive. If starting in Nepal, we spend two nights in 3-star, Thamel Eco Resort, well situated within the heart of Thamel, or, if it is full, a similar category in Kathmandu. At the end of the tour we return to the same hotel.

Is the altitude a cause for concern on Jomolhari Laya Trek?

This is one of the most often asked questions - "how will I cope with the altitude". To be honest, this is an 'unknown' factor as no-one can predict how your body will cope at altitude. People who have been to altitude many times in the past without problems, may on one climb suddenly develop problems. There are many factors that play a role. The only way to help combat this, is to take all of the necessary precautions, and walk slowly, acclimatise correctly, don't ascent too quickly and drink plenty of water.

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