19 days
Daily Tour
Unlimited
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Grade: Moderate to Strenuous
Best Seasons: September–October & April–May
Trek Overview
The Laya–Gasa Trek is one of Bhutan’s most spectacular long-distance journeys, following ancient highland trails along the Tibetan border. This classic route leads you through pristine alpine meadows, dramatic river valleys, and High Mountain passes offering sweeping views of Bhutan’s sacred peaks—including Mount Jumolhari, Jichu Drake, Tsherim Gang, and Gangche Ta.
Your adventure begins in the historic Paro Valley and gradually climbs into remote highlands dotted with yak herder settlements. The trail passes through iconic Himalayan villages such as Lingshi, Chebisa, and Laya, where you will witness the unique culture and traditions of the semi-nomadic Layap people. Wildlife sightings such as blue sheep and the national animal—the Takin—are common in this region.
After crossing into the warmer sub-tropical region of Gasa, you conclude your trek with a relaxing soak in the famous Gasa Hot Springs, followed by cultural sightseeing in Punakha, Thimphu, and Paro.
Arrive at Paro International Airport, where you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and driver. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy lunch followed by ample time to rest and recover from jet lag. Later, if energy permits, stroll through Paro town to get your first glimpse of Bhutanese life.
Overnight: Paro | Meals: LD
After breakfast, drive to the trailhead for Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), Bhutan’s most iconic sacred site. Clinging dramatically to a cliff 800m above the valley floor, this monastery marks the spot where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 8th century.
Enjoy a rewarding 2.5-hour ascent, stopping at the viewpoint café for refreshments, followed by a visit to the monastery. Descend for lunch at the café and return to the valley where your vehicle awaits.
Spend the rest of the evening relaxing and preparing for the trek.
Overnight: Paro | Meals: BLD
This morning, visit the National Museum and Rinpong Dzong, both rich in Bhutanese history and art. After lunch, drive north to Shana, the starting point of your trek. Settle into your first campsite surrounded by forested hills and the tranquil sound of the river.
Overnight: Camp | Meals: BLD
Follow the river upstream as the valley gradually narrows. The trail undulates through forests of pine and rhododendron, eventually opening into a meadow where the campsite is set.
Altitude: 3,400 m
Distance: 17 km | Time: 6–7 hrs
Overnight: Camp | Meals: BLD
Continue along the Pachu River, passing an army outpost before the valley opens dramatically. Snow-capped peaks appear, and yak herder settlements become common as you approach Jangothang, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful campsites beneath Mount Jumolhari.
Altitude: 4,040 m
Distance: 14 km | Time: 4–5 hrs
Overnight: Camp | Meals: BLD
Spend a full day acclimatizing and exploring the high ridges surrounding Jangothang. Enjoy breathtaking views of Jumolhari, Jichu Drake, and the glacial valleys. Hike to one of the nearby ridges (up to 5,500m) depending on your comfort level.
Overnight: Camp | Meals: BLD
Begin your gradual ascent toward the high pass, enjoying wide pastures dotted with yak herder tents. After the pass, descend into the stunning Lingshi Basin. Views of Lingshi Dzong, Tserim Kang, and distant glaciers highlight the final approach to camp.
Altitude: 4,150 m
Distance: 16 km | Time: 5–6 hrs
Overnight: Camp | Meals: BLD
A short and relaxing trekking day. Walk past small villages and farmland, then ascend gently toward the quaint village of Chebisa, known for its friendly locals and picturesque waterfall. Spend the afternoon exploring or resting.
Altitude: 3,850 m
Distance: 12 km | Time: 3–4 hrs
Overnight: Camp | Meals: BLD
Climb through broad pastures to cross the Gobu-La Pass (4,350m). The descent offers beautiful views of local yak herders at work. Camp on a scenic bench overlooking a tributary of the Mochu River.
Altitude: 4,260 m
Distance: 17 km | Time: 5–6 hrs
Overnight: Camp | Meals: BLD
Start early for a gradual climb to the Jarela Pass (4,600m). Descend into the serene Tsarijathang Valley, a natural habitat for herds of Bhutan’s national animal—the Takin. Camp near the valley floor.
Altitude: 4,390 m
Distance: 15 km | Time: 6–7 hrs
Overnight: Camp | Meals: BLD
A challenging yet rewarding day crossing Shingela Pass (4,900m). After the pass, descend through a breathtaking glacial valley. As you approach Lemithang, you will be greeted by Layap people in their distinctive attire and bamboo-spiked hats.
Altitude: 4,140 m
Distance: 19 km | Time: 6–7 hrs
Overnight: Camp | Meals: BLD
Enjoy a gentle downhill walk along a winding river valley. The trail leads into the western edge of Laya, one of Bhutan’s most culturally unique and high-altitude villages. Set camp on a flat ridge overlooking the settlement.
Altitude: 3,850 m
Distance: 10 km | Time: 3–4 hrs
Overnight: Camp | Meals: BLD
A full day to immerse yourself in Layap culture. Visit traditional homes, share local butter tea or home-brewed wine, and observe daily village life. Optional short hikes can be arranged.
Overnight: Camp | Meals: BLD
Descend gradually through forests, waterfalls, and deep river valleys. After passing Koina—once an old camping site—you join the motor road and continue to Gasa, administrative center of the district. Stay in a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse.
Overnight: Farmstay | Meals: BLD
Spend the day rejuvenating in the renowned Gasa Tsachu (hot springs). These mineral-rich pools are believed to relieve muscle pain and fatigue—perfect after days of trekking.
Overnight: Farmstay/Hotel | Meals: BLD
After breakfast, drive to Punakha. In the afternoon, visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful and historically important fortresses.
Overnight: Punakha | Meals: BLD
Cross the scenic Dochula Pass (3,150m), marked by 108 stupas and panoramic mountain views. Continue to Thimphu and explore the towering Buddha Dordenma Statue in the afternoon.
Overnight: Thimphu | Meals: BLD
Visit the vibrant Centenary Farmers’ Market, then drive to Paro. The rest of the day is free to pack and prepare for departure.
Overnight: Paro | Meals: BLD
Early morning transfer to Paro International Airport for your flight home.
Thank you for visiting Bhutan—Tashi Delek and safe travels!
There are 19 languages spoken in Bhutan, but the national language is Dzongkha. English is used throughout Bhutan’s education system, so it is widely used and understood.
Bhutan is a year-round destination. There are four seasons: summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), winter (December to February) and spring (March to May). But because of the range of altitudes in the country, and the influence of the north Indian monsoons, the climate is incredibly varied.
In the south, the humid, subtropical climate is fairly consistent year-round, with temperatures between 15oC and 30oC. Central Bhutan, with its temperate forests, has a more seasonal climate, with warm summers and cool, dry winters. The northern regions are much colder during winter. Because of the high altitude, mountain peaks are snowy year-round and the lower reaches remain cool in summer.
In summer, the Indian monsoon season runs from late June or July to late September, mostly affecting the southern regions. Most farming activities take place in the summer, when crops thrive in verdant landscapes.
Autumn, from late September or early October to late November, follows the rainy season. It is characterised by bright, sunny days and some early snowfall at higher elevations. It’s the season of feasts and festivals as farmers reap the fruits of their work.
From late November until March, the crisp, clear and sunny winter sets in, with frost throughout much of the country and snowfall common above elevations of 3,000 metres. The winter northeast monsoon brings gale-force winds at the highest altitudes through high mountain passes, giving Bhutan the name Drukyul, which means Land of the Thunder Dragon in Dzongkha (Bhutan’s national language).
Bhutan’s generally dry spring starts in early March and lasts until mid-April. It is a botanist’s delight, with nature in full bloom. Summer weather commences in mid-April with occasional showers and continues to late June.
Visitors of all nationalities, except those from India, require a visa before entering Bhutan. For all visitors, except those from Bangladesh and the Maldives, this visa must be applied for and approved in advance of travel. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives also require a visa, but this can be applied for and approved either in advance of travel or upon arrival in Bhutan.
Visitors from India are able to apply for a permit but are required to hold an Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card. For Indian nationals under the age of 18, a passport or a birth certificate can be used to enter and they must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
Nationals from Switzerland and Thailand holding diplomatic or government-official passports are eligible for a visa at their port of entry.
No, there are no restricted nationalities in Bhutan.
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s development. Since the kingdom first opened its doors in 1974, guests have played a critical role in our country’s growth.
The SDF is collected by the national exchequer and funds are allocated to various projects that create long-term, sustainable opportunities for the Bhutanese people, through free healthcare, education and training, upskilling the tourism and hospitality industry, improved infrastructure, environmental preservation and conservation, cultural preservation programmes and initiatives that support local businesses and economies. The SDF is also a vital means of maintaining the exceptional forest cover and carbon-neutrality for which our small nation is world-renowned and globally critical. The SDF also helps us to ensure that we can continue to offer guests tranquillity and an intimate experience.
The SDF is USD 100 per night for adults from all countries except for India. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay USD 50 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.
The SDF for Indian nationals (showing a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card) is Nu. 1,200 (or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees) per person, per night. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay Nu./INR 600 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.
You may bring cash equivalent to US$10,000 into the country.
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