14 Days
Laya Gasa Trek
Cross remote valleys and high Himalayan passes, encounter the distinctive culture of Laya and complete an extraordinary wilderness journey through northern Bhutan.
ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS TREK →Into Bhutan’s Remote Northern Highlands
The Laya Gasa Trek is one of Bhutan’s most spectacular high-altitude journeys, passing beneath sacred mountains and through the protected landscapes of Jigme Dorji National Park.
The trail crosses remote valleys, glacial rivers, alpine meadows and demanding mountain passes before reaching Laya, one of Bhutan’s highest permanent settlements.
Meet the Layap people, recognised for their distinctive clothing, language and highland traditions, before continuing toward the forested landscapes and hot-spring region of Gasa.
Experiences Along the Trail
Cross sacred mountain landscapes and encounter remote highland communities in northern Bhutan.
Jomolhari Landscape
Trek beneath sacred Himalayan peaks through dramatic valleys and traditional yak-herding country.
High Mountain Passes
Cross demanding passes including Sinche La at approximately 5,005 metres.
Layap Culture
Meet the people of Laya and discover their distinctive dress, language and highland traditions.
Jigme Dorji National Park
Travel through one of Bhutan’s largest and most ecologically important protected regions.
Remote Wilderness Camps
Camp beside rivers, mountain meadows and forests far from Bhutan’s roads and towns.
Gasa Region
Complete the expedition amid the forested valleys, historic dzong and natural hot-spring region of Gasa.
Your Laya Gasa Expedition
Open each day to view the route, trekking conditions and overnight destination.
DAY 01Arrival in ParoWelcome and acclimatisation+
Meet your guide at Paro International Airport and transfer to your hotel for rest, orientation and acclimatisation.
- Airport reception
- Expedition briefing
- Overnight in Paro
DAY 02Tiger’s Nest Acclimatisation HikeApproximately 4–6 hours+
Hike to Taktsang Monastery through pine forest. The climb provides valuable preparation for the expedition.
- Tiger’s Nest visit
- Equipment review
- Overnight in Paro
DAY 03Paro to Sharna ZampaApproximately 5–6 hours trekking+
Drive toward the trailhead and begin following the Paro Chu through cultivated fields, villages and forest.
- Gradual riverside ascent
- Traditional settlements
- Camp at Sharna Zampa
DAY 04Sharna Zampa to ThangthangkaApproximately 7–8 hours trekking+
Enter Jigme Dorji National Park and follow a demanding forest trail beside the river toward Thangthangka.
- Long forest day
- River crossings
- Camp at Thangthangka
DAY 05Thangthangka to JangothangApproximately 5–6 hours trekking+
Continue into the open highlands, passing yak pastures and settlements before reaching Jangothang beneath Jomolhari.
- Highland villages
- Jomolhari views
- Camp at Jangothang
DAY 06Jangothang AcclimatisationFlexible base-camp exploration+
Spend a second night at Jangothang and complete an acclimatisation hike selected according to weather and fitness.
- Optional lake or viewpoint hike
- Wildlife observation
- Camp at Jangothang
DAY 07Jangothang to LingshiApproximately 7–8 hours trekking+
Cross a high mountain pass and descend through remote valleys toward Lingshi, overlooked by its historic dzong.
- High-pass crossing
- Remote alpine terrain
- Camp near Lingshi
DAY 08Lingshi to ChebisaApproximately 5–6 hours trekking+
Follow a more moderate trail through villages, yak pastures and open valleys toward beautiful Chebisa.
- Traditional village life
- Chebisa waterfall
- Camp at Chebisa
DAY 09Chebisa to ShomuthangApproximately 7–8 hours trekking+
Climb steeply toward Gogu La before descending through grazing country and forest toward Shomuthang.
- Gogu La crossing
- Blue-sheep habitat
- Camp at Shomuthang
DAY 10Shomuthang to RobluthangApproximately 6–7 hours trekking+
Cross Jhari La and continue through isolated highland terrain toward the wilderness campsite at Robluthang.
- Mountain-pass crossing
- Remote valleys
- Camp at Robluthang
DAY 11Robluthang to LimithangApproximately 7–8 hours trekking+
Undertake the trek’s most demanding day, crossing Sinche La before descending into the glacial Limithang Valley.
- Sinche La at approximately 5,005 m
- Glacial landscapes
- Camp at Limithang
DAY 12Limithang to LayaApproximately 4–5 hours trekking+
Follow the valley toward Laya and receive your first introduction to the distinctive traditions of the Layap people.
- Views of northern peaks
- Arrival in Laya
- Camp or local accommodation
DAY 13Explore Laya and Continue toward GasaWalking and road transfer as operationally confirmed+
Explore Laya before descending toward the accessible roadhead. Continue by vehicle toward Gasa or Punakha.
- Layap cultural experience
- Highland village walk
- Transfer toward Gasa
DAY 14Gasa to Punakha or ThimphuScenic road journey+
Complete the expedition with a scenic drive through Gasa’s forested valleys toward Punakha or Thimphu.
- Gasa region
- Optional hot springs when arranged
- Tour services conclude at the confirmed destination
What Your Journey Includes
Your confirmed quotation will clearly identify every accommodation, transport, trekking service and applicable fee.
Included
- Selected hotel accommodation
- One night supported trekking camp
- Sleeping tent and basic camping equipment
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Licensed Bhutanese guide
- Dedicated trekking support team
- Camp cook and camp assistance
- Private vehicle and professional driver
- Airport and trailhead transfers
- Listed sightseeing and activities
- Applicable monument entrance fees
- Drinking water during the journey
- Visa-processing assistance
- Evara Travel support
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel and emergency medical insurance
- Emergency evacuation expenses
- Personal trekking clothing and footwear
- Personal sleeping bag unless confirmed
- Trekking poles and personal equipment
- Alcoholic and bottled beverages
- Personal shopping and expenses
- Laundry and room services
- Tips for guides, drivers and trekking crew
- Optional activities
- Hotel or room upgrades
- Services not listed in the itinerary
Bhutan visa charges and the Sustainable Development Fee will be displayed separately in your confirmed quotation. Final inclusions may vary according to your selected package.
Preparing for the Laya Gasa Trek
Advanced Fitness
Strong endurance and previous multi-day trekking experience are highly recommended.
High Altitude
The route crosses several passes above 4,000 metres and reaches approximately 5,005 metres.
Remote Conditions
Expect consecutive camping nights with limited road access, communications and facilities.
Mountain Weather
Cold temperatures, rain, wind and snow are possible even during the main trekking seasons.
Flexible Route
The guide may adjust campsites or routes for safety, weather and operational conditions.
Essential Equipment
Bring insulated layers, waterproofs, broken-in boots, gloves, sun protection and personal medicine.
Comprehensive insurance must cover high-altitude trekking, medical treatment and emergency helicopter evacuation.