Real guest experience · Laya, Bhutan

Elizabeth's Royal Highland Festival journey in Bhutan

A 10-day journey through Bhutan, centred on the highland celebrations in Laya. From meeting people along the way to visiting Tiger's Nest, Elizabeth shared the moments that made her trip so memorable.

5/5 on Google5/5 on Tripadvisor
Elizabeth wearing traditional Bhutanese dress at the Royal Highland Festival in Laya with two people against a Himalayan mountain backdrop
Elizabeth at the Royal Highland Festival in Laya
Elizabeth smiling and presenting Tiger's Nest Monastery on a cliff in Paro, Bhutan
A memorable stop at Tiger's Nest Monastery

In the traveller's own words

“The coolest thing I have ever experienced”

We were delighted to read Elizabeth's account of her Bhutan holiday. Her review describes not only the festival and cultural sites, but also the warmth and personal attention that she experienced throughout the journey.

The best tour company in Bhutan! I did a 10-day tour around the Laya Highland Festival which is by far the coolest thing I have ever experienced and highlight of my travels (see photos). We went to Paro, Thimpu, Punakha and Wangdue travelling with (a different) Karma, one of the most experienced trekkers and tour guide in Bhutan, and our wonderful and safe driver Samten. I got such an amazing experience going to markets, the paper factory, children's art school, Tiger's Nest, and so many Zhongs and Buddhist temples. I can't suggest booking through Karma and her team enough, her and her daughter even took my out to dinner, let me meet their wonderful dog, helped me buy last minute insurance, and more! I am so grateful for the experience they all helped cultivate and how looked after I felt. Thank you Karma and team!

Elizabeth Smith
Guest review · Original wording retained
Journey10 days in Bhutan
HighlightRoyal Highland Festival, Laya
Other places visitedParo, Thimphu, Punakha and Wangdue

The journey behind the review

A highland celebration and much more

The Royal Highland Festival tour takes travellers into Laya, a remote Himalayan community known for its distinctive highland culture. The festival brings together local traditions, community celebrations and a remarkable mountain setting.

For Elizabeth, the festival was the standout moment. Her wider journey also took her to cultural landmarks and everyday places across Bhutan, including local markets, traditional arts and crafts centres, Buddhist temples and Tiger's Nest Monastery. Her photographs offer a glimpse of the variety of experiences that can make a Bhutan holiday special.

Photographs from the journey

From the Himalayan highlands to Bhutanese craftsmanship and local markets, these are photographs shared from Elizabeth's travels.

Two craftspeople demonstrating traditional Bhutanese woodblock printing with carved blocks and colourful prayer prints
Traditional woodblock printing
White chortens with tiered Bhutanese roofs at Dochula Pass
Chortens at Dochula Pass
Traditional Bhutanese dzong courtyard with decorated timber galleries and golden roof details
Bhutanese dzong architecture
Bhutan's national animal, a takin, standing beside a fenced enclosure
Bhutan's national animal, the takin
Traditional woodcarving chisels and a partly carved wooden floral design at a Bhutanese craft workshop
Traditional woodcarving techniques
Intricately painted traditional Bhutanese wooden windows and decorative architecture
Details of Bhutanese architecture
Fresh red and green chillies and vegetables on display at a market in Bhutan
Colourful produce at a local market

Select a photograph to view the larger image.

The personal touches that matter

What stands out in Elizabeth's review is how well looked after she felt. She remembered the knowledge of her guide, Karma, the safe driving of Samten and the extra care she received, including help with last-minute travel insurance and a personal dinner invitation.

For us at Bhutan Lhayul Tours & Travels, these are the moments we hope visitors carry home alongside memories of the mountains, monasteries and festivals.

Plan a journey of your own

Experience Bhutan's Royal Highland Festival

Interested in attending the festival in Laya or combining it with a cultural tour of Bhutan? Explore our highland festival itinerary and get in touch to discuss a personalised journey.

Explore the Highland Festival tour Enquire about your Bhutan trip

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