The Royal Highland Festival (12 Nights/ 13 Days)

The Royal Highlander Festival is a festival of its own kind. The festival introduces you to the way of nomadic people living at an altitude of 3,800 meters. The Royal Highland Festival showcases highlander’s cultural display and exhibits the highlands as a pride of Bhutan. The various interesting competitions on highland animals including the Yaks, horses and Mastiffs will be held.

The festival was started by the fifth Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to show appreciation for a small number of indigenous people inhabiting the high mountains of North West Bhutan. The celebration is held at Laya, a small beautiful town where life ticks to a different time. However you may need to trek for two days to reach this place. Laya-Gasa trekking route offers the most pristine and unspoiled landscape of Bhutan. 

The Royal Highland Festival Tour is crafted in such a way that you get the best of Bhutan. Not only will you be treated by the unique Festival but you will also be travelling to some of the most beautiful valleys of Bhutan with cultural sightseeing.

Package Detail.

Duration: 12 Nights/ 13 Days.

Destination Covered: Thimphu – Punakha - Gasa- Koina- Laya - Phobjikha- Trongsa- Bumthang - Paro.

Bhutan Royal Highland Itinerary – 12 Nights / 13 Days

Day 1: Thimphu

• Arrive in Thimphu, settle into your hotel.
• Visit the Buddha Dordenma statue, Tashichho Dzong, and the Folk Heritage Museum.
• Explore the main street and enjoy a local Bhutanese dinner.

Day 2: Thimphu

• Stroll local markets and handicraft shops.
• Visit the National Memorial Chorten.
• Relax at a café and take in city views.

Day 3: Punakha

• Journey to Punakha, stopping at scenic mountain passes.
• Visit Punakha Dzong, a riverside fortress.
• Walk the Punakha Suspension Bridge.

Day 4: Gasa

• Travel to Gasa, known for its hot springs and natural beauty.
• Enjoy a soak in the hot springs.
• Visit the local dzong (fortress).

Day 5: Trek to Koina

• Begin the Royal Highland trek, hiking from Gasa to Koina.
• Walk through forests and meadows, experiencing rural highland life.
• Overnight in a simple camp or guesthouse.

Day 6: Trek to Laya

• Trek from Koina to Laya, one of Bhutan’s highest settlements.
• Enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery and meet the Layap people.
• Experience local highland culture and hospitality.

Day 7: Laya

• Spend the day resting and exploring Laya village.
• Visit local homes, learn about traditional dress and yak herding.
• Optional short hikes for panoramic views.

Day 8: Trek back to Gasa

• Descend from Laya to Gasa, retracing your route.
• Enjoy the forests and alpine scenery along the way.
• Relax in Gasa hot springs upon arrival.

Day 9: Phobjikha Valley

• Travel to Phobjikha, a scenic valley known for its natural beauty.
• Visit Gangtey Monastery and stroll the valley’s nature trails.
• Spot black-necked cranes if visiting in season.

Day 10: Trongsa

• Drive to Trongsa, the gateway to central Bhutan.
• Explore Trongsa Dzong and the local museum.
• Enjoy mountain views and small-town ambiance.

Day 11: Bumthang

• Travel to Bumthang, Bhutan’s spiritual heartland.
• Visit local temples and monasteries, including Jakar Dzong and Kurjey Lhakhang.
• Sample unique Bumthang cuisine and cheeses.

Day 12: Paro

• Return to Paro, a picturesque valley town.
• Rest or explore the markets and shops.

Day 13: Paro

• Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Bhutan’s most iconic site.
• Visit the National Museum, and reflect on your journey.
• Prepare for departure.

Please contact us for the Price.