Celebrate Bhutan at the Roof of the Kingdom

During your flight to Bhutan, you can enjoy views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and other famous peaks. You may also see the sacred Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit Paro Dzong, built in the 17th century. The dzong is still used for both administrative and religious purposes. Continue to Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. It is believed to have been built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. In the evening, take a walk around Paro town and explore the local shops and traditional Bhutanese buildings. Overnight: Hotel in Paro

In the morning, hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most famous monastery, located at an altitude of about 3,180 meters. The monastery is perched on a cliffside about 900 meters above the Paro Valley. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) flew to this place on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse and meditated in a cave where the monastery now stands. After reaching Taktsang, take some time to explore the monastery and its surroundings. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria. In the afternoon, hike back down to the valley. Overnight: Hotel in Paro

After breakfast, drive from Paro to Punakha. Along the way, stop at Dochula Pass (3,100 meters / 10,170 feet) for a cup of tea and, on a clear day, enjoy views of the Himalayan mountains. From Dochula, the road descends through forests of rhododendron, fir, and hemlock before reaching the Punakha Valley. The journey continues through rice fields and along the banks of the Punakha River. From Punakha, continue driving upstream along the Mo Chhu River towards Gasa. The road passes through small villages and the upper Mo Chhu Valley. Arrive in Gasa and check in to your accommodation. Overnight: Hotel or guesthouse in Gasa

Today is a rest day in Gasa. Take the day to relax and acclimatize to the higher altitude before tomorrow’s run. Overnight: Hotel or guesthouse in Gasa

After breakfast, the Laya Run begins from Panjothang. The 25 km route involves a total elevation gain of around 2,000 meters. You will first run downhill towards Koina before following the natural trail towards Laya. Along the way, enjoy views of the valleys, high pastures, and Masagang Mountain. The trail crosses the Mo Chhu River at several points over traditional wooden bridges. As you approach Laya, you will see local people dressed in their traditional yak wool clothing, decorated with colorful beads and wearing distinctive conical bamboo hats. The trail continues through Laya village and finally reaches the festival grounds, where colorful prayer flags and crowds mark the finish of the run. After the run, take part in the Royal Highland Festival and experience the unique culture and traditions of the highland communities. Overnight: Farmhouse in Laya

Today, you will attend the Highlander Festival, which celebrates the unique culture and traditions of the highland communities. The festival features traditional clothing, dances, music, handicrafts, local food, and other forms of intangible cultural heritage. One of the highlights of the festival, besides the fun-filled games and sporting events, is the livestock competition, where you can see the region’s majestic yaks dressed in colorful decorations, along with the noble Bhutanese Mastiffs. Overnight: Farmhouse in Laya

Today, you will walk back to Koina, where you will be transferred by vehicle to Gasa. From Gasa, continue driving downhill along the Mo Chhu River through semi-subtropical forests to Punakha. Overnight: Hotel in Punakha

In the morning, visit Punakha Dzong, the former capital of Bhutan, beautifully situated between the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers, resembling an anchored ship. After the visit, continue with a drive to Thimphu. Stop at Dochula Pass (3,100 meters) for lunch and, on a clear day, enjoy views of the Himalayas. At Dochula, visit Druk Wangyal Monastery, known for its elaborate paintings depicting the lineage of Bhutan’s present monarchy and their visionary works. From the pass, continue driving downhill to Thimphu. Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu

In the morning, visit the Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan, who reigned from 1952 to 1972. Continue to the Folk Heritage Museum and Kuenselphodrang, home to the 169-foot-tall bronze Buddha statue. In the afternoon, visit Tashichho Dzong, an important government and religious center in Thimphu. The evening is free to relax at the hotel or take a stroll around Thimphu city. You can also visit local handicraft shops and spend some time looking for souvenirs. Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu

After breakfast, drive from Thimphu to Paro International Airport for your departure. Our representative will accompany you to the airport and bid you farewell.