
Royal Highland Festival
7-Day Laya Group Tour
Tour Type: Group Tour
Route: Paro – Punakha – Gasa – Laya – Paro
Highlights:
- Free assistance with applying for the Bhutan Visa
- Guaranteed departure with just one participant, including a warm airport pickup and local guide service in English
- Experience a Traditional Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath
- Celebrates the rich cultural heritage and traditional lifestyles of the highland communities
- Pay homage to the Bhutan’s iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, the retreat site of Guru Padmasambhava
USD 1,199/per pax
Day 1: Arrival in Paro
With a roughly over three hours flight journey from Bangkok to Bhutan, you can enjoy the majestic view of the great Himalayas. Welcome to Bhutan, upon your arrival at Paro airport you will be received by our tour guide. After completion of the visa formalities, we will drive to Thimphu, the capital city, which takes about an hour. Upon arrival at Thimphu, lunch at the Folk Heritage Restaurant will be served.
Buddha Point
A quick visit to the Buddha Point, perched on a hillock overlooking the entire capital city. The 169ft bronze Buddha is the largest in the world. Get a scenic view of Thimphu city.
Dochula Pass
On the way, we will make a stop over at Dochula Pass (3200m). Dochula is a beautiful place engrossed with Buddhist colorful prayer flags and 108 stupas on the hill. On clear sunny days, you can witness the whole eastern himalayan ranges and get a panoramic photograph view. There is a short (15mins) walking trail above the stupa through old juniper and Ceder trees. One can enjoy fresh air, stunning views and a quiet walk.
Friendly Reminders:
- Flight pick-up services are arranged by a local professional service center. They will contact you in advance, so please keep your phone accessible.
- Travelers will be received by our guide, we will inform you in advance how to check in at your hotel. If you haven’t received instructions, please contact us immediately (refer to your tour notice).
- Our guide will inform you by 10pm via call or message about the next day’s schedule.
- Listen to our guide and avoid wandering too much. A calm mindset and enough rest are the best ways to prevent altitude sickness.
Meals: Lunch & dinner included, breakfast on your own
Accommodation: Punakha
Day 2: Punakha – Gasa – Laya
After an early morning breakfast, we will drive to Gasa and then to Taktsemakha where the road ends. It will approximately take about 4 -5 hours. From there, we will trek to Kohi Laptsa pass at an altitude of 3,300m. We will start hiking and the trail consists of ascent and descent (around 4 hours) along the Mo Chhu river valley. You can enjoy the most incredible view of the raging river, feeder stream and astounding waterfalls. Finally we will settle at Laya Village.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner included
Accommodation: Laya
Day 3: Royal Highland Festival at Laya
Royal Highland Festival
The Royal Highland Festival, held annually in the picturesque highlands of Bhutan, is a vibrant celebration that showcases the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of the region. This festival, initiated by His Majesty, aims to promote the sustainable development of highland communities and preserve their unique traditions. One of the highlights of the event is the traditional highland sports, including archery and horse racing, which draw participants and spectators from across the country. The festival also features cultural performances, such as traditional dances and music, providing a platform for local artists to display their talents. Visitors can explore a bustling marketplace offering highland crafts and delicacies, providing an authentic taste of Bhutanese culture. The Royal Highland Festival is an unforgettable experience that not only celebrates the highland traditions but also fosters a sense of unity and pride among the Bhutanese people.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner included
Accommodation: Laya
Day 4: Laya – Gasa – Punakha
With the most memorable days spent in the mountains with the nomads, celebrating life and enjoying the most incredible sceneries of the mountains, we will head back to Punakha today. You will slowly climb down and go through the same trail that took us to Laya. With the majority of the trail leading down the hills and mountains, we expect to reach by two hours to the road point. We will then visit Gasa Dzong built in 1646 by Zhabdrung, the founder of Bhutan.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner included
Accommodation: Punakha
Day 5: Punakha sightseeing – Paro
Punakha Valley
Punakha Valley, located in the heart of Bhutan, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and cultural significance. Nestled at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, the valley is surrounded by lush rice paddies and terraced fields, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Punakha is home to the majestic Punakha Dzong, a 17th-century fortress that is a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture and serves as the winter residence of the central monastic body. The valley’s mild climate and fertile land make it an agricultural hub, particularly known for its red rice and organic farming. Visit the longest Suspension bridge connecting the valleys. You can enjoy the cool river breeze and the beauty of the valley and a picnic lunch at Punakha. After lunch, we will drive to Paro which is about a 3-hour drive.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner included
Accommodation: Paro
Day 6: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang)
Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious site. The name “Taktsang” translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. This temple is the most holy site in the kingdom and clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters. It takes around 2-3-hour hike through beautiful, shady pine forests to reach the monastery. No trip to Bhutan would be complete without a visit to this remarkable heritage site. (Note: Please wear comfortable shoes. There is a pony ride to the halfway point of the Tiger’s Nest Monastery for those who are confident to hike the whole journey (own your expenses). After a lovely hike, perhaps you may try the hot stone bath (own your expenses).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner included
Accommodation: Paro
Day 7 – Departure from Paro
After breakfast, transfer to the airport according to your departure schedule, concluding your wonderful journey.
Meals: Breakfast included, lunch & dinner on your own
Accommodation: Not included
Travel Notice
Inclusions
- Transportation:
Flight: International round-trip flight ticket from Bangkok to Paro.
Land: 4 to 17-seat licensed tourist vehicles, arranged based on group size. - Bhutan Tourism Sustainable development fee & Travel Visa
Bhutan Tourism Sustainable Development Fee: Per person USD 100 per night
Travel visa: Per person USD 40 per entry - Accommodation:
Standard hotels with basic twin rooms. (No single rooms provided naturally; no bed, no breakfast for non-occupying guests)
If you wish to upgrade to single room or comfort-style hotels, please contact us. - Meals:
Meals and refreshment as marked in the itinerary. (Other meals are at your own expense; no refunds for voluntarily skipped meals. Guests who are not accustomed to Bhutanese food may bring their
own condiments.) - Tour Guide:
English guide. - Entrance Tickets:
☆ First gate entrance fees for all listed attractions. If an attraction becomes unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances, an alternative
will be arranged.
☆ The tour price for the low season already reflects discounted winter rates. No refunds or surcharges will be made if policies change.
☆ If there is a temporary price adjustment due to policy changes, the agency will not charge or refund the difference. - Airport Transfers: Free airport pick-up and drop-off services for arrival and departure.
Exclusions
- Travel Insurance:
Travel accident insurance is not covered. Contact us for more information. - Single Room Supplement:
Tour price is based on twin-sharing. If a single room is required, the single supplement must be paid. - Hotel Fee for Changes:
Due to full payment for hotel bookings in advance, any accommodation cost changes due to itinerary adjustments will be at the guest’s expense. - Personal Expenses:
Laundry, phone calls, faxes, paid TV, drinks, alcohol, etc. in hotels. - Unforeseen Circumstances:
Due to force majeure or reasons beyond the agency’s control (e.g., natural disasters, war, strikes, epidemics), or flight/visa delays, or insufficient group size, the agency reserves the right to cancel or adjust the itinerary. Any additional costs (e.g., visas, accommodation, meals, transport, airline surcharges) will be borne by the traveler. - Tips:
Recommended tips for driver and guide: USD 5 per person per day for each. - Transportation to/from Thailand:
Round-trip travel to and from Thailand is not included in the tour fee. If booking is needed, additional charges apply.
Important Notice
Important Notes for Registration
- This tour requires a minimum of 2 participants to operate and is limited to a maximum of 16 travelers. Local guides and drivers will handle airport pickup and in-country services.
- Itinerary and meals may be adjusted depending on various factors such as seasonality, availability, local holidays, or hotel locations. In the event of unforeseen circumstances (e.g., weather conditions, strikes, etc.), the company reserves the right to make necessary changes to the itinerary for the safety and well-being of all travelers.
- Full payment of the tour fee is required at least 30 days before departure, in order for us to remit the amount to the Royal Government of Bhutan’s designated bank account. Only after full payment is received can we proceed with the Bhutan visa application.
Note: All travel expenses must be paid in advance before any visa-related documents can be submitted. Once payment is complete, our local partner will forward the remittance receipt to the Bhutan authorities for visa processing. A printed copy of the visa must be presented at check-in to board the flight to Bhutan. In case of cancellation, all visa-related fees and cancellation charges shall be borne by the traveler. - Bhutan values spiritual purity and environmental sustainability. There are no luxury shopping malls or excessive packaging. This is not a luxury tour, but rather a cultural and spiritual journey focused on Bhutan’s rich history, traditions, and sacred sites.
- Bhutanese cuisine is characterized by the use of chili peppers and often includes cheese, potatoes, and spicy flavors. Vegetables are commonly legumes and root varieties. If you do not eat spicy food or have any special dietary needs, please inform us before booking so that meal arrangements can be made in advance.
- Tour prices are based on double occupancy. If you are traveling alone or require a single room due to personal preference, a single supplement fee will apply.
- If you choose not to participate in any part of the itinerary, it will be considered a voluntary forfeit. No refunds will be issued for unused portions.
- For the safety and coordination of the group, requests to leave the group mid-tour cannot be accepted. The tour begins and ends with service at Paro Airport.
Other Notes:
- Bhutan is located within the Himalayan region, with nearly half of its territory above 3,000 meters in elevation. Due to the dramatic differences in altitude, the country experiences wide variations in climate. Its vast and rugged landscape makes it a destination for special interest travel, with attractions spread far apart. Unlike more developed tourist regions, travel in Bhutan requires participants to be in good physical and mental condition, and mentally prepared for the challenges of the journey.
- Bhutan has long hours of sunshine and strong ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Please bring adequate sun protection such as sunscreen, a hat, long-sleeved clothing, and sunglasses. It’s important to stay hydrated and eat plenty of fruits during your trip.
- Please respect Bhutanese religious and cultural customs, and comply with local government regulations. As the country has unique national policies, we kindly ask travelers to be mindful of their words and behavior, especially regarding political topics.
- As Bhutan only recently opened to tourism, many areas are still restricted or underdeveloped. Compared to more established tourist destinations, infrastructure such as scenic spots, roads, and accommodations may be basic. We have made every effort to arrange the most suitable itinerary and logistics for your comfort and safety, and we appreciate your understanding.
- In the event of natural disasters such as landslides, mudslides, snowstorms, or floods, or flight delays or cancellations by the airline, we will not be responsible for any changes to the itinerary or related costs and compensation.
- If changes or cancellations to hotels, attractions, or itineraries occur due to government decisions or local events, we will attempt to resolve the situation but will not be liable for compensation.
- If travelers are unable to complete the tour due to personal reasons or leave the group early, this will be considered as voluntary withdrawal, and no refund will be given.
- Flight tickets cannot be transferred, changed, or refunded once issued. The airline’s schedule takes precedence, and any errors in the traveler’s name or ID number will result in the traveler being unable to board, for which the travel agency will not be held responsible.
Flight Delays:
Considering that flights from Paro may be delayed due to weather, there is typically a 2-4 hour layover between connecting flights. Travelers should plan accordingly to avoid missing their flight.
We hold the final explanation right for this itinerary.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel your trip, you must submit a cancellation request in written form. The cancellation fee will be calculated from the date we receive your written notice.
Cancellation fees will be applied as follows:
- 45 to 31 days before the trip start date: 30% of the deposit will be charged as a cancellation fee.
- 30 to 15 days before the trip start date: 50% of the deposit will be charged as a cancellation fee.
- Within 14 days before the trip start date: 100% of the deposit will be charged as a cancellation fee.
- Additionally: Any service charges paid on your behalf (which may include bank or payment platform fees, airline, hotel, or company charges) will be deducted from any refundable amount.
Due to visa requirements, if a traveler is unable to travel, substitution by another person is not allowed. This will be considered a cancellation, and the above fees will apply. Please be aware of this before registering.
Once the tour has started, no refunds will be issued for any unused services resulting from early departure, late arrival, or missed travel dates (including hotel stays, air tickets, meals, entrance fees, etc., as applicable).
Please note: Some promotional packages may be subject to special terms and conditions. Please refer to the specific promotional pages for details.
The travel agency holds the final explanation right for this itinerary.
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