Join the 10-Day Royal Highland Festival and Laya Run Tour in Bhutan. Experience highland culture, challenging treks, and a spectacular race in Laya.
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): Arrival in Paro
Paro - During the flight, travelers will enjoy stunning views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and other renowned Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, a guide will warmly welcome and transfer guests to their hotel. In…
Day 1 (October 19, Monday): Arrival in Paro
Paro - During the flight, travelers will enjoy stunning views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and other renowned Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, a guide will warmly welcome and transfer guests to their hotel. In the afternoon, a visit to Paro Dzong is planned. Built in the 17th century, it now houses government offices and religious institutions. Following this, guests will visit Kichu Lhakhang, the country’s oldest temple, constructed by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 8th century. In the evening, there is an opportunity to explore Paro town. Overnight stay at a hotel in Paro.
Day 2 (October 20, Tuesday): Paro
Paro Taktsang - In the morning, guests will embark on a hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most famous monastery, located at 3,180 meters. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche (a spiritual master) flew on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where the monastery now stands. The monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, approximately 900 meters above Paro Valley. Lunch will be served at the Cafeteria. Guests will explore the monastery and hike back to the valley in the afternoon. Overnight stay at a 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, guests will walk back to Koina, where they will be transferred back to Gasa. From Gasa, they will drive down along the Mo Chhu river through semi-tropical forests to Punakha. Overnight stay at a hotel in Punakha.
Day 8 (October 26, Monday): Punakha – Thimphu
Thimphu - In the morning, guests will visit Punakha Dzong, the former capital of Bhutan, beautifully situated between the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. They will then enjoy a scenic drive to Thimphu, stopping for lunch at Dochu La Pass (3,100 meters), where, on a clear day, spectacular views of the Himalayas can be seen. Upon reaching Dochula, guests will visit the new Druk Wangyal Monastery, the only one of its kind in the country, featuring elaborate paintings depicting the lineage of the present monarchy and their visionary works. From the pass, the drive continues downhill to Thimphu. Overnight stay at a hotel in Thimphu.
Day 9 (October 27, Tuesday): Thimphu
Thimphu - In the morning, guests will visit the Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), the Folk Heritage Museum, and the world’s tallest Buddha statue at Kuenselphodrang, made of bronze and measuring 169 ft. In the afternoon, a visit to Trashichhodzong is planned, and the evening is free for relaxation at the hotel or a stroll in Thimphu City. Guests can also visit handicraft stores for souvenir shopping. Overnight stay at a hotel in Thimphu.
Day 10 (October 28, Wednesday): Thimphu to Paro Departure
Paro - In the morning, after breakfast, guests will drive to Paro for their departure to their next destination.

- Tour guide
- Hotels
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Accommodation includes: 9 nights
- Breakfast
- Meals
- Car with driver
- 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.
- 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…
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.
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.