Very close to the National Institute of Zorig Chusum, this living museum of Bhutanese folk heritage or the Phelchey Toenkhyim is not to be missed. Within the traditional three-storied Bhutanese house exhibit, made of rammed-earth and timber, you are able to get an authentic taste of rural Bhutanese lifeof the past, making it quite an otherworldly experience. The endurance of the building is testament to the materials used, that have withstood the ravages of time. It was inaugurated by Her Majesty, the Queen Ashi Dorji Wangchuck, in 2001.

With various traditional forms of arts and craft, books and magazines relics of old wooden vessels, pottery and even a woman roasting red rice – this is the real deal. An uncanny replica of a traditional farmhouse in the country, it is furnished as a traditional Bhutanese house would have been a century ago. Visitors can also view demonstrations here of rural traditions, skills, habits and customs and educational programs for children.There are also a curious array of lifestyle, items and artefacts from Bhutanese villages and rural householdsscattered about the place that are sure to grab your attention like the antique noodle press, the leopardskin bags and Brokpa yak-hair 'spider' hats.

Like most households in rural areas, the museum adheres to a seasonal rhythm, so there is a dynamism here that is rarely found in museums, giving you something new to look forward to every time you visit. In a solid effort to preserve indigenous natural resources and customs, a traditional kitchen garden is used to grow vegetables, and there are also paddy, wheat and millet fields here in addition to a water-mill with mill stones more than 150 years old, the famous traditional hot stone bath.

Photography, unfortunately is strictly prohibited in the premises, so leave your camera behind and immerse yourself temporarily in this seemingly parallel universe from a bygone era, presented in the most creative way. 

• Other Hours: The museum remains open from- At 10:30AM to 1:00PM on Saturdays.
• At 11:30AM to 3:30PM on Sundays.
• Other Ticket Prices: Tickets for individuals who are not SAARC nationals are Nu/BTN 150.
• A guided tour of the museum is included in the admission and grants your great insight into rural Bhutanese life.
• Tips & Warnings: The restaurant here serves Bhutanese lunches that are really delicious, to the tune of Nu 250.
• Bring a torch as some of the rooms are quite dimly lit.

• San Maru Restaurant
• Zest Bar & Lounge
• Plums Café

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