SPOTLIGHT
The Bhutan Himalaya Difference
ABOUT US
Who we are
The Bhutan Himalaya Difference
What Our Travelers Say
Our Team
Meet our latest hires
Trip Preview
Grand Laya Adventure: Journey to Bhutan's Royal Highland Festival
For
Barbara Keller
Christian Keller
Adrian Keller
Daphne Hoch Cunningham
John Talley Cunningham IV
Charlie, Sydney McAuliffe, Nevin & Ryan Cunningham
Bettina Stelle
Fred Stelle
Karin & Martin Howell
Monika & John Relman
Ariane & Patrick Planzer
Gian Luck
October 15 - October 30, 2026
Fly from Zurich to Delhi on Emirates or Swiss Air & from Delhi to Paro on Drukair KB201 on October 15, 2026
Apéro
Welcome to Bhutan's most distinctive locally-owned luxury lodge
...built in the architectural style of Bhutan's majestic Dzongs...
The National Geographic Award-winning Zhiwa Ling Heritage Hotel
...Where we take part in an elegant Bhutanese tea ceremony and other local experiences
Chäschüechli
We stay in the ancient Haatoe Village
...in the renovated home of the former Penlop of Haa
...enjoy panoramic guided hikes in Haa
...followed by relaxing hot stone baths with bracing dips in an icy mountain stream!
After two nights in Haa, we drive to Punakha over Chelela Pass with views of Mt. Jomolhari
...descending from Dochu La Pass
we travel by car to Punakha
...and stay at the Pemako Punakha, Bhutan's own luxury property
...where we meet an old friend, the award-winning artist Asha Kama Wangdi, & visit his open air village studio
...and visit the grand Punakha Dzong & walk across Bhutan's longest suspension foot bridge
From here we split into two groups for the "main event"
d Höchland-Gruppe
&
die Kulturgruppe
First, d Höchland-Gruppe
The main course/Fondueplausch
Drive from Punakha to Gasa
Take the half-day trek to Laya
... and enjoy two days of grand festivities at the Royal Highland Festival
before flying by helicopter to Bumthang
...to explore lovely Gangtey Valley for two nights
before arriving in Bumthang by car for the Jambay Lhakhang Festival
Nachspeise/Dessert course
From here both groups reunite for the remaining activities
Explore the magnificently-restored Wangduechhoeling Palace Museum; Take the 'Pilgrim's walk,' visit temples and monasteries from the 7th to the 17th centuries & stay at the Swiss Guest House, where we catch up with Dasho Maurer, Sonam, Namgyel and family to reminisce about the old days! 💛
Depending on circumstances and availability, we meet Her Majesty the Royal Grandmother's Zhung master & former abbot of Kurje Lhakhang, Lama Dorji Wangchuk, or His Eminence the Seventh Namkhai Nyingpo Rimpoche, or the chief Khenpo of Kharchu monastery for our private blessing ceremony.
Receive a private Buddhist blessing in Bumthang
Enjoy an excursion to Ogyen Choling Manor & Museum in Tang. Take a 2-hour drive along scenic mountain roads to cross the footbridge and hike uphill for an hour and half to Ogyen Choling, where we enjoy a delicious local lunch and catch up with Ashi Kunzang & her Swiss forester husband, Walter.
After a lovely time in sleepy Tang Valley, and following our return to the Swiss Guest House, we close our time in Bumthang with a celebratory gathering with the local governor, Dasho Dzongda, Dasho Jambay, and other local officials who have remained loyal friends and collaborators of Daphne's grandparents and her family!
Includes all guides and ground services, lodges, meals, visas, permits and all entrances, fees and attractions
Take the domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro
Digestifs
We check in again at the Zhiwa Ling Heritage in Paro for the final two nights. We rest and enjoy the in-house spa, or go on a relaxed exploration of Paro for the remainder of the day. We will also approach Her Serene Highness Ashi Kesang Choeden, Royal Granddaughter, and request her to join us for a final farewell dinner if she can.
On the last day of the trip, we rise early and drive to the trailhead for the hike up to Taktshang Monastery; in the afternoon, we have a final opportunity to browse the Paro market for local gifts and souvenirs. Or you may like to relax back at the lodge & enjoy a friendly archery match with your Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions crew.
On the morning of October 29th We bid farewell following a final breakfast, after which we bring you back to the airport in time for your return flight to Delhi, from where direct connections are available to Zurich on Emirates & Swiss Airlines. Further details on the lodges for this trip are at the links below:
Learn more about the lodges on this trip by visiting the following links:
Paro Zhiwa Ling Heritage Lodge | Haa Zingkha Heritage Lodge | Punakha Pemako Lodge | Gangtey Tent Resort | Bumthang Swiss Guest House