Day 1 - Arrive Paro – Thimphu Transfer & First Tastes

Welcome to Bhutan! Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport (PBH), your local guide and driver will greet you. After a brief introduction, you will be transferred to Thimphu (2,350m), the capital city, a scenic drive of about 1 hour. Along the way, you’ll pass Chuzom, a confluence of rivers marked by three distinct stupas. After hotel check-in and a short rest, your culinary journey begins with an introduction to Bhutanese staples. You’ll visit a local restaurant for your first authentic Bhutanese dinner, experiencing dishes like red rice, and perhaps a milder Kewa Datshi (potato and cheese) to ease into the local spice levels.

• Overnight: Thimphu.

Day 2 - Thimphu Culinary & Cultural Immersion

After breakfast, your day in Thimphu starts with a visit to the Centenary Farmers Market (weekends only) or a local produce market, where you’ll see a vast array of fresh vegetables, fruits, and local products, getting a firsthand look at the ingredients that define Bhutanese cuisine. This will be followed by a hands-on cooking class at a dedicated culinary school or a local kitchen. Here, under the guidance of a Bhutanese chef, you’ll learn to prepare classic dishes such as Ema Datshi (chili and cheese, Bhutan’s national dish), Jasha Maru (spicy chicken stew), and Momos (dumplings). You’ll enjoy the fruits of your labor for lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Folk Heritage Museum to understand traditional Bhutanese rural life and food preservation techniques. Later, consider visiting a local brewery or a place where traditional Ara (local distilled spirit) is brewed (if permitted and available) for a tasting.

• Overnight: Thimphu.

Day 3 - Thimphu to Punakha – Farm-to-Table Delights

After breakfast, embark on a picturesque drive to Punakha (1,250m). You’ll cross the dramatic Dochula Pass (3,100m), adorned with 108 stupas, offering stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas on clear days. Upon arrival in Punakha, your focus shifts to the fertile valleys. You’ll enjoy a farm-to-table lunch experience at a local farmhouse, savoring dishes prepared with fresh, organic ingredients sourced directly from their fields. This offers a true taste of rural Bhutanese hospitality. In the afternoon, take a delightful walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the “Temple of Fertility,” and then explore the magnificent Punakha Dzong, considered Bhutan’s most beautiful fortress.

• Overnight: Punakha.

Day 4 - Punakha to Haa Valley – Buckwheat & Regional Specialties

Today, you’ll embark on a journey to the serene Haa Valley (2,670m), known for its unique buckwheat cultivation and distinct culinary traditions. The drive is incredibly scenic, passing through charming rural landscapes. Upon arrival in Haa, check into your farmhouse stay. The highlight of the day will be a cooking session focused on Haa’s specialties, particularly dishes made from buckwheat, such as Hoentay (buckwheat dumplings) or Puta (buckwheat noodles). You’ll gain insight into the importance of buckwheat in the Haa diet and culture. Enjoy a traditional dinner with your host family, learning about their daily life and food customs.

• Overnight: Haa Valley (Farmhouse).

Day 5 - Haa Valley to Paro – Hot Stone Bath & Traditional Healing Flavors

After a traditional Haa breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic drive back to Paro, crossing the high Chele La Pass (3,988m), the highest motorable pass in Bhutan, offering incredible views. Upon reaching Paro, you’ll check into your hotel. In the afternoon, indulge in a traditional Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath, a relaxing experience where hot river stones infuse mineral-rich water, often accompanied by local herbs. This is not just for relaxation but also believed to have medicinal properties, reflecting the holistic approach to well-being in Bhutanese culture. For dinner, explore a local restaurant known for its traditional preparations, perhaps trying Shakam Datshi (dried beef and cheese) or Phaksha Paa (pork with chilies and vegetables), delving deeper into Bhutan’s hearty flavors.

• Overnight: Paro.

Day 6 - Paro – Tiger's Nest Hike & Farewell Feast

Today is dedicated to the pilgrimage to Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery) (3,120m). Perched precariously on a cliff face 900 meters above the Paro Valley, this sacred monastery is one of Bhutan’s most revered sites. The hike is challenging but incredibly rewarding, offering spiritual reflection and breathtaking views. Upon returning to the valley, you’ll enjoy a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant, perhaps with a traditional cultural performance, savoring your favorite Bhutanese dishes one last time. This evening is a chance to reflect on your culinary adventures and cultural discoveries.

• Overnight: Paro.

Day 7 - Depart from Paro

After breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your departure, taking with you the authentic tastes and cherished memories of Bhutan.