Royal Highland Festival

Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Transfer to Thimphu

  • Arrive at Paro Airport.
  • Drive to Thimphu (~1 hr).
  • Evening stroll in Thimphu town.

Overnight: Thimphu


Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing & Festival

  • Attend Highland Festival in Thimphu (celebrating traditional music, dance, and culture).
  • Visit Memorial Chorten and Tashichho Dzong in the afternoon.

Overnight: Thimphu


Day 3: Thimphu Cultural Exploration

  • Visit Buddha Dordenma, Folk Heritage Museum, National Institute for Zorig Chusum.
  • Explore Motithang Takin Preserve.
  • Enjoy festival events and local performances.

Overnight: Thimphu


Day 4: Thimphu → Punakha (via Dochula Pass)

  • Drive to Punakha (~3 hrs) via Dochula Pass with Himalayan views.
  • Visit Punakha Dzong.

Overnight: Punakha


Day 5: Punakha & Wangdue Phodrang

  • Visit Chimi Lhakhang (fertility temple).
  • Walk across Punakha Suspension Bridge.
  • Explore Wangdue Phodrang villages.

Overnight: Punakha


Day 6: Punakha → Gangtey / Phobjikha Valley

  • Drive to Phobjikha Valley (~3 hrs).
  • Visit Gangtey Monastery and enjoy a nature walk.

Overnight: Gangtey / Phobjikha


Day 7: Gangtey → Bumthang

  • Travel east through Trongsa Dzong (~6–7 hrs).
  • Arrive in Bumthang, Bhutan’s spiritual heartland.

Overnight: Bumthang


Day 8: Bumthang Cultural Exploration

  • Visit Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, and Tamshing Lhakhang.
  • Explore local villages and crafts.

Overnight: Bumthang


Day 9: Bumthang → Paro

  • Long scenic drive back to Paro (~10–12 hrs) or internal flight if available.
  • Evening at leisure in Paro.

Overnight: Paro


Day 10: Tiger’s Nest Hike & Departure

  • Morning hike to Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery).
  • Afternoon transfer to Paro Airport for departure.