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.
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.
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:
This is where Bhutan’s concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH) becomes tangible, a life rooted in balance, sustainability, and community well-being.
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:
Nature lovers will find Gasa an unrivaled playground of biodiversity, while spiritual travelers will discover a landscape steeped in sacred lore.
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.
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.
For travelers who want to move beyond the role of spectator, farmstays with Layap families offer authentic immersion. Imagine:
It is here that Bhutan’s famed hospitality reveals itself, not as a tourist service, but as a genuine embrace.
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:
Each site tells a fragment of Bhutan’s larger story, one of resilience, unity, and devotion.
Option 1: 3 Nights | 4 Days
Option 2: 4 Nights / 5 Days
Both include monastery visits, village walks, and local interaction.
Your journey can be extended with activities such as:
The Royal Highland Festival is a living showcase of Bhutan’s highland identity. It blends:
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.
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.