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THE ROYAL HIGHLANDER FESTIVAL - GASA

Hiding on the rooftop of the world and behind the mighty mountains of the Himalaya, Bhutan is known as the “Last Shangri La”. The country has been a hotspot especially for trekkers, because of its pristine nature, together with the distinctive culture as a Buddhist country and many secrecies remain undiscovered.

Laya, Gasa
The Royal Highlander Festival is a festival annually held in October in Laya, Gasa, Bhutan. Gasa is the northernmost district of Bhutan, connecting with districts of Punakha, Thimphu and Wangdue Phodrang. Gasa also shares border with Tibet to its north. The astounding region has an elevation range from 1,500-4,500m.

First introduced in 2016, the festival’s goal is to share the beauty and the wonders of Gasa Dzongkhag through its nature, history and its distinctive tradition and culture and to share Gasa’s vision of “Good to Great Gasa”. 

Royal highlander festival

Highlanders from different parts of Bhutan come here to exchange values, knowledge, and experience regarding highlands and yak farming. The festival is the brainwork of the fifth king Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and has definitely become more popular, attracting more people to this ‘‘less accessible’’ northern region of Bhutan. The performances in the festival are extremely captivating and unique, thus making the festival a great opportunity to understand about the Highlanders’ life.
happy faces because its their fastival

Living in this region is the Layaps, nomadic herders whose life is strongly connected with yak farming and trading products like yak hair textiles, cheese, butter and yak meat. The Layaps have very unique culture and traditions. Asides from yak farming, they also harvest and sell Cordyceps, (a fungus of extremely high value that is frequently used in oriental medicine). Gasa is also home to a large number of herds of wild Takins.

The Royal Highlander Festival is held at an incredible altitude of 4,000m in Laya, Gasa, from 23rd to 24th October 2021. This unique festival brings new air to this remote region of Bhutan.

At an altitude of 3,800m, Laya is certainly not an easy destination, but all the effort will be worth it once you have touched its ground. In October, when the Royal Highlander festival is held, the weather can be quite cold, from 1-12 °C (33,8°F to 53,6°F). The temperature may drop below 0°C (32°F), with light drizzles or snow. Due to the significant weather conditions, the hike to Laya is most suitable for experienced trekkers.
people wearing their traditional dresses and showcasing their culture.

Nevertheless, the Royal Highlander Festival is a special opportunity for you to understand more about the rich heritage and the life of the warm-hearted Bhutanese living in the western and northern regions of the country. You will enjoy the local’s memorable festival, challenge yourself with the strenuous Gasa-Laya trek and revel in the striking scenery along the way with this unforgettable 12-day itinerary!
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