Bhutan Himalayan Tour with Royal Highland Festiva

DAY 01: ARRIVE AT PARO, (2,280M), (17th October, 2023 )

The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas, offering dazzling scenic views of some of the world’s highest glacial peaks. If you get a seat on the left side of the plane and the weather cooperates, you may have spectacular views of the eastern Himalayas including Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga—five of the highest peaks in the world—as well as peaks in Bhutan such as Jhomolhari, Jichu Drakye, and Tsering Kang. You can see the highest peaks of the world. As you enter Paro valley, you will sweep past forested hills with the silvery Pa Chhu (Paro river) meandering down the valley below. Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watchtower) on the hills above the town will be a fine sight.

Take an ancient trail hike to Zuri Dzong. Enjoy Paro Valley's expansive rice terraces view along the path. Later visit the historic village of Dopshari.

From where you are, you may take in breathtaking views of the Paro Valley, make one final foray into the Trail to ascend to Upper Dopshari.

You'll be picked up at Upper Dopshari and driven back to Paro. Visit the "watchtower" along the way, Ta Dzong also known as the National Museum of Bhutan.

Evening free or visit Paro town atypical of Bhutanese structures as you spend your first evening in the land of the Thunder Dragon

Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

Day 02: Drive towards Thimphu from Paro( 55 Kms / 1.5 Hours )( 18th October,2023)

• Discover the majestic mountains speckled with sacred temples and monasteries on your journey from Paro to Thimphu.

On the way, stop at Tachog Lhakhang (the Iron Chain Bridge), a temple located across the famous iron chain bridge built over the meandering Pa Chhu (Paro River). Devour yourself to the invigorating ambience of the cool-sweeping breeze and bright colored prayer flags. The whole set up a feast to the eye.

• Visit the Takin sanctuary at Motithang to gaze upon Takin, the National animal of Bhutan. The Takin, a large shaggy hoofed mammal, is closely related to the musk ox - so designated due to its prominent place in a popular Bhutanese myth from the 15th century.
• Drive further upwards towards Sangaygang where will have wonderful views of the Thimphu Valley from the hillside below the telecommunications tower (elevation 2685m), high above the town. 
• Take a short hike to Wangditse – one of the oldest temples in the country and take in the tranquility of the monastery overlooking the Thimphu Valley. You can get a clear view of the city beneath. The hike is a gentle one with great views of the pine and conifers.
• Visit the Dechenphodrang Monastery and mingle with the monks

Visit the Handicraft market or Craft Bazaar, popular for housing many Bhutanese arts and crafts and textiles. The market consists of around 80 shops which are entirely made of bamboo huts aligned together along the Norzin Lam. The craft bazaar was initiated to promote the young talented rural based artists who master the arts and crafts of the age-old Bhutanese traditional arts which were passed down from generations. The most important and the foremost aim of this initiative is to improve the socio-economic status of these rural-based communities. It is a popular place to buy souvenirs.

Overnight : Hotel in Thimphu

Day 03: Explore Thimphu Valley ( 19th October, 2023)

Drive to Kuenselphodrang to view the majestic Buddha Dordhenma statue overlooking the Thimphu Valley

Drive to the Northern end of Thimphu valley passing through the countryside of Begana village before reaching the bridge at Dodena. After crossing the crystalline river on the oldest wooden cantilever bridge of Bhutan, enjoy your hike through the off-beaten tracks leading to the tranquil surrounding of the hilltop Chari monastery where you can often see mountain goats mingling freely with monks. It is a place where monks after they complete their studies go under three year’s meditation retreat. Drive a little further into the wild to the Jigme Dorji National Park and relax by the river side taking in the ethereal nature and crystal clear river.

We can organize a picnic lunch in nature by the river sides

 Enjoy your meal that is nourishing to the body and soul in the tranquil surrounding of the National Park

• After lunch, drive to visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum. It is also commonly known as Arts and crafts school or painting school. The institute offers a course ranging from 4 to 6 years on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.
• Visit Folk Heritage Museum.
• General Post Office where you can make a postage stamp with your own picture which can be posted within Bhutan.
• In the evening if not tired, visit local farm market, Immerse yourself in a sensory experience at the Thimphu Weekend Farmer’s market before visiting the local archery ground where the locals celebrate the national sport of archery with dance and song with every hit.

Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 04: Thimphu- Punakha (134kms/6hours) ( 20th October, 2023)

• Drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/10,130ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the 108 Chortens, Mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road.
• If skies are clear, the high Himalayan peaks towards the north east will be revealed in all their glory. On a clear day, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendegang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (7,170m), Zongaphugang (7,060m) a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana, and finally, Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.
• Sip a cup of steaming coffee at the cafeteria while enjoying the mesmerizing panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges.

• Visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. Punakha was Bhutan’s capital until 1955 and Punakha Dzong still serves as the winter residence of the central monk body. Bhutan’s first king, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned here in 1907. The fortress has withstood damage from fire, earthquake and flood over the centuries. The latest flood, in October, 1994, caused great damage to the fortress but miraculously spared its most holy statue.
• Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge - The 160 meters Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge is known for the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, which gives you spectacular views of Punakha Dzong and the Pho Chhu Valley.
• Hike to Chemi Lhakhang through a nice walk along the rice field and through farm houses. The temple was built by Lama Ngawang Chogyel in 1499 and is today a popular temple where barren women come to pray for a child. The temple is popularly known as the Temple of the Divine Madman and also as Fertility Temple.

Overnight at Hotel in Punakha.

Day 05: Punakha- Gasa [ October 21st, 2023]

After a good breakfast head towards Nyizergang to visit the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten

We can begin the day with hike up through fields of rice along the banks of the Mo Chhu to the upper end of the valley to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten.

Enjoy the scenic 4 hours’ drive to Gasa and visit Gasa Dzong

Spend the evening connecting with your host at the homestay and learning about their life

Overnight: Homestay in Gasa

Day 06: Gasa – Koina – Laya [ October 22nd, 2023]

Embark on a breathtaking journey to the highland village of Laya, starting with an early morning departure towards Thongchu Zam. The journey will take you through a feeder road that leads to the starting point of your trekking adventure.

As you make your way up the winding trail, be prepared to encounter some challenging steep climbs alongside gradual ascents. However, the picturesque scenery that surrounds you will more than make up for any physical exertion.

Upon reaching Laya, take a moment to appreciate the awe-inspiring beauty of your surroundings, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the locals, who can be easily identified by their distinctive Laya costumes.

Considered as one of the most magnificent treks in Bhutan, the Laya-Gasa Trek provides an unparalleled opportunity to witness some of the most pristine and untouched landscapes that the country has to offer. Prepare to be captivated by the sheer natural splendor that awaits you at every turn of this unforgettable journey.

Overnight: Homestay in Laya

Day 07: Witness the Royal Highland Festival [ October 23rd, 2023]

Celebrate the unique and vibrant nomadic traditions of the highlands at the Royal Highlander Festival, which was first introduced to celebrate significant events in Bhutanese history. The festival includes a traditional offering of Buelwa, showcasing the community's loyalty and respect for their successive monarchs.

Witness the beauty of Laya valley, one of the most remote places on earth, with its 110 houses and unique customs. The Layap people have their own dialect and dress, including conical bamboo hats with spikes and long hair for women. Discover the wonders of Cordyceps sinesis, an insect parasite fungus with high medicinal value found only in this region.

Be captivated by the festival's variety of cultural programs, including competitions in traditional songs and dances, and demonstrations of highland animals such as yaks, horses, and Mastiffs. Visit the festival's stalls featuring local yak produce, highland technology, medicinal herbs and plants, and more. And, for those looking to capture memories of this enchanting experience, filming opportunities are available.

Immerse in this journey to the highlands, where the past meets the present, and tradition blends with innovation.

Overnight at a Homestay in Laya

Day 08: Laya –Koina – Gasa: Gasa Hot Springs [ October 24th, 2023]

As we journey back to Thongchu Zam, take in the natural beauty and capture the essence of the landscape and its people through your lens. Witness the charm of the remote Bhutanese villages and experience the simple yet fulfilling way of life.

After the trek, immerse yourself in the natural hot springs of Gasa and let the healing waters rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. Each pool offers a unique temperature and a blend of medicinal properties, providing visitors with a personalized experience. The locals believe in the therapeutic benefits of the hot spring, which contains a variety of minerals and medicines.

Allow yourself to be fully present in this tranquil and serene setting, and let the natural hot springs of Gasa leave you feeling revitalized and renewed.

Overnight: Homestay in Gasa

Day 09: Gasa- Punakha [ October 25th, 2023]

As our journey comes to a close, we bid farewell to the enchanting Gasa and set off on a scenic drive towards Punakha. Let us cherish the memories and experiences we have gathered during our time in this stunning corner of Bhutan, as we embrace the next leg of our adventure.

Wind your way up to Wolakha village before reaching the thriving Sangchen Nunnery in Punakha; participate in an intense butter lamping offering with the Nuns.

A little further from nunnery takes you to Leki Wangmo Homestay, a traditional Bhutanese farm-house offering grand view of Punakha valley. Enjoy traditional farm-to-table meals and Bhutanese tea prepared by the hostess Aum Leki. If you like, you can try your skills in preparing Bhutanese dish or learn the art of making butter tea or just relax by taking in the view of the Punakha valley.

If time permits, visit Talo village, it is an opportunity to discover the real Bhutanese farmer living in villages. You can even explore their fields and other villages nearby

Overnight at your Hotel in Punakha

Day 10: Punakha- Paro (130kms/5hours) and Paro Taktshang Hike [ October 26th, 2023]

Get up early as you retrace your steps back over the Dochu La (Pass) for a second chance to view the Himalayan Mountain Ranges. Hoist prayer flags at one of the highest points of your journey and leave your compassionate aspiration to benefit all sentient beings. As you drive through Punakha towards Paro, the journey is scenic and the mountains speckled with temples and traditional Bhutanese structures and houses. You can witness the change in vegetation.

Drive to the base of the Tiger’s Nest and venture through the pristine surroundings of the Tiger’s Nest monastery. Be rewarded to an overwhelming sight monastery resting on edge of a cliff at 900 meters above Paro valley. Tigers Nest Monastery or Taktsang Goemba is one of the holiest and the most beautiful sites of Bhutan and acquires its name from the legend of its foundation, when in the 8th Century Guru Rinpoche, widely revered as the second Buddha, arrived at this place from Tibet flying across the mountains on the back of a tigress and blessed the entire place.

After your hike, relax in the traditional Bhutanese way by soaking in a hot stone herbal bath to relieve your body and mind of the stress.

After a nice and warm bath, you can enjoy a game of archery; the national game of Bhutan and enjoy a fun game with the locals.

You can enjoy a nice farmhouse dinner and interact with a local Bhutanese family as you bond over their food, culture and everyday way of life.

Overnight at hotel in Paro

Hike Duration: 5 hours

Day 11: Day Excursion to Haa Valley [ October 27th, 2023]

• Discover the majestic mountains speckled with sacred temples and monasteries on your journey from Paro to Haa.
• Drive to Chele La Pass, the highest motorable pass situated at 3,988 meters, marked by numerous prayer flags. Indulge your visual senses with some natural beauty and give yourself some time to relax and soak in the atmosphere. We can make a leisurely start and carry a picnic lunch as well. The pass is cool crisp and the route takes you through a spectacularly lovely forest of pine, oak and rhododendrons. The heady scent of Daphne permeates the air and the sun-dappled forest floor is carpeted with swathes of lilac primulas – as enchanting a drive as you could have hoped for.

• Around 10km from the top you can spot the Kila nunnery perched on the opposite hillside with prayer flags lining the walking path to it and surrounding the complex.
• Hoist prayer flags for auspiciousness and for the benefit of all sentient beings at the pass highest point; as practiced traditionally.
• On arriving Haa valley- walk through a medieval village before climbing up to the secluded Jungney Dra where you can see foot print of Machig Labdron on a rock before hiking further to Kathso Gompa. Much of Haa is untouched by modernization thus offering our explorers the chance to experience authentic Bhutanese villages in its raw and rugged natural beauty.
• Return to Paro Valley and spend your last evening in the quaint ambiance of the warm autumn breeze in the Land of the Thunder Dragon

Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Day 12: Departure [ October 28th, 2023]

Your drop to the Paro International Airport will be arranged according to your flight schedule. Our team will drop you to the airport and bid you farewell.