Whether you're seeking cultural immersion, rural adventure, or moments of deep connection, the Royal Highland Festival offers a variety of enriching experiences rooted in Bhutan's highland way of life
Animal Parade
A signature highlight of the festival, this vibrant parade features yaks, horses, and native highland dogs adorned in traditional decorations and regalia. These animals are not only central to highland livelihoods but also hold deep cultural and spiritual significance. During the Animal Show, a panel of local experts and livestock professionals evaluate entries in categories such as best-decorated yak, strongest bull, healthiest calf, and finest horse — celebrating the pride and excellence of highland herders.
Traditional Games & Festivities
The Laya Highland Festival showcases the unique traditions of the highland community, featuring thrilling horse races, vibrant cultural performances, and displays of local customs. It celebrates highland life against the stunning backdrop of the Bhutanese Himalayas, promoting community pride and cultural preservation.
Homestay Activities & Highland Treks
Many of the most enriching experiences at the Royal Highland Festival come not from formal programming, but from the warmth and openness of Layap families. As a homestay guest, you may be invited to witness or take part in daily highland life — from learning how yak milk is turned into butter and cheese, to watching wool being spun, or sipping herbal tea made from locally foraged plants. These demonstrations are personal, authentic, and offered by households proud to share their way of life.
In addition to these cultural encounters, Laya offers breathtaking treks and hikes for those eager to explore the landscape beyond the festival grounds. Notable options include:
- Tshokartshona Hike: A scenic trail that takes you deep into alpine yak herding areas, offering dramatic views of glacial valleys.
- Gangkar Phuensum Base Hike: Trek toward the base of the world’s highest unclimbed peak — a sacred and awe-inspiring journey.
- Masagang Base Trek: Traverse pristine ridgelines to reach the foot of Masagang, part of the Lunana snow range, with panoramic views and highland biodiversity along the way.
These hikes range from half-day excursions to more demanding full-day treks and should be planned in coordination with your tour guide or homestay host. Whether by foot or by heart, Laya invites you to journey deeper into the stories of the highlands.
Bonfire under the Stars
Each evening of the festival, as the sun sets behind the snowcapped peaks, the festival grounds come alive with warmth and celebration around the central bonfire. This is one of the most anticipated parts of the Royal Highland Festival — a joyful, open-air gathering where everyone is invited to relax, connect, and celebrate.
Local and national Bhutanese artists take the stage to perform traditional and contemporary music, bringing together people from across the country and beyond. The bonfire space becomes a melting pot of conversation, laughter, and shared stories. Visitors can enjoy Layap hospitality, sip warm drinks like traditional ara, and take in the rhythms of the highlands under the stars.
Whether you’re dancing to folk music, chatting with highlanders, or simply soaking in the night air, the bonfire evenings are a heartwarming celebration of unity, culture, and the spirit of Laya.