Laya-Gasa Trek

Trip Highlights

Close-up views of Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake
Cross high mountain passes above 5,000m
Explore the remote village of Laya
Camp beside alpine meadows and glacial rivers
Visit Gasa Hot Springs
Cultural sightseeing in Punakha, Thimphu & Paro
Encounter yak herders and highland communities
Experience one of Bhutan’s most iconic long-distance treks

Trip overview

The Laya Gasa Trek is one of Bhutan’s most spectacular and rewarding high-altitude adventures. This classic Himalayan journey takes you through remote mountain villages, dramatic high passes, pristine glacial valleys, and into the homeland of the semi-nomadic Layap people. The trek follows the ancient route toward the base of Mount Jomolhari (7,326m) and crosses some of Bhutan’s most breathtaking landscapes before descending into the subtropical valleys of Gasa and Punakha.

This trek is ideal for experienced trekkers seeking raw Himalayan beauty, authentic cultural encounters, and a true wilderness experience.

Why Book Your Trip Now?

The Laya Gasa Trek is seasonal and operates only during the best trekking windows (spring and autumn), when mountain views are clear and high passes are accessible. Limited camping logistics, pony support, and experienced trekking crews mean departures fill quickly.

With Bhutan’s sustainable tourism policy and controlled visitor numbers, advance booking ensures:

Secured trekking permits
Guaranteed experienced trekking crew and guides
Best seasonal weather windows
Proper acclimatization scheduling

Booking early allows you to experience Bhutan’s most iconic trek at its very best.

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Itinerary

Day 01:

Arrival in Paro, Bhutan

Your journey begins with one of the most breathtaking flights in the Himalayas, descending between snow-capped peaks into the lush Paro Valley. Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel.

As this is your first day at altitude, the schedule remains relaxed to aid acclimatization. Depending on arrival time, you may visit Rinpung Dzong, an impressive 17th-century fortress-monastery overlooking the Paro Chhu River, and the National Museum (Ta Dzong), which provides insight into Bhutan’s rich history and traditions. A gentle stroll through Paro town allows you to observe local life before preparing for the adventure ahead.

Overnight in hotel.

Day 02:

Tiger’s Nest Climb

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.

Day 03:

Paro – Sharna Zampa – Soi Thangkha

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.

Day 04:

Soi Thangkha – Jangothang (Jomolhari Base Camp)

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.

Day 05:

Jangothang Acclimatization & Exploration

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.

Day 06:

Jangothang – Lingshi

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.

Day 07:

Lingshi – Chebisa

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.

Day 08:

Chebisa – Shoumothang

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.

Day 09:

Shoumothang – Robluthang

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.

Day 10:

Robluthang – Limithang

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.

Day 11:

Limithang – Laya

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.

Day 12:

Rest Day at Laya

Exploration Time: 2–3 hours optional walks

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

Day 13:

Laya – Taktsemakha- Gasa

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.

Day 14:

Gasa – Punakha (Drive & Sightseeing)

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.

Day 15:

Punakha – Thimphu – Paro

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.

Day 16:

Departure

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

Cost Details

Cost includes

Accommodation on twin sharing.
Full board meals as stated in the itinerary.
All tours and transfers in private Coach.
English speaking guide.
Entrance fee to monument as per the itinerary.
Bottle of drinking water during tour on daily basis.
Bhutanese Cultural show including Mask dance.
Government SDF and other taxes.

Cost exclusion

Travel insurance.
Beverages.
Expenses on personal nature.
Tipping for guide and driver

Trip Facts

Trip Duration 16 Days

Districts Paro, Gasa, Punakha, Mongar

Accomodation Camping & Hotels

Max. Altitude Approx. 5,010m (Shingche La Pass)

Difficulty: Challenging / Strenuous

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Hotels/Accommodations

Hotels where you’ll be staying during this trip

Our Bhutan tour packages are specifically curated with the travellers in mind. As a reputable Bhutan travel agency, for the past 23 years, our tour guides and travel specialists have dedicatedly served travellers from all over the world. We want to show you what Bhutan has to offer, and we’re committed to making your trip to Bhutan a special and memorable one. We have a deep love for the Kingdom, and we hope that you’ll come to love it too.

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Transportation

Choice of vehicles for this trip

Private SUVs for Couples 2 Seater

Toyota Innova (2 Units) 5 Seater

Coaster Buses (4 Units) 25 Seater

Mini Bus (8-Seater) 8 pax. Seater

Restaurants

Food and Drink

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   Carolann M 
 
 
 
 Verified An unforgettable week in Bhutan!
An unforgettable week in Bhutan with Happiness Kingdom In July 2025, I joined a 7-day group tour of Bhutan with Happiness Kingdom, and it was truly an unforgettable experience from start to finish. I had a fantastic time and enjoyed every single moment of the trip. From the very beginning, I felt incredibly well looked after and completely safe, which allowed me to fully relax and immerse myself in the experience. The organisation was excellent, and I was especially impressed by how much we managed to see and do in just one week without ever feeling rushed. Our tour guide, Karma, was absolutely outstanding. His knowledge, professionalism, and warm personality made the journey even more special. He went above and beyond to ensure everyone was comfortable, informed, and enjoying themselves, and his passion for Bhutan really shone through. Thanks to Happiness Kingdom and Karma, this trip created memories I will cherish forever. I would highly recommend them to anyone considering a visit to Bhutan — you won’t be disappointed.
  
 
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   Rachel L 
 
 
 
 Verified A fantastic Bhutan trip!
We had a wonderful experience exploring Bhutan’s rich culture with Jigme Thinley and Tenzin Wangchuk. Jigme is incredibly knowledgeable and provided engaging explanations about Bhutan’s history and traditions. We thoroughly enjoyed learning from him. Every story, explanation, and insight added depth and meaning to the places we visited. At one point, Jigme even prepared a simple makeshift heat pack to ensure we stayed comfortable in the cool mountain weather. That thoughtful gesture made all the difference and showed just how dedicated he is to his guests’ comfort. Shoutout to Tenzin as well, a wonderful and skilled driver. We felt safe and comfortable throughout our journey. Both of them were exceptionally helpful and attentive. Each day was well-scheduled and relaxed, letting us take in the experience without rush.
  
 
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   Becky S 
 
 
 
 Verified Best value to see Bhutan in a cultural tour
We selected this tour company both because of reviews and cost. Flights to and from Bhutan cost more than our 10-days in Bhutan with Happiness Kingdom. Our guide, Tschering Namgay, and driver, Tashi, were great! Both were so polite and helpful. Tashi was a safe driver. Namgay was a very knowledgeable cultural guide. He explained all the temples and fortresses, the stories and history of Bhutan, and the nuances and meanings of Buddhist sculptures and paintings. He had a good sense of humor and worked hard to ensure we got to see and do all that we wanted to do. Communication with the tour company was delayed, because of the time difference, but always responsive. They were happy to rearrange the plans to accommodate what we wanted to do instead of the standard, without leaving out the important things we didn't even know we wanted to see. Our hotels were comfortable, restaurants with good and sufficient food, and although our schedule was full, we were not rushed (just tired) every day. We got to see the black-necked cranes and several other birds. We enjoyed the Takin Preserve to see some of the more difficult species of animals. Word of caution though - if you are unfit, need a cane, walker, or wheelchair, Bhutan is NOT for you. There are stairs and hilly climbs everywhere. It is not ADA-compliant. But, if you want to take a tour of Bhutan, we recommend Happiness Kingdom as your tour company & #tscheringnamgay, #tashi as your guide and driver.
  
 
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   Sam B 
 
 
 
 Verified Great 6-day trip in Bhutan
Really enjoyed our 6 day tour of Bhutan with our guide Bhim and driver Tshering. They were both very attentive to our every need, and took us to some great places. We loved the hike to Tiger's Nest and the visit of Punakha Zhong. Bhim was very knowledgeable and gave us all the context and history we needed while visiting all the religious sites. Thanks again for everything!
  
 
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   ik298 
 
 
 
 Verified Wonderful trip
7days Bhutan Trip 19.th – 25th. of October 2025 I had booked the 7days trip to Bhutan via Asia Odyssee travel agency. This trip was really a great adventure and everything was wonderful. Well Bhutan I is a very special and amazing country with such a beautiful landscape, very cultivated architecture and overall deep religious life. Well let me give you some details of my tour: The first 3 days I spent with 5 other persons from all over the world. On the second day we made the hike to Tiger nest. I am not so used to climb steep mountains (Steps!!!), so my knees were already quite hurting from my former trek in Nepal. Our driver, Phub Gyeltshen, carried all the way up my backpack and motivated me all the way up to carry on. All the three days he was always there when somebody needed anything, everybody found on his place freshwater bottles. His drive was safe and very relaxed. The last days I travelled alone with the same guide and the driver Gembo. There we had quite long drives – over Dochu La. Also his way to drive was save and forward-looking. I really could enjoy to be on routes. But the main contribution of this wonderful trip layed in the responsibility of the guide (all 7 days!) Sonam Phuntsho. He is such a mindfulness person and always tries to make that everybody feels well. His explanations at the different sites where really detailed and showed that he has a great knowledge, specially religious belongings. Two of the other travellers were Tibetans and he could give always profound answers even from them, who had a great knowledge of the Bhuddist religion. In the day when I was travelling alone, we talked a lot about the social life, education, regime (your King), environmental protection and much more. So I got a deep insight of the life in Bhutan. So I really want to thank you for this wonderful days. Before this trip Bhutan seemed to be an unreachable country and somehow unreal, but now it is a part of my dreams, a country were I really could feel the meaning of happiness and mindfulness. .
  
 
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   Paul W 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing place. Wonderful people.
I did a 7-day trip through West Bhutan and loved the tour overall. It was very well organised and Bhim (Narayan) and Dorji (Wangchuk) were a pleasure to spend time with. Friendly, helpful and a credit to the hospitality of their country. My personal highlights were the dzong at Punakha, getting to enjoy two tsechus (festivals) at Wangdue and Thimphu, and the hike to Tiger's Nest. The addition of a homestay was also a nice way to see a different side to Bhutan. I can thoroughly recommend both visiting Bhutan and this trip.
  
 
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   thierry w 
 
 
 
 Verified Great travel in Bhutan
Very well organise 10 days tour group in Bhutan. the guide Tashi and Phuba the driver were fantastic. Adapting the time for us to discover places without rushing us. 'the hotels were we stayed were nice and the food very good. I would highly recommand happiness kingdom travel to anyone who decide to travel to bhutan
  
 
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   Chris K 
 
 
 
 Verified Fantastic tour, well organised, great Guide and Driver. Excellent in all aspects
Did a small group tour of Bhutan over 10 days with Tashi and driver Phuba. The tour took our group from Paro to Thimbu, Punakha, Phobjikha Valley and Bumthang Valley. A lot of logistics to get that to go off smoothly; stayed in good hotels, always with extremely enthusiastic staff, saw lots. But what really set this off was Tashi; extremely knowledgeable and equally extremely patient with guiding the group through from zero to at least a vague understanding of Bhutan Buddhist culture and history. Tashi, your sense of humor and tolerance really made this trip work. And Phuba always there and ready to assist.
  
 
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   MK L 
 
 
 
 Verified A memorable journey!
It was our first visit to Bhutan, and it turned out to be an incredibly unforgettable journey -- stunning views, awesome culture, and super friendly locals! We arranged this exclusive 6-day trip via a travel agency in Hong Kong. We landed at Paro Airport on 7 Sept and proceeded to Thimphu, then Punakha, before returning to Paro for the Tiger's Nest. Huge thanks to our amazing guide Jigme for his expertise, organization, and dedication in making the journey truly memorable. He possesses great knowledge and has revealed to us the charm of Bhutan. Jigme attentively looked after us in every way, including informing all the restaurants of my dietary preference, and ensured we were comfortable to fully enjoy each moment throughout the trip. We are grateful for our friendly driver Tashi and his outstanding abilities. The ride was so comfortable and smooth! We couldn't have requested a better team! 👍👍 I was also impressed that Jigme not only spoke fluent English but also knew French! A heartfelt thank you to Jigme and Tashi, and I wish you both the very best! 🙏🙏
  
 
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   Madam Wong 
 
 
 
 Verified The Guide Who Turned Our Bhutan Trip Into a Masterpiece .
TE25070007AT Bhutan is a country rich in culture and steeped in deep historical traditions. Our tour guide, Mr. Trashi Dhendup Namgyel, demonstrated exceptional professionalism throughout our journey. He was highly knowledgeable and consistently able to answer all of our questions with clarity and insight. Mr. Namgyel also went out of his way to accommodate our requests whenever possible, ensuring that our experience was both comfortable and memorable. We are truly grateful to have had him as our guide on this meaningful trip. — Madam Wong