Adha and Rukha are two small, traditional villages located in the remote and serene valleys of Wangdue Phodrang, distinct for preserving a unique cultural heritage. These villages are home to the “Lhop” community, an indigenous group believed to be the earliest inhabitants of Bhutan, who maintain their distinct language, customs, and practices. Visiting these villages offers a rare opportunity to experience an ancient way of life that is slowly fading.

The communities here primarily live off the land, engaging in subsistence farming and traditional crafts. Interactions with the friendly locals provide insights into their unique traditions, including their animistic beliefs that coexist with Buddhism. A visit to Adha and Rukha is less about grand monuments and more about an authentic cultural immersion, offering a profound understanding of Bhutan’s diverse ethnic tapestry and its living heritage.