Stay as a guest in a Bhutanese home stay!
We offer valuable experiences, which is the opportunity to live as a villager in a Bhutanese home stay. Many of our travelers have reported how special the experience is. Living with a Bhutanese family allows them to understand the Bhutanese culture better and feel at home in Bhutan.
Host families working with us have a desire to interact with people from other cultures and to share their own. Guests are welcomed in the home stay with open arms and immediately treated like a family member. The travelers receive three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and these meals are shared together with the family.
Learn from each other
Guests get the opportunity to practice the languages they learn during the stay, and the family members will also take the chance to improve their English. Many families have young children with whom the guests stay interact and teach English in a fun way. Guests are often invited to social events in the home stay such as special pujas (religious ceremonies), festivals and weddings. This allows the volunteers to experience Bhutan in a truly unforgettable way.
Following is the experience of Tobias Ellewood from Hampshire, England
“Staying at a village home stay in Bhutan is a unique and unforgettable experience that allows visitors to get a taste of the local culture and way of life. I had the opportunity to stay at a village home stay during my trip to Bhutan, and it was one of the highlights of my journey.
The village home stay was located in a small village in the Paro Valley, surrounded by lush green fields and breathtaking mountain views. As I arrived, I was greeted by my hosts, a friendly Bhutanese family who welcomed me with warm smiles and traditional Bhutanese tea.
The home stay was a traditional Bhutanese house, made of wood and stone, with intricate carvings and colorful paintings on the walls. The house was cozy and comfortable, with a traditional wood-burning stove in the center of the living room that provided warmth on chilly nights.
The family showed me around the house and explained the traditional Bhutanese way of living. They taught me how to make butter tea and showed me the traditional Bhutanese dress, the gho and kira, which they wear on special occasions.
During my stay, I had the opportunity to participate in daily activities with the family. I helped with milking the cows and collecting eggs from the chickens, and I learned how to cook traditional Bhutanese dishes with the family. The food was delicious and made from locally sourced ingredients, including fresh vegetables from their garden.
In the evenings, we gathered around the wood-burning stove and shared stories and laughter. The family taught me traditional Bhutanese songs and dances, and I learned about the history and culture of Bhutan.
One of the highlights of my stay was a hike to a nearby temple, which offered stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The family joined me on the hike, and we stopped along the way to pick wild berries and mushrooms.
Staying at a village home stay in Bhutan allowed me to experience the authentic Bhutanese way of life and connect with the local community. It was a chance to slow down and appreciate the simple pleasures of life, such as spending time with family, cooking and sharing meals, and exploring the natural beauty of the countryside.
Overall, my experience at the village home stay in Bhutan was a true cultural immersion that allowed me to see the country through the eyes of the locals. It was an opportunity to learn about the traditional Bhutanese way of living and to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the country’s rich history and culture. I highly recommend a village home stay to anyone who is looking for an authentic and unforgettable cultural experience in Bhutan.”
Tobias Ellewood, Hampshire, England. May 13, 2021
