Laya Highland Festival Trek

Overview of Tour

Perfectly suited for travelers seeking both comfort and depth, this itinerary blends Bhutan’s sacred heritage with remote beauty. You’ll visit iconic sites such as Punakha Dzong and Tiger’s Nest, hike through mist-laced forests and open alpine trails, witness colorful highlander customs, and rejuvenate in Gasa’s therapeutic springs. It’s a slow adventure wrapped in authenticity.

Theme: Highland Festival • Trekking Tales • Spiritual Legends
Season: October’s golden glow — crisp mountain air, brilliant skies
Max Altitude: 4,260m at Laya Village
Designed For: Cultural seekers, nature lovers, and festival explorers

Itinerary Details

  • Warm reception at Paro Airport with a welcome scarf
  • Traditional tea and snacks at a heritage café in Paro town
  • Discover the iconic Rinpung Dzong, framed by rivers and prayer flags
  • Cross Nyamizam Bridge, a rare cantilever relic still in use
  • Ascend to the National Museum housed in a historic watchtower
  • Scenic drive to Thimphu with views of Tachogang Lhakhang, built by the Iron Bridge Lama
  • Stop for seasonal organic fruits at roadside markets
  • Overnight: Boutique hotel in Thimphu with local welcome dinner
  • Start at the colossal Buddha Dordenma for panoramic valley views
  • Meet locals at Memorial Chorten, a place of prayer and peace
  • Explore Simply Bhutan Museum, try archery, wear traditional dress
  • Visit Changangkha Temple, overlooking the city’s rooftops
  • Browse handicrafts at the Centenary Farmers Market
  • Visit Tashichho Dzong, seat of the king’s throne and summer monastic body
  • Optional: Evening at a local café with a live traditional performance
  • Overnight: Chic Thimphu lodge or heritage guesthouse
  • Drive across Dochula Pass (3,150m), dotted with 108 sacred stupas
  • Enjoy hot tea at the mountain café with snow-capped views
  • Walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the famed fertility temple through rice fields
  • Hear stories of the Divine Madman’s colorful spiritual adventures
  • Visit the grand Punakha Dzong, nestled between male and female rivers
  • Tour the Royal Wedding site of Bhutan’s Fifth King
  • Overnight: Riverside hotel with Punakha views
  • Early transfer to Gasa for the trekking kickoff
  • Trek begins: follow lush forest paths and alpine streams
  • Camp by Tongchu Bridge, tents warmed with yak wool blankets
  • Campfire evening with butter tea and highlander tales
  • Overnight: Alpine tents at campsite
  • Trek uphill with dramatic scenery — glaciers, wildflowers, distant peaks
  • Reach Laya Village (4,260m), Bhutan’s highest settlement
  • Explore cobbled paths, ancient houses, and yak-grazing slopes
  • Cultural immersion with Layap tribespeople
  • Overnight: Campsite in Laya with majestic sunset views
  • Two full days of celebration: witness horse and yak parades
  • Watch epic Auley poems recited by village elders
  • Join in mask dances and spirited highlander competitions
  • Try buttered red rice, yak cheese curry, and maize brew
  • Evening bonfires with music, dancing — often attended by the King himself!
  • Overnight: Camp in Laya
  • Peaceful descent, share stories with your guide
  • Gentle trek through misty forests and scenic trails
  • Second night at base camp with a hot herbal bath available
  • Overnight: Camp beside the river
  • Trek back to Gasa, slow and serene
  • Bathe in famed Gasa Tsachu natural hot springs
  • Learn about the curative legends from local elders
  • Overnight: Camp or lodge near the hot springs
  • Visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten, one of Bhutan’s most artistic stupas
  • Cross the country’s longest suspension bridge over Puna Tsang Chhu River
  • Drive back to Paro with tea stop at Dochula Pass
  • Overnight: Luxury hotel or traditional farmhouse stay in Paro
  • Trek to Taktsang Monastery, perched 900m above Paro Valley
  • Midway stop for snacks at the mountain café
  • Marvel at its cliff-edge beauty and spiritual significance
  • Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan
  • Overnight: Relax in Paro hotel or soak in hot stone bath
  • Optional stroll through Paro market for handicrafts and souvenirs
  • Scenic photography walk in rice fields
  • Farewell dinner with cultural storytelling
  • Overnight: Hotel in Paro
  • Morning airport transfer with prayer scarves and blessings for your onward journey
  • Leave with your heart full and camera overflowing

Starting From

$ 4200
/ Per Person (Solo Travelers)
  1. • Small Group (2–3 travelers): $3900
  2. • Medium Group (4–6 travelers): $3400
  3. • Large Group (7+ travelers): $2,800
Trip Price

Other Tour Packages

Package Inclusion

– Airport transfers and all ground travel in private SUV

– Certified cultural & trekking guide and full trekking support crew (cook, porters, camp assistants)

– All meals during the tour, including trail snacks and warm campsite beverages

– Camping equipment: tents, sleeping bags, mats

– Monument entry fees and access to all festival locations

– Bhutan visa, permit fees, and sustainability charges

– Comfortable 3-star hotel accommodation in cities

– Wilderness camping near Tongchu Zam, Laya, and Gasa

– Visit to Gasa Hot Springs with soak arrangements

– Bottled water throughout journey

– Cultural welcome dinner and farewell gift

Package Exclusion

– International airfare to and from Bhutan

– Personal travel insurance and emergency medical costs

– Gratuities for guide, driver, porters, and hotel staff

– Alcoholic beverages, laundry, phone charges, and personal shopping

– Spa services or treatments beyond listed itinerary

– Additional nights due to weather, flight delays, or changes requested on the spot