Laya-Gasa Trek

Day 01: Arrive Paro & Sightseeing
Your adventure begins as you touch down in Paro (2,280 m), where a warm welcome awaits. After clearing customs, you’ll be transferred to your hotel to settle in. In the afternoon, explore Paro’s highlights: stroll through the town’s charming market stalls, visit the historic Paro Dzong perched above the valley, and wander the galleries of the National Museum housed in Ta Dzong. As evening falls, enjoy your first Bhutanese meal and rest up for the trek ahead.

Day 02: Paro – Hike to Taktsang Monastery – Shana
Following breakfast, embark on the iconic hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery). Perched 900 m above the valley, the cliffside monastery offers spectacular views and profound spiritual energy. After paying respects, continue on to the small village of Shana (2,820 m), a short 1‑hour drive from Paro, where you’ll spend the night in simple mountain lodgings and share stories of the day’s journey.

Day 03: Shana – Thang Thangka (Start of Laya‑Gasa Trek)
Today marks the true start of the Laya‑Gasa trek. From Shana, you’ll trek 22 km (7–8 hours) through pine forests and across babbling streams, gradually gaining altitude to reach Thang Thangka at 3,610 m. En route, enjoy your first taste of high‑altitude trekking, spotting Himalayan flora and following winding trails that reveal stunning mountain vistas at every turn.

Day 04: Thang Thangka – Jangothang
Leaving Thang Thangka behind, you’ll trek 19 km (5–6 hours) to Jangothang (4,080 m), the highest point of the early trek. The route climbs steadily, traversing alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers and offering wide‐ranging panoramas of snow‑capped peaks. Tonight’s campsite under the stars provides excellent opportunities for acclimatization.

Day 05: Jangothang Halt (Acclimatization Day)
Rest and acclimatize at Jangothang. Take gentle walks around the campsite to explore nearby streams and meadows, allow your body to adjust to the altitude, and savor a slower pace. This day of leisurely hiking and relaxation is crucial for ensuring you’re ready for the higher passes ahead.

Day 06: Jangothang – Lingshi
Today’s trek covers 17 km (6–7 hours) as you descend gently to Lingshi (4,000 m). Passing yak herder camps and remote nomadic settlements, you’ll witness authentic Himalayan village life. In Lingshi, explore the ancient Lingshi Dzong ruins and marvel at the sweeping valley views before settling in for the night.

Day 07: Lingshi – Chebisa
A shorter day’s walk (10 km, 5–6 hours) leads you to Chebisa (3,880 m). The trail undulates across grassy ridges and through juniper‐fringed slopes, offering sweeping valley vistas. Arrive in time to relax with your trekking companions and prepare for the next day’s higher climbs.

Day 08: Chebisa – Shomuthang
Today’s 17 km trek (6–7 hours) climbs to Shomuthang at 4,220 m. You’ll cross Mani walls inscribed with prayers and pass yak grazing grounds. As you ascend, the air thins and the landscape opens into vast alpine expanses—ideal for spotting Himalayan wildlife. Camp beneath the soaring peaks and rest for tomorrow’s journey.

Day 09: Shomuthang – Robluthang
Continue along the high‑mountain trail for 18 km (6–7 hours) to Robluthang (4,160 m). The path traverses rocky moraines and glacial streams, with distant views of Bhutan’s loftiest summits. Tonight’s campsite lies in a sheltered hollow, offering a peaceful setting to reflect on your progress.

Day 10: Robluthang – Lemithang
Today’s trek covers 19 km (6–7 hours), leading you to Lemithang (4,140 m). You’ll cross high passes and wander through expansive meadows scattered with prayer flags. The spectacular backdrop of glaciated ridges makes every step memorable. Rest well in camp to prepare for the final push toward Laya.

Day 11: Lemithang – Laya
From Lemithang, a shorter 10 km hike (4–5 hours) brings you down to Laya (3,840 m), a remote village of distinctive traditional houses. Greet the resilient Layaps—famed for their red-felt hats—and explore the village’s unique culture and architecture. Tonight, enjoy a cultural exchange and an authentic homestay experience.

Day 12: Laya Halt
Spend a full day in Laya to rest, acclimatize, and immerse yourself in local life. Wander the fields, visit village temples, and learn about Layap customs and crafts. This pause ensures you’re fully prepared for the descent toward Gasa.

Day 13: Laya – Koena
Depart Laya for Koena on a 19 km trek (6–7 hours), descending through rhododendron forests and alongside mountain streams. At Koena (3,050 m), you’ll notice a subtler landscape and warmer air—signs that you’re nearing lower elevations. Camp here and reflect on the trek’s high‑altitude highlights.

Day 14: Koena – Gasa (End of Trek)
The final trekking day covers 14 km (6–7 hours) to Gasa (2,638 m). As you descend, hot springs may beckon for a soothing soak—an ideal way to celebrate completing the Laya‑Gasa traverse. Arrive in Gasa, where warm beds and hearty meals await.

Day 15: Gasa – Punakha Sightseeing
After breakfast, drive 78 km (3 hours) to Punakha (1,242 m). Visit the stunning Punakha Dzong at the confluence of two rivers and stroll to Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple. Enjoy a cozy evening by the river before turning in at your Punakha hotel.

Day 16: Punakha – Thimphu
Travel 76 km (2½ hours) back to Thimphu (2,334 m). En route, stop at scenic viewpoints and rice terraces. Upon arrival, explore any missed sites in the capital or simply relax in a café overlooking the valley.

Day 17: Thimphu Sightseeing
Spend a full day revisiting Thimphu’s attractions: the giant Buddha Dordenma statue, Memorial Chorten, National Textile Museum, and the vibrant weekend market (if timing allows). This is your last chance to pick up souvenirs and savor Bhutanese cuisine.

Day 18: Thimphu – Paro & Departure
After breakfast, drive the 54 km (1 hour) back to Paro. Arrive at Paro International Airport in time for your departure flight, carrying with you memories of Bhutan’s remote valleys, ancient villages, and the unforgettable Laya‑Gasa trek.