Unveil the Wonders of Bhutan

Surrounded by a beautifully cultivated farm, located some 4-5 kms away from Punakha Dzong, the ambience of the place is just perfect for a good relaxing time. The owner welcomes her guests with her big warm smile and a big feast of traditional Bhutanese food made with locally produced ingredients. Since the owner is the sister of the famous Bhutanese artist Azha Karma, you can also find his paintings in the rooms.

A stay here at Alpine Organic Homestay, part of a group of twenty homestays in Bumthang, Bhutan, will include endless cups of sweet tea, tasty organic home-cooking, plus piles of buckwheat pancakes and homemade jam for breakfast. The rooms are spacious and simple, and hot stone baths are available in a rustic outdoor setting, should you need to banish the Bumthang chill.

Amankora Thimphu is a peaceful luxe resort on a forested hillside of blue pines northwest of the capital city of Bhutan, close to Kuenga Chhoeling Palace. It is one of five Amankora lodges in Bhutan's central and western valleys, offering service that is exceptionally attentive to guest needs.

Amankora Punakha is renowned among travel cognoscenti for offering service that is exceptionally attentive to guest needs, and this reputation that goes before it convinces many guests to stay exclusively with Amankora during their tours of Bhutan. Some return to stay with Amankora multiple times. For discerning travelers who do not mind paying for it, this is the ultimate in intimate, hassle-free travel.

Amankora Bumthang is a 5-star luxury resort located in Jakar town adjacent to Wangdichholing Palace, the oldest palace in Bhutan and a former summer residence of the first and second king. It is one of five Amankora lodges in Bhutan's central and western valleys, offering service that is exceptionally attentive to guest needs.

Amankora Paro is an exclusive 5-star resort in a pine forest next to the majestic ruins of seventeenth century Drukyel Dzong. Though only 30 minutes from the airport in Paro (the only place where international flights can land in Bhutan), its forested grounds convey a sense of serenity and remoteness. World-renowned Tiger's Nest Temple (Taktsang Lhakhang) is close by, as is Kyichu Lhakhang, which dates to the seventh century and like Taktsang is a popular place of pilgrimage. Paro Dzong and the National Museum, with their rich display of heritage, are short drives away.

Located in the Talo gewog within Punakha district, Ap Jigme Heritage Farmhouse is a 200-year-old traditional Bhutanese house, a three-story structure that used to be a palace. Zhabdrung Jigme Dorji's mother's palace, to be precise. Now this huge place has 16 guestrooms, accommodating two people in each.

Ap Nidup, 53 is an elderly citizen of the Jangbi community who possesses a lot of traditional knowledge. He also hosts guests at his humble and cozy home and is always willingly ready to share his life experience and traditional knowledge to the guests. Just above his house, there is an orchid garden where golden langurs are a frequent visitor.

Ap Passang’s Farmstay is the closest one can get to feeling like a Bhutanese farmer while you enjoy the grandeur of Phobjikha valley as a visitor. A well maintained traditional set up with the warmth of a pure homely ambience is what will make you feel like you are just coming back home after a stroll in the neighbourhood, everytime you enter its premises.

Conveniently located about a 10-minute walk from the Black-Necked Crane Visitor Centre, this farmstay is run by Ap (“Mr.”) Pema and his wife. Ap Pemba arranges hot stone baths, archery and khuru (dart) session, and campfires on request, as well as traditional dancing and singing by the villagers. He is also an astrologer and is happy to read guests' charts during their stay.

Araya Zamlha Guesthouse has six guest rooms and great views of the village of Ura in Bumthang and the Ura Valley beyond. Along with the views, what makes the Araya Zamlha experience unique is that the farm grows and sells organic dried wild mushrooms, herbal teas and medicines, and organic dried vegetables — giving guests a front row seat to seeing an herb and mushroom business in operation.

Aum Choten and her husband, Phurpa Wangdi, offer a basic but comfortable homestay at their house in the heart of Merak Village. You will find Aum Choten's story-telling (and joke-telling!) to be one of the highlights during your trip to Merak.