Royal Highland Festival Tour (19-28 October 2026)
- The spectacular Royal Highlander Festival in Laya — traditional songs, dances, and yak, horse and mastiff competitions.
- An intimate encounter with the Layap community and their highland traditions and dress.
- A scenic walk through pristine highland forest, to and from Laya (≈3,800 m).
- The naturally heated Gasa Tshachu hot springs, and the magnificent Punakha Dzong.
- Dochula Pass (3,100 m) and its 108 chortens, with panoramic Himalayan views.
- The iconic hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most sacred site.
Experience one of Bhutan’s most distinctive highland celebrations in the remote village of Laya. This journey combines Bhutan’s cultural heritage with a high altitude adventure and an intimate encounter with the Layap highlanders — from the capital, through the hot springs of Gasa, into the highlands for the Royal Highlander Festival, and back out to Bhutan’s most iconic monastery, Taktsang.
Festival Dates: 23-24 October 2026 (Laya, Gasa)
19 OCT ARRIVE PARO – THIMPHU
Welcome to Bhutan
Arrive at Paro amid Himalayan views and transfer to Thimphu (~1½ hrs). Visit the Buddha Dordenma Statue and National Memorial Chorten, then explore Thimphu town at leisure.
Overnight: Thimphu
20 OCT EXPLORE THIMPHU
Art, Craft & Bhutanese Culture
Visit the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, the National Library and the Institute of Zorig Chusum (School of Traditional Arts). Afternoon at Thimphu’s handicraft markets, with an optional visit to the Motithang Takin Preserve.
Overnight: Thimphu
21 OCT THIMPHU – DOCHULA – PUNAKHA – GASA
From the Capital to the High Mountains
Cross Dochula Pass (≈3,100 m) and its 108 chortens; visit Chimi Lhakhang and Punakha Dzong. Continue to Gasa for an evening soak in the Gasa Tshachu hot springs.
Overnight: Gasa
22 OCT GASA – TAKSIMAKHANG – LAYA
Trek into the Highland World · Trekking ≈4–5 hrs · Laya ≈3,800 m
Drive to the roadhead, then trek through forest along the Mo Chhu to the remote highland settlement of Laya, within Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park.
Overnight: Laya – homestay/camp
23 OCT ROYAL HIGHLANDER FESTIVAL – LAYA
Celebration of Highland Culture & Traditions · Altitude ≈3,800–3,840 m
A full day at the festival — traditional Buelwa offerings, epic songs, cultural performances, and yak, horse and mastiff competitions, alongside stalls of highland produce and handicrafts.
Overnight: Laya – homestay/camp
24 OCT LAYA – FESTIVAL & HIGHLAND EXPERIENCE
A Deeper Encounter with Laya
Continue the festival programme and explore Laya village, meeting Layap residents known for their turquoise-ornamented bamboo hats; afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: Laya – homestay/camp
25 OCT LAYA – KOINA – GASA – PUNAKHA
Descend from the Highlands · Trek ≈19 km / 6–7 hrs
Trek from Laya to Koina through forest with a substantial descent, then drive via Gasa to Punakha — a long day, early start essential.
Overnight: Punakha
26 OCT PUNAKHA – PARO
Valley Landscapes & Leisure
Relaxed morning in Punakha with an optional walk across the Punakha Suspension Bridge; drive to Paro via Dochula Pass, afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: Paro
27 OCT PARO – TAKTSANG (TIGER’S NEST)
Bhutan’s Most Iconic Monastery · Hike ≈2–3 hrs
Hike to Taktsang Monastery, perched 900 m above the Paro Valley; afternoon visit to Drukgyel Dzong, with views of Mount Jomolhari on clear days.
Overnight: Paro
28 OCT PARO – DEPARTURE
Transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.