FOLKS OF BHUTAN.

 This package is offered to those friends of ours who are very much adventurous and fond of experiencing a different and unique culture. This package is unique of its kind that it offers our friends the most rustic, exotic and classic Bhutanese experiences.

Bhutanese villages are still untouched with many impacts of modernity, people here still continue to live the way Bhutan lived for many years. Simplicity, communal bonding, hospitality and spirituality are their core competencies. Village homestay is the best way to experience the authentic culture and the way of Bhutanese life. People in the villages are much happier, contented and have great sense of humor. Life here moves at much slower pace and it gives a pleasant break from busy city life.

Villages are very silent, exotic and beautiful. People keep themselves busy with their pastoral livelihood. Visiting these villages, our friends can not only live with them but be a part of the family and engage in many of their daily chores. Cooking, collecting fodder for animals, churning milk, participating in festivals and rituals, making fire and helping in livestock care are some of the most exotic and wild experiences for our friends. We can also listen to Bhutanese folktales.

 Mahatma Gandhi said “Simplicity is the essence of life” and truly, one can feel the real essence of life when one lives in the most simplistic way possible.

Different villages have their own culture and tradition, thus, their way of living also differs. Our friends will travel from village to village and experience different lifestyles prevailing in different villages.

We can visit the following villages:

PARO.
DRUKGYEL

Nested around the periphery of majestic Drukgyel dzong, this village is beautifully surrounded by paddy fields and apple gardens.  All the houses are built in classic Bhutanese architecture and the village has managed to upkeep its tradition. Although, there are few shops, most of the people are agrarian.

The village has a new homestay opened recently in 2017 and it is specialized in not only serving the guests in most authentic Bhutanese tradition, but also focusses on preserving the culture and tradition of the village. Living with the family of Mr. Jangchuk, we can learn a lot about the past history of the village and also experience the lifestyle of people in Paro.

HAA

Haa valley is one of the most picturesque places in the kingdom.The valley is also unparalleled in Bhutan in terms of the diversity of the folk culture, legends and shamanistic rituals. The shamanistic tradition is vividly practiced in almost all the communities, most notable of which is the annual ceremony to honour Ap Chundhu, the guardian deity of the valley. The valley is also a paradise for nature lovers and travelling there is a very rewarding experience.

Haa valley also has a countable number of yak herders (nomads), these people live a life of happiness devoid many basic amenities. A glimpse into their livelihood can teach us the value of our life and value of what we have. A short hike to meet some of these nomads will be a rewarding experience.

Haa valley is many beautiful villages and greeneries. The clustered houses show the communal bond while the greeneries represent the abundant natural resources. People in Haa do not grow rice, yet their fields are filled with green vegetables and other cash crops. Livestock is one of the major source of income.

Haa valley has one of the most well decorated heritage lodge in a village called Zingkha. This lodge has the basic modern amenities yet it is designed to blend perfectly into the antiquity of Haa culture. Surrounding villages are full of life and activities. Our friends can spend a day or two in Haa and get a new experience of people in Haa.

Usually it is best to visit Haa in December and January. These months are filled with local festivals such as “Lomba” and “ Bongku”. Lomba is new year festival for the people of Haa and it is the time when the families come together to celebrate the occasion. Bongku is a special ritual dedicated to Ap Chundu. This brings most of the people of Haa back to the village to express their gratitude. Special shamanistic dance with unique culture of offering is organized.

PUNAKHA.

Punakha valley used to be the capital of Bhutan until late 1950s. Today it still is the winter residence for the central monastic body. This valley is much warmer than Paro, Thimphu or Haa. It has abundant rice fields and orchards. The two rivers; Pho chu and Mo Chhu meanders through the valley and it is also blessed with many sacred sites.

Ritsha village in Punakha is one of the most popular rice farming village. People here grow both red and white rice. This village has the houses that are built in most classical Bhutanese style. Houses are built by pounding mud upon the stone foundation. Wooden windows and doors have some of the most intricate designs and colors. Most of the houses are two storied. A day hike to this village can give a glimpse into the lives of people in Punakha.

Punakha valley offers the best site for camping. So our friends can camp and enjoy the gentle breeze of the two rivers.

PHOBJIKHA

Phobjikha valley is one of the most beautiful wetland in Bhutan. It is the winter roosting ground for endangered species of cranes, black necked cranes. This valley is very serious about their environment and conservation of the crane habitats. People here are very friendly and live a life of simplicity too.

The valley is dotted with many sacred religious sites along with a crane center. Gangtey tshechu in September and Black Necked Crane Festival in November are two most celebrated festivals.

People here grow potatoes as their main source of income, however, homestay is gradually growing as an alternate source of income. Houses here are built with stones and there are few household that still rares sheep and yaks.

Visiting Phobjikha can give us a better glimpse about the protected birds, while living with them can give us an experience of Phobjikha lifestyle.