Farmhouse night and hot stone bath in Phobjikha
Many families on the valley floor host guests in their two- or three-storey farmhouses, built of rammed earth and timber, with an altar room upstairs and a kitchen around a wood stove. Rooms are simple, with thick quilts. Dinner is usually red rice, potatoes, buckwheat, ema datshi and local greens.
Ask for a dotsho, a hot stone bath, in the evening. Stones are heated in a fire and dropped into a wooden tub of water, with herbs for scent. On a frosty Phobjikha night it is the best way to warm up. Book through your operator and confirm that the farmhouse is certified for tourists.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
Are Phobjikha farmhouses certified for tourists?
Many are registered as homestays and approved for tourists, which is required in Bhutan. Your operator will book a certified one. Do not simply turn up and ask for a room, as uncertified stays can cause problems with your permit. Check current status before you travel.
What facilities do farmhouse stays have?
Basic but comfortable. Expect a clean room with thick quilts, a shared or attached bathroom, hot water by bucket or geyser, and meals with the family. Heating may be limited to the kitchen stove. Bring a torch, warm clothing and a hot water bottle in winter.
Is a farmhouse stay cheaper than a hotel in Phobjikha?
Usually yes. A farmhouse with meals costs about ₹2,500–4,000 per person, while mid-range hotels cost ₹10,000 or more for a room. The SDF of ₹1,200 per night applies either way. A farmhouse also gives a much closer look at village life.
Also in Phobjikha
More hours to plan around
