Laya Gasa Trek

Your flight to Paro offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, with towering peaks giving way to the lush Paro Valley. On arrival, a HimaQuest Tours representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. After lunch, visit Ta Dzong, a historic watchtower now housing the National Museum, and explore Paro Rimpung Dzong, the valley’s administrative and religious center. A short walk leads to a traditional cantilevered bridge, showcasing Bhutanese architecture. In the evening, enjoy free time to explore the town, shop, or take photos before resting at your hotel.

After breakfast, drive to the base camp of Taktsang and begin your hike to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The uphill trek takes about two hours, offering breathtaking views of the monastery perched 900 meters above the valley. A sacred Buddhist site, it is believed that Guru Rimpoche flew here on a tigress and meditated in a cave, which later became the monastery. In the afternoon, visit the reconstructed Drukgyel Dzong, with Mount Jomolhari (7,314m) providing a stunning backdrop in clear weather. On the way back, explore other sights in Paro Valley. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

The trek covers 22 km over 7–8 hours, ascending 770 meters to an altitude of 3,610 m. The trail winds through dense forests, past scattered farmhouses, and along the river’s edge. It narrows at points, with occasional ascents and descents. A junction along the way marks the route to Tibet via Tremo La Pass. The campsite awaits in a serene meadow with a stone shelter.

Altitude: 4,080 m | Distance: 19 km | Time: 5–6 hours | Ascent: 480 m

In the morning, the trail passes a small army post before gradually leaving the forest and climbing into a beautiful valley. Along the way, we pass Tegethang, a winter settlement for yak herders, where we stop for lunch in one of their huts. The route offers plenty of chances to spot yaks before arriving at Jhomolhari Base Camp (4,115 m). Surrounded by towering mountains, the camp is near the ruins of an ancient fortress once used to protect Bhutan from Tibetan invasions. Dinner and overnight stay at the campsite.

Take a rest day at Jangothang and soak in the stunning mountain scenery. You can go on short hikes to alpine lakes or admire Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. The valley slopes are home to blue sheep, making wildlife sightings possible. Trek to Tosoh or explore various trails in the area. Mountains rise in all directions, Jomolhari to the west, Jichu Drake to the north, and unexplored peaks to the east, offering a perfect setting for acclimatization.

Altitude: 4,000 m | Distance: 17 km | Time: 6–7 hours

Today's trek presents spectacular views of Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tserim Gang. We begin with a steep climb, reaching Nyelela Pass at 4,700 m after about 3 to 4 hours of ascent. From the pass, we descend towards Lingshi, passing by a circular hut where we will set up camp for the night. As we approach the village, we catch our first view of the mystical Dzong, perched majestically on a high hill. Dinner and overnight stay at the campsite.

Altitude: 4,000 m | Distance: 17 km | Time: 6–7 hours

Today's trek offers stunning views of Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tserim Gang. We begin with a steep ascent, heading toward Nyelela Pass at 4,700 m, which takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach. After crossing the pass, we descend to a circular hut just below Lingshi, where we will set up camp. As we approach Lingshi, we get our first sight of the enchanting Dzong, perched high on a hill. Dinner and overnight stay at camp.

Campsite Altitude: 3,880 m | Distance: 10 km | Time: 5–6 hours | Ascent: 280 m | Descent: 410 m

Today's trek offers a truly enchanting experience. Departing from Lingshi, we gradually ascend toward the scenic village of Gom Yu, located beneath a dramatic 300-meter cliff. Continuing on for another hour, we reach a tranquil valley that is home to the delightful village of Chebisa, where a stunning waterfall cascades at one end. We will camp by the river, soaking in the serene atmosphere. The walk is relatively easy, making for a relaxing day. Dinner and overnight stay at the campsite.

Camp Altitude: 4,220 m | Distance: 17 km | Time: 6–7 hours | Ascent: 890 m | Descent: 540 m

Our day starts with a challenging climb through high pastures as we make our way to the Gokula Pass at 4,320 m. From the pass, we descend through forests of dwarf rhododendrons. The trail then gently ascends before leading us down toward the campsite, which is situated beside a riverbed.

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Camp Altitude: 4,160 m | Distance: 18 km | Time: 6–7 hours | Ascent: 700 m | Descent: 760 m

Today's trek takes us over the Jarela Pass at 4,640 m, offering spectacular views of the Himalayan peaks. After crossing the pass, we descend sharply through a forest trail into the Tsarigathang Valley, where we may encounter herds of Takin. Following this, we cross a river that reaches knee-depth before ascending to Robluthang, where we will camp for the night.

Camp Altitude: 4,140 meters | Distance: 19 km | Time: 6-7 hours | Ascent: 850 meters | Descent: 870 meters

Today is one of the toughest sections of the trek as we steadily ascend to Shinchela Pass at 4,870 meters, where we’re rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including Gang Chen Ta. On clear days, the peaks along the northern border become visible. This area is home to wildlife such as eagles, griffon vultures, blue sheep, and yaks. After taking in the panoramic views, we descend to our camp, nestled in a serene location by the river.

Camp Altitude: 3,840 m | Distance: 10 km | Time: 4–5 hours | Ascent: 60 m | Descent: 340 m

Today's trek follows a tributary of the Mochu River, winding through forests of rhododendrons and silver firs before arriving at the village of Laya. The villagers are known for their distinctive yak hair garments with vertical stripes and conical bamboo hats. Laya women often adorn their long hair with turquoise and jade jewelry. Their appearance carries a more Tibetan/Mongolian influence compared to the central Bhutanese. The afternoon is free to wander the village, visit local homes, and take in breathtaking views of Masagang and surrounding peaks.

Camp Altitude: 3,050 m | Distance: 19 km | Time: 6–7 hours | Ascent: 260 m | Descent: 1,070 m

The trail meanders through the Mo Chhu river valley, with several ascents and descents that pass by rushing rivers, streams, and waterfalls, offering stunning views along the way. After navigating the natural obstacles, the path leads up to Kohi Lapcha at 3,300 m. From there, it gradually descends to the Koina Chhu stream, where we will set up camp for the night.

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At an altitude of 2,638 meters, we will camp after covering 14 km in 6-7 hours, with an ascent of 900 meters and a descent of 1,710 meters. Our journey takes us uphill to Balela Pass, at 3,740 meters, followed by a descent to Gasa Village. One of the most memorable moments is the sight of Gasa Dzong, perched beautifully above the village. Afterward, we take a steep downhill path to the river, where we’ll camp near the hot spring for a relaxing bath.

After breakfast, drive to Punakha, stopping along the way for a 45-minute hike to the Khamsung Yulley Namgyal Choling Monastery. Continue to Yabesa Village, where you’ll hike through rice fields to the Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten, built by Her Majesty Queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. The Chorten, perched on a hill above the river, houses beautiful paintings from the Nyingmapa tradition. After lunch, explore Punakha Dzong, constructed in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, located between the Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). Once the government seat until the reign of the second king, the Dzong’s construction was foretold by Guru Rinpoche, who described a hill resembling an elephant where a person named Namgyal would arrive. A smaller structure, Dzong Chu (Small Dzong), once housed a statue of Buddha, and the Dzong preserves war relics from the Tibetan conflict. Punakha also remains the winter residence of the Je-Khenpo, and it was here that King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk convened the National Assembly in 1952. End your day with dinner and an overnight stay at a hotel in Punakha.

After breakfast, visit Chimi Lhakhang, the 'Temple of Fertility' built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley in 1499, before continuing to Thimphu. In the evening, explore Trashichhoedzong, a fortress built in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and the center of Bhutan's government and religion. End the day with a stroll around Thimphu and some shopping. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, explore Thimphu Valley, visiting the National Library, which houses a vast collection of Buddhist manuscripts, and the Institute for Zorig Chusum, where students are trained in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. After lunch, visit the King’s Memorial Chorten, a monument to peace and prosperity, and then head to Buddha Point for stunning panoramic views of the Thimphu Valley. Afterward, drive to Paro, stopping at Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in Bhutan, built in 1627, which now houses a school for Buddhist studies. Once in Paro, take a leisurely stroll around the town, visit local shops, and enjoy the picturesque surroundings. Overnight stay at a hotel in Paro.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for your flight to your next destination. Wishing you a safe and pleasant journey ahead. Tashi Delek!