Laya Gasa in Bhutan Traveller Reviews

We hd a 2 1/2 trip that began in Kathmandu, flying into Bhutan for trekking and cultural touring. Part of our time was in local hotels (these have improved over the years and are very comfortable now). We also had 10 days camping on the Laya Gasa trek. Roland has improved the acclimatization preparation for this trek, and the worst problems we had was a mild headache one morning probably related to what we did the night before. We were able to climb comfortably to 5000m. The food on trek was excellent (we even had pizza once!). Tasha was our local guide who is very knowledgable, worked hard, and kept us safe. If you love the mountains, this is an amazing trek!

Roland Hunter is a thorough, detailed organizer who loves the mountains, and wants his clients to have safe, enjoyable and memorable trips (and perhaps even come back again!). My trek this year was my fourth one with the Mountain Company, and I have been fortunate that Roland actually led two of my trips. In addition to continually improving the treks following feedback from his clients, he is also concerned with the wellbeing of the local people who work for him. On my trek this year, Roland met with us for over an hour in Kathmandu before and after our trek to exchange information and get feedback. In addition to working to help local projects, Roland took it upon himself to to arrange for emergency delivery of supplies to some remote villages devastated after the 2015 Nepal earthquake. Roland and his team at the Mountain Company truly are excellent at what they do, and not only do I highly recommend them, but I am looking to go back again...

We were in Bhutan for 17 days, with an excellent preparation for altitude acclimatization planned by the Mountain Company. We had no symptoms of AMS at all. We started out in local hotels and then switched to back country camping with support from our local guide: Tashi. He basically looked out for our wellbeing constantly throughout the trip. Tashi is an excellent guide, and also was very careful to ensure our safety. The food prepared bu our cook Dorje, was also excellent, and somehow he even managed to make us pizza twice! Ugen was our hard working horseman who got our gear from site to site with some long days.The scenery and experiences were amazing and unforgettable. We had some long days and some difficult days, with our high point being 5005 m. This was my third trip to Bhutan for trekking. Clearly, I think Bhutan is a very special place to visit.

The Mountain Company is run by Roland Hunter. He is a meticulous and very personable operator. He is very enthusiastic, and met with us for over an hour in Kathmandu before and after our trip into Bhutan. This was my fourth trip with the Mountain Company. On two of these trips, Roland actually led the backcountry portion of the trip himself. As a result I have come to know him as more than the "boss" of the company. I have no hesitation to highly recommend Roland and the Mountain Company. In fact, I have already signed up for another trip with him.

I took the Laya Gasa trek in Bhutan for three weeks. It was the longest and highest trek I’ve ever taken. We had a group of 3 people, a crew of 6 and 9 horses. We also visited many dzongs and enjoyed other cultural activities. I felt immersed in Bhutanese Buddhist culture and village life. It was a great experience.

The guide made sure we had lots of time to acclimate before hiking to the highest altitudes. This made it possible for me, a 72-year old female, to accomplish the trek — without any altitude sickness. We went up to 16,400 feet (5005 meters). The guide was fantastic, extremely encouraging, and the crew was great, too. I was impressed with the organization, friendliness, attention, and safety. It was a trip that tested the limits of my strength and an experience I’ll never forget. Also gave me major bragging rights at home!