“Not all those who wander are lost”. J.R.R. Tolkien
How it all began…
Bhutan Homestay is a locally owned tour operator, proudly registered with the Tourism Council of Bhutan.
Since Bhutan opened its doors to tourism in 1974, the Kingdom has welcomed an ever-growing number of travelers. However, traditional tours often rush tourists from one attraction to another, offering only a fleeting glimpse of Bhutan’s rich culture and natural beauty. While this approach may suit large groups, many travelers seek a more immersive experience. They desire a deeper connection with the Bhutanese people and their everyday lives. Bhutan Homestay caters to these travelers, providing authentic, personalized experiences that bring you closer to the heart of Bhutan.
For families with young children, we offer flexible itineraries that are thoughtfully tailored to your needs, making it easier to enjoy the journey at your own pace.
Our Philosophy
At Bhutan Homestay, we are dedicated to offering our visitors an authentic, up-close experience of Bhutanese life in its natural setting. Departing from conventional tourism, we focus on providing intimate, once-in-a-lifetime journeys that immerse you in the heart of Bhutan through homestays and meaningful personal encounters.
We invite you to discover the Bhutan that we, the Bhutanese, know— the true essence of our Kingdom.
To bring this vision to life, we embrace the concept of “wandering.” As you explore, you’ll gather lasting memories of this breathtaking land. Along the way, you may even feel inspired to follow the paths once traveled by revered Buddhist saints, walking along ancient “highways” and historic footpaths that connect valleys and villages.
To learn more about our passionate team, visit TEAM.
Keeping good Relations With Our Hosts
At Bhutan Homestay, we deeply value the relationships we foster with our hosts, which are rooted in the traditional Bhutanese concept of thuenlam. In the national language, Dzongkha, thuenlam emphasizes the importance of maintaining harmonious relationships based on mutual respect and reciprocity.
Our approach is built on the foundations of traditional Bhutanese hospitality, which includes both formal and informal customs, as well as the exchange of gifts and everyday etiquette. By supporting these practices, Bhutan Homestay helps preserve the intangible cultural traditions that form the essence of thuenlam, ensuring their continuity for future generations.
Giving Back
When you book your trip with Bhutan Homestay, you are directly supporting grassroots projects without paying more than the required government tariff.
We proudly partner with the non-profit organization Bhutan Network, contributing to meaningful initiatives that benefit local communities and preserve Bhutan’s unique culture.
Arts, Crafts and People
To learn more about the projects and initiatives we support, visit our GIVING BACK page. We also provide a platform for photographers and individuals involved in Bhutan-related activities. Upon request and following a thorough review, we feature their work on our website in the GALLERY and ARTS & CRAFTS section. On our BLOG offers a wealth of information on travel specials and various aspects of Bhutanese culture and society. Additionally, we actively support local artisans in the villages and offer numerous opportunities for visitors to meet them and experience their craft firsthand.
Types of Homes
A homestay means you will be staying with a local family in their home, offering a true sense of Bhutanese hospitality and daily life. A farmstay, on the other hand, places you in a home that is deeply embedded within a thriving farming economy. Here, you’ll find animals around the house, and the family will be engaged in typical farm activities such as milking, processing cheese and butter, cutting grass for fodder, collecting firewood, and gathering litter from the forest.
Both homestays and farmstays can also qualify as heritage homes, depending on the family’s history and their role in the local community. Some of these homes are large and impressive, with beautifully decorated altar rooms. The senior members of these households are often valuable sources of stories about Bhutan’s past (dangphu-dingphu). Over a cup of local moonshine or tea, they’ll happily share their memories and experiences with you.
Bhutanese Hospitality
A Bhutanese saying goes:
“The guest of one night is like a god.”
Staying in one of our homes offers you more than just a glimpse into traditional Bhutanese hospitality. For example, you’ll experience the age-old practice of gift exchange in rural Bhutan, as your guide takes you along to purchase the chhom (the gift you bring for your host). We’ll provide you with a proper briefing before your arrival, and your guide will be there to interpret and translate, ensuring you’re always in good hands.
Bhutanese are renowned for their exceptional hospitality. Traditional etiquette can be very refined and varies across the country. As a foreign guest, your host may wish to greet you in the altar room (choesham) of the house or, if available, in a separate room designed for such occasions. This is how Bhutanese also welcome local guests of particular status. However, we want you to experience the more relaxed and cordial reception typical of everyday village life.
Wherever possible, we will invite you into the kitchen, the heart of the Bhutanese home, where family members and visitors naturally gather. In the winter, it is also the warmest place due to the heat from the bukhari (a small wood stove) and cooking stove.
Bhutanese Cuisine is a true highlight during your stay, and it differs significantly from what you might find in guesthouses or hotels. There’s nothing quite like a home-cooked meal, especially when you have the chance to watch the family prepare it. You may even have the opportunity to join in and learn new cooking skills.
Food plays a central role in Bhutanese society, and sharing meals creates strong bonds between people—this is part of the essence of thuenlam. Don’t be surprised if your host insists on overfeeding you. A good Bhutanese host will always prepare more than enough food, expecting you to take plenty of refills. Especially when offered the local moonshine, ara, you’ll likely find yourself going for a second, and even a third, refill!
Make sure you come hungry when visiting a Bhutanese village home!
Tourist Standard Hotels and High End Accommodation
Our guests also have the option to stay in guesthouses, hotels, and lodges that are approved by the Tourism Council of Bhutan. This can be a welcome change after spending time in remote areas without modern amenities like a proper shower. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, we offer the option to choose high-end hotels with superior accommodations. For more travel details about Bhutan, and for information on accommodation options, check out TRAVEL INFO and on accommodation in Bhutan on ACCOMMODATION. If you’re interested in sample itineraries, be sure to explore our TOURS.