- Licensed Bhutanese tour operator
- Thimphu, Bhutan
Festival and trek · 11 days, 10 nights · 17 to 27 October 2027
Royal Highland Festival 2027: 11 Days to Laya
Walk up to Laya, a village of yak herders at about 3,800 metres, for the Royal Highland Festival on 23 and 24 October 2027, with Thimphu, Punakha and the hot springs of Gasa on the way.
- 17 to 27 October 2027
- Thimphu, Punakha, Gasa, Laya
- Two days of trekking each way
23 to 24 Oct
Royal Highland Festival 2027
3,800 m
Laya village, approximate
4
Trekking days in total
11 days
10 nights
Trip overview
A festival of the high valleys, started by the King
The Royal Highland Festival was started in 2016 at the wish of His Majesty the King, to celebrate the people and way of life of Bhutan’s high valleys. It is held in Laya, a village of Layap herders in the far north of Gasa district, and is expected on 23 and 24 October 2027. Herders come from Laya, Lunana and other highland communities with their yaks and horses, and the two days are full of yak shows, horse races, traditional songs and dances, and stalls of highland produce such as yak cheese and cordyceps.
Getting there is part of the experience. You drive from Punakha to Gasa, soak in the Gasa hot springs, then walk up the Mo Chhu valley for two days, with ponies carrying the bags and a cook and camp crew looking after you. The trek is moderate and does not need technical skills, but you walk at altitude, so a good level of fitness matters. After the festival, you walk back down to Gasa and return to Paro.
- Two festival days in Laya
- Ponies, cook and camp crew for the trek
- Gasa hot springs on the way in
Highlights
What you will see
Yak and horse shows
Herders from across the highlands bring their best animals.
Layap culture
Women in conical bamboo hats and black wool, with songs and dances.
Snow peaks
Masang Gang and the peaks around Laya on clear autumn days.
Gasa hot springs
Mineral pools by the river, used by Bhutanese for centuries.
The Mo Chhu trail
Forest, waterfalls and river crossings on the walk to Laya.
Punakha Dzong
The great 1637 fortress at the meeting of two rivers.
Itinerary at a glance
Eleven days to the highlands and back
Trek days and campsites depend on the trail and the festival arrangements. We confirm the final plan with you in September.
Day 1: 17 Oct · Arrive, to Thimphu
Land in Paro, drive to Thimphu, a short walk in the capital.
Day 2: 18 Oct · Thimphu
Cheri Goemba walk, Tashichho Dzong and Buddha Dordenma.
Day 3: 19 Oct · To Punakha
Dochula pass, Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang.
Day 4: 20 Oct · To Gasa
Drive up the Mo Chhu valley to Gasa, Gasa Dzong and the hot springs.
Day 5: 21 Oct · Trek day one
Walk up the Mo Chhu valley through forest to the first camp.
Day 6: 22 Oct · Trek to Laya
Climb to Laya, settle into camp or a homestay.
Day 7: 23 Oct · Festival day one
The opening of the Royal Highland Festival.
Day 8: 24 Oct · Festival day two
The second day of the festival and a walk through the village.
Day 9: 25 Oct · Trek down
Begin the walk back down the valley.
Day 10: 26 Oct · To Paro
Reach the road, drive back via Punakha to Paro.
Day 11: 27 Oct · Fly out
Transfer to Paro airport.
Day 1
Arrive in Paro and drive to Thimphu
Your guide meets you at Paro airport for the hour’s drive to Thimphu, at about 2,300 metres. We keep the first afternoon easy, with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten and a short walk in the centre.
In the evening your guide and trek leader brief you on the trek, check your gear and answer any questions about the walk and the festival.
- Overnight: Thimphu
- Drive: about 1 hour
- Meals: lunch and dinner
Day 2
A walking day in Thimphu
A morning walk up through forest to Cheri Goemba, founded in 1620, is good preparation for the trek and takes about an hour each way. In the afternoon we visit Buddha Dordenma and, after office hours, Tashichho Dzong, the seat of government and the central monk body.
If you need any last items for the trek, such as a warm hat or trekking poles, there is time to shop in the city.
- Overnight: Thimphu
- Walking: about 2 hours, moderate
- Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3
Over Dochula to Punakha
The road crosses Dochula pass, at about 3,100 metres, with its 108 chortens and, in October, often clear views of the high Himalaya. We drop into the warm Punakha valley and visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 where the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers meet.
Late in the afternoon a walk through rice fields takes you to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of the Divine Madman. October is harvest time in Punakha, and the terraces are golden.
- Overnight: Punakha
- Drive: about 3 hours with stops
- Walking: about 1.5 hours, easy
Day 4
Up the valley to Gasa and its hot springs
We drive north up the Mo Chhu valley to Gasa, the district centre, at about 2,800 metres. Gasa Dzong sits on a hillside above the road, with snow peaks behind it on a clear day. In spring the Gasa Tshechu is held here.
In the afternoon you can soak in the Gasa tsachu, the hot springs by the river, which Bhutanese visit for their healing properties. It is a good way to rest before the trek. Tonight is in a simple guesthouse or camp near Gasa.
- Overnight: Gasa, guesthouse or camp
- Drive: about 3 to 4 hours
- Afternoon: hot springs
Day 5
Trek: into the Mo Chhu valley
The trek begins. Ponies carry the bags, and the camp crew goes ahead to set up the tents and the kitchen. The trail follows the Mo Chhu upstream through forest of oak, rhododendron and fir, past waterfalls and small farms, with some steep sections.
Walking times depend on the route the trail allows this season, and we confirm the exact camp with you before the trip. Expect a full day of walking at a steady pace, with a packed lunch on the way and a hot dinner at camp.
- Overnight: camp
- Walking: a full day, moderate
- Ponies carry the luggage
Day 6
Trek: up to Laya
The second day climbs out of the forest into open country, and the snow peaks above Laya come into view. Laya sits at about 3,800 metres, spread over a hillside of stone houses and barley fields. You arrive the day before the festival, when herders and their animals are coming in from the high pastures.
Tonight is in a camp or a village homestay, depending on what is available during the festival. Walk slowly, drink plenty of water and tell your guide if you have any signs of altitude sickness, such as a bad headache.
- Overnight: Laya, camp or homestay
- Walking: a full day, moderate to strenuous
- Altitude: about 3,800 m
Day 7
The Royal Highland Festival opens
The festival opens with ceremonies, songs and dances by the highland communities. Over the day there are yak shows, where herders present their finest animals, horse riding, traditional sports and stalls selling yak cheese, butter, wool and other highland produce. Layap women in their conical bamboo hats and black wool dress are at the centre of it all.
There is a real sense of occasion. For many herders this is one of the few times in the year when communities from different valleys meet in one place.
- Overnight: Laya
- Festival: day one
- Tip: bring sun protection; the sun is strong at altitude
Day 8
The second festival day and Laya village
The second day continues with competitions, performances and prize-giving. Between events, your guide takes you through the village to see how Layap families live: houses with stone walls and wooden roofs, barley and turnip fields, and yaks grazing on the slopes above.
In the evening there is often singing and dancing around the camp. It is a good night to thank the crew, who will walk you back down tomorrow.
- Overnight: Laya
- Festival: day two
- Walking: village visit, easy
Day 9
Trek: back down the valley
We walk back down the trail with the crew and ponies. The descent is easier on the lungs but harder on the knees, so trekking poles help. The forest feels different on the way down, and you often meet herders returning home from the festival.
Depending on the trail and your pace, we camp on the way or continue to the road head. If a road or vehicle option is available on your dates, we will tell you in advance and you can choose.
- Overnight: camp or Gasa
- Walking: a full day, moderate
- Option: vehicle if available on the day
Day 10
Back to Paro
We reach the road and drive back down the valley to Punakha for lunch, then over Dochula to Paro, a long day that ends with a hot shower and a proper bed. If you arrive in time, a hot stone bath in a farmhouse is a good way to ease tired legs.
If you would like to hike to the Tiger’s Nest, we can add one more night in Paro.
- Overnight: Paro
- Drive: about 7 to 8 hours with stops
- Option: add a night for the Tiger's Nest
Day 11
Farewell to Bhutan
Your guide and driver take you to Paro airport, timed to your flight. Morning flights are the most reliable, and we leave a buffer for your onward connection.
For a gentler way to see Laya, ask about our helicopter tour, which flies there in a few minutes.
- Transfer: about 10 minutes
- Meals: breakfast
- Extension: Tiger's Nest or Bumthang
Where you stay
Where you stay
Hotels in the valleys, simple guesthouses and full-service camping on the trek.
| Nights | Place | Where you stay | Why we chose it |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 to 2 | Thimphu | 3-star or 4-star hotel | Comfortable start before the trek |
| 3 | Punakha | 3-star or 4-star hotel | Close to the road north to Gasa |
| 4 | Gasa | Guesthouse or camp | Near the hot springs |
| 5 to 9 | Trail and Laya | Tents with mattresses, a dining tent and toilet tent; homestay where available | Our own crew, cook and ponies |
| 10 | Paro | 3-star or 4-star hotel | Close to the airport |
Rooms and campsites in Laya are limited during the festival, so we book early.
What the price covers
Included and not included
Included
- Bhutan visa (USD 40) and the Sustainable Development Fee for every night
- Hotels as listed, 3-star as standard, with 4-star and luxury upgrades on request
- All meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- A licensed English-speaking guide who knows the festival programme
- Private car or SUV with a Bhutanese driver, and all transfers
- Entry fees to dzongs, temples and museums
- Bottled water in the car
- Trekking crew, cook, ponies and camping equipment
- Trekking permit
Not included
- International flights into and out of Paro (we can book them for you)
- Travel insurance, which we strongly recommend
- Drinks, laundry and other personal costs
- Tips for your guide and driver
- Anything not listed under included
- Sleeping bag (we can rent one to you)
Price on request
Tell us your budget and we will send our best price
The price depends on group size, the trek arrangements and your hotels, so we don’t publish one fixed figure. Tell us how many are travelling and your budget. We will reply within 24 hours with our best price.
How we price
What decides the cost of this trip
Government fees
The SDF is USD 100 per adult per night until 31 August 2027, plus a USD 40 visa. These are fixed by the Government of Bhutan and paid through us.
Hotels you choose
Trek costs are shared by the group, so groups of three or more get much better value. Hotel style in the valleys can also be adjusted.
Season and dates
Festival weeks are the busiest of the year. Booking early holds better rooms and seats.
Group size
Guide and car costs are shared, so the price per person drops for two, three or four travellers.
We send a written, itemised quote before you pay anything. No booking fees.
Good to know
Planning notes for Laya
Fitness and altitude
The trek is moderate and has no technical sections, but you walk for full days and sleep at about 3,800 metres in Laya. Regular walking or hiking in the months before helps a lot. Tell us about any heart, lung or knee problems when you book. Altitude sickness is possible; your guide carries a first aid kit and will take you down if needed.
What to bring
Broken-in walking boots, a warm down jacket, thermal layers, a waterproof shell, a warm hat and gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen and trekking poles. October nights in Laya are below freezing. Our packing list covers the basics.
Festival dates and the trail
The Royal Highland Festival is expected on 23 and 24 October 2027. Dates, camp locations and the state of the trail and any road are confirmed closer to the time. We check them in September and send you the final plan. See all festival dates in our 2027 festival calendar.
Visa, SDF and guide rules
Every visitor except Indian nationals needs a visa, which costs USD 40 and is issued online before you fly. The Sustainable Development Fee is USD 100 per adult per night until 31 August 2027, with half rates for children aged 6 to 11. A Department of Tourism notice from April 2026 confirms that visitors travel with a licensed guide. We file the visa and pay the SDF for you. Read more in our Bhutan visa guide and SDF guide.
Flying into Paro
Only Drukair and Bhutan Airlines fly into Paro, mainly from Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, Kolkata and Singapore. Pilots land by sight between the ridges, so morning flights are the most reliable. We suggest a night in your hub city on the way in. Our flights to Bhutan page lists every route.
Royal Highland Festival tour: questions
It is expected on 23 and 24 October 2027 in Laya, Gasa district. We confirm the dates again before your trip.
It depends on group size, the trek arrangements and your hotels. Tell us your budget and we will reply within 24 hours with our best price, including the SDF, visa, hotels, camping, meals, guide, crew and ponies.
Moderate. There are no technical sections, but you walk full days at altitude, so you need to be reasonably fit.
About 3,800 metres. We walk up over two days to help you adjust.
In our own camp with tents, mattresses and a dining tent, or in a village homestay where available.
Yes, by helicopter, weather permitting. See our helicopter tour or ask us for a custom plan.
At least four to six months ahead. Space in Laya is limited during the festival.
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Price on request
Ask for your best price
Tell us how many are travelling, your trekking experience and your budget. We will reply within 24 hours with our best price for the 2027 Royal Highland Festival.
- Share your budget, we shape the trip around it
- No booking fees, ever
- A reply within 24 hours
- Licensed Bhutanese tour operator
- +975 17533776
- +975 77495028
- info@deyabhutantours.com
- Thimphu, Bhutan
Let's plan your Bhutan journey
Tell us a little about your trip. Our team in Thimphu will reply with ideas, a day-by-day plan and a full price.
We’ll reply within 24 hours. No booking fees, and no obligation to book.