Laya Gasa offers one of the most beautiful and unspoiled trekking areas in the Himalaya region. The isolated enclave of Laya is located in the far northwest of Bhutan on the Tibet borderlands. This is a culturally pristine area dotted with fertile fields and villages of the Layap people, who have their own distinctive language, traditions, and form of dress. Along the trek, you’ll gain tremendous insights into Bhutan’s fascinating ethnic diversity and feast your eyes on a spectacular Himalayan skyline. At the end of the trek, unwind and soak your body in Bhutan’s most celebrated natural hot springs.
Included
Economy class return airfare Bangkok-Paro Druk Air
Airport tax
Bhutan Visa USD 20
All tours and transfers, including entrance fees
Accommodation - Hotel (Twin-sharing)
Meals - Full board except lunch/dinner in Bangkok
English speaking guide
Excluded
International return airfare Singapore - Bangkok
Meals in Bangkok
Upgrade of accommodation and flight
Tipping & gratuities to guide & local staff
Extra fees for photo & video cameras in the museums, historical sights and game parks ( except those specified in the itinerary )
Contact us for private group trip and departure date. Group size = minimum 2 person.
Best Time To Go:
April and October
Day 1
Singapore - Bangkok. Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 2
Bangkok - Paro. Visit the National Museum at Paro.
Day 3
Day excursion to the famous Takstang Monastery. Overnight in Paro.
Day 4 - 17
Laya-Gasa Trek
After breakfast, drive from Paro to the start point of the trek in Drugyel Dzong. During the trek, you’ll have the opportunity to meet Bhutanese village people who reside in the mountain valleys, yak herders living in their winter homes and the Laya people wearing their traditional costume. The trek will take you through wide yak pastures and scenic mountain passes (like Jarela, Bolwla and Shingera, just to name a few). Let the majestic snow capped peaks, beautiful rivers and waterfalls take your breath away, if the all that trekking have not. Reward yourself to a hot spring bath towards the end of the trek in Gasa Tsachu. The highest point of this trek is at the Shingera Pass (4900m) and ends in Tashithang where you will be picked up by car to be transferred to the hotel in Punakha.
Day 18
Punakha - Paro
Visit the attractions in Punakha and drive to Paro for the night.
Day 19
Paro - Bangkok - Singapore
Weather
The difficulty with trekking here, aside from the high cost, is the weather. Unlike Nepal and Ladakh, the windows for good high-altitude trekking in Bhutan are short: about 3 weeks in April and 3-4 weeks in October. Although the official season extends longer, you have the best chances of clear weather and little snow in the second half of April or the first three weeks of October. There are several low-altitude "winter treks" however, which can be walked in other seasons.
Difficulty
The Laya-Gasa trek is a strenuous trek and not for the faint-hearted. It is best suited for seasoned trekkers with good physical fitness and exposure to high altitude trekking. To be able to enjoy the trek, participants are strongly encouraged to train for the trek at least 8 weeks before departure. The coldest temperature encountered on trek can be -10C or colder so good weather gear is required. If you have saved up some money, in good shape, and well-prepared, you will have one of the best experiences imaginable.
