Talo

Talo sits at around 2,800 metres on a shoulder above the Punakha valley, higher and cooler than the valley floor, with houses spread among terraced fields and a monastery on the ridge above the village. The monastery is the residence of successive Shabdrung reincarnations and holds a small community; the Talo Tshechu, held in spring, is regarded as one of the more attractive of the smaller festivals, with dances performed by local people and less of the crowd that fills Paro and Thimphu. The village is known for the appearance of its houses and gardens and for the quality of its drinking water. Walking paths link Talo to Nobgang and other hamlets along the ridge, and the views run down to the confluence far below.

What you actually see

• Terraced hillside - fields stepped down from the village.
• The ridge monastery - the Shabdrung residence above Talo.
• The Talo Tshechu - a smaller, less crowded spring festival.
• Ridge paths - walks linking the hamlets along the shoulder.

When to go

March to May and September to November. The tshechu falls in spring, usually March or April, on dates set by the lunar calendar. The village is cooler than Punakha, which makes it pleasant in summer heat.

Honest expectations

There is little organised for visitors: no museum, no visitor centre, and the monastery is a residence with limited access. The road up is narrow and winding. Festival dates move with the lunar calendar and need confirming. It is a place to walk and look rather than to tick off sights.

Nearby

Punakha lies southeast; Nobgang is along the same ridge.