Stay in a Bhutanese farmhouse
A farmstay in Bhutan offers a rare invitation into everyday village life, where hospitality is heartfelt and tradition quietly endures.
With farmstays available around several popular locations, including Paro, Pobjikha and Gangtey, and further from the locations that make up most itineraries in places such as Haa or Gasa, this is a welcoming option for those looking to immerse themselves into the life and culture of Bhutan.
Highlights of Bhutan’s farmstays include sharing meals and making connections across the table and across continents. This is where the concept of thuenlam – the Dzongkha word for maintaining harmonious relationships through mutual respect and hospitality – can be most keenly appreciated.
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What to expect during your stay:
- See what daily life is like on the farm, helping out looking after animals or learning about local smallholdings.
- Visit nearby temples and other sites in the community whose activities punctuate daily life.
- Enjoy downtime in the village with no pressing schedule to meet, observing the rhythms of local life.
- Spend time with your hosts on the farm and around the table, gaining a deeper understanding of their lives and culture.
A taste of home
“The farmstay was such a lovely change of pace. Sharing a meal with our hosts and getting a glimpse into everyday village life was a wonderfully genuine Bhutanese experience. ”
Will my stay benefit the local community?
The accommodation is part of your host’s home. It provides them with an essential income and helps bring tourist spend directly into their community through locally-sourced produce, handicrafts bought directly from the artisan, and local guiding or trekking services.
Many small farmers may have at one time herded yaks as a way of life, but increasingly this occupation is only profitable for those who can afford to maintain large herds. Diversifying into farmstays and guiding helps these communities to continue to thrive.
What will my accommodation be like in the farmhouse?
Rooms will be simple but pleasant and offer you all the privacy you need. As all farmstays in Bhutan must be officially licensed by the state – as all hotels are – you can expect high hygiene standards in both private and communal areas.
There will be beds or mattresses on the floor and simple items of occasional furniture for your comfort. Depending on the property, you will either have an ensuite bathroom or access to a shared bathroom.
What can I do during my farmstay?
You won’t be short of things to discover. Local temples can be visited and trips through the surrounding countryside can be arranged. The farmers and fishermen will be happy to explain the local techniques they use and you’ll no doubt be challenged to play a game you don’t understand!
What do other travellers say is the highlight of their stay?
For most people, the highlight of their experience is the time they spend getting to know the hosts and people of the village that they meet, sharing memorable experiences such as enjoying conversation over a simple evening meal as the sun sets over the village.
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