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9 Days 8 Nights
Daily Tour
Unlimited
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Experience an unforgettable 8-day journey through Bhutan, beginning in Paro with visits to Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum. Continue onward to Thimphu and Punakha to explore their cultural landmarks before heading north for the trek from Gasa to the remote village of Laya. There, you’ll take part in the lively Royal Highland Festival, where traditional music, dances, and local athletic competitions bring highland culture to life. After descending back to Gasa, unwind in its soothing natural hot springs. Your adventure concludes in Paro, offering time to reflect on the cultural richness, dramatic landscapes, and unique experiences that define this remarkable tour—an ideal blend of exploration, tradition, and relaxation.
After landing at Paro International Airport, you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Once settled, begin exploring the Paro Valley with visits to Rinpung Dzong, an impressive fortress overlooking the river, and Ta Dzong, the former watchtower that now houses the National Museum. Spend the late afternoon wandering through Paro town. Overnight in Paro.
This morning, make the short drive to Thimphu, the capital city. Your sightseeing begins with stops at Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the government and monastic body, the National Memorial Chorten, and the towering Buddha Dordenma statue. The rest of the evening is ideal for browsing Thimphu’s shops and handicraft markets. Overnight in Thimphu.
The journey to Punakha takes you across the picturesque Dochula Pass, where 108 chortens and sweeping Himalayan vistas create a memorable scene. In Punakha, tour the magnificent Punakha Dzong, dramatically positioned at the meeting point of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, and visit the nearby suspension bridge before settling in for the night. Overnight in Punakha.
Travel north to Gasa, where your highland adventure begins. From here, start the trek toward Laya, passing through remote terrain and enjoying dramatic alpine landscapes. This day offers a true taste of Bhutan’s rugged wilderness. Overnight in a campsite or local homestay in Laya.
Join the opening celebrations of the Royal Highland Festival. The event brings together Laya’s highland communities for traditional music, dance, and cultural displays. Enjoy yak and horse competitions, sample local delicacies, and witness vibrant traditional attire worn for this special occasion. Overnight in Laya.
Spend another full day enjoying the festival as it continues with more performances, age-old rituals, and friendly competitions. The atmosphere offers rare insight into the lifestyle and traditions of Bhutan’s high-altitude communities. Overnight in Laya.
Retrace your route back to Gasa, descending through sweeping mountain scenery. In Gasa, reward yourself with a relaxing soak in the region’s natural hot springs, long cherished for their healing benefits. Overnight in Gasa.
Drive back to Paro, passing through changing landscapes as you leave the highlands behind. Spend the evening enjoying a quiet walk around Paro or shopping for souvenirs to commemorate your journey. Overnight in Paro.
After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your flight onward. Depart Bhutan with lasting memories of its remote highland villages, vibrant festival traditions, and dramatic Himalayan beauty. Thank You.
You can apply online for a visa here, or if you’re travelling with a tour operator, they may apply on your behalf. Read more about the visa here. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives requiring a visa can apply either online before travelling or in person upon arrival in Bhutan.
A correctly input visa application can take up to five days to process.
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s development. Since the kingdom first opened its doors in 1974, guests have played a critical role in our country’s growth. The SDF is collected by the national exchequer and funds are allocated to various projects that create long-term, sustainable opportunities for the Bhutanese people, through free healthcare, education and training, upskilling the tourism and hospitality industry, improved infrastructure, environmental preservation and conservation, cultural preservation programmes and initiatives that support local businesses and economies. The SDF is also a vital means of maintaining the exceptional forest cover and carbon-neutrality for which our small nation is world-renowned and globally critical. The SDF also helps us to ensure that we can continue to offer guests tranquillity and an intimate experience. A correctly input visa application can take up to five days to process.
The SDF is USD 100 per night for adults from all countries except for India. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay USD 50 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF. The SDF for Indian nationals (showing a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card) is Nu. 1,200 (or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees) per person, per night. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay Nu./INR 600 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.
