Homestay in Paro Bhutan to Experience the Authentic Local Life

Homestay in Bhutan is all about getting a better perspective on the daily lives of the local Bhutanese people, as well as exploring more of the culture and religion of this beautiful Himalayan kingdom. You can experience authentic village life in a beautiful part of Paro, and learn more about these unique people. To know what authentic experiences you can have in Paro, we have this guide on the reality of homestays in Paro.

What authentic experience can you expect from the homestay in Paro?

Live in the Farmhouses Built in Bhutanese Traditional Way

Architecture in Bhutan is not the same from east to west, and there are subtle and non-subtle variations that you can find between the styles. In western Bhutan, including Paro, the houses are traditionally made of hardened mud bricks or of stone, with wooden beams that support the second and third floors and balconies. The lower floor is generally used for storage and animals, and often has a basic opening for a doorway and some open holes for windows. The front of the houses traditionally face to the south. The upper floors are supported by beams that are set into holes in the mud or stone walls, and central columns often support the beams on the inside. The mud or brick walls of the upper floors are only on the back and sides, with the front walls usually being made of wood, extending out over the front in balconies.

Inside, the internal walls are made from wooden frames with bamboo weave plastered with mud, and access to the upper floors are normally more like ladders made from whole tree-trunks than stairs. Toilets are traditionally long-drop style that are set precariously onto the outside of the house, and the interior is decorated in a swathe of swastikas, mythical animals, phallic symbols, or a whole range of traditional designs. Bathing is normally done in a separate outhouse where the bath is set for the traditional hot stone baths.

Enjoy Fresh Vegetables and Fruits Grown in the Families Garden

Many of the traditional homestay houses have their own gardens, where a variety of local vegetables are grown by the women of the house. The garden is unlike those in the western world, and is often an entire field, with a wide variety of vegetables being grown. These fresh veggies are the basis of dozens of traditional Bhutanese dishes, and make for a much healthier lifestyle for the family.

Taste Traditional Bhutanese Food during your Homestay in Paro

As the vegetables in the homestay houses are fresh from the fields, the dishes you can try while staying at a homestay are delicious and nutritious. You can enjoy the delicious flavors of the spicy Bhutanese traditional cuisine, and even learn how to cook such classic Bhutanese dishes such as Ema Datshi and Momos.

Live the Typical Rural Life as the Farmers in Paro

If your homestay is part of a farm, then you will get to see and even experience the typical working day in the life of the Bhutanese farmers. Hard-working and strong, farmers spend much of their days toiling on the farms, tending to the vegetables, and spending long hours out in the fields. This unique experience is one that you should not miss out on, as you will learn how life is really lived in Bhutan’s farms and farmhouses, instead of just the commercial idea of how a homestay should be done.

Experience the Warmth of the Bhutanese in Paro

The Bhutanese people are traditionally friendly and polite, and will always try to communicate with their visitors and guests to make you feel as comfortable as possible during your homestay experience.

Most homestay families do speak some English, so there is normally a common language, if you are not from an English-speaking nation. English is widely spoken throughout Bhutan, and while the younger generations are much better, with English taught in all schools, even the older generations have a basic understanding of the language. This means that you are much more likely to understand how life is lived in Bhutan as it can be more easily explained and communication is better. And you will be able to learn from these unique people how they live a constantly happy life.

Where to stay for the homestay in Paro to experience the authentic local life?

Where to stay for a homestay is an important choice for anyone who visit Bhutan for that real authentic Bhutanese experience, rather than the more commercial homestay experience in a hotel-like “home”.

Authentic Bhutanese Homestay - Stunning Natural Scenery

The perfect place to stay for nature lovers, this is one of the best locations in Paro for those looking for views of the mountains and the natural landscapes. Rooms are equipped with only basic facilities, though washrooms are equipped with showers to cater to western tastes. The hosts are a typical Bhutanese couple that are warm and welcoming, and you can rent bikes for a ride around the surrounding countryside.

Aum Om Homestay - Authentic Bhutanese Food

This unique farmstay home is set amid apple and peach orchards near to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery trail in Paro. The host family are hospitable and friendly, and you can enjoy the traditional tastes of authentic Bhutanese meals made with locally-grown ingredients during your stay. A river flows by alongside the farmhouse, where you can try your hand at some local style fishing.

Paro Village View Homestay - Special Views of Rice Fields

Located just a short distance from the airport, among the rice fields of the Paro Valley, this unique homestay location has some beautiful views of the patchwork of rice paddies below the house. Rooms are well kept and clean, with traditional decorations and typical Bhutanese charm. The homestay is ideal for its close location to the Dzongdrakha Monastery.

Namgay Homestay - Peaceful and Tranquil Surroundings

Lying around three kilometers outside Paro, the Namgay Homestay is set in peaceful and tranquil surroundings in the farmlands of the Paro Valley. The Dop Chhu (river) runs right past the edge of the property, and is the source of the water and stones for the traditional Hot Stone Bath that is situated in the bottom floor of the house. The delicious traditional meals are all made from locally-grown or sourced ingredients, much of it farmed on the premises.

Sonam’s Homestay - Free Library Available

Listed as one of the best commercial homestays in Paro, Sonam’s offers a different kind of homestay experience. More like a stay in a hotel, this homestay offers a good local library for reading up on Bhutanese history, as well as games facilities, for those that have kids. Meals are all local Bhutanese dishes, and the owner takes photos of all the guests to add to the unique photo board in the reception.

Special Attentions for Homestay in Paro

Book in Advance

It is a requirement for tourists traveling to Bhutan to book their homestay at the same time as they book their tour of the kingdom, to ensure that the property you want to stay at is available, and can be added to your itinerary. You should contact your tour operator as early as possible to ensure the place you wish to stay in is open and available during the dates of your visit.

Respect Local Customs

Bhutan has a lot of local customs and traditions that you should learn and respect, from not touching the heads of children and monks to taking off shoes inside temples and not photographing people without permission. Taboos can be explained by your guide, and generally, if something sounds as if you should not do it, then you are generally right in not doing it. Your guide can give you clear information on whether something is taboo or allowed.

Be Environmental Friendly

Bhutan is the most environmentally friendly country in the world. Over 70% of the country is constantly kept as forests for future generations, and it is their environmental policies on tourism and their love of the countryside and ecological harmony that requires tourists to be on low-impact and pre-arranged tours. And part of the cost of your tour goes towards preserving that delicate but beautiful environment, so you can be happy in the knowledge that you are contributing to maintaining the beauty of the world’s most stunning country.

Conclusion

Taking a homestay is one of the most refreshing and exciting experiences you can have during your Paro Bhutan tour. With plenty of authentic and non-commercial homestays available, with a variety of attractions for different people, you can find the perfect homestay for you from the best of the best in traditional authentic local experiences.