People are only now waking up to the unique culture and heritage that Bhutan has. If you’re fascinated by the country and are planning to visit it around October, head to the Royal Highland Festival. This festival is a celebration of Bhutanese culture and is an excellent way to explore the food and art, as well as the native festivities of the local people. Here’s all you need to know about this festival.
Royal Highland Festival: All You Need To Know
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This particular festival is all about celebrating the local culture of Bhutan. The festival will take place at Laya which is located in Gasa. The festival will exhibit the culture of the local Layap people. The festival is also an attempt to promote and preserve their culture.
The festival will be two days long and will be held on October 23 and 24. You can expect food stalls selling local delicacies like local alcoholic beverages, yak butter, dried yak cheese and much more. There will also be parades showcasing their brilliant culture complete with dance performances and music.
To remember this festival’s uniqueness and to have a piece of Bhutan for yourself, you can also purchase souvenirs from the stalls which sell locally-made trinkets. There will also be animal competitions where local beasts like horses, yaks and mastiffs will be decked in ceremonial outfits.
Also Read: With A New International Airport At Gelephu, Bhutan Planning To Increase Connectivity And Tourism
How To Get To This Festival?
People of Laya.
Here’s a reminder that the annual Royal Highland Festival will be happening from 23rd-24th October.
📸 jits.into.the.sunset (IG)#RoyalHighlandFestival #RHFBhutan #Laya #Gasa #HighlandsofBhutan #Bhutanbelieve #Bhutan #BhutanTourism pic.twitter.com/SPnkyF6Ox0— Tourism Bhutan (@tourismbhutan) August 26, 2023
Perched at a height of 3,800 metres above sea level, this festival is a seven-hour drive away from Thimphu to the base camp at Tongshida, according to an article recently published by Indulgexpress. From Tongshida base camp, it is a four-hour hike to Laya.
Visitors may also avail the helicopter facility if they wish to avoid hiking. The festival is also officially confirmed by the Department of Tourism of Bhutan. It is undoubtedly going to be a sensory experience for all those who attend it.
You can also explore the region of Gasa which houses fantastic and unique biodiversity.
Also Read: Varanasi To Get A Bhutanese Buddha Temple At Pindra Tehsil; 2 Acres Of Land Allotted For It
Would you like to attend this festival? Have you ever been to Bhutan? Let us know in the comments below!
Cover Image Credits: @tourismbhutan/Instagram