Tour Overview
The Royal Highland Festival of Bhutan, initiated in 2016 by the fifth king of Bhutan, takes place in Laya, a remote highland village in Gasa district located around 4000 meters (12,000 feet) above sea level. The Royal Highland Festival was introduced to mark the celebration of the birth of HRH the Gyalsey, 400 years of Zhabdrung Rinpoche's arrival in Bhutan and the Rabjung (60 years cycle) birth year of Guru Rinpoche.
Bhutan is known for its rich culture and unique colorful festivals. One such popular festival is the Royal Highland Festival. The festival presents an unparalleled and exclusive chance for both Bhutanese locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the traditional highland lifestyle. It offers photographers an ideal opportunity and explorers a paradise to discover. This event allows people to delve into a distinct realm characterized by yak-hair tents and the oral tradition of ancient epic poems, providing a break from the constant technological noise of modern life.
The 2-day highland festival will take you through a rollercoaster of events while you enjoy the scenic locations & experience the nomadic life of the highlanders. The Bhutan highland festival package will take you through a cultural extravaganza, trekking adventure, and interaction with Bhutanese people of the western & northern part of Bhutan.
If you are lucky enough, you might even get the chance to interact with the King and the members of the Royal Family of Bhutan at the festival.
Since there is no motor road to the festival spot (Laya), it will require 2 days of trekking. However, if you are not fond of trekking, or your health conditions limit you, you can directly take a domestic helicopter ride from Paro International Airport to the festival spot. For those with no issues trekking, we recommend the 2-day trek to enjoy the scenic beauty of the highland areas of Bhutan.
Tour Highlights & Facts
- Duration: 10 nights 11 days
- The Royal Highland Festival
- Tiger's Nest Monastery
- Tongchu Dra-Laya Trek
- Fertility Temple in Punakha
- Punakha Dzong
- Northern Bhutan
- Bhutanese Dishes & Attires
- Traditional Hot Stone Bath
- Best Time to Visit — During the Festival time (Once a Year)
Tentative Itinerary
At Found Bhutan Tours and Treks, we do not take our guests on a virtual tour before arriving in Bhutan. We want our guests to fully explore and experience Bhutan first-hand. Therefore, we keep our itinerary short and less descriptive.
- Your First Glimpse of Bhutan: One of the most breathtaking mountain flights in the world, the journey to Paro offers a continuously shifting view of some of the world's highest peaks. Once customs procedures are completed, our representative from Found Bhutan will meet you at the Paro airport exit doors. After lunch, spend the afternoon exploring the attractions in Paro.
Distance: 50 Kms | Driving Time: 1–1.5 Hours
Places & Attractions:Paro Airport, Paro Dzong, National Museum, Takin Preserve, Buddha Dordenma Statue
Meals: Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Hotel in Thimphu.
- Thimphu to Punakha: On day 2, we travel towards Punakha after a hearty breakfast. We stop at Dochula Pass on the way, which hosts the 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens (The Victory Stupa). Later, we visit the Punakha Dzong, sitting at the confluence of Pho Chhu (Male River) & Mo Chhu (Female River). Built in 1637, it is the second oldest and second largest Dzong in Bhutan.
Distance: 85 Kms | Driving Time: 2–3 Hours
Places & Attractions:Dochula Pass, Punakha Dzong, Fertility Temple
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Hotel in Punakha.
- On the third day, we leave for Gasa — about 3 Hours drive from Punakha. We then enjoy the famous Hot springs at Gasa
Distance: 85 Km | Driving Time: 2–3 Hours
Places & Attractions:Punakha Valley, Northern Bhutan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Homestay at Gasa.
- Laya: Embark on a captivating journey from Gasa to Laya. Firstly we Drive for about 2.5 hours from Gasa to Tongchu Dra (end of motorable road). And then we hike towards Laya for about 5 hours approximately. We spend the overnight at your homestay in Laya.
- The Royal Highland Festival: On the fifth day, we enjoy the first day of the highland festival. The festival showcases the wonders of Gasa through its nature, history, tradition and culture. Events include the traditional offering of Buelwa (Gift Offering) with Auley (traditional epic song recitation), cultural programs, and competitions of highland animals such as Yaks, Horses, and Mastiffs. The festival also features stalls ranging from local yak produce to highland technology, medicinal herbs & plants, and more.
The Royal Highland Festival, Laya Village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Camp at Laya.
- The Royal Highland Festival Continues: The second and final day of the festival continues with songs, dances, and other cultural programs along with various competitions.
The Royal Highland Festival
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Camp at Laya.
- After the festival, on the next day, we decend down to the Punakha Valley via Gasa. We stop at Gasa for a refreshing spring bath before we drive to Punakha for the night.
- Punakha Sightseeing: The Tshechu Festival celebrations will continue today when you return to Paro, but let's first take a detour to Punakha to learn more about Bhutan. On your way to Punakha, you'll make a stop at the Dochu La Pass to take in the magnificent Himalayan Range. Punakha is the former capital of Bhutan. Chimi Lhakhang and Punakha Dzong will teach you about its history, culture, and religions. We return back to Paro after Punakha’s trip today.
- Paro: Return to Thimphu and explore handicraft and souvenir stores after a delightful lunch. Continue your journey to Paro, visiting the historic Simtokha Dzong en route, the oldest in Bhutan, now home to the Institute for Language and Culture studies. Check into your Paro hotel and enjoy a leisurely afternoon. Rest overnight at your Paro hotel. Immerse yourself in Bhutan's culture and history.
- Tigers Nest Monastery: For the majority of travelers, the Taktsang Monastery is a must-see sight. During the Tshechu Festival, it is more prosperous with almost all the visitors taking the hike. To get to Taktsang Monastery, the most well-known holy site in Bhutan, you must hike for around 2.5 hours. The view terrace, which is situated at the halfway point of the hiking trail, offers a place to relax.
- Thimphu-Paro International Airport: On the final day of your Bhutan adventure, you'll enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before checking out. Depending on your flight schedule, you might have some time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Thimphu. You'll then transfer to the airport for your departure, taking with you cherished memories of Bhutan’s stunning landscapes and warm hospitality. Safe travels and we hope to welcome you back soon!
Note***
Our Itineraries are always customizable. You can either shorten your trips or prolong them as per your needs anytime.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Tour Package Inclusions
- Bhutan SDF
- Bhutan VISA Fee
- Luxury (SUV) Vehicle for 1-2 Pax
- Hi-Roof for 3-7 Pax
- Coaster Bus for more than 7 Pax
- Professional & Experienced Driver
- All transportation within Bhutan
- English-speaking expert local Tour Guide
- All three Meals
- Packed Lunches
- Bottled Mineral Water throughout the tour
- Seasonal Fruits
- Accommodation in 3-stars and above Hotels
- Local SIM Card
Tour Package Exclusions
- International Air fare
- Single room supplement charges
- Entrance fees for Museums and Monuments
- Any Personal Expenses
- Tips/gratuities
- Cost arising out of events beyond our control
- Cost for any services not mentioned in the "TOUR PACKAGE INCLUSION"
Tour Cost
The total cost of the tour will vary based on the number of days, PAX, types of activities, accommodation & fooding, and the places you intend to visit. Our final rates will be shared based on your itinerary requirements.
