Bhutan Travel Specialist, Druk Air Representative (Royal Bhutan Airlines)

10 days 9 Nights with Royal Highland Festival

Embark on a 10-day journey to the Royal Highland Festival, where Bhutan's vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes merge in celebration. Witness traditional highland life, awe-inspiring performances, and the beauty of the Himalayas.

  • Guaranteed visa approval
  • 16,000+ satisfied travellers
  • Fast, easy and fuss free experience
  • Free consultation from our travel specialists

From

US$2,880.00*

*per adult
Check Availability Talk to us

What's Included

  • Guided tour
  • Visas for Bhutan
  • Airport transfers
  • Daily 3 meals (B/L/D) at designated restaurants or hotels
  • Accommodation at 3 star hotel
  • A qualified & licensed English-speaking guide
  • An experienced driver
  • A tour vehicle
  • Entry fees & road permits
  • Government fee, royalty, taxes & surcharges
  • Mineral bottled water
  • Set of traditional costume (to be return at the end of your stay)
  • Full service & assistance before, during and after your Bhutan trip

What's Excluded

  • Flight into Bhutan via Drukair (can be arranged with us)
  • Flight on other airline to catch Drukair Flight
  • Meals at 4-5 stars restaurants
  • Hotel stay outside of Bhutan
  • Expenditure of personal nature
  • Travel Insurance (can be arranged with us)
  • Tips for the guide and driver
  • Alcoholic drink

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Paro

Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Touching down at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide upon exiting the arrival hall. Today, we will take it easy to acclimatize to the altitude.

Activities

Paro Airport Bird's Eye View Point

Drive up to the Viewpoint and you have the amazing glimpse of the Paro International Airport.

Paro Town

Paro Town is a charming and picturesque valley town nestled along the Paro River, surrounded by forested hills and traditional Bhutanese architecture. As the gateway to Bhutan—home to the country’s only international airport—Paro offers a relaxed blend of culture, history, and local life. The town is dotted with whitewashed shops, cosy cafés, handicraft boutiques, and traditional wooden buildings, all set against a stunning Himalayan backdrop. It's a good place to shop for souvenirs and mementos.

Day 2 Paro to Punakha

Activities

Dochula Pass

Perched at an altitude of 3,100 metres, Dochula Pass is one of Bhutan’s most serene and awe-inspiring mountain passes. Often cloaked in mist and prayer flags fluttering in the breeze, it’s a place where time seems to slow down. The pass is adorned with 108 memorial chortens, built in honour of Bhutanese soldiers, and offers panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan range on clear days. Whether you're pausing for reflection or simply soaking in the stillness, Dochula invites you to breathe deeply, feel the peace, and reconnect with the beauty of the journey.

Chimi Lhakhang

Nestled in the charming village of Sopsokha, Chimi Lhakhang—also known as the Fertility Temple—stands atop a gentle hill near Lobesa. Built in 1499 by Ngawang Choegyel, the 14th Drukpa Hierarch, the monastery is dedicated to the revered and unconventional saint, Lama Drukpa Kunley, famously known as the Divine Madman for his unorthodox teachings and eccentric behavior. To reach the temple, enjoy a scenic 30-minute walk through terraced paddy fields and a quaint village path. Pilgrims from all over the world visit Chimi Lhakhang to seek blessings for fertility, and many couples have returned to share stories of their answered prayers. A visit here offers not only cultural insight but also a peaceful connection with Bhutan’s spiritual traditions.

Punakha Dzong

Step into the heart of Bhutanese history and spirituality with a visit to Punakha Dzong, one of the most iconic and breathtaking fortresses in the country. Nestled at the sacred confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, this architectural masterpiece was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the great unifier of Bhutan. As you cross the traditional wooden cantilever bridge and approach the grand whitewashed walls, you’ll be walking the very grounds where Bhutan’s dual system of governance was first introduced—and where the first King, Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned in 1907. Despite enduring fires and an earthquake, the dzong stands today fully restored—thanks to the vision of the 4th King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. It now serves as the winter residence of the Je Khenpo, the spiritual head of Bhutan, and houses a monastic community of over 1,000 monks. Marvel at the intricate woodwork and artistry that adorn the halls and courtyards, and let the sacred energy of this historic site leave a lasting impression on your journey.

Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge

Stretching 160 metres across the Pho Chhu River, this is the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan. From its swaying span, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the majestic Punakha Dzong and the lush Pho Chhu Valley—an unforgettable vantage point for photos and quiet reflection.

Day 3 Punakha

Activities

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten

[Duration: 2 hours – 1 hour ascent, 1 hour descent] Embark on a scenic hike through lush paddy fields and pine forests to reach the stunning Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, perched gracefully on a hilltop overlooking the Punakha Valley. Unlike any other temple in Bhutan, this intricately designed chorten was built by the Queen Mother of the 5th King to promote peace, harmony, and universal well-being. Inside, the temple is adorned with some of Bhutan’s finest spiritual artwork. The walls are covered in detailed frescoes depicting Buddhist masters, protective deities, and profound symbolic imagery—offering a rich visual journey into Vajrayana Buddhist philosophy. This sacred site is not only a visual masterpiece but also a place of deep spiritual resonance, perfect for quiet reflection and cultural insight.

Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang

Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang temple and nunnery, gracefully perched on a ridge, offers sweeping views of the Toebesa, Punakha, and Wangduephodrang valleys. Dedicated to the Bodhisattva of Compassion, it holds deep spiritual significance. The temple was consecrated by His Holiness in a sacred ceremony attended by His Majesty the King, the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, members of the royal family, and hundreds of devoted pilgrims from Punakha, marking it as a revered site of prayer and devotion.

Chorten Nyingpo

Your journey takes you through peaceful countryside to the sacred site of Chorten Nyingpo Lhakhang, a temple steeped in legend and spiritual heritage. According to tradition, during the 15th century (8th Rabjung cycle), the revered yogi Lam Drukpa Kuenley—also known as the Divine Madman—passed through the village of Jiligang on his way from Tibet. As he travelled, he threw aside a partially burnt piece of wood, which landed at the spot where the temple now stands. Miraculously, the wood took root and grew into a lush, leafy tree. Taking this as an auspicious sign, the yogi blessed the site, which was later chosen for the temple. In the 18th century (13th Rabjung), the site was visited by Chogtrul Jigme Singye (1742–1789), the 4th reincarnation of Lama Thripa Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay. Recognising the sanctity of the location, he established the present-day Chorten Nyingpo temple, which continues to be a revered spiritual centre for the local community. Enjoy time to explore the temple grounds, soak in its peaceful atmosphere, and learn more about its rich legacy of sacred Bhutanese history.

Day 4 Punakha to Gasa and then trek to Laya Camp

Today we will start early morning drive from Punakha to Gasa (Thonghu Zam). From there we will start our trek up to the Laya Camp. It will take about 5-6 hours to reach to the camp.

Activities

Punakha To Gasa To Laya via Thongchu Zam

Early morning drive from Punakha to Gasa. With the recent road development now we can drive all the way to Thong chu Zam. Lower, the trek duration. From Thongchu Zam we will make our way to Laya. he 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 locals in their typical Laya costumes. Overnight Camp at Laya

Day 5 Laya Festival Day 1

Activities

Royal Highlander Festival

The Royal Highlander Festival will be organised in Laya this October. Driven by the underlying goal of making the highlands a vibrant and thriving economy, the festival aims to promote the sustainable livelihood of highlanders, showcase highlander’s innovation, and exhibit the highlands as the pride of Bhutan. The festival brings together highlanders from other parts of Bhutan to exchange values, knowledge, skills, and best practices related to highlands and yak farming. The festival is a landmark activity of Gasa dzongkhag’s “Good to Great Gasa”, a vision inspired by His Majesty’s passion to make our country great.

Day 6 Laya Festival Day 2

Activities

Royal Highlander Festival

The Royal Highlander Festival will be organised in Laya this October. Driven by the underlying goal of making the highlands a vibrant and thriving economy, the festival aims to promote the sustainable livelihood of highlanders, showcase highlander’s innovation, and exhibit the highlands as the pride of Bhutan. The festival brings together highlanders from other parts of Bhutan to exchange values, knowledge, skills, and best practices related to highlands and yak farming. The festival is a landmark activity of Gasa dzongkhag’s “Good to Great Gasa”, a vision inspired by His Majesty’s passion to make our country great.

Day 7 Laya to Thonghcu Zam and move to Punakha

Activities

Laya to Punakha via Thongchu Zam

Today we will descend from Laya back to Thongchu Zam and then drive back to Punakha

Day 8 Punakha to Paro

Activities

Kyichu Lhakhang

At 1300 years old, Kyichu Lhakhang is one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, believed to have been built in the 7th century by Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo as part of a spiritual mission to subdue a demoness and spread Buddhism. Located just north of Paro, it is often referred to as the “Sacred Jewel of Bhutan.” Over the centuries, the temple has been expanded and visited by many great masters, including Padmasambhava. It's a peaceful and deeply spiritual place, cherished by pilgrims and visitors alike.

Kha ja Throm Paro

Initiated upon Royal Command, and as a gift from His Majesty The King to the people of Paro, the Ka Ja Throm has been built so that vendors can showcase and sell their produce in a vibrant community space. The Farmer’s Market has 147 stalls for vegetables, fruits, meat, and other local farm produce, and food and drinks. A children’s park and an open-air live-band stage are also part of the Paro Ka Ja Throm. The market is envisioned to be a lively public space place for families and visitors to enjoy while also showcasing the best of Paro’s local produce. The management will organize regular live performances at the venue, alongside food and drinks stalls managed by de-suups from the DSP Culinary training.

Walk around the Paro Town

Take a leisurely stroll through Paro town, exploring traditional Bhutanese shops, browsing handcrafted treasures, and relaxing in charming local cafés—soaking in the town’s unique blend of culture and charm.

Day 9 Paro

Are you ready? We will be making the hike up to one of the key highlights in Bhutan today! Tiger's Nest aka Taktsang Monastery

Activities

Taktsang Monastery

They say, "a visit to Bhutan is not complete without climbing up to the Tiger's Nest". Taktsang Monastery, famously known as the Tiger’s Nest, is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark, dramatically perched on a cliffside 3,120 metres above sea level in Paro Valley. According to legend, Guru Padmasambhava flew to this site in the 8th century on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave that now lies at the heart of the monastery. Built in 1692, the complex includes temples, meditation caves, and stunning viewpoints that seem to defy gravity. Reaching the monastery involves a scenic 2–3 hour hike through pine forests and fluttering prayer flags—a spiritual and physical journey that rewards you with breathtaking views and deep serenity.

Day 10 Depart from Bhutan

Today we will bid a fond farewell to this beautiful Himalayan country and take a flight back home. We hope by now you would have made some friends and also kept many photos and beautiful memories of Bhutan! And we look forward to seeing you again in this beautiful land of endless Enchantments! Tashi Delek

Map Link
Why book with Druk Asia

We're Bhutan's largest tour operator & leading travel specialist with more than a decade of experience. We specialise in creating personalised, authentic and immersive travel experiences for travellers all around the world.

We're also the most-reviewed Bhutan tour agency with over 700 testimonials from satisfied clients in 50 countries. Our exceptional service and attention to detail have earned us a reputation as the go-to tour operator for Bhutan travel.

Our Guarantee

  • Guaranteed Visa approval. We have yet to disappoint a single of our travellers in term of Visa issuance.
  • Your choice of hotels will be confirmed for your inspection before your arrival.
  • We're here to help. Our world-class member services team is available by phone or email.
  • Guaranteed visa approval
  • 17,000+ satisfied travellers
  • Fast, easy and fuss free experience
  • Free consultation from our travel specialists

From

US$2,880.00*

*per adult
Check Availability Talk to us