Laya Gasa Expedition 19NIGHTS & 20 DAYS
A journey shaped by the landscapes, people and experiences of Nepal.
Offered by Journey DMC Bhutan
NEPAL · TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
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Read the full journey overview
The Laya Gasa Expedition is a challenging trek in the pristine landscapes of Bhutan, covering approximately 217 kilometers over 16 to 18 days. This trek takes adventurers through high mountain passes, dense forests, and picturesque alpine meadows. Notable for its breathtaking views of the Bhutanese Himalayas, the trek traverses the Laya region, offering encounters with traditional villages and the unique Laya people. Culminating in the Gasa district, known for its hot springs and the historic Gasa Dzong, the Laya Gasa Expedition combines adventure with cultural immersion, providing a memorable and awe-inspiring experience in the heart of Bhutan's wilderness.
The memorable moments
Days Activities Accommodation Meals Day 01 Arrival at Paro Hotel [B/L/D] Day 02 Sightseeing in Paro Hotel [B/L/D] Day 03 Paro – Taktsang Excursion Hotel [B/L/D] Day 04 Paro – Shana Camping [B/L/D] Day 05 Shana – Soi Thangthangkha Camping [B/L/D] Day 06 Thangthangkha – Jangothang Camping [B/L/D] Day 07 Jangothang – Lingzhi Camping [B/L/D] Day 08 Lingzhi – Chebisa Camping [B/L/D] Day 09 Chebisa – Shoumuthang Camping [B/L/D] Day 10 Shoumuthang – Robluthang Camping [B/L/D] Day 11 Robluthang – Limithang Camping [B/L/D] Day 12 Limithang – Laya Camping [B/L/D] Day 13 Laya – Koina Camping [B/L/D] Day 14 Koina – Gasa Camping [B/L/D] Day 15 Gasa – Damji Camping [B/L/D] Day 16 Damji – Tashithang Hotel [B/L/D] Day 17 Punakha – Thimpu Hotel [B/L/D] Day 18 Sightseeing in Thimpu Hotel [B/L/D] Day 19 Drive from Thimpu to Paro Hotel [B/L/D] Day 20 Final Departure [B/-/-]
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Paro — Upon your arrival at Paro Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative from Journey DMC who will assist you with the necessary arrival formalities. Paro is the gateway to Bhutan and offers a picturesque introduction to the country with its stunning landscapes and serene atmosphere.
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Day 2: Sightseeing in Paro — After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to the Chele-la pass, standing at an elevation of 3,998 meters, making it Bhutan's highest road point. On clear days, revel in the spectacular views of Bhutan's highest peaks, including the majestic Jomolhari and Jichu Drake.
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Day 10Shomuthang – Robluthang
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Day 11Robluthang – Limithang
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Day 12Limithang – Laya
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Day 13Laya – Koina
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Day 14Koina – Gasa
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Day 15Gasa – Damji
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Day 16Damji – Tashithang
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Day 17Punakha – Thimphu
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Day 18Sightseeing in Thimphu
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Day 19Drive from Thimphu to Paro
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Day 20Final Departure
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Day 3: Paro – Taktsang Excursion — After an early breakfast, embark on a drive to Ramthangka, the base camp for Taktsang, and commence the invigorating hike. Following an ancient path adorned with river-powered prayer wheels, the journey leads to the holiest Buddhist shrine in Bhutan, Taktsang Monastery—a spiritual and architectural marvel.
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Day 4: Paro – Shana — The trek commences with a drive to Drukgyel Dzong, the point where the motorable road concludes, marking the beginning of the trek to Shana. This initial leg involves a 5 to 6-hour walk with gradual ascents, tracing the course of the Paro River through agricultural valleys and charming villages. The campsite, nestled in meadows near the river, is situated opposite the army check post at an altitude of 2,580 meters. This serene starting point sets the stage for the adventure ahead, offering glimpses of Bhutan's rural landscapes and the tranquility of the natural surroundings.
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Day 5: Shana – Soi Thangthangkha — Continuing the trek, the trail unfolds as a gradual ascent, tracing the course of the Paro River amid coniferous and rhododendron forests. The path gradually narrows, winding through the landscape with a series of ups and downs along the drainage. As trekkers ascend, the surroundings become more intimate, enclosed by the natural elements.
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Day 6: Thangthangkha – Jangothang — Covering a distance of 19 kilometers with an estimated trekking time of five to six hours, the trail ascends by 480 meters, reaching a camp altitude of 4,080 meters. The journey begins by bypassing the army post, and as the trail progresses, the valley gradually widens, revealing the winter houses of yak herders.
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Day 7: Jangothang – Lingzhi — Following breakfast, the trek resumes with an ascent up the mountainside toward Nyelila. Throughout this climb, the panoramic views include the majestic peaks of Mt. Jomolhari, Mt. Jichu Drake, and Tsherim Gang. Upon reaching Nyelila, you bid farewell to the former two mountains as the trail descends.
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Day 8: Lingzhi – Chebisa — In what marks the shortest walking day, today's trek leads you initially to a chorten below Lingshi Dzong. At this juncture, trekkers have the option to stay on the main trail or take a diversion ascending to Lingshi Dzong, perched atop a ridge at 4,220 meters.
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Day 9: Chebisa – Shomuthang — Today's trek unfolds through expansive pasturelands, guiding you toward Gobu La pass. Along the way, you may encounter yak herders, offering a glimpse into the traditional way of life in the mountains. Keep an eye out for large herds of blue sheep, adding to the wild beauty of the surroundings. Upon crossing Gobu La pass at 4,410 meters, the trail descends into a valley, followed by a brief climb and another descent to Shakshepasa at 3,980 meters, where a helipad is established.
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Day 10: Shomuthang – Robluthang — Embarking on a somewhat strenuous trek today, an early start is advisable. After two hours of uphill ascent, you'll reach Jhari La at an altitude of 4,750 meters. From this vantage point, the majestic Sinche La comes into view, a pass you will traverse on the following day. To the north, the towering snow peak of Gangchhenta (6,840 m), also known as the Great Tiger Mountain, commands attention. Weather permitting, Tserim Kang and the summit of Jomolhari may be visible.
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Day 11: Robluthang – Limithang — After conquering Sinche La at an elevation of 5,005 meters, the last and highest pass on the trek (unless you continue onward with the Snowman trek from Laya), the descent leads to a small stone house. Here, a few Laya women, adorned in traditional Laya costumes with distinctive pointed bamboo hats, reside and offer their woven products. Adjacent to the stone house, an impressive terminal moraine and a glacial lake unfold at the foot of the valley. Classic examples of lateral moraines, formed by the glacier pushing rocks up both sides of the valley, are visible.
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Day 12: Limithang – Laya — Today marks a comparatively easier day, with a downhill trek along a narrow winding river valley. The trail guides you through parts of a deep forest, eventually bringing you to the west side of Laya village. During this descent, you'll once again catch sight of Gangchhenta and glimpse Masagang in the distance. Laya village comes into view, and at its center, you'll find a community school and a basic health unit equipped with telephone connections. The campsite for the day is situated below the school, offering trekkers a tranquil setting in the heart of the Laya community.
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Day 13: Laya – Koina — The trail today presents a winding journey, alternating between ascents and descents along the river valley of Mo Chhu. The path skillfully navigates natural obstacles, providing trekkers with breathtaking views of the powerful river, its feeder streams, and cascading waterfalls. Following a series of ascents and descents, the trail leads to Kohi Lapcha at an altitude of 3,300 meters.
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Day 14: Koina – Gasa — Today marks the final major climb of the Laya Gasa Trek. Once you conquer Bari La at an altitude of 3,740 meters, the trail transforms into a downhill descent to Gasa village at 2,770 meters. Restaurants, a sight unseen since starting from Drukgyel Dzong, greet you in the village. Additionally, there's a campsite near Gasa Dzong.
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Day 15: Gasa – Damji — Embarking on this leg of the journey, the trail starts with a brief climb, unfolding into a series of ups and downs. Winding through rolling hills, mountain passes, pine and oak forests, villages, and expansive wheat fields, the landscape presents a diverse and picturesque panorama. Along the way, a captivating view of Gasa Dzong perched on the valley wall, seemingly suspended in space, adds to the enchantment.
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Day 16: Damji – Tashithang — The descent from the high agricultural benches above the Mo Chhu unfolds into a lush semi-tropical gorge adorned with banana trees, creepers, and diverse tropical vegetation. This section of the trail meanders through areas where monkeys and other wildlife may occasionally be spotted. The road extends beyond Tashithang and soon reaches Damji.
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Day 17: Punakha – Thimphu — After breakfast, the day begins with a visit to Punakha Dzong, the ancient capital until 1966. This historic fortress houses the remains of Zhabdrung, the revered saint who unified Bhutan in the 17th century. During winter, the Je Khenpo, the head abbot of Bhutan's monastic body, resides here along with the monk body from Thimphu.
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Day 18: Sightseeing in Thimphu — The day's exploration in Thimphu includes a visit to the weaving center, Memorial Chorten—an immense stupa constructed in memory of the third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Additionally, you'll explore Changangkha Monastery, an ancient structure built in the 12th century. The itinerary continues with a visit to the Takin Zoo, Buddha Point where the world's largest Buddha statue is under construction, a Nunnery, and the Arts and Craft School.
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Day 19Drive from Thimphu to Paro
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Day 20Final Departure
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Day 19: Drive from Thimphu to Paro — The drive from Thimphu to Paro in Bhutan is approximately 55 kilometers and usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on road conditions. The journey offers stunning views of Bhutan's landscapes and is known for its scenic beauty.
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Day 20: Final Departure — The last day morning will be free and near the time of your flight. You will be at the airport within the time to board your flight for the onward trip.
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What's included in your experience
Included
- Arrival and departure transfer.
- All necessary surface transfer by private vehicles.
- 7 Nights hotel accommodation in a twin-sharing room on a Full board basis during the trip.
- 12 Nights’ trek on a full board basis (Sleeping Tent, dining tent, and toilet tent)
- All the sightseeing tours and transfers as per the itinerary with English speaking guide by private vehicle.
- Bhutan E-Permit
- Sustainable Development Fund (SDF)
- Bhutan Visa Fee
- Entrance Fee
- All the trekking Equipment
- Horses to carry trekking equipment
Not included
- International Airfare (Quoted separately - subject to change if revised)
- International airport taxes
- Entrance fee in Bhutan (Directly payable at location)
- Items of a personal nature such as bar bills, alcoholic beverages, laundry, telephone calls, extra mileage, personal gratuities such as tips to guide, porters, drivers, etc.
- Personal insurance policy - suggested comprehensive travel insurance covering tour and flight cancellations, loss of valuables, thefts, illness, accidents, and hospitalization
- Excess baggage
- Expenses incurred by re-routing, inclement weather, floods, famine, political disruptions, strikes, riots, and other disturbances
- Any items and services not mentioned on cost inclusions.
- Any meals that are not mentioned on cost inclusions.
- Sleeping bag.
Essential trip information
Fitness & eligibility
2
Meeting point
Paro
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