RHF Itinerary
3 Nights / 4 Days
Travel Dates
DAY 1 – 22nd October, Wednesday : Thimphu – Laya
DAY 2 – 23rd October, Thursday: Royal Highland Festival
DAY 3 – 24th October, Friday: Royal Highland Festival
DAY 4 – 25th October, Saturday: Laya – Thimphu
Day 1: Thimphu to Laya
- Depart Thimphu early and drive to Gasa via Punakha (4–5 hrs). After lunch in Gasa, transfer to a Bolero pickup for a 4-hr drive to Taktsi Makha. Begin a 2–3 hr hike to Laya.
- Overnight in Laya (homestay).
Day 2 & 3: Royal Highland Festival
- Enjoy traditional music, dance performances by the local community and your favourite celebrities, animal parades, and adrenaline filled competitions. Experience up close ceremonial offerings of Buelwa and pay respect to Zhabdrung and our beloved Monard with Auley. Visit historical homes, monasteries and explore the village at your leisure.
- Overnight in Laya.
Day 4: Return to Thimphu
- After breakfast, hike down to Taktsimakha and begin your journey to Thimphu with a quick lunch stop in Gasa.
4 Nights / 5 Days
Travel Dates
DAY 1 – 22nd October, Wednesday: Thimphu – Laya
DAY 2 – 23rd October, Thursday: Royal Highland Festival
DAY 3 – 24th October, Friday: Royal Highland Festival
DAY 4 – 25th October, Saturday: Laya – Gasa
DAY 5 – 26th October, Sunday: Gasa – Thimphu
Day 1: Thimphu to Laya
- Depart Thimphu early and drive to Gasa via Punakha (4–5 hrs). After lunch in Gasa, transfer to a Bolero pickup for a 4-hr drive to Taktsi Makha. Begin a 2–3 hr hike to Laya.
- Overnight in Laya (homestay).
Day 2 & 3: Royal Highland Festival
- Enjoy traditional music, dance performances by the local community and your favourite celebrities, animal parades, and adrenaline filled competitions. Experience up close ceremonial offerings of Buelwa and pay respect to Zhabdrung and our beloved Monard with Auley. Visit historical homes, monasteries and explore the village at your leisure.
- Overnight in Laya.
Day 4: Return to Gasa
- After breakfast, hike down to Taktsimakha and drive to Gasa.
- Evening at leisure.
Day 5: Gasa to Thimphu
- Drive back to Thimphu with a lunch stop in Punakha.
5 Nights / 6 Days
Travel Dates
DAY 1 – 21st October, Tuesday: Thimphu – Gasa
DAY 2 – 22nd October, Wednesday: Gasa – Laya
DAY 3 – 23rd October, Thursday: Royal Highland Festival
DAY 4 – 24th October, Friday: Royal Highland Festival
DAY 5 – 25th October, Saturday: Laya – Gasa
DAY 6 – 26th October, Sunday: Gasa – Thimphu
Day 1: Thimphu to Gasa
- Drive 4–5 hrs to Gasa. After check-in, visit the historic Gasa Dzong, or soak in Gasa Tshachu or Bjagay Menchu, renowned for their healing properties.
- Overnight in Gasa. .
Day 2: Gasa to Laya
- Drive 4 hrs to Taktsimakha, then enjoy a picturesque hike approx..2 hrs to Laya.
- Overnight in Laya (homestay).
Day 3 & 4: Royal Highland Festival
- Enjoy traditional music, dance performances by the local community and your favorite celebrities, animal parades, and adrenaline filled competitions. Experience up close ceremonial offerings of Buelwa and pay respect to Zhabdrung and our beloved Monard with Auley. Visit historical homes, monasteries and explore the village at your leisure.
- Overnight in Laya.
Day 5: Laya Exploration
- Hike to Tsho Kar and Tsho Na lakes.
- Overnight in Laya.
Day 6: Laya to Thimphu
- After breakfast, hike down to Taktsimakha and begin your journey to Thimphu with a quick lunch stop in Gasa.
Booking Through Tour Operators
Recommended tour operators will arrange logistics, meals, and register homestays on behalf of their guests.
Independent Booking
Independent travelers must register their own homestay, which will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis.