In 1999 and 2000, staff of the Jigme Dorji National Park spent 6 months working alongside the yak herding community in Laya. The main outcome was an Integrated Conservation and Development Plan for Laya geog, prepared jointly with the local people. The following recordings were made during this time. They cover some of the most important religious and cultural events in the Laya calendar as well as songs that accompany the deceptively simple line and circle dances. Others songs would be sung by individuals or groups when harvesting barley or tending yaks. To give an origin to the songs would be misleading since most of them have been travelling between Laya, western Bhutan and Tibet for many years. The songs were recorded by Roy Cameron and edited by Neten Dorji of the Bhutan Broadcasting Service. With thanks to the people of Laya whose spirit and humour we have tried to convey

Latest episodes of the podcast Songs and Traditions from Laya

• 01. Chhu mo Ding sho
• 02. Fagi Pangsho Den mi nang na
• 03. Phari yo
• 04. Tari yo Shoku ya la ja
• 05. Omlea Sang re la
• 06. Nga zo ja lu do ma num ngyong
• 07. Thrung Thrung Karmo
• 08. Saja na Norbu rigi pha ja na
• 09. Yala ayley Sang re la
• 10. Laya Bumkhosa Festival
• 11. Prayers and Offerings
• 12. Metho Shaypa phelwa (part)
• 13. Namkha tringmi Dongpa Samray Gaa
• 14. Nangla Zangpo
• 15. Zamling Zaypi metho
• 16. Shacho Gongtulamo
• 17. Excitement at the target
• 18. Aulay