11 Days / 10 Nights Bhutan Tour Featuring the Royal Highlander Festival at Laya
India
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Overview
Embark on a richly diverse and adventurous 11-day journey through Bhutan, designed to immerse you in the kingdom’s breathtaking landscapes, unique cultural experiences, and the extraordinary Royal Highlander Festival at Laya. This itinerary combines scenic drives, immersive treks, vibrant festival celebrations, and deep cultural explorations.
Tour Itinerary
Paro Airport
Day -1
Arrival in Bhutan - Thimphu
- Arrival: Land at Paro International Airport, greeted by your guide and driven to Thimphu.
- Transfer to Thimphu: Approx. 50 km (31 miles), 1 to 1.5 hours by car. Enjoy the scenic drive through lush valleys and charming villages.
- Activities:
- Motithang Takin Preserve: Home to the takin, Bhutan’s national animal, which resembles a cross between a cow and a goat.
- Buddha Dordenma Statue: Visit this monumental 169-foot statue of Buddha, offering panoramic views of the Thimphu Valley and a serene atmosphere.
- Thimphu Dzong: Explore the largest fortress-monastery in Bhutan, known for its grand architecture, detailed murals, and its role as a center of administration and monastic life.
- Evening: Check into your hotel in Thimphu and enjoy a traditional Bhutanese dinner featuring dishes like ema datshi (cheese and chili stew) and momos (dumplings).
- Overnight: Thimphu.
Day -2
Thimphu Sightseeing
- Cultural Exploration:
- Trashi Choe Dzong: Visit this impressive fortress and administrative center, which also serves as the winter residence of the monk body.
- Heritage Museum: Gain insights into traditional rural Bhutanese life through exhibits of household items, farming tools, and traditional attire.
- Textile Museum: Discover Bhutan’s rich weaving heritage, showcasing intricately woven textiles and traditional garments.
- Papermaking Factory: Observe the traditional Bhutanese craft of hand-made paper using local materials like daphne.
- Simtokha Dzong: Explore Bhutan’s oldest dzong, famous for its ancient murals and inscriptions.
- Leisure: Optionally explore local markets or visit additional cultural sites.
- Overnight: Thimphu.
Day-3
Thimphu to Punakha
- Travel to Punakha: Approx. 72 km (45 miles), 2.5 to 3 hours by car.
- Activities:
- Dochula Pass: Stop at this picturesque pass, adorned with 108 chortens (stupas) and offering spectacular views of the Himalayan peaks.
- Punakha Dzong: Visit this architectural gem situated at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. The dzong is notable for its stunning woodwork and historical importance as the site of Bhutan’s first national assembly.
- Evening: Check into your hotel in Punakha and relax amidst the tranquil surroundings.
- Overnight: Punakha.
Day -4
Punakha to Gasa, Trek to Tongchu Zam Camp
- Travel to Gasa: Approx. 70 km (43 miles), 3 to 4 hours by car. The drive offers scenic views of the mountains and rivers.
- Trek to Tongchu Zam Camp: Approx. 12 km (7.5 miles), 4 to 5 hours on foot. Trek through lush forests, terraced fields, and rural landscapes.
- Activities:
- Begin Trek: Experience the beauty of Bhutan’s natural landscapes, crossing small streams and passing through traditional villages.
- Overnight: Camping at Tongchu Zam. Enjoy a campfire dinner under the stars.
Day -5
Tongchu Zam to Laya
- Trek to Laya: Approx. 20 km (12.4 miles), 6 to 7 hours on foot. The trek takes you through high-altitude terrain and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Activities:
- Enjoy the Highland Scenery: Admire the rugged beauty and unique flora and fauna of the highlands.
- Interact with Locals: Engage with the Layaps, the highland people known for their distinct culture and traditional attire.
- Overnight: Laya. Stay in basic lodgings or camp, experiencing the highland environment.
Day - 6
Laya (1st Day of Royal Highlander Festival)
- Royal Highlander Festival: Celebrate with the locals in this unique festival dedicated to highland life.
- Traditional Cultural Performances: Watch vibrant dance performances, traditional music, and ceremonial rituals.
- Yak-based Competitions: Enjoy contests showcasing yaks, including races and skills demonstrations.
- Highland Life Displays: Explore exhibitions of highland crafts, foods, and daily life.
- Overnight: Laya.
Day - 7
Laya (2nd Day of Royal Highlander Festival)
- Royal Highlander Festival: Continue to immerse yourself in the festival’s activities.
- Additional Cultural Shows: Experience more performances and local traditions.
- Highland Animal Competitions: Witness further competitions involving local animals like yaks and horses.
- Local Crafts: Explore and purchase highland crafts, including handmade textiles and traditional jewelry.
- Overnight: Laya.
Day -8
Laya to Thongchu Zam
- Trek to Thongchu Zam: Approx. 20 km (12.4 miles), 6 to 7 hours on foot. Trek back through picturesque mountain scenery, reflecting on the festival’s highlights.
- Activities:
- Return Trek: Enjoy the changing landscapes and serene environment as you make your way back to Thongchu Zam.
- Overnight: Camping at Thongchu Zam. Enjoy another campfire dinner and stargazing.
Day -9
Thongchu Zam to Gasa
- Trek to Gasa: Approx. 12 km (7.5 miles), 4 to 5 hours on foot. Finish the trek and return to Gasa.
- Activities:
- Gasa Hot Springs: Relax in the natural hot springs, known for their therapeutic properties, after your trek.
- Overnight: Gasa. Enjoy a hot spring bath and a comfortable night’s rest.
Day -10
Gasa to Paro
- Travel to Paro: Approx. 175 km (109 miles), 7 to 8 hours by car. Enjoy the scenic drive through the Bhutanese countryside.
- Activities:
- Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong): Visit this grand fortress-monastery, which serves as the administrative center of Paro district and is known for its historical and architectural significance.
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- National Museum (Ta Dzong): Explore the museum housed in a historic watchtower, showcasing Bhutanese art, historical artifacts, and cultural exhibits.
- Evening: Check into your hotel in Paro and prepare for your final day of exploration.
- Overnight: Paro.
Day -11
Departure from Paro
- Activities:
- Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest): Hike to this iconic cliffside monastery. Approx. 6 km (3.7 miles) round trip, 4 to 5 hours. Enjoy breathtaking views and explore the sacred site where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated.
- Kyichu Lhakhang: Visit one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, dating back to the 7th century, and learn about its significance in Bhutanese Buddhism.
- Travel to Paro International Airport: Approx. 5 km (3 miles), 15 minutes by car.
- Farewell: Transfer to the airport for your departure.
- Reflection: Depart with treasured memories of Bhutan’s unique landscapes, cultural heritage, and the Royal Highlander Festival.
Inclusion
- Accomodation
- Guide
- Transport
- Breakfast
Exclusion
- Monuments
Reviews
We used India Taxi Services on our recent holiday in India. Our first driver was Raj in Delhi. He was very professional & reliable. He drove carefully & safely. For the rest of our trip our driver was Karamvir. He was also very professional, reliable....
BC pls
Golden triangle plus Ranthambore safari and Goa
We have just completed a delightful and very successful 14 day holiday organised by Indo Pacific Holidays based in New Delhi. We would like to thank Abhilash at Indo Pacific, who spent many hours expertly organising our detailed trip itinerary. Plus, a s
Roderick P
Fantastic Holiday