The Royal Highlander Festival held annually at Laya in Gasa is to sensitize the highlanders on the decline of yak farming at a time when more people, including the highlanders, are increasingly getting tilted to activities that generate short-term income. The festival is also aimed to enlighten stakeholders on the importance of their spirited participation in enhancing the economic opportunity of the highlanders.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN BHUTAN, THIMPHU
Arrive at the Paro International Airport.
Travel to Thimphu.
After having a quick lunch, we will visit Motithang Takin Preserve, the National Memorial Chorten, and Buddha Point.
Accommodation: Hotel Tara Phendeyling
DAY 2: THIMPHU TO PUNAKHA
We will travel towards Punakha right after breakfast.
En route, visit the Victory Stupas at Dochula, and the temple of fertility if time permits.
After a brief recess in your hotel room, we visit the majestic Punakha Dzong.
Accommodation: Zhingkham Resort
DAY 3 : PUNAKHA TO GASA TO TONGCHU ZAM CAMP
Early morning, leave your hotel for a nearly four hours drive to Gasa.
Trekking begins from there to Koina. After four hours of continuous trekking, we will reach our campsite Thongchuzam.
Overnight halt at Camp
DAY 4 :TONGCHU ZAM TO LAYA
After breakfast, start trekking to your destination, the beautiful highland village of Laya.
Overnight halt at Camp
DAY 5: LAYA (2 DAYS FESTIVAL) DAY1
The Royal Highlander festival was first introduced in 2016 to mark the celebration of the birth of HRH the Gyalsey; 400 years of Zhabdrung Rinpoche’s arrival in Bhutan and the Rabjung (60 years cycle) birth year of Guru Rimpoche.
The tshechu will have varied songs and dances, and other events.
DAY 6: LAYA (2 DAYS FESTIVAL)
Today is the second day of the festival. Programs will continue from yesterday. Songs and dances will go on, and so will the other events and competitions.
DAY 7 :LAYA TO THONGCHU ZAM
After the festival, we begin trekking back to ThongchuZa.
Night halt at ThongchuZam.
DAY 8 : THONGCHU ZAM TO GASA
Today, we will be descending to Gasa. We will have a warm hot spring bath after your long travel.
Overnight at Gasa Camp.
DAY 9:GASA TO PARO (6 HOURS DRIVE BACK)
We will travel early towards Paro.
After lunch, we will visit the Rimpung Dzong and the National Museum.
Accommodation: Bhutan Mandala Resort
DAY 10: HIKE TO TAKTSANG (PARO)
Today, we will hike to Tiger’s Nest
We will take a two-hour climb to reach to Taktsang Monastery, arguably one of the most photographed monasteries in Bhutan.
Accommodation: Bhutan Mandala Resort
DAY 11 DEPART FROM PARO
We look forward to seeing you again!