Laya-Gasa Trek

Today hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery (3,120m). The round-trip hike takes 4–5 hours, ascending steadily through pine forests with colorful prayer flags lining the trail. The monastery clings dramatically to a cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor and is Bhutan’s most sacred site. The hike serves as essential acclimatization before higher elevations.

Overnight in Paro.

• Drive: 1 hour to Sharna Zampa
• Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
• Camp Altitude: 3,750m

After a short drive to Sharna Zampa (2,890m), the trek begins following the Paro Chhu river through forests and traditional farmland. The trail gradually ascends through pine and rhododendron forests into a wide alpine valley.

Camp at Soi Thangkha beneath towering Himalayan peaks.

• Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
• Camp Altitude: 4,080m

The trail continues gradually uphill along the river valley. As you gain altitude, the valley widens and Mount Jomolhari dramatically dominates the skyline.

Camp at Jangothang, one of Bhutan’s most spectacular base camps.

• Exploration Time: 3–4 hours hiking
• Altitude: 4,080m (acclimatization hikes up to 4,500m)

A vital acclimatization day. Optional hikes to surrounding ridges provide breathtaking views of Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. Visit nearby yak herder camps and explore the high alpine terrain.

Overnight at Jangothang.

• Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
• Pass: Nyile La (4,890m)
• Camp Altitude: 4,010m

A challenging day crossing Nyile La Pass. The ascent is steady but rewarding with spectacular mountain views. Descend gradually toward Lingshi Valley.

Camp near Lingshi Dzong.

• Trek Duration: 4–5 hours
• Camp Altitude: 3,880m

A comparatively moderate day. The trail undulates through high pastures and small settlements. Chebisa village appears beneath rocky cliffs and a cascading waterfall. This section provides insight into life in Bhutan’s highland communities, where yak herding remains central to livelihood.

Camp near the village.

• Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
• Pass: Gobu La (4,440m)
• Camp Altitude: 4,220m

The trail climbs steadily through alpine terrain toward Gobu La. The landscape becomes increasingly open and windswept.  From the pass, distant mountain layers unfold in quiet succession. The descent leads into a broad valley used for seasonal grazing.

Camp at Shoumothang in a remote, high-altitude basin.

• Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
• Pass: Jare La (4,785m)
• Camp Altitude: 4,160m

The ascent to Jare La is sustained and physically demanding. The terrain is rugged, with loose rock and steep gradients near the top.  At the pass, sweeping Himalayan views justify the effort. The descent into Robluthang follows a stark glacial landscape marked by streams and exposed slopes. This is a remote and powerful stretch of the trek.

• Trek Duration: 4-5  hours
• Pass: Shingche La (5,010m)
• Camp Altitude: 4100 m

Today you cross Shingche La Pass (5,010m). The morning involves a steady climb through rocky alpine terrain, with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and glacial valleys at the summit. Prayer flags flutter in the wind, marking this high point. The descent leads into Limithang valley, where alpine meadows and grazing yaks welcome you. Camp at 4,100m, with time to rest and enjoy the surrounding mountains.

• Trek Duration: 4–5 hours
• Village Altitude: 3,800m

A gradual descent leads to Laya village, one of Bhutan’s most distinctive highland settlements. The Layap people maintain unique dress and cultural traditions shaped by geographic isolation. The village sits high above the valley with expansive mountain views. Camp near the village.

• Exploration Time: 2–3 hours optional walks

Explore Laya village, interact with locals, and learn about Layap culture and traditions.

• Trek Duration: 1.5 hours
• Gasa Altitude: 2,770m
• Drive Duration: 1 Hour

Continue descending to Gasa. Visit Gasa Dzong and relax in the famous Gasa Hot Springs.

Overnight in camp or lodge.

Drive to Punakha (approx. 3–4 hours). After breakfast, drive from Gasa to Punakha (approximately 3–4 hours), descending from the rugged highlands into the warmer and more fertile Punakha Valley. The landscape gradually changes to rice terraces, river valleys, and subtropical vegetation.

Visit Punakha Dzong, beautifully located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Considered one of Bhutan’s most stunning fortresses, it serves as the winter residence of the central monastic body and holds great historical importance. Its grand courtyards and intricate woodwork reflect Bhutan’s architectural and spiritual heritage.

Walk across the Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of the longest in Bhutan, offering scenic views of the river and valley below. Later, enjoy a short walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple), dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley, where couples come to seek blessings.

Overnight in Punakha.

Drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. Begin with a visit to the Buddha Dordenma, the towering golden statue overlooking the valley, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.

Continue to the Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s national animal — the unique and rare takin. The preserve offers insight into local wildlife and conservation efforts.

Visit the Memorial Chorten, an important spiritual landmark where locals gather daily for prayer. Then explore Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the King’s office and central monastic body, representing Bhutan’s blend of governance and spirituality.

Experience Bhutanese culture at Simply Bhutan, a living museum that showcases traditional rural life, local customs, and heritage practices in an interactive setting.

In the afternoon, drive to Paro for your final overnight stay.

After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight, concluding your trekking journey through the Himalayas of Bhutan.