The Royal Highland Festival is an annual event held in the town of Laya, which is located in the Gasa district of Bhutan. The Festival usually takes place in October, but exact dates can vary from year to year. The festival is a celebration of the unique culture, beauty and wonders of Gasa Dzongkhag and the life of Highlanders in Bhutan.

To commemorate the birth of His Royal Highness The Gyalsey, the 400th anniversary of Shabdrung Rimpoche, and the Rabjung (60-year cycle) birth year of Guru Rimpoche, the Royal Highlander festival was first introduced on October 16, 2016. The festival showcases the natural beauty, rich history, and traditional culture of Gasa Dzongkhag, promoting its vision of "Good to Great Gasa" and sharing the authenticity and simplicity of highland life with guests.

During the festival, visitors can witness the traditional offering of Buelwa, a gift offering accompanied by Auley, a recitation of traditional epic poems and songs that originated during Zhabdrung Rinpoche's reign to show loyalty and respect for successive monarchs' dynamic and visionary leadership. Layaps also perform a variety of cultural programs, including traditional songs and dances, and competitions will be held for highland animals such as yaks, horses, and mastiffs.

The festival also features a range of stalls showcasing local yak products, highland technology, highland agricultural technology, medicinal herbs and plants, and more.

Royal Highlander