There are moments that beautifully weave together heritage, culture, and celebration — and this year, Zhiwaling Heritage stands proudly at the heart of it all.
In September, Zhiwaling Heritage was once again recognized on the international stage at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) in Sri Lanka. Represented by General Manager Mrs. Rinzin Lhamo, the property brought home two prestigious titles:
🏆 Leading Heritage Hotel/Resort – Gold Winner
🌿 Leading Eco-Friendly Hotel/Resort – Silver Winner
This proud achievement was further complemented by another accolade — the Luxury Lifestyle Award for Best Luxury Heritage Hotel in Bhutan — a meaningful acknowledgment of the timeless Bhutanese architecture, environmental stewardship, and heartfelt hospitality that have defined Zhiwaling Heritage for the past two decades.
🏔️ A Journey into Bhutan’s Hidden Highlands
To celebrate the meaningful milestone and this special occasion, we invite you to step into Bhutan’s living heritage with a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the Royal Highland Festival — an annual celebration held on October 23–24 in the remote highland village of Laya, at 4,000 meters above sea level.
Created to honor the Layap people, their resilient way of life, and their connection to the land, this festival opens a rare window into Bhutan’s highland traditions. Songs, dances, ceremonial offerings, parades of yaks and horses, and ancient rituals all come alive against the dramatic Himalayan backdrop of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park.
Guests will follow a carefully curated 6-day itinerary that begins with a scenic drive through Dochula Pass and the lush Punakha Valley, followed by a highland trek from Gasa to Laya. Over two festival days, travelers will experience the warmth of local homestays, traditional offerings like Buelwa, poetic recitations known as Auley, and blessings in sacred temples that date back to the arrival of Zhabdrung Rinpoche.
Royal Highland Festival 2025 Itinerary Highlights
- Scenic drive through Dochula Pass with Himalayan vistas
- Trek into the highlands to the village of Laya
- Two days at the Royal Highland Festival (Oct 23–24)
- Traditional music, dance, animal parades, and Layap rituals
- Cultural walks through Laya’s sacred temples and local homestays
- Return journey through Thimphu with a stay at Zhiwaling Ascent
📅 October 21–26, 2025
💰 USD 2,675 per person (2 guests) — inclusive of accommodations, SDF, permits, transfers, guide, and meals.
🌿 Where Culture and Sustainability Meet
This journey is more than a festival — it is an immersion into the soul of Bhutan. And for us at Zhiwaling Heritage, these moments reflect the very spirit behind our recent awards: the celebration of cultural authenticity, environmental respect, and hospitality with heart.
As we mark 20 years of sharing Bhutan’s heritage with the world, we invite you to be part of this story — to travel not just to see, but to feel, to learn, and to celebrate.
📩 For bookings and inquiries: info@yangphel.com
🌐 www.aboutbhutan.com | @YangphelAdventure