The Royal Highlander Festival & Bhutan Cultural Tour is a unique 12-day adventure that blends cultural immersion, trekking, and the thrill of a high-altitude festival. This exclusive tour package allows you to explore Bhutan’s breathtaking landscapes, experience its rich traditions, and interact with the welcoming Bhutanese people.
The highlight of this tour is undoubtedly the Royal Highlander Festival, held from 23rd to 24th October 2025 (Every year in October) in the remote highland village of Laya. Set at an altitude of around 4,000 meters (12,000 feet), Laya offers visitors the chance to experience the fascinating nomadic lifestyle of Bhutan’s highland communities amidst some of the country’s most stunning scenery.
Royal Highlander Festival: A High-Altitude Celebration
The Royal Highlander Festival was initiated by the Fifth King of Bhutan and is celebrated annually in Laya. The journey to Laya is itself an adventure, involving a two-day trek through scenic mountain trails, as no roads lead to this isolated village. Once there, you will be greeted by the vibrant colors, sounds, and sights of the festival, which celebrates the highland community’s unique traditions and way of life.
This two-day festival includes cultural performances, traditional sports like yak and horse races, and the chance to see locals dressed in their distinctive highlander attire. An added highlight is the opportunity to interact with Bhutan’s royal family, as the King and members of the Royal Family often attend the festival, demonstrating their support for the highland communities.
A Journey Through Bhutan’s Cultural Heartland
While the Royal Highlander Festival is a key highlight, this tour also takes you through Bhutan’s cultural heartland. You’ll visit iconic landmarks such as the stunning Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), ancient dzongs (fortresses), and traditional villages. Each destination offers a deeper understanding of Bhutan’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Days 1-3: Arrive in Paro, acclimate to the altitude, and prepare for the trek to Laya.
Days 4-5: Participate in the Royal Highlander Festival, where you’ll witness traditional games, dance performances, and local crafts.
Days 6-8: Continue your trek through breathtaking landscapes, visit monasteries, and interact with locals in the highland settlements.
Days 9-11: Explore western Bhutan’s cultural landmarks, including the Punakha Dzong and the capital city, Thimphu.
Day 12: Depart from Paro with unforgettable memories of your time in Bhutan.
Unparalleled Comfort and Guidance
Throughout your journey, you will be accompanied by an experienced guide from Bhutan White Mountain Holiday Tours, ensuring that every detail is taken care of and your experience is seamless. The company provides luxury air-conditioned vehicles, whether you’re traveling in a spacious SUV or a comfortable high-capacity bus, making the journey as smooth as possible.
Your accommodations will be in carefully selected hotels that offer modern comforts such as Wi-Fi and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re enjoying a delicious meal at your hotel or participating in a special welcome dinner, every moment is designed to make you feel at home in this extraordinary country.
Rates & Pricing (Open for Negotiation)
For Groups of 3 to 16 People:
USD 2,653.00 per person (Maximum group size of 16 and minimum of 3)
Single Supplement: USD 20 per person
For Smaller Groups (2 or 3 Travelers):
USD 2,983.00 per person
No single supplement is applicable
For Solo Travelers:
USD 3,093.00 per person
Tour Package Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions:
Airport transfers
All meals, tea, and coffee
Accommodation in hotels as per itinerary
English-speaking guide throughout the tour
Private SUV vehicle with a dedicated driver
Short hikes and packed lunches
Monument entrance fees
Bhutan Tourism Development Fee and Visa processing fee
Exclusions:
International airfare
Alcoholic beverages and bottled drinks
Tips and gratuities
Costs related to unforeseen events like flight cancellations, road blockades, or landslides
Personal expenses and any items not mentioned in the inclusions
Visa Requirements for Bhutan
All tourists visiting Bhutan need a visa, which must be processed through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. The visa is processed once the tour payment, including a $40 visa fee, is received in full. The visa clearance will be issued within 72 working hours, and upon arrival, you must present the visa clearance letter to get your visa stamped into your passport.
Additional Visa Requirements:
Standard Tourists (International Visitors): In addition to the visa fee, international tourists are required to pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of $200 per person per night. This fee contributes to Bhutan’s environmental conservation and social development.
Indian Tourists: Indian nationals are exempt from the $40 visa fee but are required to pay a concessional SDF of INR 1,200 per person per night. Indian tourists can apply for a permit online through the Bhutanese government’s designated platform or through a licensed tour operator.
Experience the Magic of Bhutan
The Royal Highlander Festival & Bhutan Cultural Tour offers a rare opportunity to experience Bhutan’s diverse cultural and natural beauty in a truly immersive way. From the highland festivities of Laya to the serene monasteries and dzongs of western Bhutan, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through the Kingdom of Bhutan.
Book your spot on this exceptional tour and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the Land of the Thunder Dragon!
Comments