Bhutan is truly magical in the winter, making it the best time of the year to visit Bhutan. The Himalayan mountains and landscapes are white with picturesque views and chilly air. Bhutan provides visitors with the ideal mix of modern and ancient. Apart from its rich heritage and vistas, Bhutan is best for its hospitality and generosity.

Why Visit Bhutan In Winter? 

The best time of the year to visit Bhutan is winter, which includes the daily minimum tariff being reduced from USD 250 to USD 200. Bhutan is also best visited in the winter with fewer tourists.

The high mountains of Jomolhari and Jichu Darkey are clearly viewed from the northern parts of the kingdom. The flurry of winter festivals, the opportunity to trek in the lower regions, and the stunning view of black-necked cranes that migrate to Bhutan during the winter months are all reasons why winter is the best time to visit Bhutan.

Top 5 Cozy Homestays In Bhutan

Homestays provide an authentic Bhutanese cultural experience. The homestay vacation type allows Bhutanese people to open their homes and extend their generosity. This includes a peek into their signature hot dishes, their way of life, and Bhutan’s ancient stories that are still visible at present.

As the winter months approach, we’ve put together a list of the top 5 cozy winter homestays you need to visit during your Bhutan trip. 

1. The Historical Valley of Bhutan: Paro Village View Homestay

Best month to go to Bhutan: Late January or early February. During the winter, enjoy an unrestricted panoramic view of the Paro valley. The locals of Paro are graciously welcoming. Immerse yourself in the majestic vistas of the alpine forest surrounding one of Bhutan’s most historical and traditional valleys.

The best month to go to Bhutan is the winter months and the first pit stop in Paro valley. Stay in the middle of untouched wilderness in Paro valley. This homestay is the perfect way to spend your days relaxing, reconnecting, and interacting with nature. 

The owner of this homestay has a garden and private area where you can treat yourself to a traditional hot-stone bath after a chilling and tiring trek to the Tiger’s Nest. Facilities include on-site parking with the Paro museum, park, and traditional restaurants within the vicinity.

The owners have organic rice fields, making your palate sing with homemade and delicious traditional Bhutanese cuisine. You can be sure to get a taste of authentic Bhutanese culture and tradition while at this pretty homestay in Paro during your Bhutan trip.

2. The Capital That Retains Its Cultural Identity: Selekha Heritage House, Thimphu

Best month to go to Bhutan: December to witness Bhutan’s National Day celebration and January. The capital is adorned with national flags and colorful decorations around the Changlimithang stadium. 

No place will make you feel more at ease than Bhutan’s beautiful capital, especially during the winter months. Thimphu is a stunning combination of modern and ancient Bhutan. Thimphu has maintained its cultural identity despite being Bhutan’s most modern city. Bhutan’s capital presents visitors with a unique vista of coexisting modern and ancient architectural structures.

Selekha Heritage House provides visitors with a taste of the simple life in the capital, from complimentary breakfast to leisure strolls through paddy fields and orchards. The farmhouse, which is over 200 years old, is one of the most beautiful examples of traditional Bhutanese architecture in modern times.

The popular hot-stone bath is enveloped by the pine forest that has been blanketed in snow. A relaxing stroll to the Buddha Dordenma, which offers a magnificent view of the capital, and the Memorial Chorten, located in the heart of Thimphu, are popular tourist activities.  Winter is the best time of the year to visit Bhutan because of the relaxed and warm atmosphere.

3. The City with Gold-Leaf Roof: Therchen’s Happiness Homestay, Thimphu

Another homestay to visit in the capital is Therchen’s Happiness Homestay, which is dedicated to making your trip to Thimphu unforgettable. Gardening is one of the activities available at this homestay. Planting flower seeds that are cared for even after your departure reminds you that you once stayed there.

This exceptional establishment also provides amenities such as a traditional indoor fireplace to keep you warm after a day of exploring the capital’s chilly winter. After experiencing the daily life of the people of Thimphu, you have a warm welcome and divine treatment. 

Winter is the best time of the year to visit Bhutan as you will experience top-notch hospitality with fewer tourists around! 

4. The Spiritual Heartland of Bhutan: Noryang Homestay, Bumthang

Best month to go to Bhutan: December to February for Shinger Meto Choepda, a colorful village festival for local people, and the nomad festival. 

Bumthang has a historical and spiritual significance, making it a must-see valley for history buffs. Bumthang valley is one of the most tranquil regions in the country, with temples dating back to 659 A.D. and fertile valleys blanketed in snow. 

With Noryang Homestay in Bumthang, you can experience the best Bhutanese hospitality. In the winter, the quiet environment and serene atmosphere surrounding the snow-covered region are truly amazing.

Yoga, meditation, and hikes will help you rediscover yourself in the fertile valleys of Bumthang. At night, unwind with delectable dishes made with homemade dairy products and served with Ara, a local moonshine made from wheat to make your Bhutan trip unforgettable. 

5. The Asian Switzerland: Pemba Farmhouse, Phobjikha

Best month to go to Bhutan: November- February for the Black Necked Crane Festival held at the courtyard of the Gangtey Goenpa temple. Phobjikha is a U-shaped glacial valley often called Asian Switzerland by visitors. Visitors can enjoy sightings of the endangered Black Necked Crane during the winter season. 

Draft bamboo, a plethora of rhododendrons, blue pines, and amazing vegetation abound in the valley. For nature photography enthusiasts, the Phobjikha Valley is a must-see.

During the winter, staying at Pemba Farmhouse will give you a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of people in western Bhutan. The traditional farmhouse can cater to your needs for both food and lodging. Local delicacies create organic garden at the farmhouse. 

Popular tourist activities include cultural trips to nearby temples and trekking and hiking trails. Visitors can also take a piece of Phobjikha home with them in the form of hand-woven carpets with intricate designs from the handicrafts.

Conclusion

The next time you visit Bhutan, relax and enjoy a night or two at one of these top 5 cozy winter homestays. You’ll stay with a Bhutanese family, eat delicious organic homemade food, and relax in a cozy home at the end of the day.  Staying in one of these cozy homestays will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you.

Contact Norbu Bhutan, the leading tour operator, if you want to spend your vacation in Bhutan’s hidden Himalayan kingdom. Norbu Bhutan will tie you up with the best homestays of this nature’s treasure. Norbu Bhutan can tailor your winter trip to your specific requirements.

Book a trip of a lifetime with Norbu Bhutan!