13-Day Food Odyssey, The Culinary Delights of the Kingdom
Nestled in the inner Himalayas with the purest air and glacial spring waters, Bhutan possesses perfect raising grounds for varied fruits and vegetables categorized as ‘Organic’ due to the minimum or no use of chemical fertilizers. Climates vary from sub-tropical in the south to temperate in the interiors to the highlands in the north making it ideal to grow different varieties of crops. Import of fruits and vegetables especially from India are banned (due to the high concentration of chemical fertilizers) and the focus for Bhutan is to be self sufficient and grow our own crops.
ItineraryDay 1: Paro International Airport - Warm Welcome to the Land of HappinessPass By: Paro, Paro, Paro District
Your adventure starts from the moment you breathe in the fresh air as you descend the stairs of the plane, your hassle-free smooth check-out at Immigrations and finally seeing your smiling tour guide and driver at the Airport gate.
Stop At: Amankora, Thimphu, Near Kuenga Chhoeling Palace, Administrative Office, Upper, Motithang 11001, Bhutan
Depending on the time of your flight, either have your lunch in Paro town or a quick coffee and snacks before driving on to Thimphu for an hour. From the town drive on to your Amankora Lodge where your personal butler will make sure you are comfortably checked in and well rested. The Aman Lodge in Thimphu is located on the outskirts amid pine trees and remains a secluded retreat with easy access to the city.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Lunch: Welcome Lunch at AmanKora, Thimphu
• Dinner: Dinner at AmanKora
Accommodation included: AmanKora, Motithang, Thimphu
Day 2: Thimphu Valley – Combination of the Ancient and the ModernStop At: Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten), Thimphu Bhutan
The Memorial Chorten located in the heart of the Thimphu city is a favorite spiritual hangout and a great interactive place for tourists and Bhutanese. The 3 storied stupa houses some very prominent statues of Buddhist saints, figures and relics and therefore considered very auspicious for conducting rituals and ceremonies. The main statue of the ‘Wish-fulfilling Buddha’ inside the Chorten is said to grant wishes for the earnest and honest hearted!
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Buddha Dordenma, Kuensel Phodrang Viewing Point, Thimphu 11001 Bhutan
Overlooking the quaint Thimphu city is one of the largest Buddha Dordenma Statue in the world. The statue is 51.5 meters in height, made of bronze and glided in gold making it one of a kind. Popularly known as the Buddha Point, the place is a favorite among devotees who comes from all corners of Bhutan to pay their respects. Like any other religious sites or monasteries in Bhutan, the building of the gigantic statue was also prophesied. The first prophecy was made by Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th century and in the 20th century by Yogi Sonam Zangpo, that a Buddha statue will be built in this region for the World Peace and Happiness.
The place is filled with vibrant colors of the prayer flags fluttering in the wind hoisted for the wellbeing of all the sentient beings. One can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Thimphu valley and the park is also ideal for picnic lunches or just a short peaceful respite with tea, coffee and snacks.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong), Chhagchhen Lam, Thimphu Bhutan
Every Dzong in Bhutan houses the district administrative offices and the Local Monastic Body, however the importance of the Tashi Chho Dzong is that it houses the office of the King, the Throne room and the Central Monastic Body. Tashi Chho Dzong or the Fortress of the Glorious Religion is located along the banks of the Thimphu river and is one of the most prominent and spectacular attraction in the valley.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Wangditse Lhakhang དབང་འདུས་རྩེ་ལྷ་ཁང་།, Wangditse Monastery, Thimphu, Bhutan
The 1 ½ hour Wangdi Tse Dzong Hike is a leisurely leg stretching exercise with spectacular bird’s eye view of the Valley
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Amankora, 5 star
Day 3: Thimphu to Gangtey and Phobjika Valleys – Enjoy the Ride through the valleysStop At: Dochula Pass, Thimphu Bhutan
The first stopover is at the Dochulaa Pass (3150 meters) to enjoy the spectacular views of the snow capped Himalayan Mountains. The 108 small stupas built over a small hill is also a beautiful sight with pilgrims circumambulating around it.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Chimi Lhakhang Temple, Punakha Bhutan
The road from the Pass winds down to the warm and fertile valleys and after a brief rest visit the Fertility Temple / Chime Lhakhang. It is a pleasant 30 minutes walk through mustard and paddy fields. Standing on a picturesque hilltop the Lhakhang is famous for its fertility wish grants to couples. Inside the walls of the Lhakhang are beautiful frescoes depicting the colorful life of Lama Drukpa Kuenley, the Divine Madman regarded for his crazy methods of teaching which included blessing women in the form of copulation!
Duration: 1 hour
Pass By: Phobjikha Valley, Bhutan
Enjoy your picnic lunch on a peaceful spot above the highway and continue drive till you reach Gangtey. Check out a yak herders camp and the famous potato fields of Gangtey and Phobjika valleys. These valleys are poplar for producing the most delicious high-altitude potatoes and a favorite ingredient in all the Bhutanese kitchen.
Enjoy a relaxed evening at your Lodge with scenic views of the valley floor and the countryside.
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: AmanKora Lodge, Gangtey, a 5 Star Lodge in Bhutan
Day 4: Gangtey & Phobjika Valleys – the Valley of the Sacred Black Necked CranesStop At: Gangtey Monastery, Gangtey Bhutan
After breakfast, you can visit the Gangtey Goemba Monastery and if interested also get a horoscope reading from the Astrologer. A must do is the short one and half hour Gangtey Nature Trail hike through the pine trees.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Phobjikha Valley, Phobjikha Valley, Wangdue Phodrang District
After, visit some traditional farmhouses and watch the farmers as they go about their daily lives. Depending on the season you can even help out at their farm, where mostly potatoes, cruciferous vegetables, barley and wheat is grown.
A special dinner of local delicacies from the valley will be arranged at the rustic potato shed of the Lodge.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Amankora Gangtey, 5 Star Lodges in Bhutan
Day 5: Trongsa and Bumthang valleys – Deeper into the interior HimalayasPass By: Pelela, Bhutan
Today you will travel further into the central valley of Bumthang. The drive is scenic via the Pelela Pass at 3,420 meters and across quaint little highland villages of Sephu, Rukubjee, Chendebjee, Tangsibjee and many other small rural settlements along the way.
Stop At: Trongsa, Trongsa, Trongsa District
At the Trongsa viewpoint, enjoy the view of the majestic Trongsa Dzong/fortress of the vanguard of Warriors and the neighboring valleys. Located above the Dzong is the Watch Tower that has been converted to a Museum dedicated to the Dragon Kings of Bhutan.
All along there are many beautiful spots where you can enjoy your picnic basket.
Duration: 2 hours
Pass By: Yotongla Mountain, Bhutan
From Trongsa it is another 2 hours to Bumthang via the Yotongla Pass at 3,400 meters. Enroute stop over at the Yathra Weaving center in Chumey village where you can watch men and women weavers at their loom weaving yak and sheep wool products.
The Aman Lodge in Bumthang is located in town opposite the Wangdichholing Palace. Enjoy a relaxed evening after the long drive. Dinner will be a selection of cuisines from Eastern Bhutan.
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: The AmanKora Lodge, Bumthang
Day 6: Bumthang Valley – The Spiritual Heartland of BhutanStop At: Bumthang, Bumthang, Bumthang District
Bumthang is one of the most beautiful valley also known as mini-Switzerland due to its similar spectacular landscape and countryside. Being at an altitude of about 2,900 meters’ rice was not grown until few years ago, therefore the staple diet of the Bumthang palate is wheat and buckwheat and various diary products.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Jambay Lhakhang Temple, Near Bumthang River, Jakar Bhutan
njoy a typical Bumthang breakfast which is a fusion of international with local ingredients and after, walk at a leisurely pace to the four temples of Jambay Lhakhang/temple, Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamzhing Lhakhang and Kenchosum Lhakhang. All the monasteries are ancient and with their unique history and beauty. In any one of the temples a Buddhist name-giving ceremony will be arranged for you to be christened with your own Bhutanese name.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Kurje Lhakhang, Bumthang Bhutan
njoy a typical Bumthang breakfast which is a fusion of international with local ingredients and after, walk at a leisurely pace to the four temples of Jambay Lhakhang/temple, Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamzhing Lhakhang and Kenchosum Lhakhang. All the monasteries are ancient and with their unique history and beauty. In any one of the temples a Buddhist name-giving ceremony will be arranged for you to be christened with your own Bhutanese name.
Duration: 40 minutes
Stop At: Tamshing Lhakhang གཏམ་ཞིང་ལྷ་ཁང་།, HPQQ+246, Jakar, Bhutan
njoy a typical Bumthang breakfast which is a fusion of international with local ingredients and after, walk at a leisurely pace to the four temples of Jambay Lhakhang/temple, Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamzhing Lhakhang and Kenchosum Lhakhang. All the monasteries are ancient and with their unique history and beauty. In any one of the temples a Buddhist name-giving ceremony will be arranged for you to be christened with your own Bhutanese name.
Duration: 40 minutes
Stop At: Könchogsum Lhakhang དཀོན་མཆོག་གསུམ་ལྷ་ཁང་།, HPPQ+6P9, Jakar, Bhutan
njoy a typical Bumthang breakfast which is a fusion of international with local ingredients and after, walk at a leisurely pace to the four temples of Jambay Lhakhang/temple, Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamzhing Lhakhang and Kenchosum Lhakhang. All the monasteries are ancient and with their unique history and beauty. In any one of the temples a Buddhist name-giving ceremony will be arranged for you to be christened with your own Bhutanese name.
Duration: 40 minutes
Stop At: Jakar Dzong, Chamkhar Valley, Jakar Bhutan
After lunch visit the Jakar Dzong/fortress of the White Bird and the Swiss factory/farmhouse where you can taste and or buy local beer, honey wine, Swiss cheese, clover honey, apple cider, apple brandy and other products.
A special outdoors BBQ dinner will be arranged for you on the lawn, overlooking the palace and neighboring farmlands.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Amankora Lodges, Bumthang. A 5 Star Lodge in Bhutan
Day 7: Tang Valley Excursion – Remote, Peaceful and Beautiful valleyStop At: Tang Valley, Bhutan
An excursion of the Tang valley will give you a fresh perspective of a community solely focused on agriculture and farming. Located about 1 ½ hour drive from your Lodge, Tang Valley is another remote and beautiful wide-open valley of Barley, Wheat and potato fields with the gentle Tang Chu (River) flowing in between the villages.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Burning Lake, Bumthang Bhutan
Enroute stopover for a brief while to visit the Burning Lake / Mebar Tsho. Legend has it that the treasure discoverer Saint Pema Lingpa dived into the lake with a burning lamp and came out with the lamp still burning and laden with treasures. Treasures here meaning holy scriptures and artifacts hidden by Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) – the saint who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan and the most important and revered saint in Bhutan.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Ogyen Choling Palace Museum, Ogyen Choling, Tang, Bumthang, Jakar Bhutan
At Tang valley, visit some traditional farmhouses replete with farm animals, paddy fields added on by an extensive farming of various fruits and vegetables. A visit to the Ogyen Choling Palace will take you back to the time of local Royalty/Feudal Landlord and if you are lucky you can meet Ashi Kunzang Choden, descendant of the local Royalty and also the first Bhutanese woman writer. She will regale you with stories of the past and give an insight into the feudal system and way of life in the olden days
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: AmanKora Lodges, Bumthang. A 5 star Lodge in Bhutan
Day 8: Bumthang to Trongsa to Punakha – Enjoy the Ride through the Black MountainsPass By: Trongsa, Trongsa, Trongsa District
Enjoy your sumptuous breakfast as you will be on the road for about seven hours with frequent stops in between at scenic points to stretch your legs. You will be driving all the way back to Trongsa and on to Punakha via the Divine Madman’s Temple.
Pass By: Punakha, Punakha, Punakha District
At Punakha, check into your luxurious Lodge overlooking paddy fields and orange orchards. Reached by crossing a suspension bridge over the Mo Chhu (Female river) the Lodge is a traditional Bhutanese Farmhouse built by a former Chief Abbot of Bhutan. Since Punakha is a sub-tropical valley you can enjoy the warm evening by their outdoors swimming pool.
Stop At: Amankora, Punakha, Habesa Guma Geog, 13001, Bhutan
In the evening you will be introduced to Momos, a favorite snack among locals and visitors alike and also learn to make some. Momos are steamed dumplings filled with either veg and cheese or meat (beef, chicken, pork, mutton) and has an extremely dense savory taste appealing to everyone including first timers.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: AmanKora Hotel in Punakha
Day 9: Punakha Valley Excursion – The Old Capital of BhutanStop At: Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, Punakha Bhutan
After an early breakfast drive for a few minutes up north and walk for about an hour to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten stupa. The walk is beautiful through the pine trees and from the Stupa the view of the meandering river across scattered villages, the massive Punakha Dzong in the far distance and the paddy fields are a visual delight.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Punakha Dzong, Punakha 13001 Bhutan
Next visit the Punakha Dzong meaning the Fortress of Great Bliss, built in 1673 to commemorate the final victory against numerous Tibetan invasions. Located on a piece of land between two rivers Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu (literally meaning male and female rivers), the Dzong is massive, huge and magnificent in all its architectural grandeur. Although ravaged by flood, fire and earthquakes many times, the Dzong was always rebuilt with its original pattern and design.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Punakha, Punakha, Punakha District
Enjoy your picnic lunch by the banks of the Mo Chhu.
You can either choose to relax at your Lodge or enjoy an excursion of Nobgang village which is about a half and hour’s drive from the main town. You can walk through the village, watch the villagers as they go about their daily farm-life and visit a traditional farmhouse, enjoy a cup of salted butter tea and interact with the local family. At the farmhouse the Aum (head of the family) will show you the traditional art of making ara – rice wine, zow – puffed rice which is a local snack best enjoyed with butter tea. A walk through the village will also acquaint you with tropical organic fruits grown in Punakha and the region
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Amankora lodge, Punakha. A 5 star Hotel in Bhutan
Day 10: Paro Valley – The Aerial Gateway to BhutanStop At: Thimphu, Thimphu, Thimphu District
After a leisurely breakfast drive back to Paro for about three and half hours via the scenic Dochula Pass and Thimphu valley. Stopover at Thimphu valley to enjoy a traditional lunch at the Folk Heritage Museum that serves home-cooked local food with a variety of vegetables and meat.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Amankora, Paro, Balakha Tshento, Drugyel 12001, Bhutan
Continue your drive till you reach your Lodge in Paro. The Aman Lodge at Paro offers an atmospheric end to this Amankora Journey and a time to reflect on your experiences of the past few days.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Kyichu Lhakhang, Lamgong Gewog, Paro 12001 Bhutan
In the evening, drive for about 15 minutes to the Kyichu Lhakhang one of the oldest temple built in the 7th Century and has been visited and blessed by numerous renowned Buddhist saints over the centuries. The temple enjoys a peaceful and serene location away from the main town and though the structure is simple but abounds in many tantric and mythical wonderful stories that will take you back to the times of demons and saints and their battles. You can light the auspicious 108 butter lamps at the temple with a simple blessing ceremony for Happiness, Peace and Prosperity.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Paro, Paro, Paro District
Evenings are perfect for a walk, hike or cycle through the sleepy rural village till you reach the main Paro town. The small town is lined with cafes, eateries and handicraft shops that provides a perfect glimpse into the unique culture and traditions of Bhutan.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Namgay Artisanal Brewery, Dumsibu, Paro 11001, Bhutan
A visit to the Namgay Artisanal Brewery is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Overlooking the valley and the airport strip, the place also offers dining options with musical performances by local artists during the weekends.
At the brewery, you can enjoy a guided tour of the microbrewery followed by a beer tasting session of all the 8 different flavors produced – Red Rice Lager, Dark Ale, Wheat Beer, Indian Pale Ale, Milk Stout, Pilsner, Pineapple Gose and Apple Cider.
Duration: 30 minutes
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Amankora Hotel in Paro
Day 11: Foraging and CookingStop At: Amankora, Paro, Balakha Tshento, Drugyel 12001, Bhutan
With a small team from Aman you will enjoy this day on a farm and in the nearby forest foraging with live cooking lunch onsite. If you are visiting during monsoon (June-August) the nearby forests offer a range of mushrooms to fill your palate.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Rinpung Dzong, Paro Bhutan
On top of the above activities, if you have time then visit the Rinpung Dzong (Palace of Heaped Jewels) and the National Museum located above the Dzong. If you are up for a short hike then the leisurely trail from the Museum to Zuri Dzong is a moderate one and half hour hike with birds eye view of the Paro valley and its colorful houses and paddy fields.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: National Museum, Tag-Dzong Rinpung Dzong, Paro 12001 Bhutan
On top of the above activities, if you have time then visit the Rinpung Dzong (Palace of Heaped Jewels) and the National Museum located above the Dzong. If you are up for a short hike then the leisurely trail from the Museum to Zuri Dzong is a moderate one and half hour hike with birds eye view of the Paro valley and its colorful houses and paddy fields.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Amankora Lodge, Paro
Day 12: Hike to Taktsang Monastery / Tiger’s Nest – The Most Important Cultural Icon of BhutanStop At: Taktsang Gompa, Bum La Road, Tawang 790104 India
Enjoy a hearty breakfast for your hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery locally known as Taktsang Goemba. The hike to and excursion of the Tiger’s Nest Monastery is a full day activity normally taking about 3-4 hours uphill with the option of riding a pony till midway.
Duration: 5 hours
Stop At: Amankora, Paro, Balakha Tshento, Drugyel 12001, Bhutan
You can enjoy your BBQ lunch at the base of the Monastery.
A special farewell dinner will be arranged for you back at the Lodge. Called the King’s Table Dinner, the menu features some Royal Bhutanese cuisine and His Majesty the Fifth King’s favorite dishes.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Amankora Lodge, Paro
Day 13: Farewell from the Land of Happiness Pass By: Airport Road, Paro, Bhutan
Depending on the time of your flight your tour guide and driver will drop you to the Airport, or if it’s an afternoon flight you can continue exploring the valley and its popular attractions
Meals included:
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No accommodation included on this day.
Informacion Adicional
"Wheelchair accessible"
"Stroller accessible"
"Infants must sit on laps"
"Infant seats available"
"No heart problems or other serious medical conditions"
"Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level"
"This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate"
"Confirmation will be received at time of booking"
Hora de Inicio:
09:00 AM
Duración: 13 Days
Lugar de comienzo: Traveler pickup is offered
Hotel Kizom Cafe in Phuntsholing, Bhutan
Airports- Paro Airport, Paro Bhutan
- Guwahati Airport, New Airport Rd, Borjhar, Guwahati, Assam 781015, India
- Bagdogra International Airport, Distt. Darjeeling Siliguri, M8PG+25X, Bagdogra, West Bengal 734421, India
Cancelaciones y devoluciones:
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
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