Jhomolhari - Laya Gasa Trek
Twelve days from Paro to the hot springs at Gasa
The classic long route: up to Jangothang, north along the Tibetan border through Lingshi and Laya, and out at the Gasa hot springs.
This is the big one. Twelve days walking from the Paro valley to Gasa, keeping close to the Tibetan border for much of it, crossing four passes over 4,700 m and reaching Laya at 3,840 m, a yak-herding village four days from the nearest road, where the women wear conical bamboo hats and the houses are built for winter.
The first four days are the Jhomolhari route: up the Paro Chhu, two nights at Jangothang under the north face. Then it turns north over Nyile La to Lingshi, and works east through Chebisa, Shomuthang and Robluthang, over Sinche La at about 5,000 m, and down to Laya.
From Laya it is two days down to Gasa, where there are hot springs at the bottom, which is a well-timed thing to find after twelve days.
This is a serious trek. It is remote, the weather is genuine, and there is no road access for a week in the middle.
What stands out
- Two nights at Jangothang under the north face of Jhomolhari
- Lingshi Dzong on its spur, with Tserim Kang behind it
- Laya, a genuine yak-herding village at 3,840 m, four days from a road
- The hot springs at Gasa on the last day of walking
The itinerary
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Day 1 7,610 ft
Arrive Paro, drive to Thimphu
Met at the airport and driven to the capital.
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Day 2 7,610 ft
Thimphu
Sightseeing, and time for any kit you still need.
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Day 3 7,480 ft
Thimphu to Paro
Back to Paro. Full kit check with your guide.
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Day 4 10,150 ft
Paro: the walk up to Taktsang
The Tiger's Nest, and useful acclimatisation before the trek.
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Day 5 9,350 ft
Paro to Shana: the trek begins
Up the Paro Chhu from Drukgyel Dzong through farmland and forest. Around five hours.
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Day 6 11,840 ft
Shana to Soi Thangthangkha
A long steady climb beside the river. Seven to eight hours.
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Day 7 13,390 ft
Soi Thangthangkha to Jangothang
Above the treeline into yak country, camping below Jhomolhari. Five hours.
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Day 8 13,390 ft
Jangothang: acclimatisation day
Optional walks to the lakes below Jichu Drake or up onto the ridge. Blue sheep on the slopes above camp.
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Day 9 15,750 ft
Jangothang to Lingshi over Nyile La
Over Nyile La at about 4,870 m with Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake behind you, then down to Lingshi with its dzong on the spur. Six to seven hours.
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Day 10 12,730 ft
Lingshi to Chebisa
A shorter day past Lingshi Dzong and through Goyul village to Chebisa, which sits under a waterfall. Five hours.
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Day 11 13,850 ft
Chebisa to Shomuthang
Over Gogu La at about 4,440 m through rhododendron, then a long traverse. Six to seven hours.
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Day 12 13,650 ft
Shomuthang to Robluthang
Over Jhari La at about 4,750 m. Takin are sometimes on this section. Six to seven hours.
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Day 13 13,580 ft
Robluthang to Limithang
Over Sinche La at about 5,000 m, the highest point of the trek, with the Gangchhenta glacier ahead. Seven to eight hours.
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Day 14 12,600 ft
Limithang to Laya
Down through fir forest, following the river to Laya. The village comes into view across the valley. Five hours.
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Day 15 10,010 ft
Laya to Koina
A long descent, sometimes muddy, following the Mo Chhu down. Six to seven hours.
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Day 16 9,090 ft
Koina to Gasa: the trek ends
Over Bari La and down to Gasa, and the hot springs. Six hours.
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Day 17 7,480 ft
Gasa to Paro
The drive back west through Punakha, with a stop at the dzong.
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Day 18 7,480 ft
Departure
Morning transfer to the airport.
What is covered
- All internal transport with a private vehicle and driver
- A licensed English-speaking Bhutanese guide throughout
- Accommodation in government-approved three-star hotels, or better on request
- All meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- All entry fees to monuments, dzongs and museums
- Bhutan visa processing and the visa fee
- The Sustainable Development Fee
- All internal taxes and the government royalty
- Full camping equipment: tents, mattresses, dining and toilet tents
- A trekking cook and camp crew
- Pack horses or yaks for all group equipment and your main bag
- International flights to and from Bhutan
- Travel insurance, which we ask every guest to arrange
- Drinks, laundry, telephone and other personal expenses
- Tips for your guide and driver
- Anything not listed as included
You should have done multi-day trekking at altitude before booking this. Once past Lingshi there is no way out except on foot or, in a genuine emergency, by helicopter.
We carry a comprehensive medical kit and a satellite phone, and your guide is trained in altitude illness. Evacuation insurance is not optional for this trek: we will ask to see it.
On this trip
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