Bhutan Footprints Travel

28/05/2026

Our East - West tour ( 9th - 22nd May 2026)

Laya, situated in the Gasa District of northwestern Bhutan, is one of the most remote and highest settlements, at 3,820 meters (12,533 feet) above sea level. The village is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking natural beauty, and serene isolation:

The Layap People: Laya is home to the Layap highlanders, who have a distinctive way of life. They are known for their semi-nomadic lifestyle, in which they raise yaks, speak the Layakha language, and wear traditional attire such as conical bamboo hats and yak-wool garments.

Before Embarking on the Journey and Trekking: To reach Laya, hikers must traverse several days from the nearest road. It is a popular destination on some of Bhutan’s renowned high-altitude treks, including the Jomolhari Laya Trek, which traverses Jigme Dorji National Park.

Currently, the distance from Gasa to Laya is approximately 30 kilometers. Access to Laya is facilitated by the road that has been extended to Taktse Makhang, a Bhutanese Army camp. The drive from the road point to Laya takes approximately two hours, followed by a gradual hike that also takes about two hours. It is advisable to plan a two-night stay to fully explore the scenic surroundings and consider hiking to the lake.

Royal Highland Festival: Every October, Laya comes alive with the Royal Highland Festival, a celebration of Bhutan’s high-altitude communities’ unique culture and traditions.

Laya offers accommodations in village farmhouses, with each farmhouse allowed up to three rooms, according to Department of Tourism policy. All village houses welcome guests.​ Please note that this arrangement is not suitable for large groups, as it would diminish the unique charm of the homestay experience. If you are traveling with a larger group, it is recommended to select farmhouses that are located near each other.

Laya Farm House :
Pema Wangchuk village home stay:
Pazhi, Laya Gasa
Contact: 77889566/17285354

Tshering Village Home Stay
Pazhi, Laya Gasa
Contact: 17418299

27/05/2026

Gasa Altitude 2850m Approx, nestled in the far northwest of Bhutan, is right next to Punakha, Thimphu, and Wangdue Phodrang, and also touches Tibet to the north.

Gasa Dzongkha, found in the northern part of Punakha, is about 70 kilometers away, and the drive is a beautiful two to three-hour journey. You can only stay at the Homestay, which is a great way to dive into the local culture.

If you are planning a trip to Gasa, make sure to spend two nights exploring the quiet Dzongs, the hot spring, and some easy hikes around.

If you are traveling with a large group, these two farmhouses are conveniently located next to each other. If you are affiliated with FIT, there are many homestay options available.

Kinley Zam Village Homestay, Gasa # 17448033/17997738
Ugyen Village Homestay. Gasa # 17597262/17408286

Visit Bhutan.

21/04/2026

Pilgrimage to Talakha Goemba in Thimphu
Nestled at an elevation of approximately 3,100 meters, Talakha Goemba offers a panoramic view of the north-south expanse of the Thimphu valley, which lies approximately 800 meters below. Access to Talakha can be achieved through two distinct routes: a challenging hike from the summit of Semtokha Dzong or a more accessible drive via Chamgang.

09/04/2026

Farewell dinner at a traditional Paro farmhouse with our group from Italy. # Bhutanfestivals #

31/03/2026

Our Italian group is having lunch and enjoying the sights in Punakha Valley.

27/03/2026

The final leg of our group’s journey in Bhutan was highlighted by a horseback ride to Tiger’s Nest—one of the country’s most venerated sites, blessed by Guru Rinpoche and many other enlightened masters.

26/03/2026

Our group from Korea is enjoying a picnic lunch on the bank of the Mochu River near Punakha Dzong on 25 March 2026, surrounded by beautiful scenery.

02/03/2026

Ruddy shelduck
Winter migratory birds can be observed at the Mo Chu, a tributary of the main river. They migrate to this winter roosting site every year for approximately five months, from November to mid-March, before returning to higher altitudes.

Many other wintering birds also roost along both banks of the Mo Chu and Po Chu rivers. This region is one of the most renowned birding destinations in winter, offering a picturesque backdrop of the majestic Punakha Dzong and its surrounding villages.

09/01/2026

Druk air

𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚

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