17 days/ 16 nights · Private tour
Tour highlights
About this tour
The Laya Gasa trek is the best way to see the wild north of Bhutan without committing to the Snowman. You walk past Jomolhari, cross five high passes and reach Laya, where women wear tall bamboo hats and families herd yaks. Then you descend through forest to soak in the hot springs at Gasa.
Blue sheep, takin and even snow leopard tracks are possible along the way. Our crew pitches camp and cooks, and horses or yaks carry the gear.
It is challenging. You spend about ten nights above 3,800 metres, and Shinche La reaches about 5,000 metres. Therefore you need strong fitness and some trekking experience. A rest day at Jomolhari base camp helps you adjust.
Late September to October is best, with clear skies after the monsoon. You can also time it with the Royal Highland Festival in Laya in October. April to May works too, with rhododendron in flower.
Want something shorter? Try the Druk Path trek, or browse all our Bhutan trekking tours. For packing tips and entry rules, read our Bhutan travel information guide.
Your Laya Gasa trek starts from US$6,800 per person, and group discounts are available. The price covers the Sustainable Development Fee, hotels and camping, and all meals. It also includes a trek crew and cook, pack horses, tents, a private vehicle and driver, a licensed guide, taxes and entry fees. Flights, insurance and drinks are extra.
The Sustainable Development Fee is USD 100 per night right now. That is half the standard rate set by Bhutan’s official tourism site. However, this lower rate is confirmed only until 31 August 2027. We have been licensed since 2012 and have welcomed more than 2,000 travellers.
Yes. Set your dates for late October and we will plan the trek around the festival in Laya.
Yes. It is longer and higher, so it suits fit trekkers with some experience.
Yes. You can bathe at the Gasa hot springs at the end of the trek.
Day by day
This itinerary shows one way to enjoy this trip. We can change any day, add or remove places, change the pace or the hotels, and add a festival. Every journey we run is curated around you.
Paro 2,250 m · Tiger’s Nest hike about 500 m climb · 4 to 6 hours return You land in Paro and settle in. On day 2, you hike to Tiger’s Nest to prepare your legs and lungs for the trek. Overnight: Paro
Drukgyel to Jangothang · about 58 km over 3 days · camp 4,080 m You follow the Paro River through forest to Shana and Thangthangkha, then on to Jangothang below Jomolhari. Day 6 is a rest day with an optional hike to the Tsophu lakes. Overnight: Camps at Shana, Thangthangkha and Jangothang
Jangothang to Shomuthang · about 51 km over 3 days · high point Nyile La 4,870 m You cross Nyile La to Lingshi Dzong, then walk through the stone village of Chebisa. Next, you cross Gobu La to the river camp at Shomuthang. Overnight: Camps at Lingshi, Chebisa and Shomuthang
Shomuthang to Laya · about 52 km over 3 days · high point Shinche La about 5,000 m · Laya 3,840 m You cross Jhari La to Robluthang, then Shinche La to Limithang under the peak of Gangchhenta. On day 12, you walk into Laya and meet the villagers. Overnight: Camps at Robluthang, Limithang and Laya
Laya to Gasa · about 33 km over 2 days · high point Bari La 3,740 m · Gasa 2,900 m You drop through forest along the Mo Chhu river to Koena. Then you cross Bari La to Gasa Dzong and relax in the hot springs. Overnight: Camps at Koena and Gasa
Gasa to Punakha · about 80 km · 3 hours by car · 1,250 m Your driver meets you at the road head and takes you down to the warm Punakha Valley. In the afternoon, you visit Punakha Dzong. Overnight: Punakha
Punakha to Paro · 125 km · about 4 hours · 2,250 m You drive over Dochula Pass to Paro and celebrate with a farewell dinner and a hot stone bath. Overnight: Paro
Paro airport · short transfer After breakfast, your guide and driver take you to Paro airport and see you off with a farewell scarf. We hope to welcome you back for another trek soon.
Package does not include insurance of any kinds, and that you are required to obtain separate coverage from your home country or any insurance company of your choice.
Tell us your dates, and we will shape this trip around you.
