Royal Highland Festival Tour 10 days/9 nights, 18-27 OCT 2025
Page updated – 09 January 2025
Introduction
After the awesome flight into Paro, experience the 3 valleys of Paro, Thimphu & Punakha, along with the highland villages of Gasa and Laya. You will be amazed by the colour & spectacle of the Royal Highland Festival. Furthermore, the tour features the most important sights in Thimphu city; the splendour of the magnificent Punakha Dzong and finally a special pilgrimage hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tigers Nest) in Paro. In addition to witnessing the Royal Highland Festival this tour combines the very best sites the Kingdom of Bhutan has to offer in western Bhutan.
The Royal Highland Festival in Bhutan was an initiative of the 5th King in 2016, to celebrate the culture, traditions, sustainability & resilience of the remote highland communities. These include yak herders and nomadic groups who endure the harsh conditions of high altitude, alpine living.
The festival is held annually in the remote village of Laya, located in the dzongkhag (administrative region) of Gasa at an altitude of approx 4000m.
Accommodation in Gasa and Laya villages is limited to local homestay/farmhouses, and Bhutan & Beyond has been exceptionally fortunate to secure a homestay for up to 6 persons in both Gasa village (1 nt) and Laya Village (2 nts). At these homestays the bedroom layout will accommodate a maximum of 6 persons in a traditional, communal bedroom layout, and bathroom facilities will be basic at best.
The route to Laya Village involves normal minibus travel as far as Gasa, then 4WD vehicle from Gasa until the road end, approx 2 hrs uphill hiking distance to Laya village. Tour members must therefore be fit and adaptable over the 3 nts in Gasa and Laya.
SPECIAL NOTES:
This tour is recommended as most suitable for an extended family group, or a group of like-minded friends/colleagues who can adapt to the communal bedding situation, and basic bathroom facilities in Gasa and Laya.
This tour itinerary is subject to the scheduled festival dates being realised. On rare occasions Bhutan has needed to change some festival dates with little or no notice. If this occurs the tour will still proceed as scheduled, unless it can be amended to include new festival dates without disrupting air travel arrangements. If the tour continues, and the festival has been unable to be included, an alternative private cultural/hiking program will be arranged for Laya.
Tour Itinerary Overview.
- 2 nights Thimphu with exploring, hiking and shopping options.
- 1 night Punakha valley – Dzong visit hiking & exploring.
- 1 night Gasa exploring.
- 2 nights Laya hiking festival & exploring.
- 1 night Punakha valley.
- 2 nights Paro valley with Taktsang Monastery hike, shopping & exploring.
PRICE From – US$3277.00 per person twin/dbl share.
OR CALL THE BHUTAN TRAVEL EXPERTS ON
0412 416 111 James & 0413 598 669 Nicola
Why book with Bhutan & Beyond
- We only take a maximum of 6 persons on this tour.
- Maximise your Bhutan experience with one of our top rated Bhutanese guides.
- Witness the spectacle of the Royal Highland Festival (subject to the scheduled festival dates being realised).
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant Buddhist culture of Bhutan.
- Bhutan & Beyond offer our 22 years experience, service & knowledge.
- Competitive pricing & well constructed itineraries.
- Access to our exclusive travel app COMPANION
- Our comprehensive Bhutan Visitor Information planning guide.
- ATIA (formerly ATAS) Accredited via our parent company MTA Travel
Your Bhutan Tour Inclusions:
- Professional guide, driver & private vehicles.
- All touring & transfers throughout your journey.
- Option to utilise horse transport for baggage and/or riding on hiking trail between Gasa and Laya.
- Bhutanese Home/Farmstay accom for 3 nts in Gasa & Laya villages (shared western toilets but no shower facilities).
- Bhutanese style 3* hotels with private bathrooms for 6nts.
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and two 500 ml bottles of water per person daily.
- All monument & entrance fees, sightseeing & hiking as per the itinerary.
- Bhutan visa fees & processing.
- Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) & local taxes.
- Bhutan & Beyond bank transfers for payments to Bhutan suppliers.
- Professionally operated by Bhutan Tourism Corp Ltd. (BTCL)
- Access to our exclusive travel app COMPANION giving access to your travel docs on your smart device.
- Our comprehensive Bhutan Visitor Information guide. (regularly updated)
Your Bhutan Tour Exclusions:
- Flights to/from Paro are additional.
- Personal bank charges incurred making payments to Bhutan & Beyond.
- Personal items: phone calls, laundry, drinks, designer coffee’s etc.
- Tipping – we will advise your tipping regime.
- Travel Insurance is essential when travelling to Bhutan.
- Any COVID-19 PCR or RAT tests required.
Available On Request
Cancellation Conditions:
- Deposit date until 60 days prior arrival in Bhutan – Land tour deposit is refundable less B&B service fees.
- 60 days or less prior to arrival in Bhutan – No land tour refund permitted.
Please note: – These conditions cover land travel arrangements only, not airfares, which are subject to their own cancellation conditions.
Tour Itinerary: 18-27 OCT 25
Saturday 18 October:
Paro Airport to Thimphu (1 hour 20 mins drive time, altitude 2350 m)
After clearing immigration and customs you will be greeted by your BTCL guide and driver and transferred to Bhutan’s capital Thimphu, travelling through the spectacular countryside and en-route make a stop at the Tachogang Lhakhang (iron bridge). All the houses and buildings in the Kingdom are painted and constructed in traditional Bhutanese style.
On arrival in Thimphu take lunch at a local Bhutanese restaurant. This afternoon visit the celebrated Royal Textiles Academy; the National Memorial Chorten and the Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s most unusual national mammal. Take time to relax & check out the locals from one of Thimphu’s many coffee shops.
Overnight Thimphu - Phuntsho Pelri Hotel
Sunday 19 October:
Exploring in the Thimphu Valley
This morning visit the awesome Buddha Dordenma statue located at Kuenselphodrang. The statue is made of bronze and gilded in gold. It is considered the largest Buddha Shakyamuni statue in the world. There is also an excellent 3 km hike option through Kuenselphodrang Nature Park which offers sensational valley views.
Drive by to view the majestic Trashichhoe Dzong, Houses of Parliament, Royal Residences & Supreme Court building and visit the Folk Heritage Museum.
This afternoon visit the Centenary markets, take a wander along Thimphu’s main street, Norzin Lam and visit the Craft Bazaar, where you can purchase locally made goods.
Overnight Thimphu - Phuntsho Pelri Hotel
Monday 20 October:
Thimphu to Punakha Valley (3+ hrs drive time, alt 1310 m)
This morning you will be transferred by road eastwards to the Punakha Valley. En-route pass the Semtokha Dzong built in 1629 the oldest fortress of its kind that guarded the Thimphu valley, which today is a monastery. Continue ascending to Dochu La (pass) to view the 108 Stupas, commissioned by a former Queen as a memorial to those who lost their lives during a low intensity conflict in late 2002 when Bhutan evicted Indian rebels camped in the jungle on the Bhutan – Indian border. On a clear day you will witness a breathtaking view of the eastern Himalaya.
On arrival into the Punakha valley stop and visit Chimi Lhakhang, a monastery built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (also known as the Divine Madman or Mad Monk) who has a very colourful history, and which is an, easy 20 minute walk across paddy fields. It is believed that childless women who visit the temple will conceive after receiving a “wang” (blessing) from the resident monk.
After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang & Nunnery and, time permitting, an excursions along a delightful country lane to the small very traditional village of Talo, where you can wander through the serene grounds of the monastery with its beautiful gardens.
Overnight Punakha Valley - Zhingkham Resort.
Tuesday 21 October:
Punakha Valley to Gasa (4+ hrs drive time, alt. 2850m)
This morning take a walk across Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge followed by a visit to the dramatic Punakha Dzong, which formerly served as the seat of government and is still the winter residence of the Dratsheng (Central Monk Body). This is Bhutan’s most spectacular Dzong and an excellent example of how a medieval fortress and a centre of both monastic and administrative functions, has adapted and evolved for modern day use.
After lunch at a local restaurant depart for Gasa village; the beginning of your ‘highland’ experience. On arrival take a wander about the village at your leisure.
Overnight Gasa Homestay.
Wednesday 22 October:
Gasa to Laya (3-4 hrs drive time & 2 hrs uphill hiking into Laya village, alt 3820m)
This morning take a private 4WD vehicle to the end of the road from Gasa north towards Laya village. This scenic drive will take you as far as possible towards Laya village. A picnic lunch, or lunch at a local guesthouse will be arranged for today.
This afternoon be prepared for a majestic high altitude hike from the road end into Laya village. On arrival your time is at leisure to explore the village surrounds, set against its awesome alpine backdrop.
Overnight Laya Homestay.
Thursday 23 October:
Laya Exploring & Festival
Today witness the Royal Highland Festival near the village of Laya.
After an early breakfast you will walk 45mins up to the festival site. Spend today mixing with locals, nomads, yak herders and, quite possibly, the odd member of the royal family, as you all enjoy the unique cultural spectacle unfold!
Around mid-afternoon it will be time to walk back down to your homestay, approx 30 mins.
Overnight Laya Homestay
Friday 24 October:
Laya to Punakha (approx 1.5 hrs downhill hiking; 3+ hrs 4WD to Gasa & 4 hrs minibus to Punakha; alt 1310m )
A big day of travelling in an awesome environment.
After an early breakfast make the scenic hike downhill from Laya village to the road start point, and meet your private 4WD vehicle for the drive down to Gasa. Take lunch on arrival in Gasa, before transferring to your private minibus and drive back down into Punakha valley, and again to the Zhingkham Resort.
Overnight Punakha Valley - Zhingkham Resort
Saturday 25 October:
Punakha Valley to Paro Valley (4+ hours drive time, alt 2250 m)
Depart Punakha this morning for your transfer westwards to the Paro Valley. Once again traversing Dochu La and arriving in Paro town for a late lunch at a local restaurant.
This afternoon enjoy an orientation tour of the major features in Paro town including the Rinpung Dzong, with its cantilever bridge, and the National Museum (called Ta Dzong), to view the fine collection of ancient Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and other artefacts, before a visit to the CSI daily market which offers locally produced goods from cottage and small industries in Bhutan. Finally, take a wander along the main streets which offer good shopping for jewellery and handicrafts.
Overnight Paro Valley - Olathang Hotel
Sunday 26 October:
Exploring & hiking in the Paro Valley
After early breakfast experience a ‘pilgrimage’ hike to the Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tigers Nest. All Bhutanese Buddhists desire to make this pilgrimage at least once in their lives. As a result each step they take along the trail counts as merit points towards their future.
Choose between a 1.5 to 2 hour round trip hike to the Monastery viewpoint, or a longer 5 hour and more strenuous hike into the Monastery itself. Tigers Nest clings impossibly to a cliff of rock 800 m above the valley floor. Furthermore, this is where Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress to subdue the local demons, followed by 3 months meditation in a cave still visible in the monastery. In 1998 the monastery was seriously damaged by fire and has since been painstakingly reconstructed to its original condition. It was then consecrated by the 4th King in 2005.
Returning from the hiking trail, visit the nearby Kyichu Lhakhang – one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples boasting an orange tree that perpetually bears fruit.
Enjoy the remainder of today at leisure, or head back into Paro town for some late shopping/sightseeing or just to check out the locals from the Mountain Cafe.
Overnight Paro Valley - Olathang Hotel
Monday 27 October:
Day of Departure
This morning transfer to Paro airport in time to check-in for your onward flight.
