Bhutan Nomadic Life Experience (10 Days / 9 Nights)
Step into the untouched world of Bhutan’s nomadic highlanders, where traditions have remained unchanged for centuries. This exclusive journey takes you to Laya (Northwestern Bhutan) or Merak & Sakteng (Eastern Bhutan), home to the Layaps and Brokpas, Bhutan’s last remaining nomadic tribes. Experience life in the remote highlands, where yak herding, traditional weaving, and deep-rooted spiritual beliefs define daily existence.
Live like a nomad—stay in stone houses or tents, drink yak butter tea, wear traditional Brokpa/Layap attire, and learn how these resilient communities thrive in the Himalayan wilderness. This journey offers an unparalleled cultural immersion, far from tourist trails, into one of the world’s most remote and mystical landscapes.
Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Gateway to the Hidden Kingdom
-Arrive at Paro International Airport, where you’ll be greeted by your guide.
- Transfer to your hotel and rest before your adventure.
- Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, a fortress with stunning Bhutanese architecture, and explore Paro town.
- Photography session at sunset to capture Paro Valley’s beauty.
- Overnight in Paro.
Day 2: Paro to Thimphu – Journey to the Capital
- Drive to Thimphu (1.5 hours), stopping at scenic viewpoints.
- Visit Buddha Dordenma, a massive golden Buddha overlooking the valley.
- Explore the National Textile Museum to learn about Bhutanese weaving, an essential skill of nomadic life.
- Stroll through Thimphu’s local markets, where nomads sell yak products and handwoven textiles.
- Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu to Gasa (for Laya) OR Trashigang (for Merak & Sakteng)
- For Laya: Drive to Gasa, a remote district near the Tibetan border (6–7 hours). Enjoy breathtaking views of mountains, waterfalls, and deep valleys. Visit Gasa Dzong, a historic fortress, and relax at the Gasa hot springs, famous for their healing properties.
- For Merak & Sakteng: Fly to Yonphula Airport in eastern Bhutan and drive to Trashigang, the largest town in eastern Bhutan (4–5 hours). Visit the Trashigang Dzong, overlooking the Drangme Chhu River.
- Overnight in a homestay or lodge.
Day 4: Trek to the Nomadic Villages
- For Laya: Begin your trek to Laya (4–5 hours, moderate difficulty). Pass through dense forests, bamboo groves, and high-altitude meadows, encountering yaks along the way. Arrive in Laya village (3,800m), home to the Layap nomads, known for their distinctive conical bamboo hats and embroidered attire.
- For Merak & Sakteng: Drive to Merak village (3,500m), the gateway to the Brokpa nomads. The Brokpas are known for their red woolen headgear and yak-wool clothing.
- Experience traditional welcome rituals upon arrival, followed by introductions to the host family.
- Overnight in a traditional home or tent.
Day 5: Living with the Nomads – A Day in Their Life
- Participate in morning prayers and offerings at a village temple.
- Help your host family with yak milking, butter churning, and cheese-making.
- Learn how to spin yak wool and weave traditional garments.
- Visit local schools and meet nomadic children, gaining insight into their way of life.
- In the evening, enjoy a traditional nomadic meal, including yak meat, buckwheat pancakes, and butter tea.
- Overnight in the village.
Day 6: High-Altitude Hikes & Nomadic Rituals
- For Laya: Hike to Tsharijathang Valley, a protected area home to herds of wild takin (Bhutan’s national animal).
- For Merak & Sakteng: Trek to Sakteng Village (6 hours), a stunning remote settlement surrounded by rolling hills. Along the way, take portraits of Brokpa herders leading yaks across the mountains.
- Witness a shamanic healing ritual, where Brokpa spiritual healers use ancient chants and herbs.
- Overnight in the village.
Day 7: Horseback Riding & Nomadic Festivals
- Ride a Bhutanese mountain pony, just like te nomads do when moving camps.
- Attend a traditional Brokpa or Layap festival (seasonal), featuring masked dances, archery competitions, and nomadic games.
- Enjoy a farewell feast with your host family, including home-brewed ara (local rice wine).
- Overnight in the village.
Day 8: Return to Trashigang
- Say goodbye to your nomadic hosts and trek back to Gasa or drive back to Trashigang.
- For Laya: Visit Punakha Dzong, Bhutan’s most beautiful fortress, before continuing to Paro.
- For Merak & Sakteng: Explore the vibrant Trashigang market before flying back to Paro.
- Overnight in Paro.
Day 9: Paro – Reflection & Relaxation
- Enjoy a hot stone bath to relax after your journey.
- Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, to offer prayers for safe travels.
- Optional: Try on traditional Layap or Brokpa attire for a cultural photoshoot.
- Overnight in Paro.
Day 10: Departure – Farewell to Bhutan
- Transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure, carrying memories of a once-in-a-lifetime experience with Bhutan’s last remaining nomadic tribes.