The 5th edition of the Royal Highland Festival will be held this year.

Gasa Dzongkhag Administration is pleased to announce that we will be hosting the 5th Royal Highland Festival (RHF) in Laya from 23rd to 24th October 2022. Highland Communities from 10 dzongkhags (districts) of Bhutan will partake in the 5th Royal Highland Festival at Laya to showcase their unique culture and tradition. Inter alia, the famous 25 Kilometer cross-country Laya Run from Ponjothang (Gasa) to Langothang (festival ground, Laya), one of the most sought-after events of the festival will be held on 23rd October 2022. 

Participants can opt to trek through stunning mountain trails or be dropped on location by helicopter. Please be informed that all expenditures have to be borne by the concerned -individual/party including food and accommodation throughout the festival. This also applies to all the runners participating in Laya Run. However, the Dzongkhag administration will help facilitate the booking/reservation of farm stays/accommodation and other logistic requirements after registration.

We look forward to welcoming you all to Laya and celebrating the 5th Royal Highland Festival, a unique and an-exhilarating festival. Therefore, we would appreciate receiving confirmation of your participation w.e.f 16th September 2022 until 16th October 2022 to enable us to coordinate and make your stay a comfortable and memorable one. You may visit our Dzongkhag website www.gasa.gov.bt when the registration opens on September 16, 2022.

For any queries, please contact the following focal:

1. Information Desk:17688297.

2. Secretariat Service: 17502909.

3. Immigration Service: 17943082.