Royal Highlander Festival — 11 Days
An 11-day expedition to the remote Laya highland village for Bhutan's most adventurous festival, plus Haa Valley and Tiger's Nest.
The Royal Highlander Festival is held each October at Laya — a remote yak-herding village at 3,800m accessible only by a two-day trek from Gasa. The festival celebrates Bhutan's nomadic highland culture with traditional dances, archery and yak competitions. This 11-day itinerary combines the trek and festival with Thimphu, Punakha, the remote Haa Valley and the Tiger's Nest hike.
Highlights
- Royal Highlander Festival at Laya village (3,800m)
- Trek from Gasa to Laya through high Himalayan terrain
- Chele La Pass (3,988m) and remote Haa Valley
- Tiger's Nest Monastery hike
- Punakha Dzong and Dochula Pass
Sample day-by-day itinerary
Your guide may adjust this based on conditions and your preferences.
1 Arrival in Paro — Thimphu
Arrive at Paro International Airport and drive to Thimphu. Acclimatise with a gentle walk around town.
2 Thimphu Sightseeing
Buddha Dordenma statue, Motithang Takin Preserve, National Memorial Chorten and Centenary Farmers' Market.
3 Thimphu to Punakha
Cross Dochula Pass (3,100m) with 108 chortens and Himalayan panorama. Visit Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang.
4 Punakha to Gasa — Trek to Laya
Drive north to Gasa. Begin trek: 5–6 hours up through forest and alpine meadow to Laya Camp at 3,800m.
5 Royal Highlander Festival — Day 1
First day of the Royal Highlander Festival at Laya. Traditional highland dances, archery competitions, yak races and demonstrations of nomadic culture by the Layap people in their distinctive bamboo-hat dress.
6 Royal Highlander Festival — Day 2
Second festival day in Laya. Explore the village and surrounding yak pastures. Meet local herders and learn about life at one of Bhutan's most remote settlements.
7 Laya to Punakha — Trek Descent
Trek back down to Gasa and drive to Punakha. Rest after two days at altitude.
8 Punakha to Paro
Drive to Paro valley. Visit the National Museum, Rinpung Dzong and Paro town.
9 Chele La Pass — Haa Valley
Drive over Chele La Pass (3,988m) with views of Mount Jumolhari. Descend into the secluded Haa Valley: Lhakhang Karpo, Lhakhang Nagpo and Jangchub Chorten.
10 Tiger's Nest Hike
Hike to Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest), the sacred monastery at 3,120m. Visit Kyichu Lhakhang on the way back.
11 Departure from Paro
Morning farewell and transfer to Paro International Airport.
Choose your package
Prices are per person. Each package lists exactly what is included.
Private guide, 3-star hotels, camping, festival
$3,050
per person, all-inclusive
- 9 nights 3-star hotel + 2 nights trek camp
- All meals
- Private English-speaking guide
- Festival entry
- Camping equipment
- All entry fees
- Airport transfers
Upgraded hotels and premium trek setup
$4,300
per person, all-inclusive
- 9 nights 4-star hotel + 2 nights premium camp
- All meals
- Expert guide
- Festival entry
- Premium camping gear
- All entry fees
- Airport transfers
Luxury lodges and luxury highland camp
$5,800
per person, all-inclusive
- 9 nights luxury lodge + 2 nights luxury tent camp
- All meals
- Expert guide
- Festival access
- Luxury camping
- All entry fees
- Airport transfers
- Traditional gifts
Included
Only the items listed in your chosen package, including the SDF when shown.
Usually not included
International flights, travel insurance, visa application fee, tips, alcohol, and personal expenses unless listed.
The itinerary shows travel days. Accommodation nights and exact check-in dates are confirmed before payment.
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