Upon arrive to Paro International Airport, you we will be greeted by our Guide and driver and then transfer to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Lunch will be served at Thimphu. After lunch we will do some sightseeing in Thmphu, like visiting to Memorial Chhorten (It was built in 1974 in the memory of third king late Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is regarded as the father of modern Bhutan). Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). This gigantic statue of Shakyamuni measures in at a height of 51.5 meters, making it one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world). And in the evening, we will visit Trachichho Dzong (is an architectural delight and houses the throne room, and the office of His Majesty the king and the ministries of home affairs and finance). Dinner and overnight stay at Thiphu hotel.
Day 2. Thimphu Stay
After our breakfast at hotel, we will do sightseeing in the Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. We will visit to Post Office and make the personalized stamps. Visit Drupthop Dewachen Nunnery (The Thangtong Dewachen nunnery was founded in 1976 by Rikey Jadrel, who is considered an emanation of Thangtong Gyalpo). Visit Takin Mini-zoo (To see the National Animal of Bhutan, Takin). Lunch will be served at Thimphu town, one of the restaurants. After lunch, we will continue with our tour and we will visit Paper Factory (to see traditional methods to produce the authentic Bhutanese paper known as Deh-sho). Craft Bazar (A spectacle of traditional bamboo huts, aligned neatly below Norzin Lam, opposite to Nehru Wangchuk Cultural Centre, showcase wide range of authentic Bhutan-made art and craft products). Evening we will explore Thimphu town by walking. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3. Thimphu – Punakha
After our breakfast at hotel, we will drive to Punakha over dochula pass (3150m). You will see the stunning view of eastern Himalayan Mounatin Ranges on the clear days. We will stop at the pass for photography and enjoying the fresh air. On reaching Lobesa, we will hike to Chhimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility. After the hike, we will served the lunch. Then we will drive to Punakha. On reaching Punakha, we will visit to Punakha Dzong. This dzong is the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan and located majestically at the confluence of Pho Chhu (Male River) and Mo Chhu (Female River. Evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel Punakha hotel.
Day 4. Punakha – Gasa – Koina
Early Morning leave your hotel for our approx. 5 hours drive to Gasa where the road ends, from there start our trek (4 hours) to Koina which, is your destination for tonight. Starting from end of the road, trek for approx. 4 and half hours, the trail first winds with a gradual descend till Koina and then winds up with a gradual climb till your campsite past the small bride (Thongchu zam).
Overnight Camp.
Day 5. Koina – Laya
After breakfast, start trekking to our destination, the beautiful highland village of Laya. The trail winds up gradually and at times with steep climbs till you reach Laya. Early arrival to your camp and enjoy the scenic beauty of the landscape and then you will come across a lot of locals in their typical Laya costumes. Overnight Camp
Day 6. Laya Stay
The Royal Highlander festival was first introduced in the year 2016 on 16th of October to mark the celebration of the birth of HRH the Gyalsey; 400 years of Zhabdrung Rinpoche and the Rabjung (60 years cycle) birth year of Guru Rimpoche. The Royal Highlander festival shares the beauty and the wonders of Gasa district through its nature, history and its age old tradition and culture, to share Gasa’s vision of “Good to Great Gasa” and to finally share all theses authenticity and the simplicity of the life of the Highlanders with our guests.
During the festival, visitors can witness the traditional offering of Buelwa (Gift offering) with Auley (traditional epic poem/song recitation tradition originated from Zhabdrung Rinpoche days) that begun during Zhabdrung Rinpoche’s reign in showing loyalty and respect by the community of Laya is being offered for dynamic and visionary leadership of our successive monarchs.
Variety of cultural programs will be performed by Layaps. Competition such as traditional songs and dances and other various competitions on highland animals including the Yaks, horses and Mastiffs will be held.
Day 7. Laya stay
Enjoy with the 2nd day of the Festival at Laya.
Day 8. Laya – Koina
After the breakfast, we will trek back to Koina with pack lunch. Today we will overnight stay at Koina camp.
Day 9. Koina – Gasa
After breakfast, we will drive to Gasa. Visit to Gasa Dzong – the administrative and religious center of Gasa Dzong. Lunch will be served at Gasa Camp. After lunch, we will relax at the Gasa Hot Spring. Dinner and overnight stay at Gasa camp.
Day 10. Gasa – Paro
After breakfast after saying good-bye to our trekking crewmembers, we will drive to Paro. Lunch will be served at Punakha or on the way. Continue the journey to Paro. Dinner and overnight stay at Paro Hotel.
Day 11. Paro Stay
After the breakfast we will drive till the Ramthangka, where the hike to one of the Bhutan’s most dramatic monuments, the Tiger’s Nest (Taktshang Monaster). We will use pony till the Taktshang cafeteria. From cafeteria, we have to hike up to monastery about 1hr 30minutes. Even from the cafeteria, we can see the spectacular views of this most scared monastery in the Buddhism world. Some of you, if you cannot hike from cafeteria, we can sit and enjoy the view of the monastery, which is perched on the rocks, 900m above the valley floor. Our lunch will be served here at cafeteria. On our way back to hotel, we will visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, it is one of the two most sacred and the oldest temples in Bhutan, built in 7th century by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo (the 33rd Tibetan king, who is also the manifestation of avoloketeshivara, commonly known to Bhutanese as Chenrize). Evening stroll around the Paro vally, the valley of surpassing Beauty.
Day 12. Paro – Paro Airport (Departure)
After our breakfast, we will drive to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. Our guide and driver will bid you farewell here at the airport. We wish you a very safe and pleasant flight for your onward destinations.