Dhur Village

At nearly 4,000 meters, Dhur is one of Bhutan’s highest permanent settlements. Home to the Layap people, this village offers a glimpse into a culture unlike anywhere else in Bhutan.

The Layap People

The Layaps are ethnically and culturally distinct from other Bhutanese:

• Language: Layakha, unrelated to Dzongkha
• Origins: Traced to nomadic tribes from Tibet
• Livelihood: Traditionally yak herding, now some agriculture
• Religion: Blend of Bon and Buddhism

Unique Customs

Marriage traditions: Layaps practice both monogamy and polyandry (one woman, multiple brothers as husbands) - practical for high-altitude survival where resources are scarce.

Burial practices: Sky burial (exposing body to vultures) was traditionally practiced, now replaced by cremation due to Buddhist influence.

Winter migration: Many families move to lower elevations in winter, returning only in summer.

Village Life

Yak Herding

Yaks are everything to the Layaps:

• Transport: Carrying goods between high pastures
• Food: Milk, butter, cheese, meat
• Fiber: Woven into tents, ropes, clothing
• Economy: Yak products sold or traded

Experience: Join herders moving yaks between summer and winter pastures (seasonal, requires planning).

High-Altitude Agriculture

At this elevation, only resilient crops grow:

• Barley - Main staple, made into tsampa (roasted flour)
• Radishes - Grows in cold conditions
• Turnips - Stored for winter
• Potatoes - Recent introduction

Experiences We Arrange

1. Life at High Altitude

Spend a day with a Layap family:

• Milk yaks in the morning
• Make butter tea the traditional way (churned in yak skin bag)
• Learn to spin yak wool
• Listen to stories around the evening fire

2. Sacred Lake Visit

Hike to the sacred lake above the village:

• Local legend says the lake is home to a serpent deity
• Offerings are made for good weather and animal health
• Crystal clear water reflects surrounding peaks

3. Layap Language Lesson

Learn basic phrases in Layakha from an elder:

• Greetings and politeness formulas
• Words for different types of yaks
• Terms for weather and landscape

4. Astronomy Night

At this altitude with zero light pollution, the stars are incredible. A village elder will point out:

• Constellations important in Layap culture
• How stars predict weather
• Stories connected to the night sky

Practical Information

Altitude warning: 3,800m is very high. Altitude sickness is possible. We recommend:

• Acclimatize in Punakha or Wangdue first
• Stay hydrated
• Avoid alcohol for first 24 hours
• Descend if symptoms develop

Accommodation: Very basic homestay. No running water, traditional dry toilet, thin walls (bring earplugs).

When to visit: June to September. Winter is too cold - village largely abandoned.

Getting there: 6-7 hours from Thimphu, final 2 hours on rough track. 4x4 essential.

Best For

• Adventure travelers comfortable with rough conditions
• Anthropology and cultural studies
• Photographers seeking unique subjects
• Those who have already visited main Bhutan sites