The Royal Highland Festival is a unique cultural celebration that showcases the rich traditions, heritage, and resilience of the country’s highland communities. Held annually in Laya, one of Bhutan’s highest settlements, this festival brings together nomadic highlanders, travellers, and cultural enthusiasts from around the world.
If you’re planning to visit Bhutan, the Royal Highland Festival is an unmissable experience that offers insight into Bhutan’s age-old traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality. Here’s everything you need to know about this spectacular event.
What is the Royal Highland Festival?
The Royal Highland Festival was introduced in 2016 under the vision of His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to promote the sustainable livelihood of Bhutan’s highland communities and preserve their unique way of life. It serves as a platform to celebrate highland culture, enhance rural economic opportunities, and promote eco-tourism.
When and Where is the Festival Held?
The Royal Highland Festival takes place every October in the remote highland village of Laya, located in Gasa District in northwestern Bhutan. Situated at an altitude of over 3,800 metres (12,500 feet) above sea level, Laya provides a stunning backdrop of snow-capped peaks and rolling grasslands, making the festival a breathtaking experience.
Highlights of the Royal Highland Festival
1. Traditional Highlander Attire and Culture
The Layaps, the indigenous highland community, are known for their distinctive attire, including conical bamboo hats and intricately woven outfits. The festival is an opportunity to witness their unique customs, songs, dances, and way of life that have been preserved for centuries.
2. Yak Beauty Contest
One of the most fascinating events at the festival is the Yak Beauty Contest, where herders present their finest yaks for evaluation based on health, appearance, and strength. Yaks are integral to Bhutan’s highland culture, providing milk, wool, and transportation for nomadic communities.
3. Traditional Highland Sports
The festival features traditional sports and competitions such as horse racing, archery, and highland strongman competitions, which showcase the physical strength and endurance of highland communities.
4. Highland Livelihood Exhibition
Visitors can explore stalls displaying locally made highland products, including yak dairy products, woven textiles, traditional medicines, and handcrafted items. This provides an opportunity to support local artisans and learn about sustainable highland practices.
5. Cultural Performances
Experience the vibrant mask dances, folk songs, and traditional dances performed by the Layaps and other highland communities. These performances are a window into Bhutan’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
6. Scenic Treks and Adventure Activities
For adventure seekers, the journey to Laya itself is an exhilarating experience. The trek from Gasa to Laya is one of the most scenic treks in Bhutan, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas, glacial rivers, and lush alpine meadows.
How to Get to the Royal Highland Festival
Getting to Laya requires some effort, but the journey is well worth it. Here’s how you can reach the festival:
Fly to Paro International Airport – Bhutan’s only international airport.
Drive to Gasa – A scenic drive from Thimphu to Gasa takes approximately 7-8 hours.
Trek to Laya – The trek from Gasa to Laya takes about two days, with breathtaking views along the way. Horses and yaks are available for assistance.
Why You Should Visit the Royal Highland Festival
Authentic Cultural Experience: The festival offers an immersive experience of Bhutan’s highland culture, far removed from modern distractions.
Spectacular Landscapes: Surrounded by the Himalayan peaks, the festival provides unmatched views of Bhutan’s pristine nature.
Eco-Tourism and Sustainability: The festival promotes sustainable tourism, encouraging visitors to appreciate and respect Bhutan’s fragile highland environment.
Meet the Highland Communities: Engage with the Layaps and learn about their traditional way of life, including yak herding and nomadic customs.
Travel Tips for the Royal Highland Festival
Acclimatise Properly: Laya is at a high altitude, so spending a few days in Bhutan beforehand can help with acclimatisation.
Dress in Layers: Temperatures can be unpredictable, so wear warm, layered clothing.
Carry Cash: There are no ATMs in Laya, so bring enough cash for purchases.
Book with a Licensed Tour Operator: Bhutan requires tourists to book through a licensed tour operator, which includes guided travel and permits for restricted areas.
FAQs About the Royal Highland Festival
1. When is the Royal Highland Festival held?
The festival usually takes place in October every year. Exact dates vary, so it’s best to check the latest Festival Calendar.
2. Do I need a special permit to visit Laya?
Yes, since Laya is in a restricted area, tourists need a permit. If you book with a licensed Bhutanese tour operator, they will arrange the necessary permits.
3. How difficult is the trek to Laya?
The trek is moderately challenging, taking about two days from Gasa. It’s recommended for those with a good level of fitness.
4. Can I buy souvenirs at the festival?
Yes! You can find unique highland crafts, yak wool textiles, and traditional Bhutanese products.
5. Is accommodation available in Laya?
Accommodation is limited to homestays and camping. Most visitors opt to camp as part of their trekking tour.
6. What should I pack for the festival?
Warm clothing, comfortable shoes, and high-energy snacks are recommended.
7. Is the festival suitable for families?
Yes, but due to the high altitude and trekking requirements, it may not be ideal for very young children or elderly travellers.
8. How can I book a trip to the Royal Highland Festival?
You must book through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator, who will arrange all logistics, permits, and travel details.
Check out the Royal Highland Festival Tour package.
Festival Dates
- Oct 23, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025
