COUNTRIES VISITED: Bhutan
TRIP CODE: LGS
DURATION: 17 Days
TRIP TYPE: Trekking
TRIP LEADER: Local Leader
TRIP GRADE: Strenuous
GROUP SIZE: 2 - 10 people
TRIP STYLE: Camping
NEXT DEPARTURE: 16 Oct 2025
REVIEWS: 5 Stars Based On 3 Reviews
TREES PLANTED: 17 Trees Planted for each Booking
Laya Gasa or Half Snowman trek traverses a section of the Bhutan Himalaya. The trail follows the border with Tibet from Paro to Laya village crossing four high passes.
This Himalayan trek in Bhutan crosses four mountain passes over 4,000m. You travel through Bhutanese landscape from farmland, forests and into the alpine. You will see Dzongs located in strategic positions along the Tibet border.
While trekking there are mountain views of Bhutan’s most impressive peaks. Mount Chomolhari and Mount Jitchu Drake tower over the first section of the trek. Laya Gasa is sometimes called the Half Snowman trek. This itinerary follows the same route until Laya village as the longer 28 day Lunana Snowman until Laya village. After trekking to Laya we descend to the hot springs at Gasa. We drive to the Punakha Valley and on the next day drive to Thimpu.
We have designed our Laya Gasa trek itinerary for time for essential acclimatisation. At the start of the trip we organise a visit to Haa valley for two nights to help you adjust to the high altitude. This is a camping style trekking expedition where you sleep in tents and our cooks provide the meals.
We will meet you on arrival at Paro airport and drive you to the hotel. When the whole group has arrived we will give a full briefing to get you ready for the Laya Gasa trek. Later on we will organise a trip into Paro to change money at the bank and to look around the town. Afterwards we arrange sightseeing tour to visit Paro Dzong and the National museum. Paro is Bhutan’s second largest town. The valley also contains significant religious and historic sites in the country. It also has as well as Bhutan’s only international airport.
After breakfast we organise a walk up to the Taktsang monastery known as the “Tiger’s Nest”. The hike up to the monastery through pine forest takes about 2 to 3 hours and the trail ascends 520m. This is a good opportunity to stretch your legs after your travels to Bhutan. After our visit to Taktsang we drive to the Chele La pass at an altitude of 3,780m. From here on a clear day there is a view of Mount Chomolhari to the north. We descend from the pass into Haa Valley at an altitude of 2,712m where we stay for two nights. Being at this high elevation before the trek is essential for acclimatisation. Haa Valley remains one of the least visited areas in the country.
Today we explore Haa valley and go for a walk. With past Snowman groups we walked through Lechuna village and down to the Haa Chhu (river). After crossing a wooden bridge we walked up through forest up to Jamte Gompa. After visiting this old monastery we descend to Chumpa bridge and to Chuma village.
We leave Haa valley and drive up to Chele La where we stop and walk along the ridge for extra acclimatisation. If we are lucky we will get the views again of Mount Chomolhari to the north. From the pass we drive down to Paro and then we continue past Drugyel Dzong. From here we drive further along a jeep track to Shana. At Shana we meet the trek crew and spend our first night in the tents before starting the trek tomorrow.
Today we start the Laya Gasa trek and have 10 days of walking ahead of us to look forward to. From Shana camp the trail passes through rhododendron and blue pine forests. It is often muddy on this section of the walk so it is a good idea to use trekking poles and to wear gaiters. Tonight we camp in a clearing in the forest at Soi Thangthanka.
After an hour or so walking from camp we leave the forest as we climb above the tree line into a beautiful valley. We arrive at Chomolhari Base Camp, often known as Jangothang, at an elevation of 4,080m. Towering above there is a superb view of Mount Chomolhari at an altitude of 7,326m. Next to the camp are the ruins of an old Dzong that used to guard Bhutan against invasions from Tibet.
To help the acclimatisation process we spend two nights at Chomolhari Base Camp. It is a good idea to go for a walk in the morning upto higher altitude (“climb high, sleep low”). There are options including walking up a ridge to the north for good views of Mt Jichu Drake. The other scenic walk is to the twin lakes at Tsho Phu (4,350m). This is a holy lake where fishing, swimming or throwing stones is not permitted.
Today we cross the first of the major passes on the Laya Gasa trek. It is a steady ascent on a good trail to Nyile La pass at an altitude of 4,890m. There are fine views of Mt Takaphu (6,526m) to the North and Tiger Mountain to the East. We descend from the pass on another good trail. Further down we enter a forest and then walk to our camp in a grassy area outside Lingshi village.
After breakfast we walk past the Dzong damaged in the recent earthquake. On leaving Lingshi village the trail contours high above the valley. This area is well known for its medicinal plants and flowers. We pass a ridge covered with prayer flags and descend into a side valley near Goyok village. Another hour further we arrive at Chebisa village located in a valley with a waterfall at its head.
After crossing the Gombu La at an altitude of 4,400m we descend through a hillside of rhododendrons. We camp for the night at Shomuthang.
After an early start we climb towards the Jhare La at an altitude of 4,780m. From the summit of the pass there are good views of Tiger Mountain, Mt Jitchu Drake, Takaphu and Kang Bum. Descending from the pass we pass Tsharijathang where herds of Takin live at some times of the year. The taking is the national animal of Bhutan.
There is a long climb taking around 4 hours to the Shinge La at an altitude of 5,000m. In 2011 monks built and consecrated a Buddhist chorten on the summit of Shinge La. There is another fine view of the Bhutan Himalaya including the Tiger Mountain at the head of the valley. On the descent we walk next to a terminal moraine and glacial lake located above Limithang camp.
Today we walk through forest along the river to Laya village. Layap women wear distinctive conical bamboo hats with turquoise and jade jewellery. We deliver food and fuel at Laya to support the next section of Snowman trek into Lunana. We have to plan the logistics as it is not possible buy supplies along the way.
The trail descends from Laya to the army post at Taksaka. This is close to the trail junction for Lunana yet we continue along the path towards Punakha. The forest along Mo Chu is lush and you have to ascend over many spurs as the trail descends this valley. There is a road to Koena so we finish the trek here and then drive down the valley to Punakha.
After breakfast we visit Punakha Dzong. This is an impressive building and at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers. This dzong is the second largest in Bhutan. Ngawang Namgyal, 1st Zhabdrung Rinpoche, built the dzong in 1638 so it is also the second oldest.
Afterwards we visit Chimi Lhakang also known as the fertility temple of Bhutan. Local families see the temple as a potent fertility shrine. It takes about 20 minutes to walk across rice fields to reach the temple. Lama Drukpa Kunley, known as the divine madman, forms the basis of legends about the monastery.
In the afternoon we leave for Thimphu by driving over the Dochu La pass at an altitude of 3,050m. This is one of the finest viewpoints of Eastern Himalaya. On a clear day you can see the peaks Masangang, Tsendagang, Terigang and Gangkar Punsum. On arrival to Dochu La you can get out of the car to admire the view. We walk around the 108 chortens marking the summit of the pass. We then drive through beautiful forest into the Thimphu Valley.
After checking into the hotel you have the afternoon to explore the town centre of Thimphu. There are a wide range of shops, restaurants and cafes.
Today we have a full day of sightseeing in Thimphu. There are many options of places to visit with your guide. We visit the Tashichho Dzong and the large Shakyamuni Buddha statue overlooking town. It is also worth taking time to explore the town centre. We can see the Clock Tower square and Changlimithang Stadium. There are lots of shops, restaurants and cafes.
Transfers to Paro airport for flights back home. End of trip.
| Dates | Trip Leader | Price | Single Supplement: Room/Tent | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 Oct 2025 to 01 Nov 2025 | Local Leader | US$7,095pp | Room: US$350pp Tent: US$495pp | 2 Left to Guarantee |
| Dates | Trip Leader | Price | Single Supplement: Room/Tent | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 Apr 2026 to 09 May 2026 | Local Leader | US$7,095pp | Room: US$350pp Tent: US$495pp | 2 Left to Guarantee |
| 15 Oct 2026 to 31 Oct 2026 | Local Leader | US$7,095pp | Room: US$350pp Tent: US$495pp | 2 Left to Guarantee |
| Dates | Trip Leader | Price | Single Supplement: Room/Tent | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Apr 2027 to 08 May 2027 | Local Leader | US$7,095pp | Room: US$375pp Tent: US$525pp | 2 Left to Guarantee |
Hotel Olathang is set amidst 28 acres of blue pine forest on a hill overlooking Paro valley. This hotel is in traditional Bhutanese style.
There are 28 rooms with attached bathrooms and the cottages have an outdoor deck with chairs. There is a restaurant and bar in the main building. Other facilities include a spa and a traditional hot stone bath.
This was the first hotel built for tourists in Bhutan. Established in 1974 for the guests invited to the coronation of the Fourth King of Bhutan.
Hotel Meri Puensum is above Punakha with good views down to the river and valley below. This property is family owned and was one of the first hotels built in Punakha.
The rooms have attached bathrooms and are simple yet functional. Some of the rooms have balconies overlooking the valley. There is a restaurant serving Bhutanese, Indian and Chinese dishes. Most meals are a buffet style. The blocks of the hotel are set in an attractive garden.
Gyelsa Boutique Inn is a family-run hotel located in the centre of Thimphu city. It is within walking distance of the restaurants, cafes and shops of the largest city in Bhutan.
The hotel has 6 suites and 12 twin rooms. The furniture is made in Bhutan from Himalayan wood. Facilities include a restaurant, bar and café. Every room has wifi.
We use A frame tents in Bhutan. These sturdy tents work well with the conditions experienced in Bhutan. They are waterproof plus have ample headroom inside.
We provide a comfortable experience on our camping style treks in Bhutan. Our team works hard to support you so that you can relax and enjoy the trek. We provide personal tents, mess tent, kitchen tent and toilet tent(s). The camp will be set up and dismantled by the trek crew. We bring along a cook and kitchen helpers to provide the meals.
The day starts with an early morning mug of tea brought to your tent by one of the trek crew. Before heading for breakfast you pack your overnight gear into your duffel bag. During breakfast the trek crew pack away the tents. The pony men load up the pack animals and set off on the trail. After breakfast, between 7am and 8am, we start walking.
The pace of the trek is moderate as there is plenty of time in the itinerary to reach the camp for tonight. There will be plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, take photos and explore the local villages. Lunch will be around midday at a spot by the side of the trail. After lunch we continue the walk and on most days we arrive to camp by mid afternoon. Some of the trek crew would have gone ahead of the group to set up camp and to put up the tents. On arrival to camp you will get a hot drink and biscuits. In the evening our cook will provide a three course meal in the mess tent around 6pm.
After supper the leaders will discuss the plan for the next day. Afterwards people might stay in the mess tent chatting about the day’s events or playing cards. After a tiring day most people head to their tent quite early for the night. Tomorrow is likely to be very similar as today! The only difference is that if we are crossing a high pass or climbing to a summit we leave camp earlier in the morning.
While on a camping style trek in Bhutan we provide tasty and nutritional food. We make sure there is more than enough quantity to go around as trekkers will be hungry after a long day on the trail. Over the years we have worked on increasing the variety of the menus. We have expanded the list of ingredients provided to the cooks so they have more to work with. Also in 2015 we purchased two food dehydrators with a vacuum sealing machine. We dehydrate a large number of different vegetables in Paro before departure. This has transformed the quality of food especially on the longer treks to remote areas.
For breakfast we provide porridge or cereal, toast or chapatis and eggs. There will be hot drinks including tea, herbal teas, hot chocolate and coffee. We provide fresh coffee from our Bialetti Moka coffee machine.
For lunch we stop at a convenient spot with water at the side of the trail. In Bhutan the cooks prepare lunch after breakfast before leaving camp in the morning. One of the ponies carries the insulated "tiffin" containers to the lunch place. After lunch we have time to relax before starting to walk again in the afternoon.
On arrival at camp in the afternoon you have biscuits and a hot drink such as tea or coffee. Around 6pm we serve a three course meal in the mess tent. The starter is often soup with popcorn or poppadums. We have a range of main dishes and carbohydrates including rice, potatoes or pasta.
We cater for a variety of dietary requirements. Our meals are suitable for vegetarians. If there is a meat dish then we also provide vegetarian options as standard. During booking we find out if you have any dietary needs and agree upon meal plans before departure. If you have any questions about the food provided please get in touch with us to discuss further.
We bring a Thuraya satellite phone for logistical, safety and personal use. Personal calls charged at £4 (US$5 or €4.50) per minute and £2 (US$3 €4.50) to send and receive SMS text.
This is the mandatory kit list for the safety of everyone in the group and to ensure a successful trek. You must have the following items tailored for the Laya Gasa trek.
As a reminder, the weather on this trek will vary from season to season and day to day as you ascend to higher elevations. At the start of the trek, you are likely to experience rainy and muddy conditions. You will experience the coldest temperatures at Robulathang at an altitude of 4,410m. Overnight lows here will be down to around -12 Celsius.
You should bring a rucsac or backpack for gear required during the day. Your pack should contain items such as warm clothes, a jacket, a camera, water bottles, a personal first aid kit and snacks. The weight limit is 5kg. A pack animal will carry the rest of your personal equipment packed in a duffel or kit bag. The weight limit for your duffel bag is 15kg. Please mark your bag on the outside for easy identification.
It is not possible to buy trekking gear in Bhutan. You must arrive at the start of the trip with the right kit as per this list. Print the kit list and tick items off as you pack them then weigh your kit bag before you come on trek.
Footwear
Clothing
Heads and Gloves
For crossing the passes
Personal equipment
Travelling
Personal first aid kit
We provide a comprehensive group first aid kit. Please bring personal medications and other items you might use such as:
You should be aware trekking in a developing country involves a risk of personal injury or death. You must accept these risks and be responsible for your own actions and involvement. Adventure travel requires an open and flexible attitude. You may experience extreme conditions and unpredictable weather. There could be last minute changes to the itinerary beyond our control. The ability to work in a team is an important aspect of our trips.
We have performed a threat and risk assessment for our Laya Gasa Half Snowman trek. Our trips have a degree of risk. This is part of the attraction of adventure travel and why so many people choose to join this type of holiday. By identifying the hazards we assess the level of risk. We have control measures in places to reduce this happening or to reduce the impact.
Our risk assessment is available to clients on request. We have listed below a summary of the significant risks and hazards identified by us:
This trip visits a remote area. You are away from the usual emergency services and medical facilities. Evacuation for a serious injury requiring hospitalisation could take up to several days. This delay could impede your ensuing recovery. Helicopters are the usual means of evacuation. They are not always available or hindered by poor weather and flying conditions.
Books
Bhutan A Trekker's Guide: Bart Jordans, published by Cicerone
Beneath Blossom Rain: Discovering Bhutan on the Toughest Trek in the World. By Kevin Grange
Pocket Guide to the Birds of Bhutan: Grimmett R, Inskipp C & T.
Bhutan, An Illustrated Guide: Françoise Pommaret, Odyssey Guides
Maps
Bhutan Himalaya. 1:390,000 by Nepal maps.
