Women-Led Homestays in Bhutan: Preserving Culture and Empowering Communities

Women-Led Homestays in Bhutan: Preserving Culture and Empowering Communities

Empowerment Begins at Home

In Bhutan, where tradition and community values run deep, women-led homestays are playing a crucial role in preserving heritage, supporting local economies, and promoting sustainable tourism. These homestays, nestled in remote villages, provide travelers with an immersive cultural experience while offering local women an opportunity to achieve economic independence.

A Window into Bhutanese Life

In the serene village of Naktsang, located in Trashigang Dzongkhag—one of Bhutan’s 20 districts—Deki Pelden has been welcoming guests for over eight years. Her home, built in the traditional Bhutanese style with rammed earth walls, stone foundations, and sloping roofs, offers an authentic experience of rural Bhutanese life. Despite the challenges of a rough 9 km road leading to her homestay, Pelden’s dedication has made her home a sought-after retreat for travelers looking to enjoy Bhutanese hospitality, including home-cooked meals paired with local village wine.

Bhutan, a remote Himalayan kingdom, is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, towering mountains, deep valleys, and a cultural focus on harmony and happiness. One of the best ways to experience the essence of Bhutan is by staying in a village homestay. These accommodations, certified by Bhutan’s Department of Tourism, provide a unique opportunity to connect with local traditions while helping farming communities generate additional income.

Sustainability and High-Value Tourism

Bhutan’s tourism policy emphasizes “high-value, low-volume tourism” to maintain cultural integrity and environmental sustainability. Homestays align perfectly with this vision, offering visitors a deep, meaningful engagement with Bhutanese culture. In the remote village of Haa, Wangmo Wangchuck and her husband run a homestay that gives guests a hands-on experience—allowing them to pick fresh vegetables from their kitchen garden and participate in traditional cooking. Guests enjoy meals while seated cross-legged on low cushions beside a warming bukhari (wood stove), indulging in seasonal dishes made with ingredients sourced from their fields.

Homestay guests can also learn to prepare Bhutanese delicacies like hoentay (steamed buckwheat dumplings), ema datshi (a spicy cheese and chili stew), and ezay (a popular spicy condiment). These experiences provide an intimate look at Bhutanese culinary traditions while preserving time-honored cooking techniques.

Challenges and Triumphs

In Haa’s Dumcho Valley, Choden’s Homestay has transformed from a simple farmhouse into a thriving guesthouse. To keep up with guest expectations, Choden and her family expanded their home, upgraded facilities, and gained hospitality training. The effort paid off—her homestay is now a go-to destination for travelers seeking authentic Bhutanese experiences beyond mainstream tourism.

Similarly, in Buli, Zhemgang Dzongkhag, Yeshi Choden and her husband embarked on their homestay journey in 2021 to diversify their farming-based livelihood. Initially met with skepticism from the community, Yeshi persevered and sought support from the government. A 10-day training program in Phobjikha, organized by the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN), equipped her with essential skills such as hygiene management, guest relations, and showcasing traditional cuisine. Today, her homestay not only provides a source of income but also serves as a cultural bridge for visitors.

Preserving Heritage Through Community Tourism

The homestay model in Bhutan does more than just offer accommodation—it serves as a gateway to experiencing Bhutanese arts, crafts, and traditions. Guests can visit weaving studios, woodcarving workshops, and painting schools, learning about the intricate craftsmanship passed down through generations. This approach not only sustains local artisans but also helps distribute tourism revenue more equitably among communities.

Damcho Rinzin, Director of Bhutan’s Department of Tourism, believes that the success of women-led homestays is a testament to the resilience and creativity of Bhutanese women. “Their dedication to cultural preservation and sustainable tourism is inspiring, proving that empowerment begins at home. Through hospitality, Bhutanese women are redefining economic independence and cultural leadership.”

A Story of Resilience and Growth

In the picturesque Paro Valley, Chencho Dema has been hosting guests in her homestay since 2017. With a family of seven dependent on farming, she sought to supplement their income by venturing into tourism. Renovations, upgraded facilities, and an unwavering focus on guest comfort helped her homestay thrive. Despite setbacks during the pandemic (2020–2023), her business is now back on track, welcoming around 300 guests annually.

“Having guests stay with us provides vital income,” says Dema. “Otherwise, we rely solely on farming. Hosting travelers allows us to support our children’s education and even embark on religious pilgrimages.”

Beyond cultural experiences, Bhutan’s homestays also contribute to environmental conservation by promoting eco-friendly accommodations, waste management initiatives, and sustainable tourism practices. These efforts ensure that tourism benefits both visitors and host communities without compromising Bhutan’s rich natural and cultural heritage.

A Future Rooted in Tradition

Women-led homestays in Bhutan have not only enriched the tourism landscape but have also empowered rural women through financial independence and community engagement. For homestay owners like Pelden, transforming her ancestral home into a guesthouse is more than a business venture—it’s a way to preserve heritage and share Bhutan’s traditions with the world.

“It has not only become a source of income but also a way to honor my ancestors,” she says. “Turning this house into an asset has allowed me to share our culture while giving new life to something deeply meaningful to our family.”

As Bhutan continues to embrace community-based tourism, these women-led homestays stand as symbols of resilience, sustainability, and the power of grassroots empowerment—where hospitality is more than just a service, but a story of heritage and heart.