13-Day Food Odyssey, The Culinary Delights of the Kingdom

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Paro International Airport - Warm Welcome to the Land of Happiness
2 stops
1
Paro
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.
Admission ticket free
2
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Thimphu Valley – Combination of the Ancient and the Modern
4 stops
3
Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten)
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!
1 hour • Admission ticket included
4
Buddha Dordenma
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.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
5
Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong)
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.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
6
The 1 ½ hour Wangdi Tse Dzong Hike is a leisurely leg stretching exercise with spectacular bird’s eye view of the Valley
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Thimphu to Gangtey and Phobjika Valleys – Enjoy the Ride through the valleys
3 stops
7
Dochula Pass
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.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
8
Chimi Lhakhang Temple
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!
1 hour • Admission ticket included
9
Phobjikha Valley
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.
Admission ticket free
Day 4
Gangtey & Phobjika Valleys – the Valley of the Sacred Black Necked Cranes
2 stops
10
Gangtey Monastery
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
11
Phobjikha Valley
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.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Trongsa and Bumthang valleys – Deeper into the interior Himalayas
3 stops
12
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.
Admission ticket free
13
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.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
14
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.
Admission ticket free
Day 6
Bumthang Valley – The Spiritual Heartland of Bhutan
6 stops
15
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.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
16
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.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
17
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.
40 minutes • Admission ticket included
18
Tamshing Lhakhang གཏམ་ཞིང་ལྷ་ཁང་།
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.
40 minutes • Admission ticket included
19
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.
40 minutes • Admission ticket included
20
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
Day 7
Tang Valley Excursion – Remote, Peaceful and Beautiful valley
3 stops
21
Tang Valley
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.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
22
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.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
23
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
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 8
Bumthang to Trongsa to Punakha – Enjoy the Ride through the Black Mountains
3 stops
24
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.
Admission ticket free
25
Punakha
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.
Admission ticket free
26
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.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 9
Punakha Valley Excursion – The Old Capital of Bhutan
3 stops
27
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
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.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
28
Punakha Dzong
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.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
29
Punakha
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
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 10
Paro Valley – The Aerial Gateway to Bhutan
5 stops
30
Thimphu
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.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
31
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
32
Kyichu Lhakhang
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
33
Paro
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
34
Namgay Artisanal Brewery
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.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
Day 11
Foraging and Cooking
3 stops
35
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.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
36
Rinpung Dzong
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.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
37
National Museum
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
Day 12
Hike to Taktsang Monastery / Tiger’s Nest – The Most Important Cultural Icon of Bhutan
2 stops
38
Taktsang Gompa
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.
5 hours • Admission ticket included
39
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 13
Farewell from the Land of Happiness
1 stop
40
Airport Road
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
Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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