Experiences
DAY HIKES : Lungo & Masagang / Tshenden Viewpoint Hike
Difficulty: Moderate | Duration: Full Day (5–6 hours at relaxed pace) | (Including Royal Highland Festival Ground)
Guide Fee: $30 per guide
Overview
This scenic highland walk is a beautiful blend of culture and Himalayan panoramas. The trail gently climbs above Laya village, passing the Royal Highland Festival ground before reaching stunning viewpoints overlooking Masagang, Tshenden Gang, and the sweeping Laya valley.
It is an ideal choice for guests who wish to experience the highlands without undertaking a very strenuous climb.
Route & Terrain
Start point: Laya village | Total duration: approx. 5–6 hours with stops | Trail type: Gradual ascent on herder paths and open alpine slopes | Suitable for most active guests
Highlights
Magnificent views of Masagang (7,158 m) | View of Tshenden Gang and surrounding peaks | Walk across the Royal Highland Festival ground | Authentic Layap pastoral landscapes | Excellent photography opportunities | Strong cultural storytelling experience
Why We Recommend This Walk
Less physically demanding than Cheka Chena Tsho | Excellent acclimatization activity | Suitable for most trekkers staying in Laya | Combines nature, culture, and wide mountain views
DAY HIKES : Cheka Chena Tsho Day Hike
Difficulty: Tough | Duration: Full Day (Approx. 3.5 hours one way) | Local Guide Fee: $40 per guide
Overview
For guests seeking a true high-altitude Himalayan challenge, the Cheka Chena Tsho day hike offers a rewarding journey into the raw wilderness above Laya. The trail ascends steadily from the village into pristine alpine terrain, leading to a sacred glacial lake nestled beneath dramatic highland ridges. This is one of the most physically demanding day excursions from Laya and is recommended only for well-acclimatized and reasonably fit hikers.
Route & Elevation
Starting altitude: ~3,800 m (Laya) | Highest point: approx. 4,600–4,800m | Hiking time: 3.5 hours ascent / 2.5–3 hours descent | Trail condition: Steep sections, alpine paths, and exposed terrain
Highlights
Remote sacred high-altitude lake | Vast Himalayan highland scenery | Untouched alpine landscapes | Possibility of spotting blue sheep and highland birdlife | A true expedition feel within a day
Important Notes
Suitable only for fit and acclimatized guests | Early morning departure is strongly recommended | Packed lunch required | Weather and snow conditions may affect accessibility | Proper trekking shoes and warm layers essential
Highland Healing Massage
About the Therapist
Our treatments are offered by Namgay Wangchuk, professionally trained at the International Institute of Wellness Studies, Noida, India. He previously served at Hotel Druk (2015–2017) and Amankora (2017–2019). His approach blends professional technique with intuitive Himalayan healing touch.
Full Body Massage
A deeply relaxing, tailor-made treatment designed to release tension and restore balance. The therapist combines a range of techniques to focus on specific areas of tightness while promoting overall wellbeing and calm.
Duration: 90 minutes/60 minutes
Price: $110/$80
Foot Reflexology
Based on the principle that reflex points on the soles correspond to organs and glands throughout the body, this treatment stimulates energy pathways, releases stagnation, and restores harmony. An ideal complement after a long day of walking or hiking in the highlands.
Duration: 30 minutes/60 minutes
Price: $50/$70
Oils Used
All treatments use natural blends prepared in-house:
Base oil: Olive oil
Essential oils: Lavender & Jasmine
These are selected to promote relaxation, circulation, and muscular relief.
Advance Booking Required
All spa treatments must be booked at least one day in advance to ensure proper preparation.
Payment Policy
We kindly request full payment in advance to confirm your treatment. Please note that payments are non-refundable once the booking is made.
Highland lesiure horse ride
During the Highland Leisure Horse Ride, guests are gently guided around Laya village and its surrounding highland landscape. Along the one-hour ride, they can enjoy sweeping views of traditional Layap homes with their distinctive conical roofs, open yak pastures, and prayer flags fluttering in the mountain wind. The trail offers beautiful vantage points overlooking the entire village, with the majestic peaks of Gangchenta (Great Tiger Mountain), Masagang, and Tshendegang rising dramatically in the distance.
Depending on the season, riders may also witness villagers going about their daily highland life — herding yaks, preparing firewood, or gathering for local events. The experience is peaceful, scenic, and deeply connected to the rhythm of Laya’s mountain life.
Price : $50/hr (Guide and horse included)
Payment Policy
We kindly request full payment in advance to confirm your ride. Please note that payments are non-refundable once the booking is made.
Planning a journey to Bhutan?
If you are considering a visit to Bhutan and would like to include Home Tale Laya in your itinerary, we would be delighted to hear from you. Our reservations team can share suggestions on how a stay in Laya may be thoughtfully incorporated into your Bhutan journey — whether as part of a trekking experience, a cultural exploration of the highlands, or simply a unique overnight stay in one of Bhutan’s most remote Himalayan villages.
We are happy to guide you on the possibilities and assist in connecting you with trusted travel partners who can arrange the necessary permits, transportation, and wider Bhutan travel arrangements, ensuring your visit is both seamless and meaningful.
Please feel free to reach out if you would like more information or assistance in planning your journey.
Laya is just a message away
Please fill out the form or contact us directly, someone will be in touch.
+975 17911273 (Whatsapp) reservations@hometalelaya.com
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Photographs: Through the lens of Karma T Dorji | Instagram @ktdorji