11 Nights 12 Days
Royal Highlander Festival is one of the historic festivals held in Laya village, Gasa. It was introduced on 16th October 2016 to mark the Birth of the HRH the Gyalsey, 400 years of Zhabdrung Rinpoche to Bhutan, and the birth year of Guru Rinpoche. The beauties of the festival define from its unique tradition and culture in the highland. The festival is performed by the Layaps, witnessing the traditional offering with traditional epic poems and songs. The various competitions on highland animals, including the yaks, horses, and mastiffs, will be one of the trip's highlights. All our expeditions can be adjusted to suit your preferences as you desire.
Paro, Punakha, Gasa, Laya & Paro
Enjoy the spectacular view of Himalayan ranges on your flight to Bhutan and drive to the capital city of Thimphu through the beautiful landscapes following the Paro chu and Thimphu Chu. Make a stop at Tachog Lhakhang, built by legendary bridge-builder Thangtong Gyelpo. After visiting the National Memorial Chorten, the Buddha Dordenma statue giantly sits atop the hills overlooking the Thimphu valley. Visit charming Thimphu city before you leave for the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Begin your day visiting the oldest Changangkha Lhakhang, famous for getting auspicious names for newborn babies and blessings for the children, followed by The folk Heritage Museum and the National Textile Museum. Then, visit National Post Office and make the personalized stamp. Finally, visit majestic Thimphu Tashichho dzong, seats for some ministries, His majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body before you leave to hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Drive to magical Punakha valley. First, stopover at Dochula pass to enjoy the panoramic view of Himalayan ranges and the beautiful sights of 108 stupas. Next, visit the famous fertility temple located at the hilltop on your way to Punakha valley. Then, walk into majestic Punakha dzong, stans in the confluences of two rivers and the longest suspension bridge of the valley adorned with colorful prayer flags. Overnight at the hotel.
Drive to Gasa till where the road ends. Then, enjoy hiking to Koina for 4- 5 hours, approximately through lush forest hills and streams nearby. Gradual ascend and descend through will reach to campsites. Overnight at the camp.
Continue your hike with gradual ascend and descend, enjoying the scenic beauty of landscapes and surroundings. Kinds of flora and fauna can see on your journey. Finally, with much determination, climbing the last steps will reach the beautiful highland village of Laya, welcoming you with a beautiful smile wearing their typical costumes. Overnight at the campsites.
Enjoy the early sunrise at the highland of Laya village. Visit the festival ground to witness the festivals with locals and visitors, and you may enjoy experiencing the unique culture and tradition of highlander life. Overnight at the campsites.
Continue enjoying the festivals with local people and the beauty of the surroundings. Overnight at the campsites.
Retrace back your journey with our insightful representative discovering and experiencing new things on your journey. Enjoying the packed lunch in the forest with a spectacular view and surroundings is incredible. Overnight at the campsites.
Enjoy the beautiful sunrise and breakfast in the morning. Then, continue your journey back to Gasa and visit majestic Gasa Dzong, the administrative and religious center of Gasa district. Visit the famous Gasa Hot Spring before you leave for campsites. Overnight at the camps.
Today will be the long journey driving to iconic Paro valley retracing back through Dochu la pass. First, make a stopover and enjoy the panoramic view of Himalayan ranges. Then, continue your journey by visiting simtokha dzong, the first-ever built a fortress in Bhutan by zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Overnight at the hotel.
Hike to famous Takshang monastery stands on a sheer cliff with an elevation of 3000 m. Discover the legendary history and meditate for a while. Then, walk back and visit the oldest Kyichu, Lhakhang. One of the 108 sites established by the Tibetan Emperor in the 7th century, Spend some time in the beautiful Paro town with our representatives. Overnight at the hotel.
Today, our representatives will escort you to the Paro international airport for your departure.
Tour ends.