Royal Highlander Festival

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, our Guide and driver will warmly welcome you and facilitate your transfer to Thimphu, the vibrant capital city of Bhutan. You'll enjoy a delicious lunch in Thimphu before embarking on a sightseeing tour, which includes visits to the Memorial Chhorten, Buddha Point, and an evening excursion to Trachichho Dzong.

Following breakfast at the hotel, we'll embark on a sightseeing tour of Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Our itinerary includes a visit to the Post Office where you can create personalized stamps. Next, we'll explore Drupthop Dewachen Nunnery, founded in 1976 by Rikey Jadrel, revered as an emanation of Thangtong Gyalpo. We'll then head to the Takin Mini-zoo to observe Bhutan's national animal, the Takin. Lunch will be served at one of the restaurants in Thimphu town. After lunch, our tour continues with a visit to the Paper Factory, where you can witness traditional methods of producing authentic Bhutanese paper, known as Deh-sho. We'll also explore the Craft Bazaar, showcasing a wide range of Bhutan-made art and craft products. In the evening, we'll stroll through Thimphu town. Dinner and overnight accommodation will be provided at a hotel in Thimphu.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we'll embark on a scenic drive to Punakha via the Dochula Pass, where you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the eastern Himalayan Mountain Ranges on clear days. We'll pause at the pass for photography and to breathe in the fresh mountain air. Upon reaching Lobesa, we'll hike to Chhimi Lhakhang, also known as the temple of fertility. We'll then proceed to Punakha, where we'll visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (Male River) and Mo Chhu (Female River).

Depart from your hotel early in the morning for a five-hour drive to Gasa, the end point of the road. From there, begin your trek to Koina, your destination for the night, which takes approximately four hours. The trail initially descends gradually until Koina, then ascends gradually to your campsite beyond the small bridge (Thongchu zam).

Following breakfast, we commence our trek towards the picturesque highland village of Laya. The trail ascends gradually, occasionally featuring steep climbs, until we reach Laya. Upon early arrival at our campsite, take in the breathtaking landscape and have the opportunity to encounter locals adorned in their traditional Laya costumes. Overnight stay at the camp.

The Royal Highlander Festival, inaugurated on October 16, 2016, commemorates significant events like the birth of HRH the Gyalsey, 400 years of Zhabdrung Rinpoche, and the Rabjung (60-year cycle) birth year of Guru Rimpoche. It showcases the natural beauty, rich history, and cultural traditions of Gasa district, promoting its vision of "Good to Great Gasa." Guests can experience traditional Buelwa offerings and Auley recitations, symbolizing loyalty and respect to successive monarchs. The festival features cultural performances by Layaps, along with competitions showcasing highland animals like Yaks, horses, and Mastiffs.

Enjoy the 2nd day of the Festival at Laya.

Following breakfast, we'll trek back to Koina with packed lunches. We'll spend the night at the Koina campsite.

After breakfast, we'll drive to Gasa and visit Gasa Dzong, the administrative and religious hub of the region. Lunch will be provided at Gasa Camp, followed by relaxation time at the Gasa Hot Spring. Dinner and overnight accommodation will be arranged at Gasa camp.

Following breakfast, bid farewell to our trekking crew and embark on a drive to Paro. Lunch will be provided either in Punakha or during the journey. Proceed with the drive to Paro, where dinner and overnight accommodation will be arranged at a hotel in Paro

After breakfast, we'll drive to Ramthangka, where our hike to one of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks, the Tiger’s Nest (Taktshang Monastery), begins. Some of us will use ponies to reach the Taktshang cafeteria, from where it's about a 1-hour and 30-minute hike to the monastery. Even from the cafeteria, we'll enjoy spectacular views of this sacred monastery perched on the rocks, 900m above the valley floor. For those unable to hike further, we can relax and admire the view. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria. On our way back to the hotel, we'll visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, built in the 7th century by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. In the evening, we'll take a leisurely stroll around the beautiful Paro Valley, known for its unparalleled beauty.

Following breakfast, we'll drive you to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. Our guide and driver will bid you farewell at the airport. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey to your next destination.