Bhutan Unveils Exciting New Tourism Incentives – Discover the Details Here!

The Royal Highland Festival in Bhutan: A Journey into the Heart of Himalayan Heritage

Garab Dorji
Aug 14, 2025
Updated on: Aug 15, 2025
Royal Highland Festival

High in the Clouds, Where Culture Dances with the Wind.

Far above the whispering valleys, where the clouds graze snow-tipped peaks and prayer flags flutter in the thin mountain breeze, lies Laya, a hidden kingdom within the Kingdom of Bhutan. This remote settlement, perched at a breathtaking 4,000 meters in the country’s northwestern highlands, is a place where ancient customs still thrive, untouched by the bustle of the modern world.
Every October, as the Himalayan air turns crisp and the first snow dusts the ridgelines, Laya transforms into a living, breathing celebration of heritage: The Royal Highland Festival (RHF). More than just an event, the RHF is a vibrant meeting point of tradition, nature, and community spirit. It is a tribute to Bhutan’s highland people, their resilient lifestyle, and the deep bond they share with their land and livestock.
For travelers seeking an experience far beyond conventional sightseeing, a journey into a world where history, culture, and ecology converge, this is Bhutan’s hidden gem.

A Festival Above the Clouds: What to Expect

Each year from October 23rd to 24th, Laya becomes a kaleidoscope of color, sound, and movement. Against the backdrop of pristine glacial rivers and the towering peaks of the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park, the Royal Highland Festival unfolds with a rhythm as timeless as the mountains themselves.
The opening procession is a sight to behold: yaks draped in ornate fabrics, their hair dyed in bright hues, their bells chiming in unison; Bhutanese mastiffs, regal and alert, trotting alongside their handlers; and highland horses, decorated in intricate harnesses, symbolizing strength and endurance.
The people of Laya, the Layaps, welcome visitors with traditional songs, masked dances, and poetry recitals. The Buelwa, a ceremonial offering of appreciation, is performed to honor the King and the spirits that guard their land. It is not merely a performance, it is living history.

Be-yul: The Hidden Land Unveiled

Locals call their homeland Be-yul, meaning the hidden land. This term comes from Bhutanese spiritual lore, referring to sacred, hidden valleys blessed by Guru Rinpoche as sanctuaries for spiritual seekers. During the festival, visitors are invited to step into this hidden world.
Here, you can:

  • Sample highlander delicacies such as chhurpi (dried yak cheese), rich butter-based stews, and the warming kick of locally brewed spirits.
  • Explore market stalls overflowing with handwoven textiles, medicinal herbs like cordyceps, and artisan-crafted souvenirs.
  • Learn ancient skills such as yak herding techniques, weaving, and natural dye-making, crafts that sustain highland life.

This is where Bhutan’s concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH) becomes tangible, a life rooted in balance, sustainability, and community well-being.

Beyond the Festival: The Natural Treasures of Gasa

Laya belongs to Gasa district, a pristine frontier of Bhutan known for its alpine landscapes, therapeutic hot springs, and wildlife corridors that are home to rare species.
Highlights include:

  • Glacial Lakes – Over a hundred lakes feed major rivers like the Pho Chu and Mo Chu.
  • Wildlife – Red pandas, blue sheep, snow leopards, and Bhutan’s national animal, the takin, roam these mountains.
  • Hot Springs (Tshachus) – Revered for their healing properties, these springs are sought out by both locals and visitors.
  • Epic Treks – The legendary Snowman Trek and high-altitude trails that skirt glacial basins.

Nature lovers will find Gasa an unrivaled playground of biodiversity, while spiritual travelers will discover a landscape steeped in sacred lore.

The Journey to Laya: Adventure in Itself

Getting to Laya is part of the magic. Your expedition begins with a six-hour drive from Thimphu to Tongshida base camp, winding through valleys of pine, oak, and rhododendron. From there, a four-hour hike along an aquamarine glacial river delivers you into the heart of Laya.

For those short on time or seeking a luxury experience, helicopter transfers are available through the Royal Bhutan Helicopter Service, but advance booking is essential during festival season.

The Laya Run: Highland Spirit in Motion

One of the festival’s signature events is the Laya Run, a 25-kilometer endurance race from Ponjothang to Laya. Following the Mo Chu River’s winding course, runners traverse forest trails, suspension bridges, and alpine meadows. It is not just a competition, it is a testament to the stamina and tenacity of Bhutan’s highland people.

Live Like a Local: Farmstay Experiences

For travelers who want to move beyond the role of spectator, farmstays with Layap families offer authentic immersion. Imagine:

  • Donning traditional Layap attire.
  • Sharing hearty, home-cooked meals of buckwheat pancakes, yak butter tea, and fresh cheese.
  • Joining your hosts at the festival, dancing, singing, and cheering in unison.

It is here that Bhutan’s famed hospitality reveals itself, not as a tourist service, but as a genuine embrace.

Sacred Rituals and Sites

The RHF is not just entertainment, it is infused with spiritual depth. Ancient epics like the Auley, a lyrical narrative in honor of Bhutan’s kings, are performed alongside Buddhist blessings.

Nearby, you can explore:

  • Tashi Lhakhang (Omchu Lhakhang) – A temple known for its spiritual significance.
  • Jagchhey Lhakhang – Home to centuries-old relics.
  • Zogchencholing Lhakhang – An important monastic center in the region.

Each site tells a fragment of Bhutan’s larger story, one of resilience, unity, and devotion.

Suggested Itineraries

Option 1: 3 Nights | 4 Days

  • Oct 22: Drive from Thimphu to Tongchudra, hike to Laya.
  • Oct 23-24: Attend the festival.
  • Oct 25: Return to Thimphu.

Option 2: 4 Nights / 5 Days

  • Oct 21: Thimphu to Gasa (overnight).
  • Oct 22: Gasa to Laya.
  • Oct 23-24: Festival.
  • Oct 25: Return to Thimphu.

Both include monastery visits, village walks, and local interaction.

Activities Beyond the Festival

Your journey can be extended with activities such as:

  • Yak and Horse Riding – Traverse alpine meadows the traditional way.
  • Highland Dress Photoshoots – Capture your Himalayan moment in full Layap attire.
  • Scavenger Hunts – Interactive cultural learning for families.
  • Glacial Lake Hikes – Breathtaking views and serene picnic spots.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

The Royal Highland Festival is a living showcase of Bhutan’s highland identity. It blends:

  • Cultural heritage rooted in centuries-old customs.
  • The thrill of adventure and high-altitude exploration.
  • The warmth of community and the authenticity of life far from modern distractions.

For adventure seekers, it is an alpine challenge; for luxury travelers, it is an exclusive, off-the-beaten-path escape; for eco-tourists, it is a case study in sustainable living.

This is the Clou Travel promise, journeys that go beyond seeing, to truly experiencing.

Plan Your Journey with Clou Travel

At Clou Travel, we do not just send you to Laya, we craft an immersive Royal Highland Festival experience. With expert guides, curated farmstay options, and seamless logistics (including permits, transport, and festival access), we ensure your journey is effortless yet unforgettable.

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