Best Season: October
Festival Location: Laya, Gasa District (High Himalayas)
Arrive at Paro International Airport and meet your guide before driving to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Visit Buddha Dordenma Statue and explore the city if time permits. Overnight in Thimphu.
After breakfast, drive through the scenic Dochula Pass with panoramic Himalayan views. Continue to Punakha and visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful fortresses. Overnight in Punakha.
Travel towards the remote Himalayan region of Gasa and Laya, home of the Layap people. Enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery, traditional villages, and the unique culture of Bhutan’s highland communities. Attend the Highland Festival featuring traditional dances, yak competitions, local songs, handicrafts, and celebrations showcasing the lifestyle of Bhutan’s mountain people. Overnight in Laya (camp/homestay).
Spend the day experiencing the vibrant Highland Festival. Witness traditional performances, local sports, cultural displays, and interact with highland communities dressed in their traditional attire. Enjoy authentic local food and learn about the unique traditions of the Layap people. Overnight in Laya.
Return from the highlands and drive back towards Punakha, enjoying the dramatic Himalayan landscapes along the way. Overnight in Punakha.
Drive to Paro via Dochula Pass. Visit Rinpung Dzong and explore Paro town. Overnight in Paro.
Hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang), Bhutan’s most famous spiritual landmark. Enjoy spectacular views and explore this sacred monastery built on a cliffside. Return to Paro for a farewell dinner. Overnight in Paro.
Transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight.