The Royal Highland Festival

As your flight approaches Bhutan, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including the sacred peaks of Jumolhari and Jichu Drake. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel. In the evening, you may explore Paro Town at your leisure. A stroll through the local market and interactions with the friendly residents will provide a delightful introduction to Bhutanese culture. Overnight stay in Paro.

7KM | 4-5 HOURS | 900M ASCENT Hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, Bhutan's most famous pilgrimage site, dramatically perched on a cliff at an altitude of 3,180 metres. Lunch will be served at the Cafeteria Restaurant, located halfway up the mountain. After exploring the monastery and enjoying its spectacular surroundings, hike back down to Paro. Overnight stay in Paro.

9KM | 4-5 HOURS | 250M ASCENT | CAMP ALT. 3110M In the morning, after breakfast, you will drive to the northern end of the Paro Valley, passing the historic Drukgyal Dzong. From there, continue for approximately another hour along a rough farm road until you reach Shana Zam (2,850m). Upon arrival, you will meet your trekking crew and enjoy a delicious lunch. The trek then begins with a gradual ascent up the valley, following the winding course of the Pa Chhu River into Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park. Tonight's camp will be at Shingkarap, situated at an altitude of 3,110m.

15KM | 6-7 HOURS | 560M ASCENT | CAMP ALT. 3670M The trail once again follows the Pa Chhu (Paro River), winding through beautiful forests of pine, oak, and spruce with a series of gentle ascents and descents. After crossing a bridge to the left bank of the river, you will stop for a hot lunch. The trek then continues along the river, gradually ascending through rhododendron forests before crossing the river once more and reaching the campsite. Overnight camp at Soi Thangthangkha (3,670m).

17KM | 4-5 HOURS | 370M ASCENT | CAMP ALT. 4040M This morning, the trek continues up the Paro Chhu Valley, which gradually opens into alpine meadows and sparse forests. Along the way, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of towering mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. In this region, yaks and the homes of yak herders become a familiar feature of the landscape. Passing through the villages of Sio, Takethang, and Dangochang adds to the charm of today's journey. Upon reaching Jangothang, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful campsites in the Himalayas, you will once again be treated to magnificent views of Mount Jumolhari and Jichu Drake.

The rest day in Jangothang offers excellent opportunities for day hikes, with breathtaking views of alpine lakes and snow-capped peaks, including Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. There is also a good chance of spotting blue sheep grazing on the upper slopes of the valley. Surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery, Jangothang provides the perfect setting for acclimatization.

18KM | 6-7 HOURS | 820M ASCENT | 860M DESCENT | CAMP ALT. 4010M The trail follows the stream for about half an hour before crossing a bridge to the right bank. From there, the ascent begins, leading to the first ridge, which offers breathtaking views of Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tshering Gang. The route then continues through a broad valley, remaining relatively flat for some time before climbing to the Neyle La Pass at an altitude of 4,870 metres. After crossing the pass, the trail descends gradually to the Lingshi campsite, with magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and the impressive Lingshi Dzong along the way.

12KM | 5-6 HOURS | 210M ASCENT | 340M DESCENT | CAMP ALT. 3880M An optional hike leads to the hilltop Lingzhi Dzong (4,220m), offering magnificent views over Lingzhi Village and its herb-rich surroundings. The trail then passes a prayer-flag-adorned cairn before descending to Gongyul Village (3,870m) and continuing to the picturesque Chebisa Village (3,880m), famous for its frozen waterfall in winter. The day ends with camping on a scenic meadow overlooking the village and its tranquil highland landscape.

17KM | 6-7 HOURS | 620M ASCENT | 520M DESCENT | CAMP ALT. 4220M The morning begins with a long ascent from behind Chebisa Village, crossing wide pasturelands on the way to Gogu La Pass (4,500m). Along the trail, you may encounter yak herders and occasionally spot herds of blue sheep grazing on the surrounding slopes. After crossing the pass, the trail descends into the valley before climbing gently again and then descending to Shakshepasa (3,980m), a broad U-shaped valley surrounded by impressive mountain scenery. From here, a final ascent leads to the campsite at Shomuthang, situated above a river that forms one of the tributaries of the Nochu River.

17KM | 6-7 HOURS | 620M ASCENT | 590M DESCENT | CAMP ALT. 4160M The day begins with a gradual climb up the valley, where edelweiss flowers abound along the trail. To the southeast, you can admire the snow-capped peak of Kang Bum (6,526m). After about two hours of climbing, you will reach Jhari La Pass (4,750m), which offers your first glimpse of Sinche La, the high pass you will cross the following day. Dominating the northern skyline is Gangchhenta (6,840m), better known as the Great Tiger Mountain. Descending into a beautiful, wide, and remote valley, you arrive at Tsheri Jathang, a campsite beside the river. From here, a short climb leads to the final campsite at Robluthang, set in a rocky alpine meadow surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.

19KM | 7-8 HOURS | 850M ASCENT | 870M DESCENT | CAMP ALT. 4140M This challenging day involves crossing Shingchen La Pass (5,005m), the highest point of the trek, with a steep ascent through boggy terrain and stream crossings. From the summit, you are rewarded with sweeping views of Gangchhenta (Tiger Mountain). The descent follows a rugged moraine valley and narrow trails to the Kango Chhu River, before continuing through cedar forests to reach the campsite at Lingmethang (4,140m), set in scenic river meadows beneath the towering peak.

10KM | 4-5 HOURS | 290M DESCENT | LAYA ALT. 3850M In the morning, you wake up to a superb view of Gangchhenta Peak rising directly in front of you. The walk to Laya is very pleasant, offering wonderful scenery throughout. You pass through a damp forest rich with moss and the sounds of singing birds. You arrive at Laya Village (3,850m), the second-highest settlement in the country. From the western side of the village, there are spectacular views of Mount Gangchhenta, along with glimpses of Mount Masagang.

The festival with the highlanders showcases their rich cultural heritage, including traditional dress, music, dance, crafts, and cuisine. Key highlights include games and a livestock competition featuring decorated yaks and Bhutanese mastiffs. Visitors can also enjoy optional short hikes in the surrounding area.

The day begins with a short descent from Laya to an Army Post, marking the end of the trek. From there, you will drive to Punakha, passing through forests and villages such as Gasa, Damji, and Tashithang, before the landscape opens into terraced fields. The day ends in Punakha, where you can celebrate your return to more comfortable surroundings with a refreshing shower at a comfortable hotel. Overnight stay in Punakha.

After visiting Punakha Dzong, you drive to Thimphu via Dochula Pass with Himalayan views. En route, you walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang Temple. The day ends in Thimphu with hotel check-in and an evening stroll in the city. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

In the morning, you will be driven to the airport for your departure. Your guide and driver will bid you farewell.