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.
