Bhutan: Royal Highland Festival (October 23-24th)

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: 3 hours /72 km

Elevation: 2802m / 9193ft

After having breakfast at the hotel, drive up to Gasa Dzongkhag, located in the far north of

the country in the Himalayan Mountains. Gasa is home to the highlander and nomadic communities

of Bhutan. The entire Dzongkhag falls under the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park and is the

habitat for various species of birds and animals.

Visit Gasa Dzong: Gasa Dzong is located at an elevation of about 2800m. The Dzong was said to

were built by Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyal in the 1640s above the cave meditated by a Tibetan saint, Terkhungpa. It has great historical, cultural, and spiritual significance.

Explore the beautiful Gasa village and meet the local people.

Overnight at the hotel in Gasa. 

Driving Duration: 17 km/2 hours

Trekking Duration: 6-7 hours/19 km

Ascent: 1710 m Descent: 900 m.

After breakfast, drive from Gasa to Koina.

From Koina, start your trek to the beautiful highland village of Laya. The trail winds up gradually and at times with steep climbs till you reach Laya. Early arrival to your camp and enjoy the scenic beauty of the landscape and then you will come across a lot of locals in their typical Laya costumes. 

Overnight at the home stay in Laya.

Elevation: 3820 m/ 12532 ft

After breakfast, join the locals and attend the Royal Highland Festival in Laya, Gasa, held annually from October 23rd to 24th. This festival celebrates and preserves the culture of Bhutan’s nomadic highlanders, supports their economy, and showcases the beauty of the highlands.

The festival was first introduced to mark the birth of HRH the Gyalsey, commemorate 400 years since Zhabdrung Rinpoche, and honor the Rabjung (60-year cycle) birth year of Guru Rinpoche. Visitors can immerse themselves in Gasa’s rich nature, history, and traditions, aligned with the vision of “Good to Great Gasa.”

One of the key highlights is the traditional Buelwa offering, accompanied by Auley recitations. This tradition, which began during Zhabdrung Rinpoche’s reign, is a way for the community of Laya to show loyalty and respect to their monarchs.

The festival also features a variety of cultural programs performed by the Layaps, including traditional songs and dances. There are competitions showcasing highland animals such as yaks, horses, and mastiffs. Visitors can explore numerous stalls displaying local yak products, highland technology, agriculture, and medicinal herbs.

This vibrant festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the authentic and simple lifestyle of Bhutan’s highland communities while celebrating their resilience and cultural heritage.

Overnight at the homestay in Laya. 

Elevation: 3820 m/ 12532 ft

Enjoy the second day of the festival. 

Overnight at the homestay in Laya. 

Trekking Duration: 6-7 hours/19 km

Driving Duration: 3 hours/73 km

Ascent: 260 m Descent: 1070 m

After breakfast, we will trek back to Koina 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.

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 the following sites:

Ta Dzong (National Museum): Located on a hill behind the Paro Dzong, it has a collection of fine arts, paintings and bronzes including textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts as well as galleries of stuffed animals and butterflies from Bhutan. The stamps’ hall is very popular and displays, among others, 3-D stamps, record stamps, silken stamps, embossed stamps, and the famous triangular stamp depicting the yeti. The top floor of the Museum is a chapel containing a “tree” depicting the main figures of the four religious schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

Take a walk down a hillside trail to visit the Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) situated at a commanding height overlooking Paro valley. Built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646, this Dzong now houses Paro’s monk body and the offices of the civil administration and is symbolic as the religious and secular center of all affairs of the valley.

In the evening, we will take a walk along the streets of Paro for leisure.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.