Royal Highland Festival at Laya
- 7 Nights / 8 Days
- Thimphu, Punakha, Laya, & Paro
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Transfer to Thimphu
- Arrival in Paro: Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your friendly Dheyma Travel representative. After completing immigration and customs procedures, you will proceed to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.
- Transfer to Thimphu: The scenic drive will take around 1.5 hours through lush green landscapes, offering you your first glimpses of Bhutan’s picturesque beauty.
- Check-in at the hotel.
- Post lunch visit Buddha Dordenma Statue: Visit one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. The Buddha Dordenma statue offers panoramic views of the Thimphu Valley.
- Visit Takin Zoo: is a wildlife reserve dedicated to the takin, Bhutan’s national animal. Originally a mini-zoo, it was converted into a preserve when the animals, upon release, chose to stay near human settlements rather than return to the wild.
- National Memorial Chorten: A significant religious structure, this chorten is a place where locals gather for prayer and meditation.
- Evening at Leisure: Check into your hotel and relax. In the evening, you can take a casual stroll around Thimphu’s vibrant streets or visit a local café for a taste of Bhutanese hospitality.
Overnight: Stay in Thimphu.
Day 2: Thimphu to Punakha
- Breakfast at the Hotel: Enjoy a hearty breakfast before embarking on your next adventure.
- Drive to Punakha: Set out to Punakha, a scenic 3-4 hour drive, passing through the famous Dochula Pass at 3,140 meters (10,300 feet).
- Dochula Pass: Stop at the pass for stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan mountains (weather permitting) and visit the 108 chortens (stupas) that dot the landscape.
- Lunch at local farm house
- Short hike to Chimi Lhakhang: Visit this famous temple, also known as the “Temple of Fertility.” It is located on a hilltop and is associated with the legendary Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who was known for his unconventional ways of teaching Buddhism.
- Arrival in Punakha: After a leisurely drive, arrive in Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan.
- Punakha Dzong: Visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, situated at the confluence of the Pho and Mo rivers. It is one of the most beautiful and historically significant dzongs in Bhutan, famous for its grand architecture and the stunning location.
- Walk over the longest suspension bridge.
- Evening at Leisure: Relax and explore the peaceful surroundings of Punakha or enjoy a walk along the river.
Overnight: Stay in Punakha.
Day 3: Punakha to Gasa to Tongchu zam Camp
- Breakfast at the Hotel: Enjoy a hearty breakfast before embarking on your next adventure.
- Drive to Gasa: Set out to Gasa, a scenic 3-4 hour drive to the base of laya.
- Hike to Laya: start your 1 hour hike to beautiful laya village. The trail ascends gradually, with occasional steep climbs, as you make your way to Laya. Arriving early at your homestay/camp gives you time to soak in the stunning landscape and encounter many locals dressed in their traditional Laya attire.
- Evening at Leisure: Relax and explore the peaceful surroundings of laya or enjoy a walk in the village.
Overnight: stay in Laya
Day 4: Laya (2 Days Festival) Day 1
- Breakfast at the homestay: Enjoy a hearty breakfast.
- Attend the festival all day: The Royal Highlander Festival was first launched on October 16, 2016, in celebration of three significant milestones: the birth of His Royal Highness the Gyalsey, the 400th anniversary of Zhabdrung Rinpoche, and the Rabjung (60-year cycle) birth year of Guru Rinpoche. This year marks the second edition of the festival, scheduled to take place on October 23rd and 24th, 2017.
The festival serves as a platform to showcase the natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant traditions of Gasa District. It embodies Gasa’s vision of “Good to Great Gasa” and invites guests to experience the authenticity and simplicity of highland life.
During the event, visitors will witness the traditional Buelwa offering, accompanied by Auley—a historical recitation of epic songs and poems that originated during the time of Zhabdrung Rinpoche. This sacred tradition, performed by the people of Laya, is a gesture of respect and loyalty to Bhutan’s successive monarchs and their visionary leadership.
The festival features a variety of cultural performances by the Layaps, including competitions in traditional songs and dances. There will also be contests involving highland animals such as yaks, horses, and mastiffs.
Additionally, a series of stalls will be set up, showcasing everything from locally produced yak goods to highland farming technologies, medicinal herbs and plants, and more—offering a unique window into highlander innovation and lifestyle.Lunch at swiss guest house
Overnight: stay in Laya.
Day 5: Laya (2 Days Festival) Day 2
- Breakfast at the homestay: Enjoy a hearty breakfast.
- Attend the festival all day: The Royal Highlander Festival was first launched on October 16, 2016, in celebration of three significant milestones: the birth of His Royal Highness the Gyalsey, the 400th anniversary of Zhabdrung Rinpoche, and the Rabjung (60-year cycle) birth year of Guru Rinpoche. This year marks the second edition of the festival, scheduled to take place on October 23rd and 24th, 2017.
The festival serves as a platform to showcase the natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant traditions of Gasa District. It embodies Gasa’s vision of “Good to Great Gasa” and invites guests to experience the authenticity and simplicity of highland life.
During the event, visitors will witness the traditional Buelwa offering, accompanied by Auley—a historical recitation of epic songs and poems that originated during the time of Zhabdrung Rinpoche. This sacred tradition, performed by the people of Laya, is a gesture of respect and loyalty to Bhutan’s successive monarchs and their visionary leadership.
The festival features a variety of cultural performances by the Layaps, including competitions in traditional songs and dances. There will also be contests involving highland animals such as yaks, horses, and mastiffs.
Additionally, a series of stalls will be set up, showcasing everything from locally produced yak goods to highland farming technologies, medicinal herbs and plants, and more—offering a unique window into highlander innovation and lifestyle.Lunch at swiss guest house
Overnight: stay in Laya.
Day 6: Hike to the base & drive to Paro
- Breakfast at the Homestay: Enjoy a hearty breakfast before embarking on your next adventure.
- Hike to the base & drive to Paro: Set out to Paro, a scenic 4-5 hour drive.
- Post lunch visit Paro Rinpung Dzong: a fortress-monastery that stands as a symbol of Bhutan’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. The dzong offers stunning views of the surrounding valley and houses important religious institutions.
- Visit kyichu Lhakhang: one of the oldest and most revered temples in Bhutan, dating back to the 7th century. It is a significant pilgrimage site, with beautiful architecture and tranquil surroundings, embodying the deep spiritual essence of the region.
- Check-in & dinner at hotel
Overnight: stay in Paro
Day 7: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang)
- Early Breakfast at the Hotel: Start early as you prepare for a memorable adventure.
- Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery: Embark on a challenging but rewarding hike to the famous Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, perched 900 meters above the Paro Valley. The hike takes about 4-5 hours (round trip) but offers incredible views of the monastery from different vantage points.
- Lunch at the Cafeteria: Enjoy a delicious meal at the halfway cafeteria with a view of the monastery.
- Explore the Monastery: After reaching the monastery, explore this sacred site and learn about its spiritual significance in Bhutanese Buddhism.
- Return to Paro: After the hike, return to Paro and relax at your hotel.
Overnight: stay in Paro.
Day 8: Departure from Paro
- Breakfast at the hotel: Enjoy a final breakfast in Bhutan.
- Transfer to Paro Airport: Depending on your flight schedule, your Dheyma Travel representative will assist you with your transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure.
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- Double room on twin sharing basis in government approved 3 star hotels
- Single room supplement is additional of USD 45 per night per room
- All three meals (does not cover water and other beverages ordered in hotels/restaurants)
- Bottled mineral water for the entire trip (except water ordered in the hotels and restaurants)
- Afternoon tea and snacks
English speaking and knowledgeable guide - Comfortable SUV and a reliable driver
- Museum entrance fees
- Visa fee and processing charges
- Tourism Development Fund
- Government taxes
- All administrative cost
- Full service & assistance before, during and after your Bhutan trip
- Airfare to and from Bhutan (we can arrange you tickets for you if you wish)
- Any other beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) including water ordered in restaurants and hotels
- Travel or health insurance
- Wire transfer
- Laundry
- Gratuity/Tip for guides and drivers
