ROYAL HIGHLANDER FESTIVAL
Royal Highland Festival is an annual event held in Laya Bhutan located at an elevation of 4,000 meters. This region is home to the Layap people a community known for their yak herding and deep cultural heritage. Taking place every year on October 23rd and 24th the festival serves as a celebration of Bhutan's highland traditions, lifestyles and livelihoods providing a platform to preserve these unique practices.
One of the main highlights of the festival is the Laya Run, a 25-kilometer cross-country race from Ponjothang to Laya which draws participants from across the country.
In addition to its cultural significance the Royal Highland Festival has played an important role in boosting the socio-economic development of the highland communities. It has opened up new opportunities for income generation through homestays, the sale of local products and services like pack pony rentals. The festival also promotes sustainable practices in yak farming and highland agriculture helping to preserve traditional ways of life.

ITINERARY

1DAY 1: PARO -THIMPHU
 Arrive at Paro International Airport  Lunch at Paro town  Tachogang Lhakhang  Iron Suspension Bridge  Drive to Thimphu-1 hour  Stay at your hotel in Thimphu
2Day 2:THIMPHU
 Buddha Point/Kuensel Phodrang  Takin Preserve  Hike to Wangditse  Memorial Chorten/Stupa  Tashichho Dzong  Visit Centenary Farmers Market  Stay at your hotel in Thimphu
3Day 3: THIMPHU-PUNAKHA
 Drive to Punakha  Dochula Pass-108 Chortens  Chimi Lhakhang/Fertility temple  Punakha Dzong  Stay at your hotel in Punakha
4Day 4: PUNAKHA
 Hike to Khamsum Yulley  Iron Suspension bridge  Nunnery-Interact with nuns  Stroll through town  Stay at your hotel in Punakha
5Day 5: PUNAKHA-GASA
 Drive to Gasa-3 hours  Enjoy Gasa Hot Spring  Visit Farmhouse-Interact with the local & dinner  Stay at your farmhouse in Gasa
6Day 6: GASA-LAYA
 Drive to Laya base(Tongchudra road end)-2 hours  Hike to Laya Village-5-6 hours  Picnic Lunch  Stay at your Farmhouse in Laya
7Day 7: LAYA FESTIVAL
 Watch Festival- beautiful  Photography – Capture stunning photos with the beautiful mountains as your backdrop.  Lunch at Festival  Stroll through the village- walk back to home stay  Stay at your farmhouse in Laya
8Day 8: LAYA FESTIVAL
 Watch Festival  Photography – Capture stunning photos with the beautiful mountains as your backdrop.  Lunch at Festival  Stroll through village and interact with the highlanders and experience unique culture
9Day 9: LAYA-PUNAKHA
 Hike back to base-3-4 hours  Drive to Punakha-3 hours  Check into your hotel-Rest & Relax  Stay at your hotel in Punakha
10Day 10: PUNAKHA-PARO
 Drive to Paro-3 hours  National Museum  Paro Dzong  Kyichu Lhakhang  Zorig Hike- 1 hour  Stay at your hotel in Paro
11Day 11: TIGER's NEST/TAKTSANG MONASTERY
 Hike to Tiger's Nest  Traditional hot stone bath  Stay at your hotel in Paro
12Day 12: PARO AIRPORT- DEPARTURE
 Breakfast  Drive to the Paro International Airport
Custimazation of your itinerary
Our itineraries are flexible and can be tailored to your interests and preferences. You can also combine your featival tour with trekking, nature and cultural experiences.
Package Inclusions & Exclusions
Package Inclusion
  • Bhutan Sustanible Development
  • Visa Fee
  • Luxury vehicle with a driver
  • English Speaking Guide throughout the Trip
  • All three Meals
  • Packed Lunches
  • Bottled Mineral Water throughout the tour
  • Accommodation in 3-stars and above Hotels
  • Local SIM Card
    Package Exclusions
  • International Air fare
  • Monumental Fee
  • Alcohol/beverages
  • Any Personal Expense
  • Cost arising out of events beyond our control