2-Day Bumthang Village Life Winter Tour with Kenchosum and Tamshing

Morning - Arrival & Cultural Start

• Drive to Bumthang Valley, the spiritual heart of Bhutan.

• Check in at a village homestay in the Jakar/Kenchosum area.

• Receive a warm welcome with buttered tea and local snacks such as Zaw and Khurul.

Visit: Kenchosum Lhakhang

• Explore Kenchosum Lhakhang, a 7th-century monastery blessed by Guru Rinpoche.

• Hear stories of the three sacred statues, ancient relics, and winter rituals.

• Enjoy peaceful winter photography of temple snow landscapes and prayer flags.

Village Walk - Winter Life

• Take a guided walk through the fields of Kencho Sum village.

• Observe farmers preparing fields, drying grains, and herding cattle in winter.

• Learn about traditional winter homes, heating methods, and local crafts.

Hands-on Experiences

Choose any 2-3 activities:

• Making Hoentay, the local dumplings.

• Trying yak butter tea preparation.

• Wood-stove cooking with the host family.

• Photography of rural lifestyle and mountains.

Evening - Bonfire & Storytelling

• Enjoy a bonfire with homemade local snacks.

• Listen to folk stories about Bumthang heroes, yak herders, and ancient legends.

• Optional: local alcohol tasting (Ara).

Overnight: Village homestay (very warm, traditional, scenic)

Morning - Tamshing Lhakhang Visit

• Visit Tamshing Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's most sacred monasteries.

• Learn about Terton Pema Lingpa, a treasure revealer of Bhutan.

• See winter prayers and the monks' daily life.

• Explore ancient murals known for their spiritual significance.

Cultural & Craft Activities

• Participate in a Thangka painting demonstration.

• Learn about winter wool weaving (yathra) in Chumey.

• Try natural dyeing with traditional colors.

Village Photography Walk

• Capture:

  • Traditional wooden houses

  • Snow-dusted fields

  • Yaks and cattle in winter shelters

  • Prayer wheels on frozen streams

Lunch with Local Family

• Enjoy a warm homemade lunch featuring:

  • Buckwheat pancakes (Khuli)

  • Bumthang Puta noodles

  • Ema Datshi

  • Local radish and turnip dishes (winter specialties)

Afternoon - Short Nature Walk

• Visit riverside meditation spots and small chorten.

• Enjoy a calm winter walk along the Chamkhar River.

• Depart for your next destination (Trongsa/Thimphu/Paro).