Our original itinerary for Bhutan noted an optional/extra “hot stone bath” on our final day, after the Tiger’s Nest hike. I hadn’t read anything about them, but we were intrigued. A day or two prior to Tiger’s Nest Jamyang inquired if we’d like to do a hot stone bath. We fished around for a few more details on what exactly they were, and decided it was a must-do. Jamyang proceeded to ring up a local farmer friend of his to make the arrangements. Why? Because the farmers collect large rocks from the river and heat them for 5+ hours over flames! No showing up unexpected :)
Time to Hot Stone Bath It Up!
We rolled up to a 300-year old farmhouse and were directed towards a small hut behind the main house. The interior was a very simple space with about 10 wooden stalls (for lack of a better world) with shower curtains for some semblance of privacy. We were told to undress and provided towels. We had three tubs reserved; the girls are small enough to share one. The girls & I had tubs in one room together, and Doug was next to us (out of sight, but within ears reach).
Pictures/videos best explain the hot stone bath set-up, but in short, it’s a wooden tub (think crate) with a separated compartment out front where the hot stones are placed. The ridiculously hot, glowing red stones are gingerly placed into the water in the front compartment and the water immediately starts sizzling/bubbling over from the heat! The separator does not go down to the bottom of the tub, so the heat gradually seeps into the full tub.
Check out this video of them adding hot stones to make the water temperature even more toasty!
We were warned that the water would be HOT and that we should start with our toes, then gradually work up to putting our full feet, legs, etc. in :) Man, they were right! We lucked out that the girls’ tub was warm, but not scalding. Doug & I, on the other hand, had tubs full of insanely hot water. It took a good 20 minutes before either of us could fully even sit in the water! But, oh boy, was it worth it! So relaxing. Like a bath on steroids! Forgot to mention that they also place some kind of local leaf/herb in the water with the stones. The minerals from this plant are believed to have many health benefits.
Farmhouse Dinner
Bodies in pure relaxation mode after the hot stone bath, we dried up, got dressed & headed into the main farmhouse for a home-cooked dinner. Another tasty meal featuring the traditional staples of red rice, cooked meat and the chili cheese dish.
Paige pours the butter tea. She loves any chance to hone her waitress skills these days.
Naturally we had to check out the farmhouse kitchen :)
Time for Bed
We all slept well that night, minds, bodies and souls nourished by the special day :)
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