THE ROYAL HIGHLAND FESTIVAL

THE ROYAL HIGHLAND FESTIVAL 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 days 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 the Bhutan cultural extravaganza, trekking adventure, and interact 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 a 2 days trekking. However, if you are not fond of trekking, or your health conditions limit you from trekking for days, you can directly take a domestic helicopter ride from Paro International Airport to the festival spot. For those with no issues in trekking, we recommend taking the 2 days 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
Gasa-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.

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 Paro, exploring the attractions in Paro.

Drive from Paro to Thimphu:

Distance: 50 Kms | Driving Time: 1-1.5 Hours

Places & Attractions:

Paro Airport, Paro Dzong, National Museum, Takin Preserve, Buddha Dordenma Statue

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Thimphu.

On day 2, we travel towards Punakha after a hearty breakfast. We stop at Dochula Pass for a brief moment on the way to Punakha. Dochula Pass hosts the 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens (The Victory Stupa), built by Her Majesty Azhi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck to commemorate Bhutan’s Victory and to liberate the souls of those who lost their lives in the war. More details about 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens here.

Later, we visit the Punakha Dzong, siting at the confluence of two rivers – Pho Chhu (Male River) & Mo Chhu (Female River). Built in 1637, the structure is the second oldest and second largest Dzong in Bhutan. It serves as the winter home of the Je Khenpo, Chief Abbott of the clergy. The royal wedding of the fifth King of Bhutan was held at the Punakha Dzong in 2011.

Drive from Thimphu to Punakha:

Distance: 85 Kms | Driving Time: 2-3 Hours

Places & Attractions:

Dochula Pass, Punakha Dzong, Fertility Temple

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Punakha.

On the third day, we will leave for Gasa which is about four hours drive. From the road end point, you trek for about four hours to Koina. The trail first winds with a gradual descend till koina and the winds up with a gradual climb till your camp site past a small bridge named Thognchu Zam.

Drive from Punakha to Gasa & Hike from Gasa to Tongchu Zam :

Distance: 85 Km | Driving Time: 2-3 Hours

Places & Attractions:

Gasa-Laya Trek, Punakha Valley, Northern Bhutan

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Camp at Tongchu Zam.

The trek to Laya begins on your fourth day after breakfast at the campsite. The trail winds up gradually and you will face steep climbs at times till you reach Laya. As you trek along, you will enjoy the scenic beauty of the mountains, landscapes, and the villagers in their local attires. Overnight halt at camp.

Hike from Tongchu Zam to Laya:

Distance: Km | Hiking Time: Hours

Places & Attractions:

Gasa-Laya Trek, Scenic mountains, Highland Villagers.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Camp at Laya.

On the fifth day, we enjoy the first day of highland festival. The festival showcases the wonders of Gasa through its nature, history, tradition and culture. Some of the events include the traditional offering of Buelwa (Gift Offering) with Auley (traditional epic song recitation tradition originated during the days of Zhabdrung) to the successive monarchs of Bhutan, a variety of cultural programs, various competitions of highland animals such as Yaks, Horses, and Mastiffs. The festival also consists of a series of stalls ranging from local based yak produce to highland technology, highland agriculture technology, medicinal herbs & plants and others.

Walk from your Camp to the Festival Site:

Distance: Few Meters | Walking Time: Few Minutes

Places & Attractions:

The Royal Highland Festival

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Camp.

The second and the final day of the festival will continue. Songs, Dances, and other programs will continue along with other competitions.

Walk from your Camp to the Festival Site:

Distance: Few Meters | Walking Time: Few Minutes

Places & Attractions:

The Royal Highland Festival

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Camp.

The festivals will have ended by the seventh day, so we trek back to Thongchu Zam and halt the night at Thongchu Zam.

Hike from Laya to Tongchu Zam:

Distance: Km | Hiking Time: Hours

Places & Attractions:

The Northern areas of Bhutan.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Camp at Tongchu Zam.

We further descend to Gasa today, and after a tiring descend to Gasa, we halt at Gasa for a warm hot spring bath today.

Hike from Tonghu Zam to Gasa:

Distance: Km | Hikimg Time: Hours

Places & Attractions:

Gasa Tsachu (Hot Stone Bath)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Gasa.

Its going to be about 6 hours drive back to Paro today. You can enjoy the scenic drive all the way to Paro, or take a nap in the car if you are too tired from the descend down from Laya till Gasa.

Paro is home to many old monasteries, the infamous Paro Taktshang – Tiger’s Nest, Paro Dzong (Paro Rinpung Dzong), Paro Ta Dzong, and also the only International Airport in the Country.

Drive from Gasa to Paro:

Distance: 115 Kms | Driving Time: 5-6 Hours

Places & Attractions:

Scenic Valleys between Gasa and Paro

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Paro.

This is one of the most exciting day for every tourist here in Bhutan. We will drive to Satsam Chorten, the base of the Tiger's Nest Monastery. Your hike to the iconic Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery) starts here. You can hike through Paro's stunning pine forest, past trees covered in Spanish moss, and occasionally come across a grove of prayer flags fluffing down the trail. This amazing construction clings to the brink of an extreme rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below.

Drive from your Hotel to Satsam Chorten:

Distance: Few Kms | Driving Time: Few Minutes

Places & Attractions:

Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), Farm House, Hot stone Bath.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Paro.

As your trip in the magical country of Bhutan draw to a close, take away priceless memories, fresh insights, and a profound respect for Bhutan's opulent natural surroundings and rich cultural legacy.

Your tour guide will assist you in boarding the plane for your next location.

Drive from your Hotel to Paro International Airport:

Distance: Few Kms | Driving Time: Few Minutes

Meals: Breakfast

Note***

Our Itineraries are always customizable. You can either shorten your trips or prolong them as per your needs anytime.

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 Guide
All three Meals
Accommodation in 3-stars and above Hotels

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 Package 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.

Payment Terms & Cancellation Policy

Payment Terms

To confirm your tour with Found Bhutan Tours and Treks, the full payment for the tour package is required before the approval of your VISA.

Tour Cancellation & Refund Policy

Cancellation of tour in less than 7 days prior to arrival in Bhutan - No Refund.
Cancellation of tour in between 7 to 14 days prior to arrival in Bhutan - 50% of the total tour cost will be refunded.
Cancellation of tour in between 15 to 30 days prior to arrival in Bhutan - 80% of the total tour cost will be refunded.
Cancellation of the tour in more than 30 days prior to arrival in Bhutan - 100% of the total tour cost will be refunded.

Flight Ticket Cancellation & Refund Policy

The Flight ticket cancellation & refund policy shall be subject to the respective Airline's cancellation policies.

Rescheduling Tour Dates

You may reschedule your travel dates free of charge; however, based on your revised travel dates, the minimum daily rates, accommodation charges, and airline fees may change.

Notes

For any refunds, the applicable transaction charges shall be levied from the beneficiary.
The Bhutan SDF will be fully refunded by the Department of Immigration. However, the VISA fee is non-refundable.

Bhutan Travel Information

Customize Your Bhutan Tour Today

Welcome to Found Bhutan Tours and Treks, your gateway to exploring the enchanting beauty and cultural richness of Bhutan. Let us craft a bespoke journey tailored to your interests, ensuring an unforgettable experience amidst the breathtaking landscapes and timeless traditions of this Himalayan kingdom.

"Reach out today to design your tailor-made journey and begin your adventure of a lifetime."