Tucked away in the sacred highlands of northern Bhutan, Laya Village emerges from misty peaks, a breathtaking testament to the region's heritage. Situated in the Gasa district, this secluded settlement is home to the indigenous Layap people, whose semi-nomadic traditions have thrived for centuries amidst the resilient pines surrounding them. Once a bustling trading hub between the Bhutanese highlands and the Tibetan plateau, Laya’s history echoes through the winds, carrying tales of cultural exchange and connection.

As travellers journey to Laya, they traverse lush alpine meadows that burst with blooming rhododendrons, surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks. Local villagers, with faces weathered by time, greet visitors with respectful nods, sharing silent stories of coexistence with nature. The village reveals its spiritual depth during the Royal Highland Festival each October, when the air resonates with traditional chants, colourful prayer scarves fluttering, and enthusiastic applause for ancient sports performed with precision.

Farmers proudly display their harvests—potatoes, barley, and medicinal herbs—arranged in honour of the earth and sky. Visitors meander through this living tapestry of highland culture, captivated by a unique way of life that remains untouched by the hurried pace of modernity beneath the expansive Himalayan sky.