The Royal Highlander festival shares the beauty and the wonders of Gasa Dzongkhag through its nature, history and its age old tradition and culture, to share Gasa’s vision of “Good to Great Gasa” and to finally share all theses authenticity and the simplicity of the life of the Highlanders with our guests. This itinerary also includes cultural tour of western Bhutan, such as Paro, Thimphu and Punakha.

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. The various competitions on highland animals including the Yaks, horses and Mastiffs will be held and also competition such as traditional songs and dances 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.

The plateau where it is hosted allows for a panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges. Visitors stay in tents set up by the nomadic people of Lunana and Laya and roam the high plains while interacting with the highlanders. This is truly a unique experience with attendance at about 200 each year.

Royal Highland Festival + Blissful West – The Itinerary

Day 1, 20th October 2025 – Flight to Paro, Bhutan. Transfer to Punakha (3hrs drive). Stop at Dochula Pass to enjoy the view of the Himalayas. Temple Of Fertility. Night halt in Punakha

Hotel: Dharma Siddhi

Day 2, 21th October 2025 – Visit Punakha Dzong, Suspension Bridge and Khamsum Chorten. Drive to Gasa (3hrs drive). Night halt in Gasa

Accommodation: Home Stay

Day 3, 22nd October 2025 – Drive to Taktse Makha (2hrs drive). Hike to Laya (2 – 3 hrs hike). Explore Laya the highest settlement of the highlanders. Night halt in Laya.

Accommodation: Home Stay

Day 4, 23rd October 2025 – Royal Highland Festival – Day 1. Option to hike into the mountains after lunch to check out campsites of Yak hearders. Night halt in Laya

Accommodation: Home Stay

Day 5, 24th October 2025 – Royal Highland Festival – Day 2. After lunch hike to Lungo (3 Hrs) and then to Taktse Makha (1.5 Hrs) and drive to Gasa (2 Hrs). Experience the Gasa Hotspring.

Accommodation: Home Stay

Day 6, 25th October 2025 – Drive to Punakha (3 hrs) after breakfast. Lunch at Punakha Farmers Market. Rinchengang Village. Night halt in Wangdue

Hotel: Gaselo Eco Lodge

Day 7, 26th October 2025 – Cleansing Ritual at Gaselo Monasetry. Gaselo Village Hike. Drive to Thimphu. Explore Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Dinner hosted by Breathe Bhutan. Nightlife (Optional).

Hotel: City Heritage (3 Star)

Day 8, 27th October 2025 – Take it easy during the morning hours or cultural tour of Thimphu and drive to Paro after lunch. Night halt in Paro.

Hotel: Tashi Namgay Resort

Day 9, 28th October 2025 – Hike to Tigers Nest. Hotstone bath after returning back to Paro. Stroll in Paro town. Night halt in Paro.

Hotel: Tashi Namgay Resort

Day 10, 29th October 2025 – Tashi Delek! Bid Bhutan farewell and catch a flight to your next destination.

TRIP NOTES:

1. This is a private tour with your own guide and vehicle.
2. Tour Vehicle: 1 KIA Sorento.
3. Special Activities: Talk on Buddha Dharma, Cycling in Phobjikha, Cultural Performance at a scenic location, well-being ritual by nuns, cleansing ritual by a Buddhist master, sponsor meal to nuns

PACKAGE COST:

US$ 3095 For Solo & USD$ 5035 For Two (Does Not Include Air Ticket)

PAYMENT TERMS:

1. 50% of the tour payment to be deposited when confirming the trip. This fund will be used to book air ticket and hotel rooms. Air tickets need to be purchased in USD.
2. 50% of the balance payment can be deposited any time after the first deposited but latest before two months (60 days) of arrival date. The SDF will be paid with this deposit and visa will then be processed.
3. Here is the link on how to make a payment to Bhutan and our bank details: click here
4. If you wish to pay with a credit card, we will generate a payment invoice/link. There will be a 5% bank and processing fee if you wish pay online through a payment link (gateway)

PACKAGE COVERS/INCLUDE:

*The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD100 goes towards activities that promote carbon-neutral tourism and building a more sustainable tourism sector. This includes offsetting the carbon footprint of tourists and up skilling workers in the travel industry.

• Package Covers:
• Hotel rooms at the mentioned hotels/resorts
• Three meals (at hotels and local restaurants of your choice)
• Comfortable travel vehicle and certified travel guide, throughout the tour
• SDF/Royalty of USD100 per person per night
• Entrance fees, Cooking Class And Hoist a Prayer flag

PACKAGE DOES NOT COVER/INCLUDE:

• While the above package covers all travel expenses and you will not need to pay a penny extra, the following is not covered in the package:
• Alcoholic beverages at hotels/restaurants
• Food and beverages at luxury hotels and restaurants
• Shopping and tips for guide and driver
• Hot Stone Bath, Cycling, Weaving Class & Horse Riding
• Air Ticket