Royal Highland Festival to host Bhutan in Laya, Gas from October 23 2022

Bhutan to host Royal Highland Festival from October 23

The festival might be showcasing the wonders and beauty of the Gasa Dzongkhag and may be celebrating the life and culture of the nomadic highland people of Bhutan.

Bhutan is all geared up to host the Royal Highland Festival on October 23, 2022, in Laya, Gasa. This was these days informed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB). The Royal Highland Festival was envisioned via way of means of His Majesty The King of Bhutan in 2016 to boost their economy and sell the highland subculture.

The competition will be showcasing the wonders and splendor of the Gasa Dzongkhag and will be celebrating the life and culture of the nomadic highland people of Bhutan.

Referring to this, Tenzin Chopel, officiating Dzongda (Governor) of Gasa said that this is a chance to really get to see the ‘hidden’ Bhutan, meet lots of Bhutanese humans, and spot one of the most scenic festival locations in Bhutan. The picturesque village with a beautiful backdrop of remarkable surrounding peaks, in addition, makes it a wonderful venue for the festival, he added.

The highlights of the two-day festival from October 23 to October 24, 2022, may be parades, games, and competitions with the intention to feature highland animals, including horses, yaks, and mastiff dogs. These animals will be dressed in expensive fabrics, and bells, and are a sight to behold.

Apart from this, lots of cultural programs can also be done by the Layaps, who're the indigenous humans inhabiting Laya, together with traditional dances, songs, gift offerings, and poetry recitations.

The festival will also have stalls selling local produce, along with showcasing medicinal herbs and plants, among other things. This festival also sees gatherings of communities from all over Bhutan, with many tribes coming down from the high Himalayas to show off their animals and compete in races.

How to reach?

To reach the spot, visitors can drive to Tongchudra, then take a 6-hour trek to Laya, which is also one of the most scenic hikes in Bhutan. You may even choose a helicopter ride or porter horses that are available to help hikers along the trail.