Laya Gasa Trek: Hot Springs & Highlands
15 days · from US$5760 per person — all-inclusive: guide, transport, accommodation, meals, visa and SDF.
Trek to the remote Laya village, home to Bhutan's unique highland culture, and descend through pristine wilderness to the famous Gasa hot springs. Experience genuine frontier Bhutan.
Highlights: Laya Village · Gasa Hot Springs · High Passes · Highland Culture
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Paro
Welcome to Bhutan! Arrive at Paro airport and transfer to hotel. Afternoon acclimatization walk around Paro valley. Meet your trekking crew and review the expedition plan. Overnight: Paro (2,235m)
Day 2: Paro to Thimphu
Drive to Thimphu (1 hour). Visit Buddha Dordenma and National Memorial Chorten. Afternoon final preparations and gear check. Overnight: Thimphu (2,320m)
Day 3: Drive to Gasa & Trek Start
Long drive to Gasa via Punakha and Dochula Pass (5-6 hours). The road winds through dramatic landscapes. Short afternoon trek to first campsite. Trekking: 2-3 hours Overnight: Camp at Gasa area (2,800m)
Day 4: Gasa to Koina
Begin serious trekking. Climb through forests of bamboo and rhododendron. The trail follows the Mo Chhu river upstream. Camp at Koina (3,200m) beside the river. Trekking: 6-7 hours, 15km Overnight: Camp
Day 5: Koina to Laya
Continue ascending through pristine forests. Emerge from treeline into high alpine meadows. First views of Laya village ahead. Arrive at this remarkable settlement (3,700m) where women wear distinctive conical bamboo hats. Trekking: 6-7 hours, 16km Overnight: Camp at Laya
Day 6: Rest Day in Laya
Explore Laya village - one of Bhutan's most unique settlements. Meet locals wearing traditional highland dress. Visit the school, monastery, and meet yak herders. Learn about Cordyceps fungus harvesting that provides crucial income. Laya culture is distinct - different dialect, customs, and dress from other Bhutanese regions. Overnight: Camp at Laya
Day 7: Laya to Rodophu
Trek higher into the wilderness, leaving permanent settlements behind. Cross high ridges with stunning mountain views. Camp at Rodophu (4,160m), a remote yak pasture. Trekking: 5-6 hours, 14km Overnight: Camp
Day 8: Rodophu to Tshochena
Cross Tsemo La Pass (4,890m) with spectacular views. This is wild, uninhabited country. Descend to Tshochena (4,400m) campsite. Trekking: 7-8 hours, 18km Overnight: Camp
Day 9: Tshochena to Limithang
Traverse high alpine terrain. Cross glacial streams and yak pastures. Camp at Limithang (4,140m). Trekking: 6-7 hours, 16km Overnight: Camp
Day 10: Limithang to Gasa
Begin the long descent toward Gasa. The vegetation changes dramatically as you drop in altitude. Arrive at Gasa village area. Trekking: 7-8 hours, 19km Overnight: Camp near Gasa (2,770m)
Day 11: Gasa Hot Springs
Celebrate completing the trek at Gasa Tshachu - the famous natural hot springs. Soak tired muscles in therapeutic mineral waters. The springs have been used for centuries for healing. Multiple pools at different temperatures. Afternoon explore Gasa Dzong. Overnight: Camp or lodge, Gasa
Day 12: Gasa to Punakha
Drive to Punakha (4 hours). Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong at the confluence of two rivers. Relax in warm subtropical Punakha valley - quite a contrast to the cold highlands! Overnight: Punakha
Day 13: Punakha to Paro
Drive to Paro via Dochula Pass. Stop for lunch with Himalayan views. Afternoon rest in Paro. Overnight: Paro
Day 14: Tiger's Nest Hike
Final adventure: hike to Tiger's Nest monastery. Your trek-hardened legs make the climb easier! Explore this iconic sacred site. Evening farewell dinner. Overnight: Paro
Day 15: Departure
Transfer to airport for departure. You've experienced one of Bhutan's classic treks - from the unique highland culture of Laya through pristine wilderness to the therapeutic hot springs of Gasa. Few visitors venture this far into Bhutan's remote northern frontier. Tashi Delek!