Laya Gasa Trek & Royal Highland Festival Adventure 18 Days.

Day by day

1. 1

   Bangkok/ India to Paro

   Arrive in the breathtaking Paro Valley on a spectacular Himalayan flight from Bangkok. After a warm welcome, visit the impressive Paro Rinpung Dzong, one of Bhutan's finest examples of traditional architecture, before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant in Paro town. In the afternoon, hike to the historic Zuri Dzong (2–3 hours), offering magnificent views of the valley and surrounding mountains. Check in to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening.

2. 2

   Paro to chelela pass 1.5 hours drive,( acclimatization) Kila Gompa 3750m

   After breakfast, drive approximately one hour to Chele La Pass (3,988m), Bhutan's highest motorable pass. Begin a scenic hike to the secluded Kila Gompa, home to one of Bhutan's oldest nunneries. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and panoramic Himalayan views, enjoy a picnic lunch before returning to Paro. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing and acclimatizing in preparation for the trek.

3. 3

   Paro. Tiger nest Day excursion/ Shana camp. 1.5 hours drive. Campsite,2750m

   Start the day with Bhutan's most iconic experience—a hike to the sacred Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), dramatically perched on a cliff 900 metres above the valley floor. After lunch, drive approximately 1.5 hours to Shana via the historic Drukgyal Dzong, the starting point of the Jomolhari Trek. Meet the trekking crew and settle into your first riverside tented campsite at 2,750 metres.

4. 4

   Shana to Thnagthangka. Distance 19km,Walking 8-9 hours, Campsite 3850m.

   Today's trek follows the Paro Chhu through beautiful forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron. Crossing several traditional wooden bridges and passing scattered yak herder settlements, gradually ascend into the alpine landscape. Covering approximately 19 km in 8–9 hours, the trail gains about 1,100 metres before reaching the campsite at Thangthangka (3,850m), where spectacular views of Jomolhari begin to emerge.

5. 5

   Thangthangka to Jangthang.Distance:10km, Walking 5-6 hours. Campsite 4040m

   Continue trekking through an increasingly open valley with magnificent views of snow-capped peaks and grazing yaks. The trail climbs gently over 10 km in approximately 5–6 hours, gaining only 190 metres before arriving at Jangothang Base Camp (4,040m), one of Bhutan's most scenic campsites beneath the towering Mt. Jomolhari.

6. 6

   Jangothang Halt. Acclimatization) Campsite 4040m

   Spend the day acclimatizing to the high altitude while exploring the surrounding alpine landscape. Choose between a rewarding ridge hike with breathtaking views of Mt. Jomolhari and Jichu Drake or a full-day excursion to the pristine Twin Lakes (Tshophu). Return to camp for a well-deserved rest and prepare for the higher mountain passes ahead.

7. 7

   Jangothang to Lingshi.Distance:18km, Walking 7-8 hours, Highest point Nyele la Pass.4830m. Campsite 4010m.

   oday's trek is one of the highlights of the journey as you cross the spectacular Nyele La Pass (4,830m). The trail climbs steadily before descending into the beautiful Lingshi Valley. Covering approximately 18 km in 7–8 hours with an altitude gain of around 790 metres, arrive at the campsite near Lingshi (4,010m), surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.

8. 8

   Lingshi to Shomuthang . Distance: 18 km | Walking Time: 7–8 hours Highest Point: Gombu La Pass (4,440 m) Campsite: Shomuthang (4,170 m)

   After breakfast, begin one of the most scenic trekking days as the trail gradually ascends through expansive alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers and grazing yaks. The route offers spectacular views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks before reaching Gombu La Pass (4,440 m), where colorful prayer flags flutter against the mountain skyline. From the pass, descend gently into the broad valley of Shomuthang, a beautiful campsite surrounded by rolling pastures and snow-capped mountains. The peaceful alpine setting provides an ideal place to relax and enjoy another night under Bhutan's pristine mountain skies.

9. 9

   Shomuthang to Robluthang . Distance: 18 km | Walking Time: 7–8 hours Highest Point: Jarela Pass (4,780 m) Campsite: Robluthang (4,165 m)

   Today's trek takes you steadily uphill through rugged high-altitude terrain toward Jarela Pass (4,780 m). Along the climb, enjoy magnificent panoramic views of towering Himalayan peaks and glacial valleys. After crossing the pass, descend through rocky landscapes and yak grazing areas before arriving at Robluthang, a wide alpine campsite nestled beside a mountain stream. The dramatic scenery and tranquil surroundings make this one of the most memorable camps along the Laya Gasa Trek.

10. 10

    Robluthang to Lemithang Distance: 16 km | Walking Time: 6–7 hours Highest Point: Shingela Pass (5,005 m) Campsite: Lemithang (4,150 m)

    Today is the highest point of the entire trek as you ascend to Shingela Pass (5,005 m). The climb rewards trekkers with breathtaking views of the snow-covered peaks, including the majestic Gangchhenta (Great Tiger Mountain). Prayer flags decorate the summit, creating a colorful contrast against the rugged Himalayan landscape. Descend gradually through glacial valleys and alpine pastures to reach the beautiful campsite at Lemithang, situated beside crystal-clear streams beneath towering mountains.

11. 11

    Lemithang to Laya Distance: 10 km | Walking Time: 5–6 hours Destination Elevation: Laya (3,850 m)

    The trail descends gently through open yak pastures and picturesque valleys with magnificent views of Gangchhenta Peak dominating the landscape. As you approach Laya, traditional stone houses and cultivated fields begin to appear, offering a warm welcome to one of Bhutan's most remote highland communities. Home to the distinctive Layap people, the village is renowned for its unique culture, traditional conical bamboo hats, and rich yak-herding heritage. Spend the afternoon exploring the village, interacting with the friendly locals, and preparing for the Royal Highland Festival.

12. 12

    Laya.Royal Highland Festival – Day 1

    Spend the entire day immersed in Bhutan's celebrated Royal Highland Festival, an annual event that showcases the unique traditions and lifestyle of the Himalayan highland communities. Witness colorful opening ceremonies, traditional Layap dances, yak parades, horse riding demonstrations, and cultural performances from various highland regions. Browse exhibitions featuring local handicrafts, yak products, traditional textiles, medicinal herbs, and organic mountain produce. Throughout the day, enjoy local delicacies while experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of this extraordinary celebration of Bhutan's highland culture. Royal Highland Festival – Day 1 Program Highlights -Grand opening ceremony with traditional welcome procession -Cultural performances by Layap and other highland communities -Yak parade and traditional yak decoration competition -Highland horse parade and riding demonstrations -Traditional archery and indigenous games -Exhibition of yak products, textiles, handicrafts, and local produce -Highland cuisine and food stalls -Community cultural exhibitions and photography opportunities

13. 13

    Laya.Royal Highland Festival – Day 2

    Enjoy another full day at the Royal Highland Festival, featuring exciting competitions and interactive cultural experiences. Watch thrilling events such as yak races, horse races, highland sporting competitions, and performances celebrating the traditions of Bhutan's nomadic communities. Meet local herders, learn about their sustainable mountain lifestyle, and explore additional exhibitions highlighting conservation initiatives and Himalayan biodiversity. The festival concludes with vibrant cultural performances and a memorable closing ceremony before returning to the peaceful surroundings of Laya.

14. 14

    Laya to Gasa Hot Spring Trek: Laya to Taktsimakha (2–3 hours) Drive: Taktsimakha to Gasa Hot Spring (2 hours)

    After breakfast, descend from Laya through forests and riverside trails to Taktsimakha, where your trekking team bids farewell. Meet your vehicle and enjoy a scenic drive to Gasa Hot Spring, nestled beside the Mo Chhu River. After checking in, spend the afternoon relaxing in the natural mineral-rich hot springs, long believed by locals to possess therapeutic healing properties. The soothing warm waters provide the perfect opportunity to recover after many rewarding days on the trail.

15. 15

    Gasa Hot Spring to Punakha Driving Time: 2–3 hours

    Enjoy a leisurely morning before departing Gasa for the fertile Punakha Valley. Arrive in Punakha in time for lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing at your hotel or exploring the peaceful riverside surroundings. Surrounded by lush rice fields and subtropical landscapes, Punakha offers a comfortable transition from the high Himalayas to Bhutan's warmer valleys.

16. 16

    Punakha to Thimphu Distance: 71 km | Driving Time: Approximately 2 hours

    Begin the morning with a visit to the magnificent Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan's most beautiful fortresses, dramatically located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Continue with a pleasant walk to the sacred Chimi Lhakhang, famously known as the Temple of Fertility, passing through picturesque villages and rice fields. After lunch, drive toward Thimphu via the scenic Dochula Pass (3,100 m), where 108 memorial chortens and panoramic Himalayan views create one of Bhutan's most iconic viewpoints. Arrive in Thimphu by late afternoon.

17. 17

    Thimphu to Paro Driving Time: Approximately 1.5 hours

    Spend the morning exploring Bhutan's capital city with visits to the impressive Buddha Dordenma (Buddha Point) overlooking the Thimphu Valley and the revered National Memorial Chorten, where local devotees gather daily for prayers and circumambulation. Continue to Centenary Farmers' Market, the country's largest weekend market, offering fresh local produce, handicrafts, and traditional Bhutanese products. In the afternoon, drive through the beautiful Paro Valley and check into your hotel, enjoying your final evening in Bhutan.

18. 18

    Paro to Bangkok/India

    After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure flight to Bangkok or your onward destination in India. As your aircraft departs through the spectacular Himalayan mountains, bid farewell to the Kingdom of Bhutan, taking with you unforgettable memories of high mountain passes, remote villages, rich cultural traditions, and the remarkable experience of the Royal Highland Festival.

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