The Royal Highland Festival, an initiative of the royal family, often attracts visits from His Majesty the King, so you could be fortunate enough to have an audience with him!
To attend the festival, you will embark on a light to medium hike from Gasa to Laya, beginning in Koina. Depending on the weather conditions, this journey may vary in difficulty. Upon reaching Laya and the festival venue, you will be transported to a different time and place, where the unique and beautiful way of life of the Layaps, along with the mystical landscape, may make you feel as though you’ve stepped outside Bhutan itself.
Tour Cost for 9 Nights & 10 Days
The minimum daily tour package covers the following services.
$ 3540 (Single Traveler)
$ 3225 (Couple – Per person)
$ 3000 (3 – 6 Travelers -per person)
$ 2685 (7- 9 Travelers- per person)
$ 2505 ( 10 Travelers & above – per person)
Visa:
All tourists (other than Indian nationality) must obtain a Bhutan visa clearance
before traveling to Bhutan. Do not worry, we will assist you in getting the visa process done.
Flight:
We will assist you in getting the flight tickets done. Since we have only 2 airlines in Bhutan and
have limited flights, early booking of tickets is recommended. We have flights operating from the following cities to/from Bhutan and you will need to connect your flight to any of the below destinations:
Price Includes
Price Excludes
Driving Duration: 65 km/ 1.5 hours
Elevation: 2350m / 7710ft
The first gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the plane. After doing your visa formalities and clearing your immigrations, you will be met by our representative in a traditional way. We will continue out of the airport and drive on to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. Upon reaching Thimphu, check in to the hotel, and after a brief rest we will visit the:
Buddha Point: Visit the world’s largest statue of sitting Buddha, an immense statue housing a monastery and visitors center. Enjoy a stunning view of Thimphu City from this Point.
National Memorial Chorten: This stupa was built in 1974 to honor the 3rd King of Bhutan, Jigme
Dorji Wangchuck. This religious structure is circumambulated only in a clockwise direction (reciting prayers and whirling the large red prayer wheels). It is located at the heart of the city, which will be convenient for you to visit right after your arrival.
Evening: Explore Thimphu Town/ Handicrafts Stall
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Elevation: 2200m/7218ft
After a flavorful breakfast, prepare for local sightseeing in Thimphu by visiting the following places.
Motithang Takin Preserve: This reserve is situated not far from Thimphu’s BBS tower. It was once a zoo but in later years it was declared as the biggest protection of a rare mountain animal called Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. The mythological tale of the animal’s creation has a religious element. According to legend, the creature was made by the great Buddhist yogi Drukpa Kunley using a cow’s body and head. If you enjoy wildlife and travel and wish to see something unique while visiting Bhutan, Motithang Takin Preserve is a must-visit place.
Zilukha Nunnery: Get a glimpse of the tender yet strong, feminine side of Buddhism in Bhutan as you visit Zilukha nunnery, which is a 2 Km drive from the Tashichho dzong.
13 Traditional Art Forms (Zorig Chusum): The government of Bhutan established the National Institute for Zorig Chusum in Thimphu to promote traditional art forms. The thirteen Bhutan art forms are Traditional Painting, Sculpturing, Wood Carving, Calligraphy, Papermaking, Bronze Casting, Embroidery, Weaving, Carpentry, Masonry, cane weaving, Gold/Silver Smithy, and Blacksmith. You can visit to learn more about Bhutanese traditional art and skill.
Centenary Farmers’ Market: Take a walk through this market and shop/interact with the
local farmers. Thimphu’s new weekend market is by far the largest domestic market for farmers in Bhutan. Farmers come from all over the country to sell their farm products in the market. With its wide assortment of fresh, organic produce, the Farmer’s Market has become a favorite spot for tourists and a recreational place for people from all walks of life. Nearby, across a cantilever footbridge, Kuendeyling Bazaam, to the west bank is a collection of stalls selling clothing, textiles, and handicrafts.
Archery Range: In Thimphu there are many archery ranges all over the valley. The most popular range is the Changlimithang Archery Ground. (Attend only if there are matches being held.)
Evening: Take a leisure walk around Thimphu town.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Driving Duration: 77 km/ 2 hours
Elevation: 1310m / 4300 ft
After early breakfast, drive to north of Punakha via Dochula Pass. The Pass is located enroute to Punakha/Wangdue from Thimphu. The pass offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountain range. The view is especially scenic on clear, winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens known as the Druk Wangyal Chortens.
Then we can take a short hike to the Chimi Lhakhang: It stands on a round hillock and was built after the site was blessed by the “Divine Madman” Drukpa Kuenley.
Other sights while in Punakha will include Punakha Dzong: Arguably, the most majestic and beautiful Dzong in the country, it stands on the confluence of two rivers, the Pho chhu and the Mo chhu. In the spring, the Dzong is a resplendent sight with the jacaranda trees around it blooming in all their glory.
Punakha Suspension Bridge: This Bridge is located near Punakha Dzong and is the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan. The bridge connecting the nearby village and adjacent mountains gives a magnificent view.
Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
Driving Duration: 17 km/2 hrs
Trekking Duration: Approx. 4- 5 hrs
After an early breakfast, drive to Gasa Dzongkhag in the northern Himalayas, home to nomadic communities and part of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park. Continue off-road from Gasa to Taksimakhang via Koina, where the trek to Laya begins (approx. 4–5 hrs). The trail offers stunning scenery and encounters with locals in traditional Laya attire.
Overnight in campsite.
Elevation: 3820 m/ 12532 ft
After breakfast, attend the Royal Highlander Festival in Laya (Oct 23–24), a vibrant celebration of Bhutan’s nomadic highlanders.
Overnight in Campsite
Elevation: 3820 m/ 12532 ft
Optional: Spend another day at the Royal Highland Festival (23rd to 24th October) or Laya sightseeing (Short hikes around Laya Valley).
Overnight in Campsite
Trekking Duration: Approx. 2-3 hrs
Driving Duration: Approx. 6 hrs
After breakfast, we will trek back to Taktsemakha with a packed lunch and further we will drive to Gasa.
After lunch, we will relax at the Gasa Hot Spring/Gasa Tshachu: Upon returning, visit a famed hot spring and series of Menchus with renowned medicinal properties are another important natural resource in the Dzongkhag, drawing numerous locals as well as tourists.
Early evening, drive further to Punakha. (84 km/ 3-4 hours)
Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
Driving Duration: 142 km/3-4 hours
Elevation: 2250m / 7382ft
We will retrace our steps back towards Paro valley.
Upon reaching Paro valley, visit National Museum/ Ta Dzong and Paro/ Rinpung Dzong.
In the evening, we will take a walk along the streets of Paro for leisure.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro
Hiking Duration: Approx. 5-6 hrs roundtrip
Elevation: 3120m / 10236ft
After having breakfast at the hotel, drive onto Paro Taktsang’s base and then hike up to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro
After an early breakfast in the hotel, we will then drive to the airport for the flight to your onward destination.
**Please note that some of the sights/itineraries may change due to season, weather, national holidays, and special events. We maintain the right to alter the itinerary since tours are made in advance and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve your overall travel experience in Bhutan. Also please note that since hotels are pre-booked and paid for, any changes in itinerary later will cost cancellation/re-booking charges **
