Royal Highland Festival
The Royal Highland Festival is one of Bhutan’s most unique cultural celebrations, held in the remote and breathtaking highlands of Laya, Gasa District. Established to celebrate and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan’s highland communities, the festival offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience the traditional lifestyle of nomadic people living in the Himalayan mountains.
Set against the spectacular backdrop of snow-capped peaks, alpine landscapes, and remote mountain villages, the Royal Highland Festival showcases Bhutan’s unique highland traditions, including yak herding, traditional sports, local cuisine, handicrafts, and cultural performances.
The festival reflects Bhutan’s commitment to preserving indigenous traditions while promoting sustainable tourism and supporting highland communities.
Where is the Royal Highland Festival Held?
The Royal Highland Festival is held in Laya, a remote highland village located in Gasa District in northern Bhutan.
Situated at an altitude of approximately 3,800 metres, Laya is one of the highest settlements in Bhutan and is home to the Layap people, an indigenous mountain community known for their unique traditions, distinctive clothing, and semi-nomadic lifestyle.
The journey to Laya is an adventure in itself, passing through pristine forests, alpine valleys, and some of Bhutan’s most spectacular mountain scenery.
About the Royal Highland Festival
The Royal Highland Festival was initiated in 2016 as part of Bhutan’s efforts to recognize and celebrate the contribution of highland communities to the country’s cultural and environmental heritage.
The festival brings together highland communities from different regions of Bhutan, including Laya, Lunana, and other remote Himalayan settlements.
It provides a platform to:
- Preserve traditional highland culture
- Promote yak farming and sustainable livelihoods
- Showcase indigenous knowledge
- Support local communities
- Encourage responsible tourism in remote areas
Festival Highlights
Yak Races
One of the most exciting attractions of the Royal Highland Festival is the traditional yak race.
Yaks are an essential part of highland life, providing transportation, dairy products, wool, and income for mountain communities. During the festival, skilled riders compete in thrilling races on these powerful Himalayan animals.
The yak race showcases:
- Highland riding skills
- The close relationship between humans and animals
- Traditional mountain lifestyles
- The importance of yaks in Bhutanese culture
Traditional Highland Games
The festival features various traditional games and competitions that highlight the strength and skills of mountain communities.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Archery competitions
- Khuru (traditional darts)
- Highland sports
- Yak-related activities
- Community competitions
These activities create a lively atmosphere and encourage interaction between visitors and local residents.
Highland Cultural Performances
The Royal Highland Festival celebrates the diverse traditions of Bhutan’s mountain communities through:
- Traditional songs
- Folk dances
- Cultural storytelling
- Indigenous performances
- Traditional dress exhibitions
The Layap people are especially known for their unique clothing, including the distinctive conical bamboo hats decorated with turquoise ornaments, which are traditionally worn by women.
Traditional Highland Cuisine
Food is an important part of the Royal Highland Festival, allowing visitors to taste authentic dishes prepared by highland communities.
Popular local foods include:
- Yak meat dishes
- Yak cheese
- Butter tea
- Buckwheat-based dishes
- Local dairy products
- Traditional Bhutanese cuisine
The festival provides a rare opportunity to experience food traditions that have developed in Bhutan’s high-altitude regions.
Yak and Highland Product Exhibition
Local communities display traditional products and handicrafts made from resources available in the highlands.
Visitors can explore:
- Yak wool products
- Traditional textiles
- Handcrafted items
- Local dairy products
- Herbal products
- Organic mountain produce
Purchasing these products directly supports highland families and helps preserve traditional skills.
Experience the Layap Culture
The Royal Highland Festival provides visitors with a deeper understanding of the unique lifestyle of the Layap people.
The Layaps have traditionally lived through:
- Yak herding
- Barley and vegetable farming
- Seasonal migration
- Mountain trade
Their ability to adapt to the harsh Himalayan environment represents one of Bhutan’s most fascinating cultural traditions.
Festival Date
The Royal Highland Festival is held annually in October in Laya, Gasa District.
The festival is usually organized over two days, featuring cultural performances, yak races, traditional games, exhibitions, and community celebrations.
The exact dates may vary each year, so travelers are advised to check the official festival calendar before planning their visit.
How to Reach Laya
Reaching Laya requires trekking, making the journey a memorable Himalayan adventure.
The most common route is:
Gasa – Koina – Laya Trek
- Requires several days of trekking
- Passes through forests, rivers, and mountain landscapes
Many visitors combine the Royal Highland Festival with the Laya-Gasa Trek, one of Bhutan’s most scenic trekking routes.
Helicopter services may also be available in certain circumstances, subject to weather conditions and regulations.
Places to Visit Around Laya
Gasa Hot Springs
A natural hot spring destination where travelers can relax after trekking.
Gasa Dzong
A historic fortress offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Laya Village
Explore traditional homes, meet local families, and experience highland culture.
Lunana Region
A remote Himalayan area known for glaciers, pristine landscapes, and traditional communities.
Travel Tips for Royal Highland Festival
- Book your trip well in advance as accommodation in Laya is limited.
- Prepare for high-altitude conditions.
- Carry warm clothing, even during autumn.
- Bring comfortable trekking shoes.
- Pack personal medication and essentials.
- Respect local customs and traditions.
- Support local communities by purchasing handmade products.
- Travel with an experienced guide familiar with high-altitude regions.
Why Visit the Royal Highland Festival?
The Royal Highland Festival offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience a side of Bhutan rarely seen by visitors. From thrilling yak races and unique highland traditions to warm encounters with the Layap people, the festival celebrates the resilience, culture, and natural heritage of Bhutan’s Himalayan communities.
For travelers seeking adventure, cultural immersion, and an authentic connection with Bhutan’s remote mountain life, the Royal Highland Festival is an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Himalayas.
