Beautiful Laya – Gasa (Hot Springs) Trek – 22 days
Experience Bhutan’s most spectacular wilderness trek through the remote Himalayan villages of Laya and Gasa. Cross high mountain passes above 4,800m, visit ancient dzongs and monasteries, encounter yak herders, enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Jomolhari, and relax in the famous Gasa Hot Springs on this unforgettable adventure.
Country
Gasa / Bhutan
Duration
22 days
Difficulty
Hard
Trip Type
Trekking
Max Altitude
4910m / 16109ft
Best Season
Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Accomodation
3***Hotel + Logde accommodation on twin sharing bed basis during the Trekking.
Meals
All meals (Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast) with cup of hot drinks during the trekking.
Start/End Point
Paro
Highlights & Overview
Hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest MonasteryTrek beneath majestic Mount JomolhariExplore remote high-altitude wildernessVisit traditional Layap settlementsExperience authentic Bhutanese mountain cultureCross Jhari La Pass and Sinche La PassEncounter yaks, blue sheep, and Himalayan wildlifeVisit historic Lingshi and Gasa DzongsRelax in natural Gasa Hot SpringsExplore Bhutan’s capital city ThimphuVisit Punakha Dzong and Wangduephodrang DzongEnjoy spectacular Himalayan panoramasCamp in pristine alpine valleysExperience traditional Bhutanese hospitalityDiscover Jigme Dorji National Park
The Beautiful Laya – Gasa Hot Springs Trek is one of Bhutan’s finest high-altitude trekking adventures, combining pristine Himalayan landscapes, rich Buddhist culture, remote mountain communities, and natural hot springs. Starting in the picturesque Paro Valley, the trek follows the legendary Jomolhari route through alpine meadows, rhododendron forests, yak-grazing pastures, and some of Bhutan’s most isolated settlements.Trekkers enjoy magnificent views of Mount Jomolhari (7,326m), Jichu Drake, Gangchhenta, and numerous snow-capped Himalayan peaks while crossing several high passes including Jhari La and Sinche La. The route passes through the traditional Layap homeland, where visitors experience the unique culture, dress, language, and hospitality of the highland people.After exploring the remote village of Laya, the trek descends through dramatic valleys and bamboo forests to Gasa, home to Bhutan’s famous therapeutic hot springs and the historic Gasa Dzong. The journey concludes with cultural sightseeing in Punakha, Wangduephodrang, Thimphu, and Paro, offering a perfect balance of trekking, culture, history, and relaxation.
Short Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive Paro (2285m/7500ft)
- Day 2: Paro – Shana Zampa (2800m/9184ft)
- Day 3: Shana Zampa – Thangthangkha (3415m/11200ft)
- Day 4: Thangthangkha – Jangothang (4115m/13500ft)
- Day 5: Jangothang Exploration Day (4420m/14500ft)
- Day 6: Jangothang – Lingshi (4390m/14400ft)
- Day 7: Lingshi – Chebisa (3880m/12730ft)
- Day 8: Chebisa – Shomuthang (4570m/15000ft)
- Day 9: Shomuthang – Jhari La Pass – Robuthang (4750m/15570ft)
- Day 10: Robuthang – Lingmithang (4910m/16109ft)
- Day 11: Lingmithang – Laya Village (3800m/12467ft)
- Day 12: Laya Exploration Day (3800m/12467ft)
- Day 13: Laya – Koena (3050m/10007ft)
- Day 14: Koena – Gasa (3750m/12303ft)
- Day 15: Gasa Dzong & Hot Springs (3000m/9843ft)
- Day 16: Gasa Hot Springs Exploration (3000m/9843ft)
- Day 17: Gasa – Damji (2300m/7546ft)
- Day 18: Damji – Tashithang (1700m/5577ft)
- Day 19: Wangduephodrang – Punakha – Thimphu (2334m/7657ft)
- Day 20: Thimphu Sightseeing (2334m/7657ft)
- Day 21: Thimphu – Paro (2285m/7500ft)
- Day 22: Departure from Paro (2285m/7500ft)
- Day 23:
Price Includes
Personal guide & driver with SUV or Toyota coaster bus depending on pax.All touring & transfers throughout.Traditional 3-star hotels with private bathrooms twin sharing based.All meals and bottled water daily.SDF (Sustainable development fee & all taxes.Bhutan visa fees & processing.Monuments feesFarm house visitPrice Doesn't Include
Airfares to/from Bhutan.Personal items laundry, drinks, and designer coffee’s telephone callsHotel room single supplement $ 30 per person per nightSim CardTipping for guide and diverAnything that is not included in official final invoices.Beautiful Laya – Gasa (Hot Springs) Trek – 22 days Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Paro (2285m/7500ft)
Arrive at Paro International Airport and transfer to your hotel. After lunch, hike to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery, dramatically perched on a cliff high above the valley. Visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse and enjoy an introductory cultural experience before the trek begins.
Max Altitude
2285m/7500ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 2: Paro – Shana Zampa (2800m/9184ft)
Drive to Drukgyel Dzong and begin trekking through beautiful farmlands, pine forests, and traditional villages. Follow the Paro Chhu valley while enjoying views of Bhutan’s untouched countryside before reaching Shana Zampa.
Max Altitude
2800m/9184ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 3: Shana Zampa – Thangthangkha (3415m/11200ft)
Shana to Thangthangkha is a about an 8 hour trek. Continuing on a gradual climb alongside the Paro Chhu (Chhu means river in Drukpa) through conifers and rhododendron you’ll soon enter Jigme Droji National Park. Lunch served at Sheng Karap. Tremo-la is nearby; a stone paved trail utilized as a trade route from Tibet. We are very near the Tibet and Bhutan border. Here there are two paths…one would take you to Tibet, we will not take this path. We take our path to cross over a wooden bridge and continue our climb over a set of switchbacks and cross the river again. Ups and downs, with more ups, will bring us over our last bridge of the day. The terrain can be challenging! You will be looking for a white chorten and a lovely meadow. Here you will see Jumolhari, The Goddess Peak! The white peaks at 24,000ft beacon to you. Night halt. 11,200 ft
Max Altitude
3415m/11200ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 4: Thangthangkha – Jangothang (4115m/13500ft)
Thangthangkha to Jangothang is a 8-hour trek starting at Pa Chhu. Your climb today gains elevation and you will be comfortably worn out at day’s end. You are now entering “yak” country. Yaks are utilized for pack animals as well as supply cheese, milk, tea, meat and Yak hair for weaving of huts, blankets, clothes, backpacks and hats. Burley and huge, the yak plays an important role in Bhutan history, yesterday and today. Remote villages are dotted throughout this area. A stone and log bridge provides access to Jangothang. Winters here long. Unparalleled views of snow peak mountain form the eastern side of the valley. You are in the most spectacular camp spot in the entire Himalayan range. You are truly in the High Himalayas! Camp beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mt. Jumolhari at 13,500 ft.
Max Altitude
4115m/13500ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 5: Jangothang Exploration Day (4420m/14500ft)
Rise early this morning to view Jumolhari Mountain. Today is for exploration and relax and acclimate. Choose from several day hikes for unsurpassed views of Jichu Drake at 28,000 ft and surrounding unclimbed peaks in the east. Day hike to Tshophu, a high altitude lake at 14,500ft is an alternative, as well as an outing toward the glacier at the foot of Jumolhari Mountain.. Overnight halt in camp. Bask in the shadow of the Goddess.
Max Altitude
4420m/14500ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 6: Jangothang – Lingshi (4390m/14400ft)
Jangothang to Lingshi is about a 7 to 8 hour journey through wide yak pastures and 2 high passes, as we trek into isolation. As you come down into the Lingshi basin, you get a wonderful view of Lingshi Dzong, We will visit the dzong. Tserim Kang, at 22,267 ft and its glaciers rise up at the north end of the valley. Watch for blue sheep and musk deer as you trek in the afternoon shadow of the High Himalayas. Night halt is a choice between a stone hut and the tent. 14,400ft.
Max Altitude
4390m/14400ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 7: Lingshi – Chebisa (3880m/12730ft)
Visit Lingshi Dzong, an impressive 14th century fortress utilized today by monks. High on a mountaintop its beauty entices you as you climb to her courtyard, amongst herds of yaks grazing nearby. Stop enroute in Lingshi Village to mail a post card from the remote High Himalayan village. Continue on for a 5-6 hour hike toward our campsite for the night, Chebisa. Along our way far to the north you can see Jhari La and the razor edged hills you will cross to reach Laya. We will be seeing many medicinal plants and pass thru Goyul Village and visit with locals. Another day in Shangri-la! Overnight Chebisa.
Max Altitude
3880m/12730ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 8: Chebisa – Shomuthang (4570m/15000ft)
Today we are challenged to a very steep climb and rewards are many on our 6 to 7 hour trek. We will pass through thick forest of rhododendrons and alpine flowers, perhaps even see the Blue Poppy, Bhutans’ National Flower. Kang Bum snow peak is visible here and soon to show its majesty as well are Gangchhenta and Tserim Kang. Our camp tonight is by the river named Tsheri Jathang,; the valley here is a Tarkin sanctaury. Overnight campsite Shomuthang 15,000ft
Max Altitude
4570m/15000ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 9: Shomuthang – Jhari La Pass – Robuthang (4750m/15570ft)
Today again up a steep grade we cross over Jhari La Pass, 15,570ft. Descending to Sharijathang there may be sightings of Tarkin here, Bhutans’ national animal. A one of a kind huge beast resembling a cow, moose and goat, sighting a tarkin in the wild is a real treat. and photo opportunity. Watch for Himalayan Griffons, Blue Sheep traversing the mountainside, high altitude plants, and glorious large yaks grazing. We camp at Robuthang tonight after our 6 to 7 hour trek.
Max Altitude
4750m/15570ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 10: Robuthang – Lingmithang (4910m/16109ft)
Today we will cross our highest pass on our trek, the Shinglela Pass 16,100ft. Our journey will entail 6 to 7 hours today. We are approaching Lingmithang Valley and the home of the Layap people. We may begin to encounter the Laya yak herder ladies at anytime now. You will recognize them from their unusual coinical pointed bamboo hats and their dress made of yak hair. They speak their own dialect. They perhaps will wish to offer us yak dried cheese or tea. The cheese can be quite good if soft! Overnight Lingmithang Valley
Max Altitude
4910m/16109ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 11: Lingmithang – Laya Village (3800m/12467ft)
Depart Lingmithang onward towards Laya. Mount Gangcheyta is now in our clear view. We trek today to finally rest at Laya Village, the 2nd highest village in all of Bhutan. Tonight we will enjoy adance performed by the local Layas and Bhutanese home made drinks. You perhaps will dance too!
Max Altitude
3800m/12467ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 12: Laya Exploration Day (3800m/12467ft)
Today we will rest here, enjoy conversations with locals, explore Himalayan remote wilderness. Your expert guide will assist you in outings. Overnight Laya.
Max Altitude
3800m/12467ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 13: Laya – Koena (3050m/10007ft)
Being well rested we say good bye,”legzhembe joen” and “kadinchhey” thank you. We descend toward the army camp by the Mo Chhu River (Mother River). Views of crashing rivers, feeder streams and waterfalls surround us. Our camp tonight is at Koena.
Max Altitude
3050m/10007ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 14: Koena – Gasa (3750m/12303ft)
We now continue on for a day of 6 to 7 hours to reach Gasa tonight. We will cross over another pass today, Balela pass at 12,300ft. Our trek today takes us through bamboo forest. We will see chortens and then get our first glimpse of the Gasa Dzong. Here at Gasa Village is a hospital, police station, school and a few shops. We camp here tonight close to the medieval dzong. Gasa Dzong was built in the 17th century by the 1st religious king, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to protect Bhutan from Tibetan invaders. Sleep in the shadow of the past.
Max Altitude
3750m/12303ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 15: Gasa Dzong & Hot Springs (3000m/9843ft)
Visit Gasa Dzong and village and downwards to our spa in the sky, the Gasa Hot Springs!. You are refreshed as you soak in the mineral tubs. A small village is here and pristine mountain rivers rush by below. Ahhh Bhutan! relax in the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
Max Altitude
3000m/9843ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 16: Gasa Hot Springs Exploration (3000m/9843ft)
Free day to relax, soak in the mineral-rich waters, and explore the surrounding area.
Max Altitude
3000m/9843ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 17: Gasa – Damji (2300m/7546ft)
Today we leave early as we have a steep rocky climb ahead. Today we trek for 5 hours, visiting villages and a stop at a farmhouse to view Buddhist altar and relics. Along our way we see water prayer wheels, and greet the locals, “kuzo zangpo la” Hello. They will smile and be pleased. The scenery is changing rapidly now. We are on a high agricultural bench above the Mo Chhu, a lush semi-tropical gorge filled with banana trees, creepers and various tropical flowers and vegatation. Wild orchids, rhodendendrums and poinsettas grow wild here. We may encounter monkeys. Our overnight halt is at Damji.
Max Altitude
2300m/7546ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 18: Damji – Tashithang (1700m/5577ft)
We end our trekking at Tashithang where our van and driver awaits to drive us. We drive to Wangduephodrang and will overnight at Dragons Nest Resort. Here will we enjoy a hot bath, wonderful balcony views of the quaint village and river,. Enjoy dinner and sleep well. Tonight you could awake to the strange and haunting howl of the jackel, they are in this area.
Max Altitude
1700m/5577ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 19: Wangduephodrang – Punakha – Thimphu (2334m/7657ft)
Today after breakfast we visit Wangduephodrang Dzong courtyard. You will have already seen the dzong from your room at Dragons Nest. The architectural wonder is located high on a hill overlooking the river. It is extremely beautiful and impressive and strategically located. We now drive to Punakha to view the Punakha Dzong, the second dzong to be built in Bhutan, 1637. Here the winter residence of the Chief Abbot and Central monk body resides. Punakha dzong is most beautiful and impressive. Lunch along the route on our return west to Thimphu. Overnight Hotel
Max Altitude
2334m/7657ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 20: Thimphu Sightseeing (2334m/7657ft)
In the morning we tour the exceptional Textile Museum, featuring masterpieces from the Royal Family of Bhutan and splendid fabric and exquisite Thangkas. A visit to a local bookshop or the post office for collector item Bhutanese stamps, exotic, beautiful and a wonderful gift. Your guide will be more than happy to assist you in your shopping interest, or particular desires. After lunch we attend the famous week – end Thimphu marketplace. Fresh produce, rice, chilies, jewelry, local art, handicrafts and enchanting local shoppers. Photo opportunities are abundant here (make sure to ask permission), as well as wonderful organic produce, and Bhutanese handicrafts, textiles, and art. Evening reception Soenams house, your host in Bhutan.
Max Altitude
2334m/7657ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 21: Thimphu – Paro (2285m/7500ft)
Breakfast and depart for Paro. Arrive hotel, check in and lunch. We then depart for a visit to the National Museum (Ta-Dzong), a most interesting and unique conch shaped museum. Once the watchtower for the Rinpung Dzong, it was converted into the National Museum in 1968. The museum stands on a promontory overlooking the Paro valley in all its glory. Stroll the village and enjoy farewell dinner with friends.
Max Altitude
2285m/7500ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 22: Departure from Paro (2285m/7500ft)
Our Bhutan representative will drop to to airport and you will fly your final destination.
Max Altitude
2285m/7500ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Breakfast
Day 23:
Max Altitude
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Packing Lists
Cloathing
Moisture-wicking trekking shirtsThermal base layersFleece jacketDown jacketWaterproof shell jacketWaterproof trekking pantsTrekking pantsWarm trekking glovesWaterproof glovesWoolen hatSun hatNeck gaiter or buffHiking socks (4–6 pairs)Camp shoesSturdy trekking bootsGears
Backpack (35–45L)Duffel bagSleeping bag (-15°C to -20°C)Trekking polesHeadlamp with spare batteriesWater bottles (2L capacity)Hydration bladderSunglasses (UV protection)GaitersDry bagsRain coverPersonal Items
PassportTravel insurancePersonal medicationsSunscreen SPF 50+Lip balmWet wipesToothbrush and toothpasteQuick-dry towelHand sanitizerCameraPower bankOther Items You Can Bring
Energy snacksNotebook and penSmall sewing kitMulti-toolPlastic zip-lock bagsLightweight reading materialSpare memory cardsExtra batteries