The Laya Gasa Trek

After an early breakfast, drive to the village of Gunitsawa and its military outpost where you will be asked to present the trekking permit that we will have issued to you.

Short walk to Sharna Zampa on the other side of the river.

During this long day, the trail sees a succession of moderate climbs and a few false flats. One last beautiful climb and the valley will be reduced to a small path that descends onto a meadow where you will set up camp for the night. From this point, if weather permits, you will benefit from a superb view of Mt. Jomolhari.

Elevation gain: 770 m, descent: 10 m, camp altitude: 3,610 m.

Today, we continue hiking in the valley of Paro Chhu which extends over a vast alpine meadow, in the heart of a large forest. In this part of the region, yaks and shepherd huts reshape the landscape giving it an atypical character. We then visit the villages of Soe, Takethang and Dangochang. Upon arrival at Jangothang, one of the most beautiful campsites in the Himalayas, enjoy once again a spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari.

Elevation gain: 480 m; camp altitude: 4080 m

Today awaits one of our longest trekking days. We cross the Nyilila pass at 4,870 m and take the opportunity to observe blue sheep grazing on the mountainsides. After lunch, we continue our trek to Lingshi, a beautiful U-shaped valley. In clear weather, the view of Lingshi dzong is breathtaking. The campsite is located just near a stone cabin, before crossing Lingshi dzong.

Ascent: 840 m; descent: 870 m; campsite altitude: 4,010 m

Today, the hike will be shorter. We quickly reach a chorten below the dzong of Lingshi. For this itinerary, you have the choice between taking the main trail or going around the dzong of Lingshi which sits at the top of the ridge (4 220 m). After passing the dzong of Lingshi, we cross the villages of Lingshi and Goyul. The camp is located at Chebisa where we will have plenty of time to rest in the villagers' homes. Behind the village, a beautiful waterfall is worth seeing.

Ascent: 280 m; descent: 410 m; camp altitude: 3880 m

The morning begins with a long ascent (2 to 3 hours) behind the village of Chebisa. We explore a vast pasture towards the Gobu La pass. After crossing Gobu La (4,410 m), we descend into the valley, then climb a small mountain again before descending at our own pace down the slope leading to Shakshepasa (3,980 m), another U-shaped valley. Continuing our descent, we finally reach the Shomuthang campsite, above a tributary of the Nochu river.

Ascent: 890 m; Descent: 540 m; Campsite altitude: 4,220 m

We start our day's trek by walking through the valley towards Kang Bum (6,226 m) and its beautiful edelweiss. After two hours of climbing, we reach Jhari La (4,750 m), from where we can see Sinche La, the pass to be conquered tomorrow. The great snow peak to the north is named Gangchhenta (6,840 m), better known as Tiger Mountain. The camp near the river is called Tsheri Jathang, nestled in a remote valley.

Ascent: 700 m; Descent: 760 m; Camp altitude: 4,160 m

The trek begins with an initial ascent lasting 40 to 60 minutes, followed by a gradual climb of one and a half hours through a rocky field. We then make an ascent of approximately one hour before reaching Sinche La (5 005 m) — the final pass and the highest point of the route (if you do not intend to continue the Snowman trek from Laya). As we descend, an impressive moraine and a glacial lake at the foot of the valley reveal themselves. You will have the chance to admire some classic examples of lateral moraines, where the glacier has pushed rocks on both sides of the valley. Above the moraine, we cross the Kango Chhu to reach the Limithang campsite. The summit of Gangchhenta faces the campsite.

Ascent: 850 m; descent: 870 m; camp altitude: 4 140 m.

Today, the descent winds through a narrow and winding river valley. The trail leads you to the west side of the Laya village which houses a community school and a basic health unit with a telephone line at its center. The campsite is located below the school.

Ascent: 60 m; Descent: 340 m; Campsite altitude: 3840 m

The trail follows a descent along the valley belonging to the Mo Chhu river. We avoid rough natural passages, while capturing breathtaking views of the torrential river, watercourses and waterfalls. We pass through slopes and descents until Kohi Lapcha at 3 300 m. The hike ends at the Koina Chhu river where we set up our camp.

Ascent: 260 m; descent: 1 070 m; camp altitude: 3 050 m

Today's trek presents the biggest climb of the Laya Gasa Trek. We cross Bari La (3 740 m) and descend to the village of Gasa (2 770 m). A campsite is located near the Gasa dzong.

Ascent: 740 m; descent: 1 500 m; campsite altitude: 2 240 m

You can choose to stay in the village or head down to the Gasa Tsachu hot springs, an hour's drive away, to relax in its mineral waters. It is one of the most popular hot springs in Bhoutan.

After breakfast, we head to Punakha, Bhoutan's former capital. The Punakha Valley is a relatively warm region, almost tropical. We visit its Dzong and the suspension bridge nearby if weather permits.

After breakfast, drive to Paro. On the way, stop in Thimphu for lunch, shopping, etc. and continue to Paro in the afternoon