Chomolhari to Laya Gasa Trek
Paro to Jomolhari, Lingshi, and Gasa . Starts from Paro.
This long-distance trek follows an old trail along Bhutan’s northern frontier, linking the valleys beneath Mount Jomolhari with the remote village of Laya and the hot springs of Gasa. It begins at Shana, climbs the Paro Chhu valley to Jangothang, the high-altitude campsite beneath Jomolhari, then continues east across mountain passes and open alpine country to Laya. From there, the route descends toward Gasa.
The journey builds gradually from forested river valleys and yak-grazing country to stark, high mountain terrain. Jangothang is a memorable stop, with close views of Jomolhari and Jichu Drake and time to explore the surrounding high-altitude landscape. Beyond it, the trail crosses several passes above 4,500 metres, with changing views of the great peaks, including Masagang,Gangchenta and Tsedagang.
Laya offers a welcome cultural pause amid the remote mountain scenery. It is home to the Layap people, whose distinctive traditional dress and conical bamboo hats are part of the region’s living heritage. Staying an extra day here gives trekkers time to rest and experience the village before the final descent.
After Laya, the trail drops to the roadhead at Taksemakhang, near an army post. From there, road travel continues to Gasa Dzong and onward to Punakha. The road journey times vary with conditions, so treat estimates of roughly two hours to Gasa and three hours to Punakha as approximate.
Allow about 10 days of walking, not including rest days. At minimum, plan two additional days: one to acclimatize and explore at Jangothang, and another to spend in Laya. Although this is a well-known route, its length and high passes make it a substantial undertaking. The trail is particularly quieter after the Jomolhari base-camp section.
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- Days walking
- 10
- Distance
- 92.3 km
- Grade
- Challenging
- Best season
- March to May, October to November
Not recommended: December to February. The passes hold snow and is impassable.
Day by day
-
Day1
Paro - Shana to Sinduzam
4-5hrs -
Day2
Sinduzam to Soi Thangthanka
4hrs -
Day3
Soi Thangthanka to Jangothang (Base Camp)
4 to 5hrs -
Day4
Jangothang to Lingshi
7hrs -
Day5
Lingshi to Chebisa - Goyul
4-5hrs -
Day6
Chebisa to Shomulthang
7hrs -
Day7
Shomulthang to Robluthang
7hrs -
Day8
Robluthang to Limithang
7hrs -
Day9
Limithang to Laya
4 to 5hrs -
Day10
Laya to Trek end point to Gasa
1hr