October 23-24, 20260
Laya Festival Journey
General Information
Start/End: Paro/Paro; Paro/Phuentsholing; Phuentsholing/Phuentsholing; etc.
Tour Route: Thimphu - Paro - Punakha - Wangdue - Gasa - Phuentsholing [depends on your entry and exit preferences]
The Journey, Your Way: Tell us your specific requirements. We can work together.
Cost Structure
Our pricing of the best 11-day Laya Festival Journey plan is transparent and inclusive, of accommodation in 3 star hotel, all meals, guides, transport, and the Sustainable Development Fee.
What’s Included
Museum, Monuments entrance fee, Sightseeing & all applicable taxes
Accommodation
Experienced English Speaking Tour Guide licensed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan
Private Transport within Bhutan as per itinerary
1 Bottle water per day during the tour
All meals.
| Group Size | Indian Nationals (Nu.) | Other Nationals (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Single | 160,000.00 – 175,000.00 | 4,000.00 – 5,000.00 |
| 2 people | 90,000.00 – 115,000.00 | 3,550.00 – 4,550.00 |
| 3–4 people | 85,000.00 – 95,000.00 | 3,200.00 – 4,200.00 |
Please Note: Prices are indicative and are primarily based on your preferred accommodation category. Final quotations may also vary depending on travel dates, group size, vehicle type, and any customised experiences requested. We also offer flexible itineraries, allowing you to shorten your stay to focus on the Laya Festival or extend your journey to discover more of Bhutan's cultural and natural attractions.
Laya Festival Journey
11 Days | 10 Nights
Fixed Departure | 19–29 October 2026
Experience Bhutan’s highland culture at the Laya Festival, a two-day celebration of Layap traditions, music, dance and community life set against the dramatic Himalayan landscape. This journey combines the festival with Bhutan’s cultural highlights in Thimphu, Punakha and Paro, including Punakha Dzong, Dochula Pass and the Tiger’s Nest Monastery hike.
It is designed for travellers who want a deeper experience of Bhutan beyond the usual sightseeing route, with a rare opportunity to visit one of the country’s most distinctive mountain communities.
Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Transfer to Thimphu
Welcome to Bhutan
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be met by your guide and begin the scenic drive to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital. The journey follows the Paro and Wang Chhu river valleys, passing traditional villages, forests and mountain landscapes.
After checking into your hotel, enjoy a relaxed evening exploring Thimphu town at your own pace.
Overnight: Thimphu
Day 2: Discover Thimphu
Bhutan's Cultural and Administrative Centre
Spend the day exploring Bhutan's capital city. Visit the impressive Buddha Dordenma overlooking the valley, the Memorial Chorten, the National Institute for Zorig Chusum (Arts & Crafts School), and Tashichho Dzong, the seat of Bhutan's government and central monastic body.
The evening is free for shopping or exploring local cafés and markets.
Overnight: Thimphu
Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha – Gasa
Journey Towards the Highlands
Travel across the scenic Dochula Pass (3,100 metres), renowned for its 108 memorial chortens and panoramic Himalayan views on clear days. Continue through the fertile Punakha Valley before travelling north towards Gasa, a remote district known for its dramatic mountain scenery, forests and traditional settlements.
This marks the transition from Bhutan's central valleys to its high Himalayan region.
Overnight: Gasa/Laya Route
Day 4: Trek to Laya
Into the Land of the Layaps
Begin your trek towards the remote village of Laya, home to the Layap people who have preserved a distinct way of life for generations. The trail passes through alpine forests, mountain streams and open meadows, offering spectacular views of Bhutan's northern landscapes.
Arrive in Laya and settle into camp in preparation for the festival.
Overnight: Laya Camp
Day 5: Laya Festival
Celebrating Highland Traditions
Experience the opening day of the Laya Festival, one of Bhutan's most distinctive cultural celebrations. Witness colourful traditional dress, folk dances, music, horse events, cultural performances and local competitions while interacting with the Layap community.
The festival provides a rare opportunity to experience the customs of one of Bhutan's most remote highland societies.
Overnight: Laya Camp
Day 6: Laya Festival
A Deeper Cultural Experience
Continue enjoying the second day of the festival, with additional performances, cultural activities and opportunities to explore the village and surrounding landscapes. Learn about the traditions, livelihoods and hospitality of the Layap people while taking in the spectacular Himalayan setting.
Overnight: Laya Camp
Day 7: Laya – Gasa – Punakha
Return to the Valleys
After breakfast, begin the descent from Laya before driving back through Gasa and into the Punakha Valley. The return journey offers a final opportunity to appreciate Bhutan's changing landscapes, from alpine terrain to lush river valleys.
Overnight: Punakha
Day 8: Punakha – Paro
From Bhutan's Former Capital to the Paro Valley
After breakfast, visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan's most iconic fortress monasteries and the former seat of the country's government. Situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, the dzong is renowned for its impressive architecture, intricate woodwork and important role in Bhutan's history and religious life.
Following the visit, begin the scenic drive to Paro via the Dochula Pass. Upon arrival in Paro, check in to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure exploring the town or relaxing after the journey.
Overnight: Paro
Day 9: Discover Paro
Bhutan's Historic Valley
Explore Paro's cultural treasures, including Rinpung Dzong, Ta Dzong (National Museum), Dungtse Lhakhang and Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest and most sacred temples.
Together, these sites offer insight into Bhutan's history, architecture and spiritual heritage.
Overnight: Paro
Day 10: Tiger's Nest Monastery
Hike and Hot Stone Bath
After breakfast, hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Bhutan’s most iconic sacred site, perched high on a cliff above Paro Valley. The trail offers beautiful views, prayer flags and a memorable glimpse into Bhutan’s spiritual heritage.
After the hike, return to Paro and relax with a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, a soothing way to end the day after the trek.
Overnight: Paro
Day 11: Departure from Paro
Farewell to Bhutan
Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey. Depart with lasting memories of Bhutan's spectacular landscapes, vibrant culture and the unique experience of the Laya Festival.