Royal Highlander Festival
The Royal Highlander festival was first introduced on 16th Of October in 2016 to mark the celebration of the birth of HRH the Gyalsey, 400 years of Shabdrung Rimpoche and the Rabjung (60 years cycle) birth year of Guru Rimpoche. The Royal Highlander festival shares the beauty and the wonders of Gasa Dzongkhag 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 the dynamic and visionary leadership of our successive monarchs.
A variety of cultural programs will be performed by Layaps from Laya Village. Various competitions on highland animals including the Yaks, horses and Mastiffs will be held and also competition such as traditional songs and dances will be held.
The festival consists of series of stalls ranging from local based yak produce to highland technology, highland agriculture technology, medicinal herbs & plants and others.
Royal Highlander Festival Tour Highlight
- Trip Duration: 5 Nights and 6 Days.
- Trip Start and End: The trip starts from Paro and ends at Paro.
- Trip Guide: English-speaking Guide
- Maximum Altitude: 3800M
- Groups: 2 to 16 Pax
- Transport: Private
Day 01-Arrival Paro and acclamatisation
Upon arrival at Paro airport our team from Tour Bhutan will receive you and take you to Hotel. You shall be briefed on the program. Evening on your own.
Day 02-Paro Tiger Nest Temple Hike
After breakfast, we drive to Satsam Chorten, where the trail climbs through a lovely pine forest with Spanish moss draped trees and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop at the Taktsang Jakhang (cafeteria) for a rest and some small snacks before walking a short distance until we see Taktsang monastery plainly and appearing within reach. The major Lhakhang was built in 1684 by the Penlop of Paro, Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay, around Guru Rimpoche’s meditation cave. This amazing monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in 747 AD, is claimed to have arrived on the back of Dorji Drolo, a flying tiger who was thought to be his favorite consort.
After lunch, go to Ta Dzong, a historic watchtower that currently houses the National Museum (built in 1656 and refurbished in 1968). The Rimpung Dzong (literally “Heap of Jewels”), erected in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, is the center of civic and religious authority in this region. Overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 03-Paro Airport to Laya by Helicopter
Today we shall begin our journey by helicopter. You have two options here. Either you trek to Laya or take the easy route out on the Heli tour.
Day 04-Attend Royal Highlander Festival at laya Village
First held in 2016, the Royal Highlander festival’s goal is to spread awareness about the beauty and wonders of the Gasa district – its pristine nature, history, and venerable tradition and to introduce Gasa’s vision of “Good to Great Gasa”. Beyond that, it is to share with guests the beauty right in the simple life of the Highlanders.
There are a variety of and events which take place during the festival. You will have the chance to witness the traditional offering of Buelwa (gift offering) with Auley (traditional epic poem/song recitation tradition originated from Zhabdrung Rinpoche days). This ritual is to show the loyalty and respect of the Laya community for the dynamic and visionary leadership of their monarchs.
Cultural programs performed by the Layaps range from traditional songs and dances to competitions on highland animals such as Yaks, horses, and Mastiffs. There will be plenty more performances you can experience at the festival.
Day 05 Laya to Paro
Fly back to Paro and drive to Thimphu. Enjoy the Thimphu city tour. Helicopter Joy Ride to The Laya Valley otherwise known as Bhutan’s ‘Hidden Paradise’, Punakha Valley, Paro Valley, Jhomolhari Mount View, Gasa Dzong, and Paro Valley are amazing views you will see during the tour.
Day 06 Paro to onward Journey
Your festival tour ends here today.