Festival
Royal Highland Festival & Western Bhutan Discovery 20th October – 29th October 2026
Experience one of Bhutan's most unique and exclusive festivals deep in the Himalayan highlands. The Royal Highland Festival celebrates the rich traditions, culture, and lifestyle of Bhutan's highland communities, showcasing yak herding traditions, nomadic culture, highland sports, traditional songs and dances, and breathtaking mountain scenery. Combined with a cultural journey through Western Bhutan, this itinerary offers the perfect blend of authentic local experiences, stunning landscapes, sacred monasteries, traditional villages, and Bhutan's most iconic landmarks.
Duration
10 Days / 9 Nights
Group size
2-17
Difficulty
Easy
Country
Bhutan
Highlights
- Attend the Royal Highland Festival in Laya (3,850m)
- Experience authentic Layap highland culture
- Stay in traditional village homestays
- Relax in the famous Gasa Hot Springs
- Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong
- Explore Bhutan's capital, Thimphu
- Hike to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery
- Enjoy breathtaking Himalayan landscapes
- Experience traditional Bhutanese culture and hospitality
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Arrival in Paro – Punakha
Distance: 125 km | Drive Time: 4 Hours Arrive at Paro International Airport and drive to Punakha via the spectacular Dochula Pass. Visit Chimi Lhakhang, the famous Fertility Temple, and enjoy the warm subtropical climate of Punakha Valley. Elevation: Paro (2,280m) → Dochula Pass (3,100m) → Punakha (1,250m) Overnight: Punakha (1,250m)
- 2
Punakha – Gasa
Distance: 85 km | Drive Time: 3 Hours Visit Punakha Dzong and the Suspension Bridge before driving north through scenic mountain roads to Gasa, known for its natural hot springs and mountain views. Elevation: Punakha (1,250m) → Gasa (2,770m) Overnight: Gasa (2,770m)
- 3
Gasa – Laya
Drive Time: 2 Hours Hiking Distance: 8 km | Duration: 3–4 Hours Drive to Taktsemakha and hike through alpine forests and highland settlements to reach Laya, one of Bhutan's most remote Himalayan villages. Elevation: Gasa (2,770m) → Taktsemakha (3,100m) → Laya (3,850m) Overnight: Laya (3,850m)
- 4
Royal Highland Festival – Day 1
Spend the day enjoying the Royal Highland Festival. Witness traditional highland competitions, yak shows, horse races, cultural performances, archery contests, and exhibitions of local products from Bhutan's northern regions. Highlights Royal Highland Festival Traditional Highland Culture Yak Competitions Layap Cultural Performances Highland Food & Crafts Overnight: Homestay in Laya (3,850m)
- 5
Royal Highland Festival – Day 2 & Return to Gasa
Hiking Distance: 8 km | Duration: 3–4 Hours Drive Time: 2 Hours Enjoy the morning festival activities before descending to Taktsemakha and driving back to Gasa. Relax in the famous Gasa Hot Springs. Elevation: Laya (3,850m) → Taktsemakha (3,100m) → Gasa (2,770m) Overnight: Gasa (2,770m)
- 6
Gasa – Punakha
Distance: 110 km | Drive Time: 4 Hours After breakfast, drive back towards the beautiful Punakha Valley. Along the way, enjoy scenic views of traditional villages, terraced fields, and forested mountains. Visit the historic Rinchengang Heritage Village and learn about traditional Bhutanese village life. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the valley or relax by the riverside. Highlights Scenic drive through the Himalayas Rinchengang Heritage Village Traditional Bhutanese Architecture Beautiful Punakha Valley Elevation: Gasa (2,770m) → Punakha (1,250m) Overnight: Punakha (1,250m)
- 7
Punakha – Thimphu
Distance: 75 km | Drive Time: 2.5 Hours Drive to Thimphu via the stunning Dochula Pass. Upon arrival, explore Bhutan's capital city and visit Buddha Dordenma, Memorial Chorten, and local markets. Elevation: Punakha (1,250m) → Dochula Pass (3,100m) → Thimphu (2,334m) Overnight: Thimphu (2,334m)
- 8
Explore Thimphu – Drive to Paro
Visit the Folk Heritage Museum, Traditional Arts School, Takin Preserve, and Tashichho Dzong before driving to Paro. Elevation: Thimphu (2,334m) → Paro (2,280m) Overnight: Paro (2,280m)
- 9
Tiger's Nest Monastery Hike
Hiking Distance: 12 km Round Trip Duration: 5–6 Hours Hike through beautiful pine forests to Bhutan's most iconic monastery. Enjoy spectacular views of the Paro Valley before returning to town for a traditional hot stone bath. Elevation: Paro (2,280m) → Tiger's Nest Monastery (3,120m) Overnight: Paro (2,280m)
- 10
Departure
Bid farewell to the Kingdom of Bhutan as you transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure flight, taking home cherished memories of this remarkable Himalayan adventure.
Similar tours
You might also enjoy these journeys.
Paro Tshechu Festival
Witness one of Bhutan's most colourful festivals — masked cham dances, sacred thongdrel and a celebration centuries in the making.
Pricing
On request
Punakha Tshechu 2026: Bhutan's Most Majestic Festival of Faith, History & Living Tradition
Experience the magic of Punakha Tshechu 2026, one of Bhutan's most spectacular religious festivals. Witness sacred mask dances, centuries-old traditions, colorful cultural performances, and the breathtaking beauty of Punakha Dzong as Bhutanese families gather for blessings and celebration.
Pricing
On request
Bhutan Cultural Discovery – 11 Days
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Kingdom of Bhutan, where ancient traditions, sacred monasteries, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality come together to create a truly unique travel experience. This 11-day cultural tour takes you through Bhutan's most beautiful valleys, including Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha, Trongsa, and Bumthang. Explore centuries-old temples, hike through pristine forests, visit traditional villages, and immerse yourself in the rich Buddhist heritage of the Last Himalayan Kingdom.
Pricing
On request
What's included
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- 3 & 4-star boutique hotels
- Private vehicle and driver
- All entrance fees and permits
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities