Laya Gasa Trek

The flight into Paro offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan range and is considered one of the most beautiful mountain flights. After landing, enjoy the fresh mountain air before completing arrival formalities. You will then be greeted by our representative and driven to your hotel..

If time allows, enjoy a brief visit to Paro Rinpung Dzong and a short introduction walk through Paro town. Paro is a peaceful valley town situated at 2,280 m along the Pa Chhu River and is known for its fertile land, history, and traditional Bhutanese culture.

Paro Rinpung Dzong, dating back to 1645, is an outstanding example of Bhutanese architecture and serves as the administrative and monastic center of the district.Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, we begin the hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring landmarks in Bhutan. Dramatically perched on a sheer cliff about 900 meters above the Paro Valley, Taktsang is a sacred site where Guru Padmasambhava is believed to have meditated in the 8th century. The round-trip hike to the monastery typically takes 4 to 6 hours, depending on your fitness level, and rewards you with breathtaking views of pine forests, prayer flags, and the valley below.

9 Km | 4-5 Hours | 250M Ascent | Camp Alt 3110M After enjoying a wholesome breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to Zangkipang where the trek begins. The trail is gentle and climbs gradually alongside the Paro River, passing through forests of pine and rhododendron. After about two to three hours of walking and crossing a few small streams, you will arrive at Shingkarap. This open area, with a single traditional house, is commonly used by mountain people as a resting and eating place during their journeys. A short walk further leads you to the campsite, located at an altitude of 3,110 meters.

15Km| 6-7 Hours | 650M Ascent | Camp Alt 3670M The path stays close to the Paro River, rising and falling as it passes through pine, oak, and spruce trees. After crossing a small bridge, you will stop for a warm lunch on the left side of the river. The walk then continues uphill through rhododendron bushes, following the river once more. Crossing another bridge brings you to the campsite, which is set at 3,750 meters.

17Km | 4-5 Hours | 370M Ascent| Camp Alt 4040M,

Today’s trek is shorter in distance but involves a steady climb as the trail rises above the forest line. From the campsite, you walk uphill to an army post and then continue along the river in open terrain with wide mountain views. The path can be muddy in places and passes a mani wall before reaching highland areas where yaks graze. Lunch will be served at a yak herder’s hut. After lunch, the trail passes the settlements of Soe and Takethang, where people grow crops such as barley, potatoes, and turnips. The final walk crosses open ground and follows a stream to Dangochang village, leading to the campsite at Jangothang at 4,040 meters. From here, you can enjoy excellent views of Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake.

Descending from the pass, enjoy spectacular scenery as Gangtey Goenpa and the serene Phobjikha Valley come into view. Visit the monastery, an important center of the Nyingmapa school in western Bhutan, and take in its tranquil setting. Later in the afternoon, explore the valley on a scenic hike, home to the rare Black-necked crane that migrates here from the Tibetan Plateau during winter. Overnight at your hotel in Phobjikha.

Today is dedicated to letting your body adjust to the altitude. You can take a gentle exploration to the north of camp for about four hours, walking across open slopes until you are rewarded with views of Mt. Jichu Drakye (6,989 m). For those feeling adventurous, a higher climb up to 4,895 m—taller than Mont Blanc—offers spectacular sights of Mount Jomolhari. This area is rich in wildlife and unique plants, such as blue sheep, golden eagles, griffon vultures, Himalayan rhubarb, and the rare blue poppy. Jangothang is a broad grassy plateau with the remains of an old fortress, lying under the shadow of the towering peaks. Due to the high altitude, rest is recommended, but whether you choose to hike or stay at camp, the day will be remarkable..

18Km | 6-7 Hours | 820M Ascent | 860M Descent | Camp Alt 4010M

Follow the stream and cross a bridge to begin the climb. Reach a ridge with spectacular views of Jumolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tsherim Gang. Continue through the valley to Ngye La Pass (4,700 m) and descend gently to the campsite at 4,010 m, overlooking Lingshi Dzong.

12Km | 5-6Hours | 210M Ascent l 340M Descent | Camp Alt 3880M

Explore Lingshi Dzong, perched on a hill with stunning views of green valleys, the river, and surrounding peaks. Once a pilgrim stops and fortress, the walk is easy, passing villages and yak camps. After lunch, continue to Chebisa village with its clear waterfall and camp by the stream at 3,850 m.

17Km | 6-7 Hours | 620M Ascent | 520M Descent | Camp Alt 4220M

Climb steeply to Gogu La Pass (4,500 m), often spotting blue sheep. Descend through rhododendron to lunch, then continue past streams and yak camps to Shakshepasa (3,980 m). A final climb along the northern valley leads to the campsite by a stream at 4,250 m.

17Km | 6-7 Hours | 620M Ascent | 590M Descent | Camp Alt 4160M

The trek begins along a trail filled with edelweiss, climbing to Jari La Pass at 4,700 m with views of Kangbum Peak (6,526 m) to the southeast. Descend into Tsarijathang Valley, home to Bhutan’s rare Himalayan Takin. Cross the stream, then ascend to Robluthang, a rocky meadow campsite at 4,200 m.

19Km | 7-8 Hours | 850M Ascent | 870M Descent | Camp Alt 4140M

Today, you cross the highest pass of the trek, Shingchen La (5,005 m), navigating marshy ground, streams, and rocky terrain. At the top, enjoy breathtaking views of Gangchenta (6,840 m). Descend along a narrow valley, crossing streams and cedar forests, to reach Lingmethang (4,140 m), a scenic riverside meadow beneath Tiger Mountain.

10Km | 3-4 Hours | Camp Alt 3850M

As the day begins, enjoy breathtaking views of Gangchenta Peak from your campsite. The trail to Laya unfolds gently through picturesque landscapes, including damp, green forests blanketed with moss and alive with the calls of birds. Arriving at Laya, you reach one of Bhutan’s highest inhabited villages at 3,800 m, a serene settlement perched among the mountains.

14Km | 5 hours | 81m Ascent | 310 Descent | Camp altitude 2950m

Begin with a gentle two-hour descent from Laya to the riverside Army Post, marking the end of the trek. From here, drive about five hours to Punakha, passing through forests and the villages of Gasa, Damji, and Tashithang, before reaching terraced fields in upper Punakha. Arrive by evening for a comfortable hotel stay and overnight in Punakha.

Explore the iconic Punakha Dzong, dramatically set at the meeting point of the male and female rivers and often compared to a majestic vessel resting at their confluence. From here, stroll past the local cremation site to reach Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge. Later, travel toward Thimphu via the scenic Dochu La Pass (3,100 m), where clear weather reveals sweeping Himalayan panoramas. Along the way, stop at Metsina and walks through terraced rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the revered shrine of the 14th-century yogi Drukpa Kuenley, popularly known as the “Divine Madman,” famed for granting fertility blessings. After the visit, continue onward to Thimphu.

Begin with a visit to the Memorial Chorten, the graceful stupa at the center of Thimphu, followed by an excursion to Kuenselphodrang to admire the towering 169-foot Buddha Dordenma, regarded as the world’s largest bronze statue. Continue to the Motithang Takin Preserve, then stop at the Post Office to create your own personalized stamps. Later, experience the lively Farmers Market, Bhutan’s biggest vegetable market filled with local produce and vendors. In the evening, drive to Paro for overnight stay at a hotel.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport, where our representative will warmly see you off and bid you a fond farewell