The Royal Highlander Festival/ Fixed Departure

Package Overview

DESTINATION: Laya, (Thimphu to Laya -126km Drive + 2days hike)
ALTITUDE: 3800 meter
DATE: 23 & 24 October 2023.
TOUR: Fixed Departure

OVERVIEW.
The Royal highlander Festival is held at Laya in northwest Bhutan under Gasa district. It is inhabited by indigenous Layap people and is the highest settlement in the country. Journey is two days uphill trek from Gasa Dzong. The festival celebrates highlanders’ unique costume, dance, music, sport events, handicrafts, food, medicinal herbs, plants and intangible forms of culture. The exciting part of festival is the competition of livestock, showcasing colorfully adorned yaks, horses and the noble Bhutanese mastiffs. Besides festival, one can also access the closer view of the Great Himalayan peaks, sensing almost its cool breeze passing-by your face.
The festival was introduced in 2016 in order to mark celebration of the Birth of HRH the Gyalsey. The festival draws many highlanders from across the country that will walk days to Laya to participate and showcase their culture.

Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrival in Paro - Thimphu. (ALT- 2320M)

  Your first day travelling to Bhutan by Druk Air is going to be fascinating, the first glance over the Bhutanese Himalayas. Upon arrival at Paro airport you will be greeted by our guide and transfer to Thimphu, (2 hours drive) Capital of Bhutan.
  Program & Highlight
  • Entering the Gross National Happiness Nation, Thimphu City is nestled in the broad Himalayas gives the tranquility and harmony with nature.
  • Visit cultural events, monuments, textile, museums and handicrafts in Thimphu City.
  Night halt at Hotel in Thimphu

  • Themes Monuments & Historical Places
  • Accommodation Bhutan Boutique Residency [ 3 Star ]
• Day 2 : Thimphu to Gasa (ALT- 2800M)

  Program & Highlight
  • Stopping for cup of coffee at Dochu-la pass is worth seeing Bhutan with the beautiful stupas built on foreground and the staggering views of Himalayas at a distance.
  • The Majestic Gasa Dzong against the background of snowcapped peak is going to be the superb scenic.
  Night halt at home stays / Guesthouse.

  • Themes Sightseeing
• Day 3 : Gasa to Laya / ALT 3820M

  Program & Highlight
  Although the trek is going to be a challenging adventure, it is always paid-off at the end of the day:
  • Spectacular mountain views
  • Blue sheep on rocky slopes
  • Takin animals under forest.
  • Greetings from Blue poppy flower on your way.
  Night halt will be in tents at Laya.

  • Themes Trekking
• Day 4 : Highlander festival celebration.

  Program & Highlight:
  • Welcoming speech by Chief Guest and unfurling of national flag on mountain top is a mesmerizing scene.
  • Exciting colorful participants waiting at the wide and green slope of LAYA is an artistic impression.
  • Photo enthusiastic, busy capturing shot at all corners.
  • Spending whole day at Laya ground is a lifetime experience and great remembrance.
  Overnight in Camp at Laya.

  • Themes Food and Drink, Horse Riding, Entertaining Live Shows
• Day 5 : Highlander festival celebration

  Highlights.
  1. Cattle show
  2. Highlander Mastiff show
  3. Local Cultural Show.
  4. Local cuisine display
  5. Mixed dance with the Guests.

  • Themes Food and Drink, Entertaining Live Shows
• Day 6 : Laya to Punakha / 1200M

  Experimenting Hot stone bath in Punakha is recommended after the tiring trek to Laya. It will just melt away your pains and rejuvenate your health back to original state.
  Overnight in Punakha

  • Themes Trekking
  • Accommodation Hotel Kingaling / Punakha Residency [ 3 Star ]
• Day 7 : Punakha to Paro / ALT 2200M

  Before moving to Paro, you will visit the following.
  • Magnificent Punakha Dzong adorned with Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers.
  • Chimi Lhakhang and discover the magic of the Devine mad man, Lama Drukpa Kuenlay.
  Overnight in Paro.

  • Themes Forts and Palaces
  • Accommodation Hotel Ratna Vara [ 3 Star ]
• Day 8 : Hike to Taktsang / ALT 3120M

  The last itinerary of tour, an adventurous hike to Taktsang is the most fulfilling and rewarding. The captivating scene of Taktsang monastery located on sheer cliff, height of 900m above ground level is the most wondrous in Bhutan.
  
  Local sightseeing: (Optional or if time permits after Taktsang visit)
  • Paro valley, adorned with patches of paddy fields, temples and the popular Rinpung Dzong.
  • Drugyal Dzong on the picturesque hill top has the enough historical significance and has stories to tell about.
  • Kichu Lhakhang. It is the oldest and sacred monastery built in 7th century.
  • Many more.
  
  Overnight will halt at a hotel in Paro.

  • Themes Hiking, Monuments & Historical Places
  • Accommodation Hotel Ratna Vara [ 3 Star ]
• Day 9 : Departure from Paro.

  You will drive to Paro International airport and bid farewell by our representatives.

  • Themes Sightseeing

Inclusions

• MAP (Room + Breakfast + Lunch/Dinner)
• Hotel
• Sightseeing
• Transfers
• Pickup-Drop
• Private Cab
• Private Guide
• Welcome Drink
• Accommodation
• Mineral Water
• Visa Services
• Non Veg Meals
• Veg Meals
• Veg & Non Veg Meals
• Government Royalty SDF and Tax

Exclusions

• 1. Fight to and from Bhutan
• 2. Alcoholic beverage
• 3. Travel Insurance.
• 4. Entry fee to Parks & Monuments.
• 5. 4 & 5 Star Accommodation (Extra charge will apply)
• 6. Personal expenses
• 7. Tips for guide & driver.
• 8. Domestic flight ( Available on request)

Price & Rates

Accommodation

Package Start From

• Paro, Bhutan, Asia

Discount

• • INDIVISUAL DISCOUNT: 50% on minimum daily package shall be given to one person in a group of 11 people. 100% discount shall be given to one member in a group exceeding 16 persons.
• • GROUP DISCOUNT: More people, More discount in PACKAGES.
• • Balance payment: The remaining payment or 100% payment must be made one week prior to the arrival date or can be done on the arrival day in Bhutan.

Terms & Conditions

This Tour is Offered by

• Hejo - 1101
• XXXXXX6376 View Contact
• XXXXXXXXXX@gmail.com View Mail ID
• https://www.tiny-bhutantour.com

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