๐ ๐ซ๐จ๐ฆ ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ค ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ค๐ญ๐๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐๐ฒ๐: ๐๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ก๐ข๐ง๐๐ฌ ๐๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ญ๐ก ๐๐จ๐ฒ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ฅ๐๐ง๐ ๐ ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐๐ฅ
Trashigang Dzongkhag proudly participated in the 9th Royal Highland Festival, held in Laya, Gasa, from 23โ24 October 2026, showcasing the rich cultural heritage, traditions and vibrant highland identity of Merak and Sakteng.
Led by Dasho Dzongdag, the delegation comprised the Gups of Merak and Sakteng, officials from the Dzongkhag Administration and community representatives, with a total of 37 participants from the two gewogs.
The team delivered an impressive performance, securing six awards, including four first-place finishes in the Living Highland Parade, Balloon Race, Pole Climbing and Stick Pulling. The team also secured second place in Best Product Display and fifth place in the Ramp Walk, earning a total prize amount of Nu. 115,000.
Beyond the competitions, the delegation participated in various cultural programmes, including A Day of the Herders, while promoting indigenous products and traditional livelihoods. The team also recorded collections of Nu. 80,000 from ๐๐๐ณ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ฌ๐ก๐จ๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ and Nu. 37,000 from Yak Cham, highlighting the economic potential of highland products.
The festival provided a valuable platform to celebrate cultural diversity, promote local enterprises and strengthen the visibility of Bhutanโs highland communities.
From the highland pastures of Merak and Sakteng to the majestic landscapes of Laya, Trashigang proudly carried the spirit, heritage and resilience of its people, making its mark at this national celebration of highland culture.
Congratulations to the entire delegation and the people of Merak and Sakteng!
