Overview
The Royal Highland Festival is a unique celebration held in Bhutan’s remote highlands, particularly in Gasa, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and lifestyle of the indigenous highland communities. The festival features traditional dances, songs, and rituals, highlighting the yak herders' way of life. It provides a rare opportunity to experience the highlands’ vibrant culture against the breathtaking backdrop of the Himalayas. The festival also includes cultural visits to nearby regions, offering a deeper understanding of Bhutan’s diverse heritage.
Tour Highlights:
- Royal Highland Festival – Traditional performances and yak herder culture in Gasa.
- Paro Taktsang – Hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
- Tashichho Dzong – Explore the majestic fortress in Thimphu.
- Punakha Dzong – Discover the historic beauty of Punakha’s Dzong.
- Gasa Hot Springs – Relax and rejuvenate in the natural hot springs of Gasa.
Tour Plan
Day 1: Arrival in Paro -Thimphu
- Get blessings at the oldest temple Kichu lhakhang, built in 629 AD by a Tibetan king.
- Visit Paro Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower turned into one of the best museums of Asia.
- Rinpung Dzong “fortress of the heap of jewels.”
- In evening drive to Thimphu (drive 1hr). Thimphu is a charming capital city nestled in the heart of the Himalayas.
- Free to roam around Thimphu town on your own or with your guide.
- Overnight in Thimphu (Alt; 2320m).
Day 2: Thimphu Cultural Tour
- Drive to Sangay-gang where the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin, is found in captivity. This hill is also called the “romantic point” as lovers often come here to enjoy the panoramic view of the Thimphu valley.
- Visit Buddha Dordenma Statue which offers a spectacular view of Thimphu city. This giant Buddha-statue overlooking Thimphu is one of the biggest in the world.
- Visit the General Post Office. You can create personalized postage stamps with your own photo for souvenir or sent home on postcard.
- Circumambulate around Memorial Chorten (huge stupa). This is the favorite spot for the locals of all age to chant mantras, prostrate, pray and practice their devotion.
- Visit the Farmer’s Weekend Market for organic fruits & nuts
- The Tashichhoe Dzong, the main secretariat building, the office of the King and Throne room and also the house of the State Monastic Body.
- In the evening walking tour, in Thimphu city
- Overnight in Thimphu
Day 3: Discovering Punakha & Wangdue (78km/ 3hr)
- En route stop by Dochula pass (3150m) to enjoy spectacular views of the eastern Himalayan mountain range.
- Stroll around 108 stupas and enter Drukwangyel (Royal temple).
- After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong, "Palace of the Great Happiness". This beautiful fortress lies between two rivers, the Pochu and Mochu, male and female river.
- Walk on the 200m suspension bridge above Phochu river to Gidagom village
- In evening, hike along the Metshina village to Chimi lhakhang, a solitary “fertility temple” where a childless couple who comes to pray is usually blessed with a child.
- Overnight in Punakha & Wangdue (Alt; 1240m)
Day 4: Punakha to Gasa (70km/ 3 hr)
- Drive to Gasa, the gateway to the highlands.
- Explore Gasa Dzong and the local hot springs.
- Overnight in a local homestray(2770m)
Day 5: Gasa to Laya
- Drive from Gasa to the end of the road, a scenic journey of about 2 hours through the mountains
- Begin a 2 to 3 hour hike to Laya, a remote village known for its high-altitude beauty.
- Picnic lunch will be arranged
- Explore Laya, the highest permanent settlement in Bhutan, and learn about the unique nomadic lifestyle of the Layap people
- Overnight in a local homestay
Day 6: Royal Highland Festival Day 1
- Attend the opening ceremony featuring traditional greetings, cultural performances, and local rituals.
- Participate in activities like yak parades and traditional games.
- Day excursion to yak herders camp.
- Overnight in Laya
Day 7: Royal Highland Festival Day 2
- Enjoy folk songs, dances, and wrestling contests.
- Interact with locals and explore yak-hair woven stalls.
- Evening cultural performances by local artists.
- Overnight in Laya.
Day 8: Laya to Punakha
- Start your hike after am early breakfast.
- Begin the scenic downhill hike from Laya to the road point ( 1.5hr )
- Meet your private vehicle at the road point for the drive to Gasa
- Arrive in Gasa and enjoy lunch upon arrival
- Continue the drive from Gasa down into the Punakha valley
- Overnight in Punakha
Day 9:Paro Sightseeing & Detour
- After breakfast drive to Paro
- Ta Dzong, an ancient Watch Tower turned into one of the best museums of Asia.
- Rinpung Dzong “fortress of the heap of jewels.”
- On the way back, visit Kichu lhakhang, built in 629 AD by a Tibetan king.
- In evening, time at your leisure, free to shop for souvenir at Paro town. Interact with the friendly locals.
- Overnight Paro/ (Alt; 2280m)
Day 10: Excursion to Mystical Taktsang
- After a wholesome breakfast,hike up the forested path to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most famous and scenic icon. Tiger’s Nest clings to sheer cliffs of 900m above Paro valley. The climb is steep and takes about 4-5hrs round trip.
- Lunch at the hillside cafe with close Tiger’s Nest view.
- Authentic Bhutanese farewell dinner at a typical village home with local liquor called “Ara.”
- Overnight in Paro
Day 11: Depart from Paro International Airport
- Our representative will bid you farewell at the airport. TashiDelek!
Included
- Visa Fee
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
- Accommodation in 3 star hotels on twin sharing
- All meals ( breakfast, lunch and dinner )
- Entrance fees for monuments and cultural sites
- Licensed English speaking guides
- Airport transfer and all transportation
- Bottled water during the tour
- All applicable taxes and service charges
Excluded
- International airfare to/from Bhutan
- Travel Insurance
- Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, shopping, etc.)
- Alcoholic and specialty beverages
- Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff
- Additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Additional expenses due to unforeseen events (weather, flight cancellations, etc.)
Good to know
- More than 45 days before the tour: Free cancellation
- Within 30 days: 35% of the total cost
- Within 21 days: 50% of the total cost
- No-show in Bhutan: 100% of the total cost
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