Overview
The Laya Gasa Trek or The Snow Leopard Trek is a stunning 20-day adventure through Bhutan's remote Himalayan landscapes. Trekking through lush forests, alpine meadows, and high-altitude passes, you'll experience breathtaking views of Mount Jomolhari and other snow-capped peaks. Highlights include visiting traditional Bhutanese villages like Laya, relaxing in natural hot springs at Gasa Tshachu, and exploring ancient monasteries and dzongs. The trek offers a perfect blend of physical challenge, cultural immersion, and spectacular mountain scenery, making it a must-do for avid trekkers and nature lovers.
Tour Highlights
- Mount Jomolhari Views: Experience stunning views of Bhutan’s iconic Mount Jomolhari and other snow-capped peaks.
- Remote Villages: Explore the traditional villages of Laya and other remote settlements, immersing yourself in local Bhutanese culture.
- High-Altitude Passes: Trek through challenging mountain passes like Nyele-La and Shinji-La, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas.
- Taktsang Monastery: Visit the famous Taktsang Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliff, offering spiritual and scenic beauty.
- Ancient Dzongs and Monasteries: Discover Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage by visiting historical dzongs and monasteries along the route.
- Gasa Tshachu Hot Springs: Relax and rejuvenate in the therapeutic hot springs of Gasa after days of trekking.
- Diverse Flora and Fauna: Trek through forests of rhododendron, pine, and fir, with opportunities to spot unique wildlife such as the Himalayan Takin.
Tour Plan
Day 1: Arrival in Paro
- Experience a breathtaking flight to Paro offering stunning views of the world’s highest mountains.
- After lunch, enjoy sightseeing in Paro, including a visit to the National Museum of Bhutan, home to religious relics, art, and crafts.
- Explore Rinpung Dzong, a large monastery and administrative center that was once a strategic fort.
- Overnight Paro.
Day 2: Excursion to Tiger's Nest
- Begin your hike to the famous Taktsang Monastery, perched on a sheer cliff 900 meters above the valley. The hike takes 1.5-2 hours uphill.
- Afterward, visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple.
- Overnight  Paro.
Day 3: Shana to Thangthangka (Trek Begins )
- Distance: 21km | Duration: 7–8 hrs | Ascent: 770m | Camp Altitude: 3500m
- Follow the Pa Chu (Paro River) through pine, oak & spruce forests
- Reach Shingkharap (stone house) after 2 hours
- After lunch, ascend through rhododendron forests
- Pass a chorten and arrive at Thangthangka campsite
Day 4: Thangthangka to Jangothang (Jomolhari Base Camp)
- Distance: 12km | Duration: 5–6 hrs | Ascent: 290m | Camp Altitude: 4100m
- Trek through alpine meadows and past army checkpoint
- Pass Soe, Takethang & Dangochang villages
- Encounter yaks and traditional herders
- Camp at Jangothang with views of Jomolhari & Jichu Drake
Day 5: Acclimatisation at Jangothang
- Acclimatisation hike to Tsho Phu lakes (4450m) or Bonte La Pass (5005m)
- Trail passes small settlements and opens to hidden valley with twin lakes
- Views of Jomolhari I & II and Jichu Drake from higher viewpoints
- Common sightings of blue sheep
- Option to rest at base camp instead
Day 6: Jangothang to Lingshi
- Distance: 21km | Duration: 6–7 hrs | Ascent: 840m | Descent: 870m | Camp Alt: 4100m
- Gradual climb to Nyele La Pass (4850m)
- Final stretch to pass includes loose scree
- Farewell views of Jomolhari & Jichu Drake
- Steep descent through rhododendrons to Lingshi
- View Lingshi Dzong – an old fortress built for protection
Day 7: Lingshi to Chebisa
- Distance: 12km | Duration: 4–5 hrs | Ascent: 280m | Descent: 410m | Camp Alt: 3850m
- Optional side trip to Chhokam Tsho (adds 3 hours, 450m elevation)
- Visit Lingshi Dzong (optional short detour)
- Pass through Lingshi & Gonyul villages (notably clustered stone homes)
- Arrive at Chebisa village with time to explore or visit local waterfall
Day 8: Chebisa to Shomuthang
- Distance: 15km | Duration: 6 hrs | Ascent: 950m | Descent: 640m | Camp Alt: 4130m
- Long climb through pasturelands to Gogu La Pass (4420m)
- Possible encounters with yak herders and blue sheep
- Descend to Shakshepasa (yak camp at 3980m)
Day 9: Shomuthang to Robluthang
- Distance: 14km | Duration: 4–5 hrs | Ascent: 500m | Descent: 760m | Camp Alt: 4160m
- Climb to Jhari La (4750m) with views of Kang Bum (6526m)
- Optional climb to Jhari Peak (4935m)
- Pass Tsheri Jathang (takin sanctuary)
- Final climb to Robluthang campsite in a rocky alpine meadow
Day 10: Robluthang to Limithang
- Distance: 17km | Duration: 6–7 hrs | Ascent: 850m | Descent: 870m | Camp Alt: 4140m
- Climb to Shinchen La Pass (5010m) – highest point of trek
- Descend past glacial lake, moraine fields, and Kango Chu river
- Camp in Limithang with view of Tiger Mountain (6740m)
Day 11: Limithang to Laya
- Distance: 10km | Duration: 4–5 hrs | Ascent: 60m | Descent: 350m | Camp Alt: 3850m
- Scenic descent through narrow river valley into forest
- Arrive at Laya village with stunning views of Masagang (7194m)
- Explore the village, meet Layap people in traditional dress
- Camp below the village school
Day 12: Laya to Punakha (via Gasa) – Trek Ends
- Distance: 11km | Duration: 4–5 hrs | Descent: 700m
- Descend through conifer forests with rivers and waterfalls
- Reach roadhead, say goodbye to trekking crew
- Drive 4 hours to Punakha, check in at Zhingkham Resort
Day 13: Punakha to Paro
- Visit Punakha Dzong, Bhutan’s second-largest and most beautiful dzong
- Walk across suspension bridge behind the dzong
- Lunch at Nobgang B&B
- Drive to Paro with stop at Royal Botanical Garden (Lampelri)
- Possible sighting of grey langurs (auspicious in Bhutan)
- Enjoy traditional hot stone bath & Bhutanese dinner
- Overnight in Paro
Day 14: Departure from Paro
- Our representative will bid you farewell at the airport. TashiDelek!
Included
- Visa Fee
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
- Accommodation in 3-star hotels (before and after the trek)
- Camping equipment (tents- sleeping ,kitchen,shower, toilet, mattress, etc.)
- All meals during the trek
- Experienced trekking guide and support crew (cook, helpers, horsemen)
- Horses/ponies to carry luggage and trekking gear
- All necessary trekking permits
- Boiled drinking water during the trek
- First-aid kit for emergencies
- All applicable taxes and service charges
Excluded
- International airfare to/from Bhutan
- Travel Insurance
- Personal trekking gear (hiking boots, warm clothing, backpack, etc.)
- Alcoholic and specialty beverages
- Tips for guides, cooks, and horsemen
- Additional expenses due to unforeseen events (weather, flight cancellations, etc.)
Good to know
- More than 45 days before the tour: Free cancellation
- Within 30 days:Â 35% of the total cost
- Within 21 days:Â 50% of the total cost
- No-show in Bhutan:Â 100% of the total cost
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