Bhutan is excited to unveil an authentic homestay experience, offering visitors a unique chance to live with Bhutanese families and engage intimately with the daily customs of local life, alongside their comprehensive selection of star-rated and various accommodation options.
Homestays are spread throughout the country and today, with over 120 homestays are certified and validated by Bhutan’s Department of Tourism. These homestays are often located in peaceful, less crowded areas, making them the perfect place for quiet reflection. While these homestays may not offer facilities like hotels and resorts, visitors can stay in a local farmhouse with a Bhutanese family and experience the daily life of Bhutanese people. They offer a clean, cozy, and spacious room for a comfortable stay and visitors can get a view of lush green nature, beautiful paddy fields, monasteries, mountains and so much more.
Staying in a Bhutanese local homestays offers a genuine Bhutanese experience, with warm hospitality and local meals. Visitors can join the daily rituals of Bhutanese people living in villages and participate in cultivation and harvesting alongside other farmers, pick seasonal fruits and vegetables, and eat authentic Bhutanese dishes. Moreover, one can also learn how to cook Bhutanese food as a family, with the homestay host often offering cooking classes. Bhutan has an abundance of local fresh organic vegetables and simple ways of Bhutanese cooking introduces visitors to a basic style of cooking, prevalent in the Himalayan region. They can learn how to make classic favorites such as momos (dumplings), Ema Datsi (chili & cheese), buckwheat noodles and traditional salads.
Additionally, to provide a more immersive experience, homestays arrange cultural activities such as traditional dances, attire try-ons, and religious ceremonies. Services like spa and baths that are available in the modern hotels are replaced with hot stone baths in sheds near their homes. Hot-stone bath isn’t just another wellness treatment, it is also an act of hospitality, as the host takes care and prepares the experience for guests. Hot stone baths are good for body aches, skin issues and muscle cramps.
Another interesting fact of homestays is that they prioritize sustainability in their design, operations, and amenities. Guests staying in a homestay can contribute significantly to sustainability and conservation efforts by embracing eco-friendly practices such as supporting local businesses, respecting wildlife and natural habitats, and participating in community-based conservation projects. The revenues from guests who stay in the homestays also contribute to the livelihood of the family and the local community.
Find the full list of validated and certified homestays at this link. For more information about Bhutan’s Department of Tourism, please visit this www.bhutan.travel.
