Royal Highlander Festival Laya

DAY 1 :ARRIVAL IN BHUTAN, THIMPHU  

Welcome to Bhutan and your first day in the magical Land of the Thunder Dragon!
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, just outside the arrival hall, you will be greeted by one of our guides and a driver. They will drive you towards the capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu.

After having a quick lunch, we will come out of your hotel and start our tour at Motithang Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s national animal, the takin. This unusual animal is often described as looking like a moose that was stung by a bee. Formerly a small zoo, the king decreed that penning up animals was contrary to Buddhist beliefs, so they were released. The takin had difficulty adapting, so the preserve was established to care for these gentle creatures.

We will then drive up to Buddha Point where the Buddha Dordenma statue sits. At 169 feet tall, this bronze statue can be seen from just about anywhere in Thimphu. One of the largest statues in the world depicting a seated Buddha, it is the perfect place to enjoy stunning, panoramic views of the city.

DAY 2:THIMPHU TO PUNAKHA

We will travel towards Punakha right after breakfast.
On our way to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, we will stop at Dochula Pass. This is the place where there are 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, the victory stupas. Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck built the memorial to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Indian militants and to liberate the souls of those who died.
After brief recess, we will resume our journey
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Sitting at the confluence of two rivers, Punakha Dzong is considered one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. With spectacular displays of Bhutanese architecture, it stands like a medieval city surrounded by lavender Jacaranda trees. Built in 1637, the six-story structure is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan. It still serves as the winter home of the JeKhenpo, Chief Abbott of the clergy. In 2011, it hosted the royal wedding of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema.

DAY 3 : PUNAKHA TO GASA TO TONGCHU ZAM CAMP

Early Morning, we will leave hotel for Gasa which is nearly four hours drive. From the road-end point, your trek (4 hours) to Koina will begin. Starting from end of the road, trek for about four and half hours, the trail first winds with a gradual descend till Koina and then winds up with a gradual climb till your camp site past the small bride (Thongchuzam).
Overnight halt at Camp

DAY 4 :TONGCHU ZAM TO LAYA

After breakfast, start trekking to your destination, the beautiful highland village of Laya. The trail winds up gradually and at times with steep climbs till you reach Laya. Early arrival to your camp and enjoy the scenic beauty of the landscape and then you will come across a lot of villagers in their typical Laya attires.
Overnight halt at Camp

DAY 5 : LAYA (2 DAYS FESTIVAL) 

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 Royal Highlander festival shares the beauty and the wonders of Gasa district through its nature, history and its age-old tradition and culture, and to finally share all theses authenticity and the simplicity of the life of the Highlanders with our guests.

During the festival, visitors can witness the traditional offering of Buelwa (Gift offering) with Auley (traditional epic poem/song recitation tradition originated from Zhabdrung Rinpoche days) that begun during Zhabdrung Rinpoche’s reign in showing loyalty and respect by the community of Laya is being offered for dynamic and visionary leadership of our successive monarchs.

Variety of cultural programs will be performed by Layaps.
Various competitions on highland animals including the Yaks, horses and Mastiffs will be held.
The festival consists of series of stalls ranging from local based yak produce to highland technology, highland agriculture technology, medicinal herbs & plants and others

DAY 6 LAYA (2 DAYS FESTIVAL) 

Today is the second day of the festival. Programs will continue from the yesterday. Songs and dances will go on, and so will be the other events and competetions.

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.
Over night at Gasa Camp.

DAY 9: GASA TO PARO (6 HOURS DRIVE BACK)

We head back to scenic Paro Valley, home to many of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries and the country’s only airport. The valley is home to Jomolhari Mountain, located on the northwestern border of Bhutan and Tibet. Often called the wife of Kangchenjunga, the world’s third highest mountain, Jomolhari is Bhutan’s third tallest mountain at 24,035 feet. The glacier waters flowing from the mountain feed the rivers of the Paro Valley.

Paro (Rinpung) Dzong means Fortress on Jewels because it was built using stones rather than clay. It is an excellent example of 15th-century architecture and one of the most impressive dzong in Bhutan. It currently serves as the government center of Paro. A cantilever bridge that crossed the river was damaged by fire in 1907 and later washed away by floods, so the original construction was lost.

Located on a hill above Para Dzong is Ta Dzong. This cylindrical watchtower was built in 1649 and converted into the National Museum of Bhutan in 1968. The spiral-shaped building holds antiques, art, textiles, weapons, and household items that tell the history of Bhutan.
Hotels: Bhutan Mandala Resort

DAY 10 HIKE TO TAKTSANG (PARO)

Today, we will to Tiger’s Nest
We will take a two-hour hike to Taktsang Monastery, arguably one of the most photographed monasteries in Bhutan. Accessible only on foot, this sacred site was built precariously on the cliff’s edge, more than 10,000 feet above sea level. This is where Guru (Rinpoche) Padmasambhava, the father of Tantric Buddhism, is said to have flown on the back of a tiger to meditate in a cave for three years. An exhilarating climb to the cafeteria is decorated with colorful prayer flags and provides breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

Accommodation: Bhutan Mandala Resort

DAY 11 : DEPART FROM PARO

Today, despite our will, we will have to bid farewell. We hope that you had a memorial stay in this to this beautiful country. We hope by now you would have made some friends and also kept many photos and beautiful memories of Bhutan!
We look forward to seeing you again!

• Bhutan Royalties, tourists fees, Visa fees and taxes.
• Accommodations in listed or similar hotels (pleasant hotels 3-4 star type) during the tour and in tents during the trek.
• All meals, including evening tea/coffee etc through-out the trip.
• All land transfers, sightseeing with entrance fees.
• Experienced Culture Tour Guide.
• Bottled water in the vehicle and other camp serivce.

NOT INCLUDED

• Flights in and out of Bhutan.
• Travel insurance, Drink, Visa fees, Laundry