Flavors of Bhutan – Culinary Tour

Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport, your guide or driver will greet you and assist with your luggage. You'll then journey to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital, passing through picturesque landscapes, terraced fields, and traditional villages. After checking in at your hotel, take time to relax and refresh.

Later, take a leisurely stroll through Thimphu's city center, where you can appreciate the blend of modern and traditional architecture, browse local craft stores, and pick up unique souvenirs.

For dinner, enjoy a traditional Bhutanese meal at a restaurant such as Bhutan Kitchen or Folk Heritage Museum Café, where you can try dishes like Phaksha Paa (pork with chili) or Shakam Paa (dried beef stew) served with red rice. Overnight hotel 

Altitude: 2,300 m |  Drive: 1h20 | Distance: 80 km

After a traditional Bhutanese breakfast, begin your day with a short hike to Wangditse Monastery, where you'll be rewarded with panoramic views over Thimphu city. On your return, make a brief stop at the zoo to observe the Takin, Bhutan’s unique and revered national animal. Continue to the towering Buddha Dordenma Statue, which presides over the valley, then visit the Memorial Chorten, a revered site built in memory of the 3rd King. At the Archery Ground, catch a glimpse of Bhutan’s national sport in action—often accompanied by local snacks and spirited gatherings.

Next, immerse yourself in Bhutan’s culinary culture at the bustling weekend market. Here, you'll find a vibrant array of fresh vegetables, spices, traditional cheese (datshi), red rice, and other essential ingredients of Bhutanese cooking. It's the perfect place to discover local flavors and interact with farmers and food vendors.

In the evening, visit Trashichho Dzong, the impressive fortress that serves as the summer residence of the central monastic body. Cap off the day with a dinner featuring classic Bhutanese dishes such as ema datshi (chili and cheese stew), phaksha paa (pork with radish and chilies), and suja (butter tea), offering you a true taste of Bhutan’s culinary heritage.

Altitude: 2,300 m |  Drive: 40 min | Distance: 30 km

After breakfast, set off on a scenic drive to Punakha, stopping at Dochula Pass to admire the 108 sacred chortens—a striking monument to Bhutanese spirituality and national pride. As you descend from the pass, the landscape shifts dramatically from alpine forest to the lush, subtropical valley of Punakha, filled with banana trees, vibrant poinsettias, and jacaranda blossoms.

Upon arrival, visit the grand Punakha Dzong, an architectural jewel nestled at the confluence of the Po Chu and Mo Chu rivers. This historic fortress serves as the winter residence of Bhutan’s spiritual leadership.

Later, take a peaceful walk across a suspension bridge and hike up to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Temple, which commands sweeping views of the valley below.

The day concludes with a memorable visit to a traditional farmhouse, where you’ll be welcomed by a local family for an immersive culinary experience. Join them in preparing ema datshi, Bhutan’s iconic chili and cheese dish, using freshly sourced ingredients. Sit down to enjoy a generous home-cooked meal and learn more about the food traditions and rural way of life in Bhutan. Overnight hotel 

Altitude: 1200 m |  Drive: 2 Hours | Distance: 80 km

Departing from the subtropical valley of Punakha, the road to Trongsa winds through cool alpine forests and over the misty Pelela Pass (3,420m), a natural divide between western and central Bhutan. Along the way, enjoy warm butter tea and simple local fare like zow shungo at a roadside stop. The descent reveals terraced hillsides, scattered villages, and fluttering prayer flags. Upon arrival in Trongsa, explore the impressive Trongsa Dzong, a historic fortress that once controlled east-west trade routes. Savor a traditional lunch featuring buckwheat noodles (putang) or pancakes (khuli), before settling in for the night. Overnight hotel 

Altitude: 1800 m |  Drive: 4 Hours | Distance: 150 km

The drive from Trongsa to Bumthang takes you through dramatic mountain scenery, crossing the misty Yutong La Pass before descending into the peaceful valleys of central Bhutan. Known for its spiritual depth and rich traditions, Bumthang is home to sacred temples, rural villages, and vibrant textile culture. Visit a local weaving center to see artisans craft colorful yathra wool textiles by hand, a tradition deeply rooted in the region’s heritage. Enjoy a lunch of hearty central Bhutanese dishes like khuli (buckwheat pancakes), pukta, and spicy ezay, before settling into the tranquil rhythms of this cultural heartland. Overnight hotel 

Altitude: 2,500 m |  Drive: 2 Hours | Distance: 80 km

After breakfast, discover Bumthang’s spiritual heritage with visits to its most iconic sites: Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, and Tamshing Lhakhang. Your guide will share the rich history and legends of these sacred temples, set in the heart of Bhutan’s cultural cradle.

Enjoy a traditional Bhutanese lunch in a local farmhouse, offering a genuine taste of rural life and warm Bumthap hospitality.

In the afternoon, join your hosts in preparing Khule (buckwheat pancakes) and Puta (buckwheat noodles), learning time-honored recipes central to Bumthang’s cuisine. End the experience with butter tea and a moment of conviviality in a peaceful village setting. Overnight hotel 

Altitude: 2,500 m |  Drive: 30 min | Distance: 20 km

After a traditional Bhutanese breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Phobjikha, crossing Yutong La and Pele La passes. Along the way, stop in villages to sample local snacks like zow shungo and khapse.

In the afternoon, visit the historic Gangtey Gompa, then explore the valley on foot, discovering how Phobjikha’s renowned potatoes are cultivated.

In the evening, relish a comforting Kewa Datshi (potatoes with cheese) made from Phobjikha’s finest potatoes, paired with spicy Ezay and a taste of local ara, for an authentic culinary experience. Overnight hotel 

Altitude: 1800 m |  Drive: 4 Hours | Distance: 170 km

After a wholesome Bhutanese breakfast, depart Phobjikha for Haa, enjoying a scenic drive through lush valleys and alpine landscapes. Midway, stop in Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, to savor a lunch of traditional momos — soft steamed dumplings filled with juicy minced meat or fresh vegetables, served with spicy ezay (chili sauce), a local favorite.

In the afternoon, continue your culinary road trip through the charming rural villages of Naja, Bitekha, and Jankana, where farming and local food traditions thrive.

In the evening in Haa, visit a traditional farmhouse for a hands-on cooking experience. Learn to prepare Hontey, a local delicacy of steamed buckwheat dumplings stuffed with leafy greens and aromatic herbs — a specialty unique to Haa's highland cuisine.

End your day enjoying your homemade Hontey in the warmth of a Bhutanese farmhouse, appreciating the simple yet rich culinary heritage of the valley. Overnight at your hotel.

Altitude: 2,500 m |  Drive: 4 hours | Distance: 190 km

Start your day with visits to Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple), where your guide will share local legends and insights into Haa’s spiritual heritage. Explore the village lanes and visit a local farmhouse for a taste of traditional Bhutanese hospitality.

Enjoy a home-cooked lunch with dishes like kamshung (dried beef with radish), shakam paa (dried meat with chilies), and ezay (spicy chili relish), offering a true taste of Haa’s cuisine.

After lunch, depart for Paro via Chele La Pass (3899m). Stop at the summit for butter tea and panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and valleys with prayer flags. Visit Dzongdrakha village, known as the “mini Tiger’s Nest,” and admire cliffside temples overlooking terraced rice fields.

In the evening, stroll through Paro town, visit local markets, and enjoy a bowl of Bathup — a flavorful Bhutanese noodle soup — at a popular eatery, completing your day with authentic home-cooked flavors. Overnight hotel  Altitude: 2,300 m |  Drive: 2 Hours | Distance: 80 km

Start your day with an early hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), a 4-5 hour trek offering stunning views of the valley and surrounding mountains. Your guide will share the monastery’s history and significance, and you’ll have time to soak in the serene atmosphere at the top.

Afterward, enjoy a restful lunch in Paro town, savoring traditional Bhutanese cuisine.

In the afternoon, visit a local farmhouse for a hot stone bath, a traditional Bhutanese experience. Relax in the warm bath, sip on local ara, and enjoy the peaceful countryside.

Finish your day with a hearty dinner at the farmhouse, enjoying freshly prepared local dishes before returning to your accommodation.

Altitude: 2,300 m |  Drive: 20 Min | Distance: 7 km | Hike 5 Hours

Transfer to airport for departure from Paro