Join the 10-Day Royal Highland Festival and Laya Run Tour in Bhutan. Experience highland culture, challenging treks, and a spectacular race in Laya.
Day 1(October 19, Monday): Arrive Paro
Paro - During the journey, one will experience breath-taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks including the sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by your guide and transfer you to the Hotel. Later in the afternoon you will visit Paro Dzong. It was built in 17th century and now houses government offices and religious institutions. Then you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in 8th century. In the evening you can stroll in the paro town. Overnight hotel in Paro
Day 2(October 20, Tuesday): Paro
Paro Taktsang - In the morning you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at 3180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. The Moanstery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Lunch will be served at the Cafeteria. Explore the monastery and hike back to the valley in the afternoon. Overnight hotel in Paro
Day 3 (October 21, Wednesday): Paro to Punakha – Gasa, 130 km 5 hrs
Day 4 (October 22, Thursday): Rest Day in Gasa
Day 5 (October 23, Friday): Laya Run Flag off: Panjothang – laya 25 km
Day 6 (October 24, Saturday): Laya (Attend Highlander Festival)
Day 7 (October 25, Sunday): Laya-Gasa – Punakha.
Punakha - Today you will walk back to Koina where you will be transferred back to Gasa. From Gasa you will further drive down along the Mo Chhu river through semi sub-tropical forests to Punakha. Overnight hotel in Punakha.
Day 7 (October 26, Monday): Punakha – Thimphu
Thimphu - In the morning, visit Punakha Dzong, the former capital of Bhutan, which is stunningly situated in between the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. You will then enjoy the scenic drive to Thimphu. You will stop for lunch at Dochu La Pass (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. On reaching at Dochula, visit the new Druk Wangyal Monastery, which is the only of its kind in the country with elaborate paintings depicting the lineage of the present monarchy and their visionary works. From the pass, drive downhill to Thimphu. Overnight hotel in Thimphu
Day 9 (October 27, Tuesday): Thimphu
Thimphu - Morning, you will visit Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Folk Heritage Museum and the world’s tallest Buddha statue at Kuenselphodrang made of bronze measuring 169 ft. Afternoon, you will visit Trashichhodzong and eveving is a free time to relax in the hotel or to stroll in Thimphu City. You can spend time visiting handicraft stores for souvenir shopping. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.
Day 10(October 28, Wednesday): Thimphu to Paro Departure
Paro - Morning, after breakfast, you will drive to Paro for departure to your destination.
- Tour guide
- Hotels
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Accommodation includes: 9 nights
- Breakfast
- Meals
- Car with driver
- Drinks and beverages
- Laundry
- Other bills of personal nature
- Travel Insurance
- Flight ticket.
The most popular highland festival takes place in Laya, a village located at one of the remote and high altitude regions in Bhutan.The Royal Highland Festival brings in all the highlanders from across the country. Every year in October, both locals and most of the tourists either trek or participate in Laya Run which is yet another challenging and most spectacular running race in the kingdom. Laya is known to many as the roof of the world.
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.