Trek deeper into Bhutan’s mountain wilderness
The Laya Gasa Trek is one of the most popular trekking routes in Bhutan, taking you deep into the country’s remote northern landscapes. The journey begins at the tiny village of Gunitsawa in the northern end of Paro Valley and is rated medium hard. As the trail climbs and descends through changing terrain, you will enjoy striking views of Mt. Jomolhari, Mt. Jichu Drakey, Mt. Tsherimgang and Mt. Masagang, along with many other Himalayan peaks. Meadows filled with wildflowers give way to forests of fir, pine, juniper and rhododendron, creating a constantly changing backdrop for this classic Bhutan trekking experience.
High altitude yak herders, their yaks and scattered nomadic villages add a rare glimpse into mountain life along the route. You may also spot high altitude wildlife, including blue sheep and Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin. For the best conditions, plan your Laya Gasa Trek between April and June or September and November.
Your flight into Bhutan begins the journey with a spectacular introduction to the Himalayas. As the aircraft approaches Paro, look towards the horizon for views of some of the world’s great mountain ranges, including glimpses of Mt. Everest and Mt. Kangchenjunga. After landing at Paro International Airport, your local guide will meet you and welcome you to Bhutan. Following a short introduction, you will drive to your hotel and settle in.
Keep the rest of the day easy. After your journey, take time to rest, explore your surroundings at your own pace, or simply enjoy your first quiet moments in Bhutan. There is no rush to begin exploring. This gentle arrival allows you to recover from your flight and prepare for the adventure ahead. Tomorrow, you begin with a hike to one of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks, Tiger’s Nest.
04Km | 05Hrs | 369m Ascent | 369m Descent | Alt.m 2950m
After breakfast, drive north of Paro town towards the trailhead for your hike to Tiger’s Nest. The trail climbs steadily through pine forest, leading towards the monastery dramatically perched on a cliff above Paro Valley. The ascent takes around three to four hours, rewarding your effort with one of Bhutan’s most extraordinary cultural landmarks. Tiger’s Nest remains one of the Himalayas’ most important pilgrimage sites.
According to legend, Guru Padmasambhava arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave for three months. The monastery was later built in 1694. After exploring the sacred site, retrace your steps and return to Paro. If time permits, stop at historic Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, before settling back at your hotel.
Elevation: 3570m | Walking Distance: 22Km | Walking Time: 09Hr
After an early breakfast, drive towards Drukgyel Dzong, around 16 kilometres from Paro. Take time to explore the atmospheric ruins of this historic fortress, whose story reaches back to the seventeenth century. Built to defend Bhutan against invading forces from Tibet, Drukgyel Dzong earned its name from the victorious battles fought here. From the ruins, look towards the majestic pyramid shaped summit of Mt. Jomolhari, revered in Bhutanese tradition as the abode of the goddess Jomo.
Continue north towards Gunitsawa village, where the trekking journey begins. The trail leads towards Soi Thangthanka, taking you through a changing landscape of meadow, juniper, medicinal plants, and dense Himalayan forest. Oak, rhododendron, fir, and birch surround the route as you make a series of ascents and descents. Eventually, the forest opens into a meadow where camp awaits, with Mt. Jomolhari appearing when skies remain clear.
Elevation: 4040m | Walking Distance: 17Km | Walking Time: 07Hr
Leave Thangthanka behind and follow the trail deeper into the Jomolhari landscape. The route gradually climbs alongside the Pa Chhu River before the forest thins and alpine meadows begin to dominate the surroundings. With every step, the landscape becomes more open and dramatic. Keep an eye out for yak herders and their camps, a reminder that these high valleys remain part of a living mountain culture.
As you approach Jangothang, Mt. Jomolhari grows increasingly prominent, commanding the skyline with its snow covered slopes. Prayer flags flutter in the mountain air, while remnants of old fortifications add another layer of history to the landscape. Your camp sits in a stark, beautiful meadow facing the mountain, creating an unforgettable setting for the evening. Take time to settle in, breathe deeply, and enjoy your first night at this remarkable Himalayan base camp.
Elevation: 4040m
After three continuous days on the trail, take a well-earned pause at Jangothang. Use the day to acclimatize gradually to the altitude while enjoying uninterrupted views of Mt. Jomolhari. You can relax around camp, explore the surrounding landscape, or choose from several optional hikes nearby. The mountains of Jomolhari and Jichu Drakey provide an impressive backdrop as you spend time adjusting to the high altitude environment.
For those wanting to explore further, the surrounding area offers opportunities to reach high altitude glacier lakes. You may also encounter blue sheep grazing across the mountain slopes if conditions are favourable. Fishing enthusiasts can bring a fishing rod and valid fishing license for an optional fishing experience at Tshophu, a high altitude glacier lake. However you spend the day, keep the pace gentle. This rest day gives your body valuable time to prepare for the demanding passes ahead.
Elevation: 4010m | Walking Distance: 18Km | Walking Time: 08Hr
Start early for one of the longest and most rewarding days of the trek. The trail heads north beneath the imposing presence of Mt. Jichu Drakey and Mt. Tsherimgang before beginning the long ascent towards Nyilila Pass. The climb takes you through increasingly open mountain terrain, where expansive views unfold with every gain in elevation. Along the way, watch the slopes for blue sheep moving across the rugged landscape.
At Nyilila Pass, the mountains open dramatically around you. On a clear day, you can take in the striking Three Sisters peaks before beginning the descent. The trail drops through rough and stony terrain towards Lingshi Valley, where Lingshi Dzong comes into view on its hilltop. As you continue down, Mt. Tsherimgang rises at the northern end of the valley, creating a powerful finish to a demanding day on the trail.
Elevation: 3880m | Walking Distance: 07Km | Walking Time: 05Hr
Begin the morning with a short walk towards a small chorten offering a beautiful view of Lingshi Dzong. Continue to the dzong for a visit inside its temple, taking a moment to appreciate this historic fortress built in the seventeenth century. From here, the trail winds through a compact village before climbing gradually towards a ridge at 4140 metres, opening the landscape around you.
Descend from the ridge towards Goyul village, a peaceful settlement surrounded by the high mountain landscape. After passing through the village, the trail continues with a series of gentle ascents and descents before reaching Chebisa. With an early arrival, use the afternoon to explore the village and experience its quiet mountain setting. You can also walk beyond the settlement to discover the impressive waterfall tucked behind the village, adding a refreshing final note to the day.
Elevation: 4220m | Walking Distance: 17Km | Walking Time: 08Hr
Set out early from Chebisa and cross the surrounding pastureland before beginning the sustained climb towards Gobula Pass. The trail rises through open mountain terrain, where blue sheep may appear on the slopes above. Keep your eyes open for yak herders and their camps as you continue upwards, offering a glimpse into the seasonal rhythms of life at high altitude.
After crossing Gobula Pass, descend towards a small stream before climbing again into the surrounding mountains. The landscape gradually gathers around a broad U shaped valley, where a small settlement and numerous yak herders’ camps bring signs of life to the remote terrain. Continue steadily through this rugged environment until you reach Shomuthang. Your campsite sits high in the mountains, giving you another opportunity to experience the quiet scale and isolation that define this remarkable Himalayan trek.
Elevation: 4150m | Walking Distance: 16Km | Walking Time: 07Hr
Today begins with a steady climb towards Jarila Pass. As you gain altitude, Mt. Khang Bum rises dramatically above the surrounding landscape, giving you a striking companion for the ascent. From the top of the pass, take in the views towards Sinchela Pass and the enormous Mt. Gangchenta. Depending on the weather, you may also glimpse Mt. Tsherimgang and the distant tip of Mt. Jomolhari.
From Jarila Pass, descend towards Tserijathang, a high mountain pasture traditionally used as a summer grazing ground for Himalayan takin, Bhutan’s national animal. The open landscape offers a chance to appreciate the relationship between Bhutan’s wildlife and mountain communities. From the pasture, the trail climbs again through rocky meadows before reaching Robluthang. After a demanding day of climbing and descending, settle into camp beneath the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Elevation: 4090m | Walking Distance: 19Km | Walking Time: 08Hr
Make an early start from Robluthang for another demanding day in the high mountains. The trail climbs steadily towards Sinchela Pass, one of the highest passes on this route. As you gain elevation, the landscape becomes increasingly rugged and exposed. Reach the pass and pause to take in the vast mountain scenery before beginning the long descent on the far side.
The trail leads towards a terminal moraine and glacier lake at the head of the valley before continuing through rough, rocky terrain into the glacier valley. Follow the route towards Kongochhu, then climb again through rhododendron and cedar forest interspersed with small meadows. Eventually, the trail brings you to Limithang. Here, the towering presence of Mt. Gangchenta provides an impressive backdrop to your campsite. After the day’s demanding terrain, enjoy the quiet of this remote mountain setting.
Elevation: 3880m | Walking Distance: 10Km | Walking Time: 05Hr
Today offers a gentler rhythm after several demanding days in the mountains. Leave Limithang and follow the trail downhill through a narrow, winding river valley. Dense forest surrounds the route, with moss covered trees and birdsong creating a noticeably different atmosphere from the exposed high country. As you continue, the forest gradually opens to reveal striking views of Mt. Gangchenta and Mt. Masagang.
The trail eventually brings you towards Laya, one of Bhutan’s highest settlements, perched high in the mountains at around 3,800 meters. The village offers a fascinating glimpse into a distinctive highland culture shaped by its remote location and close relationship with the surrounding mountains. Your campsite sits just below the school. If you would like a closer connection with village life, we can also arrange a homestay, giving you an opportunity to spend more personal time with the local community.
Elevation: 3880m
After the long journey through Bhutan’s high mountain landscapes, take a well-deserved rest day in Laya. Slow down, enjoy the mountain air, and allow your body to recover while continuing to acclimatize. From camp, take in the surrounding peaks and the distinctive landscape that makes Laya such a memorable stop on the Snowman Trek.
When you feel ready, head out to explore the village and experience its unique character at a relaxed pace. Walk through the settlement, observe everyday life, and take time to appreciate the traditions of this remote mountain community. You can also simply remain around camp and enjoy the views. This pause gives you space to recharge before the trail begins its descent towards Gasa. On a trek of this scale, a quieter day is not time lost. It is part of travelling well through the Himalayas.
Elevation: 2340m | Drive Distance: 10Km | Drive Time: 05Hr
After breakfast in Laya, begin your descent towards Taktsemaka. The character of the journey changes as you leave the high mountain settlement behind and gradually move towards lower elevations. After reaching Taktsemaka, continue by vehicle towards Gasa, travelling onward to the famous Gasa Hot Spring. The changing landscape marks another significant transition in your Himalayan journey.
Gasa Hot Spring is one of Bhutan’s best known traditional hot spring destinations and offers a welcome opportunity to relax after days of demanding trekking. Once you arrive, settle into the slower rhythm of the surroundings and enjoy the warmth of the natural waters. The contrast is striking: after spending so many days among high passes, glaciers, and alpine valleys, you can now unwind in a warmer mountain environment. Let the day unfold gently and enjoy this well-earned pause before continuing towards Punakha and Thimphu.
Elevation: 2320m | Drive Distance: 133Km | Drive Time: 05Hr
After breakfast, leave Gasa and drive towards Punakha, where you will visit the historic Punakha Dzong. Set between the clear waters of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, the dzong creates one of Bhutan’s most striking architectural scenes. Built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1637, it remains an important part of Bhutan’s religious and political history. Continue to Chimi Lhakhang, the popular temple associated with Lama Drukpa Kuenley, known as the Divine Madman.
After exploring the temple, return to the main road and continue towards Thimphu. The drive passes through rich oak and pine forests before climbing towards Dochula Pass. Pause to take in the mountain landscape before descending towards Bhutan’s capital. After days spent deep in the wilderness, arriving in Thimphu creates a natural transition back into Bhutan’s more settled landscapes and urban life.
Elevation: 2250m | Drive Distance: 55Km | Drive Time: 01Hr
Spend your final morning exploring Thimphu, Bhutan’s bustling capital and an important centre of culture, government, and contemporary Bhutanese life. Your half day sightseeing includes the National Memorial Chorten, the Giant Buddha Statue, Changangkha Lhakhang, and a traditional paper factory. Each stop offers a different perspective on the capital, from Buddhist traditions and sacred spaces to Bhutanese craftsmanship.
If your visit falls over the weekend, make time for the Centenary Vegetable Market, where local produce and everyday encounters offer a lively glimpse into Bhutanese life. After lunch in Thimphu, drive back towards Paro. The journey takes you through changing landscapes as the road leaves the capital behind and returns to the valley. Once in Paro, settle into your hotel and enjoy your final evening in Bhutan, reflecting on the remarkable journey from Jomolhari and Lingshi through Laya and Gasa.
After breakfast, drive to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. As you leave Bhutan, take a final look across the valley and mountains that have shaped your journey over the past two weeks. From the first Himalayan views approaching Paro to the remote trails of the Snowman Trek, every stage has offered a different perspective on the kingdom.
At the airport, bid farewell to your Bhutanese guide and driver, whose local knowledge and support have helped you navigate the journey? Your trek may be ending, but the memories of high mountain passes, remote villages, Jomolhari, Lingshi, Laya, and the people you encountered along the way will travel with you. Leave with more than photographs. Carry the feeling of having crossed a remarkable stretch of the Bhutanese Himalayas on foot, one demanding and rewarding day at a time.
Leave Gunitsawa behind and follow the trail deep into the Jomolhari region, where high passes and demanding climbs lead towards Laya. Look out across the Himalayas for Mt. Jomolhari, Mt. Jichu Drakey, Mt. Tsherimgang and Mt. Masagang. Every ascent rewards the effort with a bigger, wilder view.
Reach the remote mountain communities around Laya, where yak herders and their herds move through high-altitude pastures. Scattered nomadic villages bring you closer to life in Bhutan’s northern mountains. The people, animals and landscape make Laya more than a stop on the route - they become part of the journey.
Continue towards Gasa through forests of fir, pine, juniper and rhododendron, then emerge into open meadows dotted with wildflowers. Watch for blue sheep and Takin along the trail as the landscape changes with altitude. Reaching Gasa brings a rewarding close to a trek shaped by wilderness, altitude and adventure.
Prepare for a medium hard trek that combines walking days, steep ascents, descents and high mountain passes. The Laya Gasa route demands reasonable fitness and a steady pace, particularly at higher elevations. Build your rhythm gradually, conserve energy, and let the trail set the pace as you journey through Bhutan’s mountains.
It takes you deep into Bhutan’s mountain country, where altitude shapes the experience. Walk steadily, stay hydrated, and listen to your body as you climb. Give yourself time to adjust while your guide helps manage the pace, so you can enjoy the route without pushing beyond your limits.
Plan the trek between April and June or September and November, when conditions suit the route. Mountain weather can change quickly, so prepare for different conditions along the trail. Pack suitable layers and rain protection as you move between forests, open meadows, high passes and remote valleys alike.
Expect long stretches away from roads, towns and everyday conveniences as you travel towards Laya and Gasa. The remote setting defines much of this trek, so carry what you need and prepare to travel simply. Embrace the slower rhythm, open landscapes and sense of distance that make northern Bhutan special.
Pack practical trekking essentials for changing mountain conditions, including sturdy walking footwear, warm layers, rain protection and personal necessities. Keep your daypack comfortable for long hours on the trail. Prepare thoughtfully, carry only what you need, and leave space to enjoy the Himalayan landscapes, wildlife and mountain communities you encounter.
Ready to follow the trail beyond the ordinary? Let’s shape your Laya Gasa adventure around your pace, curiosity, and spirit.
Make it yours
On trek: 06 daysDuration in Bhutan: 09 days
On trek: 23 daysDuration in Bhutan: 27 days
On trek: 06 daysDuration in Bhutan: 10 days
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