SD Royal Highlander Festival at Laya

Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Haa Valley, Dochula Pass

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Tour snapshot

Duration:
11 days

Tour Type:
Festival Tours

Language(s):
English

Highlight:
Top-rated experience

Overview

The Royal Highlander Festival is an annual celebration held on 23rd–24th October in Laya, located at around 4,000 meters in the highlands of Bhutan.

Included Services

Flight, Hotel, Meals, Transport, Guide, Insurance

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Description

The Royal Highlander Festival tour to Laya (11 Days / 10 Nights) is a unique cultural and adventure journey through the high mountains of Bhutan, combining sightseeing, trekking, and one of the most extraordinary highland festivals in the Himalayas. This experience begins in the capital valley of Thimphu and continues through the scenic valleys of Paro and Punakha before ascending into the remote highlands of Laya. Along the way, travelers explore iconic cultural landmarks such as monasteries, fortresses (Dzongs), temples, and mountain passes including Dochula Pass and Chele La Pass. The highlight of the journey is the Royal Highlander Festival, a vibrant two-day celebration of Bhutan’s nomadic highland communities. Held at 4,000 meters altitude, the festival showcases yak herding traditions, cultural dances, horse events, local crafts, and community exhibitions that preserve the unique lifestyle of the Layap people. The tour also includes important cultural experiences such as visits to sacred sites like Paro Taktsang, Punakha Dzong, and traditional wellness experiences like hot stone baths and farmhouse stays. Overall, this journey offers a rare combination of cultural immersion, high-altitude trekking, spiritual exploration, and authentic Himalayan festival experiences, making it one of the most enriching tours in Bhutan. Note: We would be happy to offer hotel upgrades based on your preference and comfort level. If you wish to stay in higher-category properties (such as premium 4-star or luxury hotels), we can arrange the upgrade for you. However, please note that any additional cost arising from the upgraded accommodation will need to be borne by the guest and will be added to the final package price accordingly.

What's Included

Inclusions

Airport pickup and drop from Paro International Airport
Private transportation with experienced driver throughout the tour
English-speaking licensed guide for the entire itinerary
Accommodation in standard 3-star hotels in Paro, Thimphu and Punakha
Camping arrangements during Laya trek (basic trekking accommodation)
All meals during the tour (breakfast, lunch, dinner as per itinerary / full board during trek)
All trekking arrangements including tents, kitchen crew, and logistics
Entry to Royal Highlander Festival at Laya
All sightseeing and guided tours as per itinerary
Government taxes and applicable SDF charges (as per package structure)
Bottled drinking water during travel
Basic medical support and trekking assistance during high-altitude sections
One-time visa processing and entry permit assistance for Bhutan

Exclusions

International airfare
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Personal expenses (laundry, shopping, phone calls, snacks, etc.)
Tips for guide, driver, and trekking crew
Alcoholic beverages and extra drinks not included in meals
Monuments and attraction entry fees (dzongs, museums, temples not included in package)
Emergency evacuation or medical treatment costs
Porter charges for extra personal luggage (if required)
Any services not mentioned in inclusions
Early check-in or late check-out at hotels

Additional information

Confirmation is sent at the time of booking
Please provide your arrival details so pickup can be arranged
Some sites may close at short notice for religious or official events
The itinerary may change based on weather and local conditions

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Day 1: Paro – Thimphu Sightseeing
Your journey into Bhutan begins with a warm arrival at the beautiful valley of Paro. After completing immigration formalities, you will be received by your guide and driver and begin a scenic drive towards Thimphu.
- Arrival at Paro International Airport
- Meet and greet with guide and driver
- Scenic drive to Thimphu valley
- Stop at Tamchog Monastery viewpoint
- Visit Buddha Dordenma for panoramic views and blessings
- Visit National Memorial Chorten for spiritual ambiance
- Evening stroll in Thimphu town for shopping and photography
- Overnight stay in Thimphu
2
Day 2: Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing
This day is dedicated to exploring the cultural heart of Thimphu in Bhutan, where tradition and modern life exist side by side in a unique harmony.
- Visit Simtokha Dzong, an important historical and monastic site
- Visit Motithang Takin Preserve to see the rare national animal, the Takin
- Visit Changangkha Lhakhang, a sacred local temple offering blessings for children and families
- Explore the Centenary Farmers’ Market, showcasing local produce and daily life
- Leisure time for shopping and cultural exploration in Thimphu town
- Overnight stay in Thimphu
3
Day 3: Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha Sightseeing
Today you journey from Thimphu to Punakha, crossing scenic mountain landscapes and visiting some of the most important spiritual landmarks in Bhutan.
- Scenic drive through Dochula Pass with panoramic Himalayan views
- Visit Chimi Lhakhang, known for blessings and spiritual significance
- Visit Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful architectural landmarks
- Walk across the famous Punakha Suspension Bridge
- Overnight stay in Punakha
4
Day 4: Day 4: Punakha – Gasa – Trek to Laya Camp
Today begins the journey into the high Himalayas of Bhutan, transitioning from the warm valleys of Punakha into remote highland landscapes.
- Drive from Punakha to Gasa
- Continue to Thongchu Zam, the trek starting point
- Begin trek towards Laya
- Follow scenic mountain trails with rivers, forests, and gradual ascents
- Experience changing landscapes from green valleys to alpine terrain
- Arrival at Laya camp and settle into high-altitude surroundings
- Introduction to Layap culture and lifestyle
- Overnight stay in Laya camp
5
Day 5: Day 5: Laya Festival – Day 1
Today is the highlight of the journey as you experience the vibrant Royal Highlander Festival in Laya, located in the remote highlands of Bhutan at around 4,000 meters altitude.
- Experience traditional highland cultural performances and dances
- Witness yak and horse displays showcasing nomadic livelihood
- Explore exhibitions of local handicrafts and organic highland products
- Interaction with Layap communities and cultural exchange
- Enjoy the festive atmosphere celebrating Bhutan’s highland heritage
- Overnight stay in Laya
6
Day 6: Day 6: Laya Festival – Day 2
Today continues the vibrant celebrations of the Royal Highlander Festival in Laya, set in the remote highlands of Bhutan.
- Enjoy cultural performances and traditional folk dances by highland communities
- Witness yak races, horse events, and nomadic sports competitions
- Explore exhibitions showcasing highland livelihoods, crafts, and organic products
- Engage in cultural exchange with the Layap people
- Experience the unique lifestyle and traditions of Bhutan’s highlanders
- Overnight stay in Laya
7
Day 7: Day 7: Laya to Punakha via Thongchu Zam
Today marks the descent from the high Himalayan village of Laya back towards the warmer valleys of Punakha in Bhutan.
- Early morning trek descent from Laya
- Walk through scenic mountain trails with forests, rivers, and alpine views
- Arrive at Thongchu Zam and complete trekking section
- Drive from Thongchu Zam to Punakha valley
- Rest and relax after the high-altitude journey
- Enjoy peaceful evening in Punakha
- Overnight stay in Punakha
8
Day 8: Day 8: Punakha to Paro – Cultural Return Journey
Today you travel from Punakha back to Paro, enjoying cultural sightseeing stops along the way in Bhutan.
- Scenic drive back to Paro valley
- Visit Ta Dzong (National Museum of Bhutan) to explore Bhutan’s heritage
- Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong
- Leisure time for Paro town sightseeing and shopping
- Relax and enjoy the evening atmosphere in the valley
- Overnight stay in Paro
9
Day 9: Day 9: Paro – Haa Valley via Chele La Pass
Today you explore one of the most scenic mountain routes in Bhutan, traveling through high passes and peaceful valleys.
- Drive from Paro towards Haa Valley
- Cross Chele La Pass for panoramic Himalayan views
- Visit Jangchub Chorten en route
- Explore Lhakhang Karpo
- Experience the serene and less-explored beauty of Haa Valley
- Return drive back to Paro by evening
- Overnight stay in Paro
10
Day 10: Day 10: Paro Sightseeing – Tiger’s Nest & Wellness
This is one of the most important spiritual days of the journey in Bhutan, combining sacred pilgrimage, culture, and relaxation in Paro.
- Early morning hike to Paro Taktsang, Bhutan’s most sacred cliffside monastery
- Visit Kyichu Lhakhang for blessings and spiritual reflection
- Optional traditional hot stone bath experience for relaxation and healing
- Leisure time in Paro town for shopping and rest
- Farewell cultural dinner experience
- Overnight stay in Paro
11
Day 11: Day 11: Departure from Paro – Farewell Bhutan
Today marks the end of your unforgettable journey through Bhutan, filled with highland culture, spiritual experiences, and Himalayan landscapes.
- Morning breakfast at hotel in Paro
- Final packing and hotel check-out
- Transfer to Paro International Airport
- Assistance with departure formalities
- Farewell from Bhutan with cherished memories of the Royal Highlander Festival, trekking, and cultural exploration
12
Day 12: Day 12: Departure (Buffer / Final Exit Day)
This day serves as a final buffer and smooth departure day from Bhutan, ensuring a relaxed and stress-free travel experience after the long cultural and trekking journey.
- Final breakfast at hotel in Paro
- Leisure morning for rest, reflection, or last-minute shopping
- Transfer assistance to Paro International Airport
- Departure and farewell from the Kingdom of Bhutan