A Highland Celebration Like No Other: Your Complete Guide to the Royal Highland Festival in Bhutan

Imagine standing amidst vast alpine meadows at 4,000 metres above sea level, surrounded by glacial peaks, yaks adorned in colourful ornaments, and highland nomads in their finest attire—this is not a dream, but the Royal Highland Festival in Bhutan. Held annually in the remote highland village of Laya, this one-of-a-kind festival offers you the rare opportunity to experience Bhutan’s highland culture in all its raw, rugged, and regal glory.

What Exactly Is the Royal Highland Festival?

Launched in 2016 under the visionary guidance of His Majesty The King, the Royal Highland Festival is Bhutan’s heartfelt tribute to its highland communities—those resilient nomadic tribes who call the mountains home. The festival brings together Layaps (people of Laya), Lunaps (from Lunana), Brokpas (from Merak-Sakten), and other highlanders from across the country to showcase their unique way of life, arts, and animals.

The goal? To celebrate highland resilience, promote sustainable livelihoods, and keep ancient traditions alive in a rapidly modernising world. For travellers like you, it’s an unforgettable window into Bhutan’s lesser-seen spiritual and cultural soul.

Where and When Does It Take Place?

The Royal Highland Festival takes place in Laya, a stunning yak-herding village in Gasa District, about two days’ trek from the nearest road point. It typically falls in late October, timed just after the harvest season and before winter fully sets in.

Royal Highland Festival is set to take place on 23rd - 24th October 2025 and Druk Asia will be running a Royal Highland Festival Tour on 19 - 29th October 2025.

Though getting there involves a bit of effort—whether you trek from Gasa hot springs or come as part of a longer Snowman Trek—the journey is absolutely worth it. Crisp mountain air, prayer flags fluttering across ridgelines, and views of Mt. Gangchen Ta (Tiger Mountain) will leave you breathless, both literally and metaphorically.

What Happens at the Festival?

This is no ordinary celebration. Over two jam-packed days, the Royal Highland Festival brings to life a magical medley of culture, competition, and camaraderie. Here’s what you can look forward to:

Yak Competitions and Animal Shows

Yaks take centre stage in this festival—whether it's a best-dressed yak parade, milking contests, or strength demonstrations. You’ll see prized yaks with bells, beads, and dyed fur, proudly paraded by their owners. Highland horses and mastiffs also make grand appearances.

Cultural Performances

Highland songs and dances that are rarely performed elsewhere in Bhutan are showcased here. The haunting yak songs, powerful brokpa dances, and throat-singing chants echo across the mountains and send goosebumps down your spine.

Handicraft and Produce Exhibitions

Artisans from Laya and surrounding villages sell traditional handicrafts made of yak wool, handmade jewellery, butter-based snacks, and wild mountain herbs. It’s the perfect place to pick up authentic, handmade souvenirs and support local economies.

Highland Sports and Games

Don’t be surprised to witness locals sprinting across fields in gumboots or participating in tug-of-war with the kind of spirit that’ll make you cheer along. There are even archery matches and horse races conducted on the open meadows.

Highland Food Sampling

Expect delicious highland staples like yak meat stew, dried cheese, buckwheat pancakes, and butter tea. It’s a foodie’s playground—simple, hearty, and flavourful meals that warm your soul.

Royal Presence

One of the highlights of the festival is the possibility of meeting His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. His Majesty often graces the event to interact with his people and encourage travellers to learn about Bhutan’s remote communities.

What Makes It So Special?

Bhutan has many festivals, but the Royal Highland Festival stands apart because of its authenticity, setting, and community spirit. It’s not created for tourists—it’s a festival by highlanders, for highlanders, and you’re graciously invited to witness it. There’s no stagecraft here—just genuine celebration and cultural pride, straight from the heart of the mountains.

You’ll come away with more than just photos—you’ll carry stories of resilience, warmth, and hospitality. And trust us, nothing makes you feel more alive than dancing with villagers under the stars at 4,000 metres with a yak bellowing in the background!

Planning Your Visit: What You Need to Know

• How to Get There: Most visitors join an organised trek departing from Gasa or Punakha, often combined with a longer itinerary through Bhutan’s central or western valleys. Helicopter options may be available closer to the event, depending on weather and availability.

• Accommodation: Camping is the standard option. Expect cold nights, basic facilities, and a sky full of stars. Some visitors opt for homestays if available, but facilities are very limited.

• Fitness Level: A moderate to high level of fitness is required to reach Laya. The trek includes uphill climbs, river crossings, and high-altitude walking. Acclimatisation is crucial, and it’s best not to rush.

• What to Pack: Warm clothes (thermals, down jacket, gloves), a sleeping bag rated for -10°C, sunscreen, lip balm, power bank, and a headlamp. Layers are key.

• Permits: As Laya is a restricted area, all foreign travellers must travel with a licensed Bhutanese tour operator who will arrange your trekking permits and logistics.
  
  Join Druk Asia's Royal Highland Festival Tour for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. If you’re looking to truly connect with Bhutan’s mountain soul, witness traditions untouched by time, and take part in a celebration that most people have never even heard of—you’ve found your answer. The Royal Highland Festival is more than just an event. It’s a journey into Bhutan’s beating heart, high above the clouds.