Villages of Bhutan
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Weaving Towns, Yak Herders and Crane Valleys
Here is the list of 7 Villages of Bhutan
1. Sakteng
Sakteng is a remote village which is located near Trashigang in Bhutan. This village offers an unusual glimpse into the nomadic lifestyles of the rural lives of the inhabitants of Sakteng. It is often called as ‘nature’s greatest creation’ with surreal mountains and far-stretching meadows surrounding it from all sides. This village is one of Bhutan’s protected areas and is also being considered to be listed as a UNESCO site. Altitude: 2800m Also known as: Sagteng Gewog Highlights of this village: Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary
2. Merak
Inhabited by the semi-nomadic tribe known as brokpas, Merak village is located in eastern Bhutan at an altitude of 3500m. The village has a population of only 30 families and they region in which it is situated is also referred to as the land of Yeti or ‘the land of the abominable snowman’. The inhabitants of this village have their own dialect and also a unique traditional outfit. Altitude: 3500m Highlights of this village: Early morning Safari, Ema Datshi
3. Gangtey
Gangtey village is situated on the western edge of the Black Mountains of Bhutan, amidst a U-shaped valley. The local people of Gangtey often migrate to warmer regions during winters as it becomes freezing cold. Hence, Autumn and spring seasons are the best times to visit Gangtey. There is a monastery nearby which one can visit for spending some spiritual time. Altitude: 2220m Also known as: Phobjika Highlights of this village: Stone bath and black necked crane festival.
4. Khoma
Located in Bhutan’s Lhuentse district, Khoma village is famous for Kishuthara, which is woven by the women of this village. You can witness the traditional weaving methods in this village and also learn about traditional Bhutanese handloom. The village is only a two hour walk from the Dzong. Altitiude: Around 1700m Highlights of this village: Traditional weaving, Kishuthara
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7 Days Essential Bhutan Tour: Thimphu, Paro, Punakha & More
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5. Dhur
Located around 30kms from Chamkhar in Bhutan, the village of Dhur is famous for its trekking trail, leading to Dhur Tsachu. The Dhur Tshechu Festival is also something which attracts many tourists to this village during winter time. Surrounded by alpine forests, snow capped mountains, sheep and local inhabitants this village is also a good camping spot during the spring or autumn season. Highlights of this village: Dhur Tshechu Festival
6. Rinchegang
Located opposite to the Wangdi Phodrang Dzong and Punatsangchhu, Rinchegang village is one of the oldest villages in Bhutan, which dates back to the Zhabdrungs era. The uniquely clustered village is visible from all corners and attracts large tourist attractions every year. The village also offers panoramic views of the Punatsangchhu river and the Bajo town. Altitiude: Around 1400m Highlights of this village: Rinchengang Terraces and Shar Rinchengang Temple.
7. Ura
Ura Village is located in one of the highest valleys of Bhutan and takes around 2 hours to reach from Chamkar. During Spring time, the entire valley blooms into a beautiful sight with hundreds of bright and colourful flowers and during winters, Ura becomes snow-clad completely. Like many other villages in Bhutan, Ura is also a great trekking site. Altitude: 3100m Highlights of this village: Ura Yakchoe Festival
Every village on this list needs planning, because none of them is close to the airport. Gangtey in the Phobjikha valley is the nearest, about five hours from Paro over the Pele La, and is where black-necked cranes winter from late October to February. Ura and Dhur are in Bumthang, a further day east, and Khoma in Lhuentse is the country's weaving village, where the silk kushuthara textiles that cost as much as a car are made on backstrap looms in people's houses. Merak and Sakteng in the far east are the hardest to reach and the most different, home to the Brokpa, a semi-nomadic yak-herding people with their own dress and dialect, and they were closed to visitors until 2010. Rinchengang, near Wangdue Phodrang, is the exception and sits close to the main road. Farmhouse stays are the usual way to visit and are arranged through operators rather than booked online, so build them into the itinerary early. See also cities in Bhutan, monasteries in Bhutan and festivals of Bhutan.
This post was published by Shreyasee Deb
FAQs on Villages of Bhutan
Which Bhutanese village is easiest to visit?
Gangtey in the Phobjikha valley, about five hours by road from Paro over the Pele La pass. It has proper lodges as well as farmhouse stays, and it is the one village most standard itineraries already include.
Where do the black-necked cranes winter?
Phobjikha valley, below Gangtey Goemba. Around three to five hundred cranes arrive from Tibet in late October and leave in February, and the Black-Necked Crane Festival is held at the monastery in November. The valley has no overhead power lines because of them.
What is special about Merak and Sakteng?
They are the villages of the Brokpa, a semi-nomadic yak-herding community in the far east with their own dialect and a distinctive felted yak-hair hat. Both were closed to foreign visitors until 2010 and still need several days of driving plus a walk or a rough drive in from Trashigang.
Can you stay overnight in a Bhutanese village?
Yes, farmhouse stays are common and are the point of going. They are arranged through a tour operator as part of the itinerary rather than booked directly, and standards are simple: shared bathrooms, wood stoves and home-cooked ema datshi.
Which village should you visit for weaving?
Khoma in Lhuentse, in the north-east. It is the centre of kushuthara silk weaving, done on backstrap looms in the houses themselves, and a single piece can take a year. Buying direct in the village is possible and is far better value than in Thimphu.
How much time do you need for the eastern villages?
Plan on at least ten days for a trip that reaches Merak or Sakteng, and a week for Bumthang and Khoma. The lateral road across Bhutan is slow, and flying out of Yonphula in the east rather than driving back cuts a couple of days if the weather allows.
