The Royal Highland Festival

Flying into Bhutan offers unparalleled views of the majestic Himalayan ranges, featuring iconic peaks such as Mt. Everest (8,848m/29,028ft), Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m/28,169ft), and Mt. Gangkar Puensum (7,564m/24,836ft). On arrival we meet you at Paro International Airport after clearing your immigration and customs formalities. We'll then transfer you to your hotel in Paro for check-in. Paro is renowned for its iconic landmarks, including the famous Taktshang Monastery, also referred to as Tiger’s Nest. It also serves as a hub for Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. In Paro, we begin with a captivating tour of Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower situated about 6 km from Paro town, now repurposed as the National Museum of Bhutan. Next, we'll head to Paro Dzong, also known as Rinpung Dzong, located across the Pachhu River, approximately 2-km from Paro International Airport. The evening is yours to relax and enjoy—we’ve set aside time for you to explore the charming small town of Paro and its picturesque surroundings. Enjoy a delightful evening with the Bhutan Green Travel, featuring a warm welcome drink and a dinner to kickstart your journey in style. Overnight stay in Paro.

Bhutan’s famous Paro Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) is an unforgettable sight. No visit to Bhutan would be complete without a trip to Paro Taktshang (3,120m. Today is a real highlight as you take a short hike to the Taktshang Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliffside 900m above the Paro Valley floor. The 4-km hike commences at the mountain's base from the road point in Ramthangkha, approximately 12-km from Paro town. Enjoy a leisurely walk lasting around 4-5 hours for the round-trip hike, leaving an additional hour to explore the monastery at a relaxed and comfortable pace. Halfway along the trail, a quaint teahouse presents a perfect vantage point to admire the monastery's splendour. For more relaxed ascent, gentle horse or pony rides are allowed up to the viewpoint. Today’s short hike not only promises a rich cultural immersion but also serves as a vital step in acclimating ourselves for the exhilarating trek to Laya on Day 5. Get ready to soak in the culture and prepare for the adventure that lies ahead! The latter part of the afternoon is free for leisure. Consider indulging in a hot stone bath at a farmhouse for a relaxing experience. Spend the night in Paro.

Today, we commence our journey to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, located 54-km away and taking approximately one hour to reach. Thimphu is home to approximately 138,736 inhabitants. The journey passes through Chhuzom (24-km), a vital crossroads linking Thimphu (30-km northeast), Haa (82-km southwest), and Phuentsholing (141-km south) Upon arrival in Thimphu, experience the unique traffic control system, where police direct traffic using hand signals instead of lights. Sightseeing begins with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten (stupa), built in 1974 in honour of the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (1928-1972). This stupa is a prominent monument for Bhutanese daily worship in the city with its golden spires and bells. Another must-see place to tick off your list is Kuenselphodrang, home to the 169-foot Buddha Dordenma statue, the largest of its kind, which was erected in 2006. Our next stop is at the Motithang Takin Reserve, home to Bhutan's national animal, followed by the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, established in 1971 where students are taught the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Proceed to the nearby National Library of Bhutan, established in 1967, located in the cultural center of Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Here, you'll find the world's largest book, Bhutan: A Visual Odyssey Across the Last Himalayan Kingdom. It weighs over 60 kg, stands 1.52 meters high, and spans 2.13 meters wide. Its pages are turned once a month. We then continue to the Bhutan Postal Museum, a must-visit for philatelists and those looking to purchase postcards and stamps. If time permits, visit the Tashichhodzong, initially constructed in 1216 and rebuilt in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This iconic fortress now houses several government ministries, the office and throne room of His Majesty the King, and the Central Monk Body. The evening is free for relaxation or exploring the sights of the capital. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

Today, we embark on an adventurous journey to Gasa via Punakha, with a stop at the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens near Dochula Pass (3,050m). If the weather is clear, enjoy panoramic views of Bhutan’s snow-capped peaks, including Mount Gangkar Puensum (7,564m). Drive through picturesque countryside dotted with valleys, terraced fields, and charming villages, stopping to capture the stunning landscapes. Visit Punakha Dzong, a majestic fortress at the confluence of the Phochhu and Mochhu rivers, adorned with vibrant jacaranda blooms in spring. After lunch, continue to remote Gasa, nestled in Bhutan’s northwest, near the Tibetan border. Known for its small population of Layaps (nomadic herders), Gasa offers breathtaking Himalayan scenery, over 100 glacial lakes, and unique wildlife in Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park. Nature lovers can find takins, red pandas, snow leopards, and a variety of orchids. Gasa is renowned for its rejuvenating Tshachu hot springs and Menchu mineral spring, cherished by both locals and travellers seeking relaxation and healing in the heart of Bhutan's pristine wilderness. This off-the-beaten-track destination is perfect for those seeking serenity and natural beauty. Overnight camping in Gasa.

After breakfast, continue your journey to Taktsemakha, a 30-km drive from Gasa that takes about two hours. The unpaved road requires a switch to a sturdy Bolero camper for the ride. Ensure your guide carries a valid route permit to present at the Taktsemakha Army Outpost for entry into Laya. At Taktsemakha, the road ends, and your adventure continues with a moderate three-hour hike to the remote village of Laya (3800m). By late afternoon, you’ll reach Laya, where you can settle into your accommodation and relax. Alternatively, a helicopter service is available to the festival grounds at an additional cost. Advance reservations are highly recommended due to limited seats—contact us for details and availability. Overnight camping in Laya.

Don't forget your camera today to capture stunning moments at the vibrant Laya festival ground (Tendrelthang), located at an altitude of 4,000 meters. Immerse yourself in the festivities, including traditional music, dance, animal parades, and cultural performances, all set against the stunning mountain backdrop. Witness the practice of Buelwa, a traditional offering made during special occasions, symbolizing respect and gratitude. Offerings often include grains, fruits, religious artefacts, and sometimes livestock. Buelwa is an integral part of religious ceremonies and festivals in the community. Experience Auley, the recitation of epic poems and songs that celebrate Bhutan’s monarchy and its achievements, reflecting the strong bond between Laya’s people and the kings. Participate in sacred religious ceremonies led by local monks or take a leisurely stroll through the village to soak in the local atmosphere. Explore the historic Tashi Lhakhang and other culturally significant temples, each with unique stories and legends. Visit the household that hosted Zhabdrung Rinpoche in 1616, where gifts from him are proudly displayed. You may also be invited into a local home to enjoy festive chang (locally brewed wine), tea, and roasted rice. Overnight camping in Laya.

After breakfast, we bid farewell to the Royal Highland Festival in Laya and begin our hike back to Taktsemakha. From there, drive to Gasa to explore the Gasa Dzong (also known as Tashi Thongmon Dzong), perched above the cave where the Tibetan saint Terkhungpa meditated. Built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 to commemorate victories over the Tibetans, this circular-shaped dzong features three strategically placed watchtowers. On the way, take the opportunity to visit the Gasa Tshachu hot springs, located near the Mochhu River at an elevation of 2,100 meters. Known for their therapeutic benefits, these hot springs are particularly popular among Bhutanese during winter and are believed to help with digestive issues, skin problems, joint pain, and more. Alternatively, explore Bjagay Menchu, a mineral spring about a 15-20 minute walk from Gasa Tshachu. According to legend, a vulture that had swallowed a metal piece from a ritual cake was healed after soaking in the spring, and it was thereafter named Bjagay Menchu. Continue your journey to Punakha (1,350m), where you’ll check in to your hotel and enjoy a well-deserved warm shower, followed by a delicious dinner after three nights of camping in the highlands. Overnight stay in Punakha.

After an early breakfast, continue to the Bumthang Valley in central Bhutan, home to some of the oldest temples and monasteries in the country. Along the way, we pass by Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, overlooking the convergence of the Dangchhu and Punatsangchhu Rivers. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (founder of Bhutan) constructed the dzong in 1638, resembling that of a sleeping elephant. Although damaged by fire in 2012, reconstruction to its former splendour was completed in November 2022. Our journey takes us first to Trongsa about 4-5 hours via the scenic Pelela Pass (3,390m) and Nobding, a small town en route. Enjoy varied landscapes, from majestic mountains to lush greenery. Traveling along Bhutan's East–West highway, you may encounter grazing yaks, adding to the picturesque scenery. On the way take a stroll along the Chendebji Chorten below the road. A nice stop to stretch your legs and walk around the stupa! This 18th century monument resembles the Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal with eyes painted at the four cardinal points. A highlight awaits at the Thumangdra viewpoint, offering a perfect vantage to capture breathtaking photos showcasing the scenic beauty of the landscapes and the grandeur of the dzong. Continue your journey to Bumthang (68-km) about 2.5 hours via Yotongla Pass (3,425m). You have an option to explore the Yathra Weaving Centre in Chumig village en route, where the Bumthap women weave yak and sheep wools into the beautifully patterned fabric called “Yathra” including woollen mattresses (Drumzeedhen). Overnight stay in Bumthang.

We will explore the pristine Bumthang Valley, also known as Jakar, revered as the religious heartland of Bhutan and home to some of the country’s oldest temples and monasteries. After breakfast, drive to Kenchosum Lhakhang, a historic 8th century temple. This sacred site is famed for its ancient relic— a broken bronze bell said to have been gifted by a mermaid. According to legend, the bell's sound could once be heard as far as Lhasa in Tibet when rung. The temple suffered extensive damage due to a butter-lamp fire in 2010 but was beautifully reconstructed, brightly painted, and re-consecrated in 2014. Inside, it houses three statues of Due-Sum-Sangay (the Buddhas of the Past, Present, and Future) and other revered relics. Next, visit Tamshing Lhakhang, a center for Nyingma Buddhist teachings founded in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa. From here, take a short walk and cross the bridge over the Chamkharchhu River to reach the Kurjey Lhakhang complex. This sacred site comprises three temples encircled by walls adorned with 108 chortens. Kurjey Lhakhang is where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 8th century, subdued the local demon Phola Shelging Karpo, and healed the ailing King Sindhu Raja of Bumthang. Your next sightseeing is Jambay Lhakhang (Temple of Maitreya), believed to be one of 108 temples built in a single day by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. This temple is steeped in history and mythology, having been constructed to suppress the evil spirits of a demoness hindering the spread of Buddhism. Today, enjoy an authentic traditional Bhutanese meal at Sherab Dema Farmhouse, where you can try your hand at archery or relax in a soothing traditional hot stone bath. Overnight stay in Bumthang.

After breakfast, our return journey takes us to Phobjikha Valley via Trongsa, enjoying a scenic drive lasting approximately 5-6 hours. Trongsa holds a profound legacy, as every Bhutanese monarch traditionally assumes the role of Trongsa Penlop before ascending the throne. Trongsa Dzong built in 1648, is the largest fortress in Bhutan, commanding a view over the Mangdichhu River gorge. Its majestic architecture, characterized by a distinctive yellow roof, is a testament to Bhutan's rich cultural heritage. Additionally, the Tower of Trongsa (known as Ta Dzong) stands tall as an ancient watchtower, offering captivating views of Trongsa town and its surroundings. Arrive in Phobjikha, take the opportunity to visit Gangtey Gonpa, a picturesque 17th century monastery perched on a hillock, offering breathtaking views of the valley. The monastery is the only Nyingmapa School of Buddhism taught here in western Bhutan. Phobjikha Valley is a haven for nature enthusiasts and is renowned as the winter habitat for rare, Black-Necked Cranes, migrating from the Tibetan plateau from late October to mid-March. Later in the day, you can explore the beautiful valley surrounded by pine forests, meet the locals, and visit the Black-necked Crane Information Centre to learn about the migrating birds. Overnight stay in Phobjikha.

This morning, our return journey (185-km) about 5 hours takes us to Paro, pausing en route at Dochula Pass (3,050m) and soak up the panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, including Bhutan’s highest mountain (Mt. Gangkar Puensum at 7,564m). Continue to Paro, home to the famous Taktshang Monastery (also known as Tiger’s Nest), National Museum, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. Later, we explore the Ta Dzong (ancient watch tower), located about 6-km from Paro town, which now houses the National Museum of Bhutan. Walk down to the Paro Dzong (also known as Rinpung Dzong), which is located across the Pachhu River and about 2-km from Paro International Airport. The dzong was built in 1644 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (founder of Bhutan) to safeguard Paro Valley against Tibetan invasions. Time permitting, you can explore Kaja Throm, featuring stalls with fresh seasonal produce, incense sticks, and more. Additionally, De-Suups-run food stalls offer dishes prepared by individuals trained in culinary arts through the De-Suung Skilling Programme. Overnight stay in Paro.

Your tour ends this morning after breakfast. We transfer you to Paro International Airport for your onward journey. Our guide and driver from Bhutan Green Travel will see you off. Tashi Delek (Goodbye and Good Luck)!