Your Perfect Homestay Experience at Gatsothang, Punakha

At Gubjithang, Punakha, Gatsothang Homestay unfolds like a painting of serenity, offering visitors a tranquil retreat amidst nature’s embrace. Here, amidst majestic mountains and verdant valleys, guests are invited to immerse themselves in the soothing ambiance of this charming little homestay, also fondly known as Happiness Fields Homestay.

As we arrive at Gatsothang Homestay, the scene before us is nothing short of enchanting. Majestic mountains stand tall against the azure sky, their peaks caressed by whispers of wind that rustled through the lush foliage, creating a harmonious symphony of nature’s beauty. In this idyllic setting, the stillness is only broken by the gentle trill of distant birds, adding to the magical allure of the surroundings.

Owned by the gracious and enterprising Aum Karma Yangchen, Gatsothang Homestay is more than just a place to rest one’s head; it is a sanctuary of warmth, hospitality, and community. Aum Karma, affectionately known as “sweet lady” by those who have had the pleasure of meeting her, has poured her heart and soul into creating a welcoming haven for travelers seeking respite from the hustle and
bustle of city life.

Karma shares the inspiration behind her venture, stating, “Local expats who visited my farm for weaving training commented how nice the farm was and the potential of it. I saw the potential in starting a homestay, so I decided to build the suspension bridge first and then turn my home into a homestay to generate some income and provide a livelihood for the villagers. Otherwise, with no supervision, the land was going to become forested and wild.”

With her vision set firmly on uplifting her community and preserving the natural beauty of the land, Karma transformed her home into Gatsothang Homestay in 2017. Since then, the homestay has become a beloved destination for travelers seeking an authentic Bhutanese experience amidst nature’s bounty.

Guests at Gatsothang Homestay are treated to a delightful blend of traditional Bhutanese hospitality and modern comforts. From cozy accommodations to home-cooked meals made with fresh produce from the farm’s vegetable and flower gardens, every aspect of the experience is designed to delight the senses and nourish the soul.

Gatsothang is not like usual homestays in Bhutan, the stone cladding walls and black window frames give a contemporary rustic charm. In the morning you can join Aum Karma as she makes fresh butter and cheese from the morning milk. The Gatsothang homestay has 21 acre property, which grows ranges of fruits and vegetables. People loved taking a walk and picking a fruits from orchards. “Everyone who visits leaves very happy. They love the open spaces, and how peaceful it is. Especially home cooked foods and we get a lot of people coming back just for the food,” Aum Karma shared.

The biggest challenge currently is finding people to work on the farm and house. “We hire farmers to work on the farm, but because of scheduling conflicts and their own farms, I am mostly responsible for taking care of the house and farm on my own. Working on farm is particularly challenging as harvest is ruined by wild boars attacking the field. It is also hard to find help as the homestay is remote so people don’t like to work here for extended periods of time,” she said.

Aum Karma also shared the difference between homestays and hotels; what makes homestays different from hotels is more personal experience because in homestays guest get to meet the owner or the host and you get to experience different kinds of foods. Further the owner share a meal together, this makes the guest happy. Even Aum Karma feel very happy being host since she get to meet with different kinds of guest.

Besides being wonderful host Aum Karma is actually one of Bhutan’s leading textile dyes experts and she is still continuing her passion for textiles at her homestay. She was trained in natural dye, first in Bhutan and then in Bangladesh through Handicraft Association of Bhutan and ministry of trade. Trained in weaving from local artisans since age 16. Now, she is providing international trainings in natural dye and weaving at her homestay in Punakha. You can participate in textile dying activity, where she creates beautiful colors made from natural pigments and organic colors.

For Aum Karma entrepreneur means a hard work and occasionally handling multiple tasks. “In my homestay, I am responsible for farming, managing, accounting, cooking, and cleaning. Even though it might be challenging at times to manage everything at once, I find satisfaction in the experiences I am able to provide for the people makes it worthwhile and give me joy.”

She shared that her business depends on the people (locals and tourists) coming to her homestay. However, in next few years she hope to expand her homestay with additional houses. As Aum Karma age, it’s hard to keep up with the work so she hope to find an investor (FDI) to take care of her peaceful homestay and continue to take up.

On the final note to young entrepreneurs, “The most important thing is your mindset. You have to be prepared to struggle. I started the homestay when I am older so I’m sure the younger ones will have the stamina to do it. I advise them to not give up and to also explore visiting their village to see if they can earned from there, Village life is peaceful.”

Happiness Field homestay offers unparalleled opportunities for culture immersion, and authentic connections. The experience allows travelers to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life, embrace simplicity, and gain a deeper understanding of local customs and traditions. Through meaningful interaction with vhosts and fellow travelers, guest can create lasting memories and foster a sense of belonging within the community. Aum Karma’s homestay is not just a temporary lodging arrangement
but a journey that enriches the mind, nourishes the soul, and it feels like coming back to home.

By Rinzin Dema