Trekking · Highland culture · Wilderness

Nomads of the Northern Frontier

Treks to the high pastures of Laya and Jomolhari

Sample itinerary · tailor-made to you
Duration
9–30 days
Best season
March – April & October – November
Travel style
Private
Activity
Challenging
Guide price
Price on request
Enquire
Overview

North of Paro and Punakha the land rises into some of the least-visited mountain country on earth. Here, along the border with Tibet, yak herders move between summer and winter pastures beneath Jomolhari and Jichu Drake, and the people of Laya – the women in their conical bamboo hats – keep a way of life found nowhere else in Bhutan.

We run treks of every length, from the nine-day Jomolhari loop to the Snowman, one of the hardest walks in the Himalaya. Every trek is fully supported, with an experienced crew, pack horses, and a camp cook, and every one is bookended by Bhutan’s great cultural sites. Tell us how much time and appetite you have, and we’ll build the right route.

Layap women in traditional dress
Yaks crossing snowy high country
A mule caravan climbing through mist
A trekker above a glacial lake
A campfire under the night sky
Highlights

What makes this journey

Jomolhari base camp

Camp at Jangothang beneath Jomolhari, a 7,300-metre peak sacred to the Bhutanese.

The people of Laya

Time in Laya village, among Bhutan's semi-nomadic highlanders and their yak herds.

Blue sheep and takin

Wildlife of the high country, from herds of blue sheep to Bhutan's national animal, the takin.

Gasa hot springs

Soak tired legs in the hot springs at Gasa as you descend from the mountains.

Culture either side

Tiger's Nest, Punakha Dzong and the valleys of the west before or after your trek.

Choose your route

Routes we run

Tell us how much time and appetite you have, and we will build the right trek.

9 daysModerate

Jomolhari Loop

Through rhododendron forest to Jangothang base camp and back over a high pass, with Paro and Thimphu either side. Ideal for a first Himalayan trek.

11 daysModerate–strenuous

Jomolhari & Barshong

A longer route past the ruined dzong at Barshong, with more time in the high valleys.

19 daysStrenuous

Laya, Lingshi & Gasa

Cross high passes to Lingshi and Laya, live alongside the Layap people and descend to Gasa hot springs. Includes Punakha and Gangtey.

25–30 daysVery strenuous

The Snowman Trek

The legendary traverse of the Lunana region, crossing a succession of passes above 5,000 m. For experienced, very fit trekkers only.

9 daysModerate

Dagala Thousand Lakes

Quiet trails among alpine lakes south of Thimphu, with wide Himalayan views. Excellent for photographers.

10 daysModerate

Druk Path & Bumdra

The classic high route between Paro and Thimphu, combined with the overnight camp at Bumdra above Tiger's Nest.

What's included

Taken care of

  • Licensed trekking guide, cook and camp crew
  • Pack horses or yaks, tents, dining tent and camping equipment
  • All meals on trek; hotels before and after
  • Trekking permits and park fees
  • Visa arrangement and Sustainable Development Fee (itemised in your proposal)

Not included

  • International flights to and from Paro (we can book these for you)
  • Travel insurance
  • Drinks other than water, tea and coffee with meals
  • Tips for your guide and driver, which are always your choice
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
Pace. From moderate to very strenuous depending on route. Altitude of up to 5,000 m and more on the longer treks.

As a travel writer, I work with guides (and photographers) on a monthly, often weekly basis. Ugyen Wangchuk, who I met on an extraordinary and constantly evolving journey for the Financial Times, immediately placed into my top three guides of all time. His range of knowledge, across nature, religion, myth, history and culture, runs very deep. It emerges naturally and gently.

Ruaridh NicollScotland