Talo Village: Experience Village Life in Bhutan
Welcome to Talo Village , where you can get a glimpse of village life in Bhutan. The picturesque villages scattered along a ridge above the Punakha valley at an altitude of around 2,800m, falls under Talo Gewog. However within the domain of Talo Gewog there are many other small beautiful villages like Lapsakha Village, Nobgang Village and Gangthramo village. But people usually label the whole procession of these villages as ‘Talo Village’. The village is also blessed spiritually and one of the best things to do in Punakha. There are many monasteries and temples; Talo Monastery, Nalada Buddhist Institute, Nobgang Lhakhang are the best few to mention.
The Panoramic View of Talo Village Bhutan
How to Get there
Just Five Km from Punakha town, there is a divergent road from Wolokha which takes you to the quaint village of Talo. The distance from here to the Talo Monastery is 16Km. But all along the way, you will encounter village life.
Village life in Bhutan
This is the place where you can live Bhutan’s Brand tagline ‘Happiness is a place’. From the time you hit the Wolokha road, you can see the life of the village. Furthermore, the whole journey will give you an authentic rural feeling . It would be amazing to to watch the cows grazing, farmers at work, horses, organic vegetables on bloom etc. Sometimes on the way, we may encounter little Monks from Nalanda University frolicking around.
These villages are known for their neat and clean appearance. Talo Village is set in the traditional Bhutanese style. A visit to this place will give you the glimpse of village life in Bhutan.
Farmers at work (Talo village Bhutan)
Places to Visit in Talo Village / Gewog
There are walking trails, beautiful quiet monasteries to explore in and around Talo Village. Some of the most popular places to visit on your trip to Talo Village can be
Wolakha Nunery:
As you hit the Wolokha road, just 2 minutes later, you can see a sambudanath like a temple perched on a small hilltop
Nobgang Village :
A beautiful village set on the mountain top of Punakha valley. It is 5Km away from Talo monastery. Every household in the village has maintained a beautiful kitchen garden of its own. As we walk along with the village we can see the variance of birds and give you the feel of another time. The women of Nobgang village are supposedly beautiful. The Royal queen mothers also come from the Nobgang region.
Nalanda Buddhist Institute Meet monks on hilltop monasteries.
Nalanda University is a school for little young monks. It is pleasant to watch them jumping around in red robes. This is where you will have the opportunity to spend some quality time interacting with the little monks.
Even if you are not a religious person, you may enjoy the company of little monks and peace that prevails in this unique place.
Talo monastery
Perched at an elevation of 2,800 mtrs with a scenic view of two Dzongkhags(states) and surrounded by many sacred monasteries at an equal altitude. It is a 16 kilometers beautiful drive with views of paddy fields and beautiful Bhutanese traditional houses along the way.
Talo Dzong was established in 1767 by Chogtrul Gyalse Jigme Singye (1742-1789), the fourth reincarnation of Lam Thripa (Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye (1638-1696) who was the heartson of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, he was Gyaltsap (regent)
Jigme Drapa (1791-1830), the third mind reincarnation of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel renovated the Dzong (fortress) with installation of very sacred relics that he acquired from Tibet. And thus the Dzong thereafter became the main seat for the successive mind reincarnations of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. Zhabdrung Jigme Norbu, the fourth mind incarnation, Zhabdrung Jigme Chogyel, the fifth mind incarnation.
Talo Dzong conducts more than 200 sacred rituals every year for the benefit of all sentient beings and
Along with its rich history, it is also a Buddhist institute that involves learning of Buddha’s highest teachings. Talo monastery serves as a very crucial place of reverence for all people of Bhutan and most importantly our beloved royal family as the late father of our queen mothers is the nephew of fourth Mind reincarnation Zhabdrung Jigme Norbu.
From Talo Sangnacholing you can also get the best panoramic view of Talo village Bhutan and the high hills beyond Wangduephodrang .
Things To do in Talo Village
Talo Festival :
The festival is held from 8th to 11th of the second month of the Lunar Calendar. It will be around April or May of the Gregorian Calendar. The three-day Talo Festival Tour (Tshechu) is well known for its mask dances and the atsara dances. The 3 day Talo Tsechu which is more than 200 years old includes beautiful mask dances and old sacred songs composed by Mind reincarnations. It is performed by villagers who are very experienced with age old traditions of generation passed skills and knowledge.
All the nearby villagers gather for this occasion in their fine attire. Furthermore, Talo Festival is an occasion of togetherness, fun and celebration.
Homestay:
In order to experience the village life in its fullness, you can try Bhutan homestay at Talo Village. There are a number of farmhouses and homestays that provide accommodation services with authentic local hospitality. Villagers are friendly and welcoming. They treat guests to Tshogchang , a traditional way of welcoming guests with ara, a local brew made of rice or maize. Homestay offers a true experience of traditional hospitality.
There are other things you can try at homestay.
- Plough a field with a pair of oxen
- Challenge yourself in paddy plantation
- Learn the art of preparing traditional tea or prepare the local meal
- Exploring the wilderness Experience the lesser-traveled areas of Bhutan
Furthermore, staying in a homestay will also give you the good opportunity to explore Talo Village in depth.
Conclusion
So if you are going to feel that your Bhutan holiday is going to be hopping from hotel to hotel, eating in restaurants, and taking pictures of sightseeing spots then you can Contact Us for an authentic Bhutan Tour. Capture the Heart and Soul of Bhutan with our tailor-made private tour design to give you a real Bhutan Villlage experience. You can visit villages like Talo Villages to taste local food, meet local people, and listen to the local folklore.
TaggedBhutan village lifeTalo FestivalTalo MonasteryTalo VillageTalo Village Bhutan
Google Reviews
Jenny Chua
In Nov 24, we had the privilege of exploring Bhutan with the guidance of an exceptional tour guide, Kinlay Dorji & Jigme Tshering from Bhutan Best Inbound Tour agency and I couldn’t be more impressed with the experience. From the moment we arrived, they ensured every detail of our trip was perfectly planned and executed, making it truly stress-free and enjoyable. Their deep knowledge of Bhutan’s history, culture, and traditions was remarkable, and they shared stories and insights that brought the country’s rich heritage to life. Whether we were visiting iconic landmarks like the Tiger’s Nest Monastery or strolling through serene villages, their passion for Bhutan was evident and contagious. What truly stood out was their dedication to providing personalized service. They were always attentive to our needs, ensuring we were comfortable, well-fed, and immersed in the beauty of Bhutan. Their warm hospitality, patience, and ability to adapt to our preferences made the journey unforgettable. If you’re planning a trip to Bhutan, I cannot recommend this tour guide enough. They truly go above and beyond to ensure you experience the heart and soul of the Land of the Thunder Dragon. An absolute five-star experience!
Reviewed on: 1/14/2025
Terri KimOur first time in Bhutan couldn’t have been as amazing & memorable as it was without the wonderful team behind Bhutan Best Inbound Tour who were with us every step of the way. We decided (very last minute) to go to Bhutan with only weeks to spare. I decided to go with Bhutan Best Inbound Tour based on online reviews, responsiveness (via WhatsApp), and reasonable pricing. Because our trip was short (5 days/4 nights) and we already rushed to book our flights/accommodations, we were mainly looking for a dedicated tour guide/driver to explore Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro. Deki, who planned our itinerary, was responsive and accommodating to all my inquiries and requests. She answered my questions, and put my mind at ease when it came to our visas. She was lovely to work with, and made us feel prepared before our trip. But what she couldn’t have prepared us for was how amazing Bhutan would be and how much we would love our trip. We arrived at Paro International Airport early in the morning, and were greeted outside with white scarves by our guide and our driver who were patiently waiting for us. Our guide, Phub, was fantastic. Not only was he like a walking encyclopedia about his country, the culture, and Buddhism, he was personable and so funny. He was also quite the photographer, capturing the best angles and even directing us on how to pose. Phub was also very flexible with our daily schedule, and accommodating to our requests, which we appreciated immensely. He also shared tips & tricks that only locals would be privy to, which made this trip much more intimate and fulfilling than if we decided to go without a tour guide. I HIGHLY recommend a tour guide if you are thinking of going to Bhutan for the first time. We had two drivers, both very humble and excellent drivers. I felt very safe in the car despite impatient drivers, the occasional cow and dog, and landslides. On our day trip to Punakha from Thimphu, a landslide extended our trip by an hour each way, but our driver was patient and made sure we were comfortable. The breathtaking views (and company) made the delays worth it. We were so fortunate to have such wonderful drivers who prioritized our safety. From the kindness of the people to the delicious food, from the beautiful weather to the rich culture, and of course, Tiger’s Nest (which left us breathless, both figuratively and literally), Bhutan is truly a special country that left us with so many beautiful memories. We plan to visit Bhutan again, and when we do, we can’t wait to work with Bhutan Best Inbound Tour for all our needs. If you’re looking for a tour guide, I highly recommend reaching out to Bhutan Best Inbound Tour for a seamless experience
Reviewed on: 12/24/2024
Suresh KaruI had an amazing 7 nights 8 day trip to Bhutan, Phub my guide and driver Nima made it a memorable vacation. They were professional , kind and always helpful , also their local knowledge made it an experience unforgettable to me. The hotels they choose had excellent service, the cook made my favourite dish Idli. The home stay hostess was always smiling and kind. They also had the best price for the tour package.If I ever return to Bhutan I would choose them again Hands down .
Reviewed on: 9/30/2024
Charles VrtisEverything about my experience in Bhutan was outstanding from start to finish! It is very serene, stunningly beautiful, and its people are exceptionally kind and welcoming! Of course, had I not chosen the right tour operator, I might have left with different feelings. Fortunately, I selected Bhutan Best Inbound Tour. From the start, my experience with them was smooth and seamless. Deki, my contact in arranging the logistics, could not have been more responsive and helpful. She made everything so easy, including arranging for a visa. And, I cannot say enough good things about my guide and driver. They really made my experience in Bhutan so wonderfully memorable. I felt completely comfortable and safe with the driver, Jigme. Not only that, he always had a smile on his face. My guide, Tenzin (“Tax”] Loday was great. He was prompt, reliable, and very engaging. He is now my Bhutanese brother! His love for his country shows, and his clear and helpful explanations about its history and sites could not have been better. Thank you Bhutan Inbound Tour!
Reviewed on: 3/30/2024
Brian NYCHuge thanks to Bhutan Best Inbound Tours for an amazing experience in magical Bhutan! My guide Phub is a true expert who taught me so much about the history and culture of Bhutan, and he took perfect care of me each and every place we visited. Our driver Lobzang got us to all of our destinations safely and on time, and they made a great team, always keeping me smiling and in awe of the beauty of bucket list Bhutan. Everything was smooth from start to finish, the hotels were all excellent and comfortable, and I highly recommend Bhutan Inbound and my friends Phub and Lobzang to anyone planning a trip to stunning Bhutan!
Reviewed on: 10/14/2023
