Overview
The Royal Highland Festival trek is a captivating blend of adventure, culture and environmental awareness, set against the dramatic backdrop of Bhutan's northern highlands. Starting in the picturesque Paro Valley, the journey takes you through lush forests, over high mountain passes, and into the remote village of Laya — home of the Layap people — with stunning views of snow-capped peaks including sacred Jomolhari (7,341 m).
The festival itself, held on October 23–24, 2026, is a vibrant celebration of highland culture, featuring traditional sports, yak and horse shows, the famous Laya Run, and performances that highlight the Layaps' unique heritage. This itinerary is designed for adventurers with a moderate fitness level — a balance of challenging treks, cultural immersion and serene reflection in Bhutan's pristine wilderness.
Trip Highlights
- Indigenous games & animal competitions — yaks, horses and mastiff dogs, ornately adorned and judged for strength and beauty.
- The Laya Run — a thrilling 25 km mountain run from Ponjothang to the festival ground.
- Cultural spectacles — traditional songs, dances and poetry by Layap highlanders in their conical bamboo hats and black yak-hair attire.
- Stay with Layap families in farmstays, share meals, and try local games like archery, khuru (darts) and tug-of-war.
- Trek through pristine forests, alpine meadows and glacial valleys with breathtaking Himalayan views.
- Taste authentic highlander cuisine — yak cheese, butter and rice-brewed wine.
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
Activities: Arrive at Paro International Airport (2,300 m), greeted by stunning Himalayan views. Meet your guide and driver, then drive ~1 hour (60 km) to Thimphu (2,320 m). Visit the Memorial Chorten and the 51.5 m Buddha Dordenma, then enjoy an evening stroll in Thimphu's vibrant market.
Accommodation: Thimphu City Hotel (3★) · Druk Hotel (4★) · Six Senses Thimphu Lodge (5★).
Activities: Drive ~3 hours (76 km) to Punakha via Dochula Pass (3,050 m), with breathtaking Himalayan views. Visit Punakha Dzong at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, and the Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility.
Accommodation: Zhingkham Resort (3★) · Dhensa Boutique Resort & Spa (4★) · Punakha River Lodge (5★).
Activities: Drive ~3 hours (70 km) to Gasa (2,800 m) through lush valleys. Visit the historic Gasa Dzong and relax at the Gasa hot springs, known for their therapeutic properties.
Accommodation: Gasa Guesthouse · Homestay · or Luxury camping.
Activities: Begin the trek to Laya (3,800 m). Drive 2 hours to Taktse Makha, then trek 2–3 hours through pine forests along the Mochu River. Arrive in Laya, the highest settlement in Bhutan, explore the village and meet your Layap host family for a farmstay experience.
Trek: 8–10 km, 2–3 hours.
Accommodation: Farmstay · Guesthouse · or Deluxe camping.
Activities: Hike to the festival plateau overlooking Laya and the Himalayas. Attend the opening ceremony, graced by His Majesty the King, and cheer the Laya Run finishers. Enjoy traditional dances, yak and horse shows, and local games like archery and khuru. Browse stalls of yak-wool handicrafts, taste highlander delicacies, and enjoy evening cultural performances in the village.
Accommodation: Farmstay or Deluxe camping.
Activities: Spend another day at the festival, engaging with Layaps in tug-of-war and traditional song competitions. Visit local homes to learn about their semi-nomadic lifestyle and try rice-brewed wine. Optional afternoon hike to nearby yak-herder campsites for stunning views.
Accommodation: Farmstay or Deluxe camping.
Activities: Trek back to Taktse Makha (4–5 hours), then drive to Gasa (2 hours). Relax at the hot springs to soothe tired muscles and reflect on the festival experience with your guide.
Trek: 10–12 km, 4–5 hours.
Accommodation: Gasa Guesthouse · Homestay · or Deluxe camping.
Activities: Drive 5–6 hours (130 km) back to Paro, stopping at Punakha for lunch. Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples, and enjoy a traditional hot-stone bath in a Paro farmhouse. Evening stroll in Paro's charming town.
Accommodation: Tashi Namgay Resort (3★) · Haven Resort (4★) · Six Senses Paro Lodge (5★).
Activities: Hike to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery (3,120 m), perched on a cliff. The 4.5 km trail (5–6 hrs round trip) winds through pine forests with stunning views. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria, then an evening at leisure in Paro.
Accommodation: Tashi Namgay Resort (3★) · Haven Resort (4★) · Six Senses Paro Lodge (5★).
Activities: After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight, bidding farewell to Bhutan with memories of an unforgettable highland adventure.
Cost Information
From USD 3,500 per person (range USD 3,300 – 5,550, varying with the accommodation choice on offer). Booking several months in advance is strongly recommended due to high demand for the festival dates.
What's Included
- 3/4/5★ properties (optional) during culture & luxury camping on the trek
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- All land transfers by private luxury Toyota SUV
- Sightseeing with entrance fees
- English-speaking professional trekking guide
- Bhutan visa processing fees
- Bottled water on tour & treated drinking water on the trek
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), listed separately
- Trekking supplement costs
What's Not Included
- Flights (can be quoted separately)
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses — souvenirs, extra meals, snacks, beverages, laundry
- Tips & gratuities to guides and staff
Good to Know
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Festival dates | October 23–24, 2026, in Laya, Gasa district. Tour availability: 19–28 October 2026. |
| Getting there | An adventure in itself — Laya has no road access. After sightseeing in Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, the trek to Laya begins from Gasa (a 1-day trek). Helicopter rides are available for those short on time. |
| Weather (October) | At ~4,000 m, days range 1–12°C, dipping below freezing at night, with possible light drizzle or snow. Pack warm, windproof clothing and sturdy boots. |
| Altitude | Laya sits at 3,800 m (12,467 ft). Acclimatization is built into the itinerary through the early cultural days. |
Environmental & Cultural Respect
- The festival promotes Bhutan's "Good to Great Gasa" vision — respect the environment and waste-management efforts during and after the festival.
- Dress modestly and be mindful of local customs; the festival is a celebration but also a sacred event for the Layap.
- Your purchases of handicrafts, yak-wool products and local delicacies directly support Laya's remote communities and conservation in Jigme Dorji National Park.
Traveller Reviews
"Standing on the festival plateau as the Laya Run finishers crossed the line, surrounded by yak parades and Layap song, was the most extraordinary day of our lives. Drukyul Delights made the remote trek feel effortless and safe."
— Sample review · replace with a real client"Staying with a Layap family, sharing yak cheese and rice wine, and learning about their semi-nomadic life — this was true cultural immersion, not a show put on for tourists."
— Sample review · replace with a real clientTrip Photos
Route Map
Paro → Thimphu → Punakha → Gasa → Laya (Festival) → Gasa → Paro
Frequently Asked Questions
The festival is scheduled for October 23–24, 2026, in Laya, Gasa district.
To celebrate highland culture, promote sustainable tourism, raise awareness about climate change, and support the economic well-being of Laya's communities through cultural exchange and handicraft sales.
Traditional dances, yak and horse shows, local games (archery, khuru, tug-of-war), cultural performances, and stalls selling handicrafts and highlander food. The Laya Run marathon and interactions with the Layaps are highlights.
The trek from Gasa to Laya takes about a day (2–3 hours), with a return trek of one day — two trekking days in total.
It's moderately challenging — 2–5 hours of daily walking at altitude (up to 3,800 m). Suitable for those with good fitness and some trekking experience; not recommended for young children or elderly travellers with mobility issues.
In Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, 3/4/5★ hotels. In Gasa, guesthouses or our deluxe camping. In Laya, farmstays with Layap families or high-quality camping with tents, sleeping mats and dining facilities.
Nutritious Bhutanese and international meals are prepared by the trekking crew, with boiled/filtered water provided. At the festival, try local snacks like yak cheese and rice wine.
Wi-Fi is available in Paro, Thimphu and Punakha hotels. In Gasa and Laya it's limited or non-existent — a welcome chance to disconnect.
No separate entry fee — festival access is included in your tour package.
Dress modestly in dzongs and monasteries (cover shoulders and knees), remove shoes before entering, and ask permission before photographing people. Your guide will brief you on local customs.
Layered clothing (fleece, down jacket, waterproof shell), sturdy trekking boots, a warm sleeping bag, daypack, sun protection, rain gear, a personal first-aid kit, water bottle, headlamp, snacks, and a camera with spare batteries.