Royal Highland Festival, Laya

Location

Laya, Gasa

Season

Autumn

Dates

Confirmed annually with our team

People of Laya at the Royal Highland Festival

Royal Highland Festival – Laya

Journey into the High Himalayas

Far in the northern mountains of Bhutan lies the remote highland community of Laya.

Here, life has traditionally been shaped by altitude, weather, livestock and the mountains. The annual Royal Highland Festival celebrates this remarkable way of life and brings together highland communities from across Bhutan.

The festival is a unique opportunity to experience Bhutan’s mountain culture through traditional activities, local products, music, dances, animals and community celebrations. Bhutan Tourism describes the event as a celebration of the highland communities and their unique culture and livelihoods.

At the festival

What makes the Royal Highland Festival special?

Highland communities and traditional lifestyles
Yaks and other mountain animals
Traditional music and dances
Horse riding and races
Highland products and local food
Traditional games
Cultural demonstrations
Mountain landscapes
Local hospitality

The Laya Run

The Laya Run, a high-altitude 53-kilometre race, is also associated with the Royal Highland Festival.

The journey is part of the experience

Laya is not simply a place you fly or drive to and leave behind. Reaching this remote mountain community is an adventure in itself.

A festival journey to Laya can be combined with hiking, mountain scenery, village experiences and opportunities to learn about the lives of Bhutan’s highland people. For adventure seekers, photographers and travellers looking for something truly different, Laya offers one of Bhutan’s most extraordinary cultural experiences.

Festival dates follow the Bhutanese calendar and change from year to year. Please confirm the current dates with our team before you plan your journey.

Journey deep into the Himalayas. Meet the highland communities. Experience the Royal Highland Festival.

Festival Tours