Royal Family Attended Royal Highland Festival Together for the First Time
The 8th Royal Highland Festival in Laya, held on 23–24 October 2025, was made especially memorable by the presence of the Royal Family. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Highland Resilience and Prosperity,” highlighted the strength and cultural richness of Bhutan’s highland communities through vibrant performances, traditional sports, and local exhibitions.
The 8th Royal Highland Festival held on 23–24 October 2025 in the scenic highlands of Laya, Gasa, was made truly memorable by the presence of Their Majesties King Jigme Khesar and Queen Jetsun Pema, and Their Royal Highnesses Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel, Gyalsey Ugyen Wangchuck, and Gyalsem Sonam Yangden Wangchuck. This marked the first time the entire Royal Family attended the festival together, filling the highland air with joy and excitement among the people of Laya and visitors from across Bhutan and abroad.
A Festival Rooted in Royal Vision
The Royal Highland Festival was initiated in 2016 upon Royal Command to promote the culture and livelihoods of Bhutan’s highland communities. His Majesty has graced the festival every year since its inception, often accompanied by His Royal Highness Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel. Over the years, the festival has grown into one of the most anticipated national events, drawing increasing numbers of domestic and international visitors to the pristine mountains of Gasa.
Celebrating Highland Resilience and Prosperity
This year’s theme, “Celebrating Highland Resilience and Prosperity”, honoured the strength, adaptability, and enduring spirit of Bhutan’s highlanders. His Majesty highlighted the vital role of these communities in shaping Bhutan’s identity, describing them as the “ornaments of country.”
His Majesty emphasised the importance of safeguarding their unique way of life and cultural heritage for future generations. The festival featured vibrant cultural performances, traditional sports, livestock shows, a lottery, and exhibitions of agricultural, woodcraft, and handicraft products from highland regions.
The Spirit of Laya
Rows of yak-hair tents lined the festival grounds at Langothang, creating a striking backdrop for the celebrations. Visitors stayed in traditional homestays in Laya, sampling highland cuisine and browsing local crafts. The highlight for many was the annual Laya Run, a competitive 25K race that brings athletes and enthusiasts to the highlands each year. His Majesty The King granted Royal Tokha (food offering or a special gift presented by the King to his people) to all attendees, symbolising the enduring bond between the King and the people.
Voices from the Highlands
Eighty-five-year-old Laya resident, Pema Zomchi, shared her heartfelt gratitude, saying: “Since the inception of this festival, I have been actively participating. It is an honour to see His Majesty the King, Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen, and Their Royal Highnesses.” She added: “I want to thank His Majesty the King for introducing the Royal Highland Festival.
This shows immense love and affection of His Majesty for the people of highland communities.” Her words echoed the sentiments of many highlanders who travelled from near and far to take part. Phuntsho Wangdi from Merak, Trashigang, said: “It is a pleasure to participate in the festival, which I view as a profound platform to meet His Majesty and to showcase the unique culture and traditions of highland communities.” His group proudly presented the traditional Yak and Achi Lhamo dances from Merak and Sakteng.
A Legacy of Faith and Celebration
The Royal Highland Festival was first introduced on 16 October 2016 to commemorate three auspicious events—the birth of His Royal Highness the Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, the 400th anniversary of Zhabdrung Rinpoche, and the birth year of Guru Rinpoche in the Rabjung cycle.
The festival pays homage to Bhutan’s highlanders, described as “the guardians of fragile alpine ecosystems, the keepers of pastoral and nomadic traditions, and the custodians of a cultural legacy forged over centuries.” The highlands, celebrated for their natural splendour and spiritual depth, remain sacred landscapes protected by guardian deities.
Looking to the Stars
On the second day of the festival, Their Majesties and the Royal Children joined the celebrations once more, viewing traditional games, songs, and dances, and meeting with the people gathered for the occasion. Alongside local residents and guests, De-suups, Gyalsups, and members of the Bhutan Red Cross Society took part in the festival.
Adding a modern touch to the celebration, the GovTech Agency, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and the De-suung Skilling Programme, organised a special “Stargazing in Laya” event—inviting visitors to experience the magic of the night sky from one of Bhutan’s most remote and enchanting corners.
