Royal Highlander Festival of Laya 23rd to 24th Oct. 2025

Royal Highlander Festival is being celebrated to convey the message to the world about climate change. The Highlander people from Laya participate in this festival. Experience the Royal Highlander Festival in Bhutan, a celebration of mountain culture and traditions. Witness unique events, from yak races to traditional sports, showcasing the resilience of highland communities.

The Royal Highlander festival was first introduced on the 16th Of October in 2016 to mark the celebration of the birth of HRH the Gyalsey, 400 years of Shabdrung Rimpoche and the Rabjung (60 years cycle) birth year of Guru Rimpoche. The Royal Highlander festival shares the beauty and the wonders of Gasa Dzongkhag through its nature, history and age-old tradition and culture, to share Gasa’s vision of “Good to Great Gasa” and finally share all these authenticity and the simplicity of life of the Highlanders with our guests.

What to Expect during the Royal Highlander Festival?

During the festival, visitors can witness the community of Laya offering Buelwa (gift offering) and Auley (a traditional epic poem/song recitation tradition that originated during Zhabdrung Rinpoche’s days) to show loyalty and respect for the dynamic and visionary leadership of our successive monarchs.

Layaps from Laya Village will perform a variety of cultural programs. They will hold various competitions involving highland animals, including yaks, horses, and mastiffs, as well as competitions in traditional songs and dances.

Royal Highlander Festival date

The festival consists of a series of stalls ranging from locally based yak produce to highland technology, highland agriculture technology, medicinal herbs & plants and others. The festival is scheduled from 23rd October to 24th October 2025

Helicopter Information

• Helicopter Passenger Capacity is 5
• Summer Flight weight capacity is 230KG (5 Passenger)
• Winter carrying capacity is 280KG ( 5 Passenger)

Key Details about the Royal Highlander Festival:

• Location: The festival is held in Laya, a remote village in the Gasa District, which is situated at an altitude of about 3,800 meters (12,500 feet). Laya is known for its breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including the majestic Mount Jhomolhari.
• Cultural Significance: This festival is a celebration of the culture, lifestyle, and traditions of the Layap people. These people are known for their unique culture, which includes wearing traditional clothing made from yak wool, herding yaks, and practicing subsistence farming in the harsh Himalayan environment.
• Festivities: During the festival, visitors can experience:
  • Traditional Dance and Music: Performances by the Layap people and other local communities, showcasing traditional dances, songs, and instruments.
  • Local Cuisine: Visitors can taste traditional highland dishes such as yak meat, local cheese, butter, and the famous Bhutanese hotpot, Ema Datshi (chili and cheese dish).
  • Cultural Exhibitions: There will be displays of traditional crafts, textiles, and a chance to learn about the unique lifestyle of the Layap people, including their methods of farming, yak herding, and weaving.
  • Sports and Competitions: The festival includes traditional sports like archery and yak races, where locals compete in these games.
• Tourism and Accessibility:
  • Laya is one of the more remote areas of Bhutan, and getting there requires trekking from Gasa (the closest town), which usually takes around 2-3 days. However, the festival provides a fantastic opportunity for visitors to trek through pristine forests and valleys while experiencing Bhutan’s highland culture.
  • The festival is also an important event for promoting sustainable tourism and the preservation of local traditions.

The Royal Highlander Festival in Laya is a great way to experience the untouched beauty of Bhutan’s highlands while immersing yourself in the culture and traditions of one of the most remote communities in the world. It is an event that attracts not only tourists but also researchers, photographers, and cultural enthusiasts.