Bhutan Royal Highland Festival Tour

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ブータン、パロ

##Trip Overview ##

This immersive 11-day journey through Bhutan takes you from the cultural heart of the kingdom to its remote Himalayan highlands, blending classic sightseeing with rare festival experiences. Beginning with a spectacular flight into Paro, the trip unfolds through the capital city Thimphu, the historic valleys of Punakha, and onward to the secluded village of Laya in northern Bhutan. Travelers explore Bhutan’s iconic dzongs, monasteries, museums, and viewpoints while gaining insight into the country’s deep-rooted Buddhist traditions and living heritage. A scenic drive over high mountain passes such as Dochu-La and Chele-La reveals breathtaking Himalayan panoramas, while gentle hikes lead to sacred sites like Chhimi Lhakhang and the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery. A highlight of the journey is the Royal Highland Festival in Laya, held at an altitude of around 4,000 meters. This rare cultural celebration offers an authentic glimpse into the lives of Bhutan’s highland nomads, featuring traditional music and dances, yak and horse competitions, indigenous foods, textiles, and age-old agricultural practices. Staying in local farmhouses provides a unique opportunity to connect with the Layap community in one of Bhutan’s most pristine regions, nestled within Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park. The journey concludes back in Paro with visits to the Haa Valley and Bhutan’s most revered pilgrimage site, leaving travelers with lasting memories of dramatic landscapes, vibrant culture, and the warm hospitality of the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

##Detailed Itinerary ##
Day 1: Arrive in Paro – Drive to Thimphu (55 km / 1.5 hrs)
Your Bhutan adventure begins with a breathtaking flight over the Himalayas into the scenic Paro Valley. Majestic mountain peaks, pristine forests, and traditional Bhutanese settlements unfold beneath you.
After completing visa formalities at Paro International Airport, meet your guide and drive to Thimphu.
Afternoon:
Visit Tashichhodzong, the historic “Fortress of the Glorious Religion,” built in 1641 and later reconstructed in 1965. It houses Bhutan’s government offices, the throne room, and the monastic body.
Evening: Free time to explore Thimphu town.
Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing
After breakfast, visit:
Kuensel Phodrang (Giant Buddha Point) – offering panoramic valley views
National Memorial Chorten
Folk Heritage Museum
Afternoon:
Sangaygang View Point
Takin Preserve Centre, home to Bhutan’s national animal
Evening at leisure to explore Thimphu.
Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha (77 km / 3 hrs)
After breakfast, drive to Punakha via the stunning Dochu-La Pass (3,150m) with views of the eastern Himalayas.
In Punakha:
Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, built in 1637, historically the seat of government
Walk across the Punakha Suspension Bridge
Take a short hike to Chhimi Lhakhang, the “Temple of Fertility” dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley
Evening free for leisure.
Overnight in Punakha.

Day 4: Punakha – Gasa – Laya
After breakfast, drive to Taktse Makha, the last road-accessible point.
From here, trek approximately 2.5 hours to reach the remote highland village of Laya, surrounded by pristine Himalayan landscapes.
Overnight in a Laya farmhouse.

Day 5: Royal Highland Festival – Day 1
Experience the vibrant Royal Highland Festival, held annually on October 23–24 at 4,000m in Laya.
This celebration showcases:
Highland nomadic culture

Local produce and handicrafts

Traditional medicine and agricultural technologies

Yak, horse, and mastiff competitions

Textile and food stalls featuring yak products

Overnight in a Laya farmhouse.

Day 6: Royal Highland Festival – Day 2
Enjoy another full day of festivities amid the dramatic Himalayan backdrop.
Expect:
Parades and animal shows
Cultural performances by the Layaps
Traditional songs, dances, and storytelling
Laya, known to its people as Be-yul (“the hidden land”), lies in Bhutan’s far northwest within the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park, home to wildlife such as blue sheep, snow leopards, red pandas, and musk deer.
Overnight in a Laya farmhouse.

Day 7: Laya – Punakha
After breakfast, hike back to Taktse Makha and drive onward to Punakha.
En route, stop to relax at the Gasa Hot Springs, known for their therapeutic benefits.
Overnight in Punakha.

Day 8: Punakha – Paro
After breakfast, drive to Paro.
Visit:
Paro Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture
National Museum, located above the dzong
Evening free to explore Paro town.
Overnight in Paro.

Day 9: Excursion to Haa Valley via Chele-La Pass
Drive over Chele-La Pass (3,988m), the highest motorable road in Bhutan, offering unforgettable views.
In Haa, visit:
Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple)
Lhakhang Nakpo (Black Temple) – among the oldest in the kingdom
Return to Paro in the afternoon.
Overnight in Paro.

Day 10: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Take a scenic hike to the iconic Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, perched 900m above the valley floor.
This sacred site is where Guru Rinpoche is believed to have meditated after arriving on the back of a tigress.
Enjoy lunch at the nearby cafeteria with a spectacular view of the monastery.
Overnight in Paro.

Day 11: Departure – Paro Airport
After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.
Farewell to the Land of the Thunder Dragon!

##Tour Cost Includes ##
Accommodation: Double-sharing rooms in 3-star hotels/resorts.
Tour Guide: English-speaking guide for the entire duration of the tour.
Meals:
Breakfast and dinner served at the hotel
Lunch provided daily at a tourist-standard restaurant
Transportation: Santa Fe / Scorpio for 2 guests throughout the tour.
Airport Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off at Paro International Airport.
Sightseeing: All sightseeing activities as per the itinerary.
Driver Expenses: Driver allowance, toll taxes, parking charges, and state taxes.
Government Taxes: All applicable taxes included.
Bhutan SDF: USD 100 per person per night.
Bhutan Visa Fee: USD 40 per person.
Entry Fees: All monument and attraction entry fees.
Complimentary: Mineral water provided in the vehicle throughout the tour.

##Tour Cost Excludes ##
Travel Insurance and International Flight Tickets.
Personal Expenses, including but not limited to:
Laundry services
Telephone calls
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Hot stone bath
Horse riding
River rafting

Festival Date: October 23–24 everey year
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キャンセルポリシー

Refund entitlements, calculated against the total trip cost, correspond to the notice period prior to departure as outlined below:

Notice Period Before Departure

More than 150 days- 90% Refund Percentage (%)
91–150 days - 80%
31–90 days - 70%
15–30 days - 50%
8–14 days - 25%
Less than 8 days - No refund

- Refunds exclude any non-refundable third-party fees, including permits, flights, and insurance.
- All refund requests must be submitted in writing and will be processed within 14 business days.
- Trip rescheduling is permissible up to 30 days prior to departure, subject to availability.
- Transfers of booking to alternate participants are permitted up to 15 days before departure, with prior notification.
- Swotah Travel reserves the right to amend these policies at its discretion.

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