Bhutanese Cuisinexxx

Our Batch (1974) of doctors from GMC Nagpur keep on getting together, in smaller groups on several occasions, but in larger groups at least once in two years. This time (2018) we all decided to Travel Together to Bhutan in April, with the aim of getting together, conducting a CME, (Continued Medical Education conference) combining pleasure of Scenic beauty in a good natural environment, a getting to know a little more (personally) about the only country that measures Happiness Index rather than GDP. Since we were in large number, and BTC doesn’t allow outsiders to conduct tours there: we approached Triangle Travel to invite quotes from Bhutanese Agencies willing to take up managing this large a group(finally we were 85 travelers, including 4 kids less than 5 yrs of age). Out of the various offers, we picked up AD TOURS AND TRAVELS. Their offer was cost-effective for the 5 night 6 day tour, inclusive of Airfare n booking for 10 people from Delhi (to Paro), and the rest from Kolkata to Paro. Reception at Paro Airport, Properly planned groups from amongst us to be accommodated in clearly demarcated 6 Toyota Coaster 18 seater buses, with Hindi-English speaking wellmannered polite cooperative guides n bus drivers, Hassle free management of subgroup luggages, Abundant Supply of Packed Drinking water (throughout the trip), Nice (at least 4 star) properties to stay in with good arrangement for Breakfast/ dinner, AND entire group brought together for lunch at different locations, excellent itinerary of sight seeing (of course 2-3 sites on at least 3 Ds involving as per our previous agreement, payment of entry fee). We were lucky to see flower exhibition too, being held during that phase. Evenings we had earmarked for 3 hours Medical Conference, with different people amongst us enlightening on chosen topics, with dinner in between. We would retire by 10-30 pm or so: to get ready according to the itinerary the subsequent Morning. Twice we consumed the local famous red-rice with their traditional spicy dish ema datse. Cultural evening was nicely interjected on 27th: which all of us enjoyed to the hilt with active participation. Weather was excellent, almost never too cold (24-4-18 to 29-4-18); a luckily neither was it rainy. All the arrangements were impeccable, with excellent stay-facilities, with streamlined punctual execution. Once the quote was accepted: there were no <erations. Periodic payment schedule was stuck to by us as per initial agreement. The interaction with Mr Damber and Mr Gurung of AD TOURS helped sort out lot of queries of the travellers. I am grateful, they did not mind repeating a few points again and again over 2-4 months of interaction. It was professionally conducted excellent tour:all of us returned with fond memories to be cherished throughout life.Chela la pass was the highlight; Botanical garden with its Arch like long trek through dense forest was awesome, with everything else giving us a peep into their culture: past n present. Shopping centres had their own charm. Mr DB Gurung, the owner, was available to us 24×7 all through our stay n travel; Very polite, ever willing to help. We were provided local SIM cards (that would fit in any Smartphone): one per couple to integrate n communicate. Hotels and Resorts had wonderful atmosphere with excellent arrangements and spacious thoughtfully done up interiors in allotted rooms/ suites. We as a batch would highly recommend Triangle Travel to plan your trip. Ms Pearl Pallavi initially, and Mr AMIT Bhati till the end kept on coordinating with us, and with AD TOURS. They helped us get the best out of our “investment” into experiencing PLEASURE.

My son enjoyed snow for the first time. And liked tigers nest monestary. Excellent trip, liked to share travel agents with my friends and family in future. Well planned trip on short notice.

Bhutan what to say….Such a beautiful and peaceful country. It was one of the best place I visited till now. We are mesmerized by the gigantic mountains, scenic beauty, beautiful hills, deep forests, amazing culture, valleys and honesty. We thoroughly enjoyed our trekking to Taktsang Monastery, River Rafting, Hot Stone Bath, Candle Light Dinner, Team Dinner, visit to Chele La Pass, Dochula Pass and Fortress. In our journey of 8 days we visited Thimphu, Paro, Punakha and Phobjikha Valley. All cities are so beautiful that engraves in our heart. Due to time restrain we couldn’t visit Bumthang. But we will definitely visit there. Again thank you so much to Mr. Gurung and Mr. Tashi for your assistance. Hope to visit Bhutan soon :). Happy Memories 🙂
The AD Tours and Travel organized our holiday in beautiful Bhutan. Mr. Gurung and Mr. Tashi was extensively helpful and supportive throughout our tour. They have taken care of each and every thing very precisely.

Tshechu festival where we got to see the King in person, a lovely hike in Gangtey Valley, a really good, accommodating and knowledgable guide/ driver! Given that it was a last minute trip during peak season, AD tours and travel was able to arrange and customise the tour as per my demands. Despite a bit of coordination hitches at the beginning we had a great and well-planned 8 days trip

I was talking with Mr. Damber and Mr. Gurung, both were very helpful and outstanding. I found the experience very memorable without any problem throughout the trip. All arrangements were made as per the discussion and requirement. Hotels and given transportations were the best.

A week has passed since we returned from the Bhutan Trip and still unable to get over the wonderful time we had together. The holiday was ab unforgettable experience for all 10 of us in the Group. I traveled from Melbourne Australia to join my brother and sisters and their families at Bhubaneswar, then took train to NJP from where we were picked up by AD Tours and Travels for 6 nights 7 days tour of the wonderful land of Bhutan. Damber with who I made the initial contact is an amazing guy as he so meticulously arranged everything for us including tour planning, guide and hotels which really worked well for us and were to the liking of everyone in the Team. Phubjika Valley and Tigers nest were the most beautiful places apart from Timphu, Punakha and Paro. Suman Rai was an exceptional guide and so was the driver Jombay. Being an Australian Citizen, the tour fees were very high for me, however is worth of it at the end. Wherever we visited we noticed people are so nice and friendly. Many within the Team are dog lovers and noticed them so good to welcome the visitors at every place. They perhaps very well represent the humbleness of Bhutan. Hotel staff are very friendly. All Team members are aligned with the above score.

Tiger’s Nest is a must go. It’s a hike and takes time and makes you tired but it’s totally worth it . please do it when you visit Bhutan. Also the overall hospitality of Bhutan people is excellent. It made the trip even better than it already was. So glad I choose Bhutan for my birthday plus honeymoon trip.
Mr. Damber and his brother Mr. Gurung are really nice people to talk to. Helped me with creating a good package. The driver assigned to us Mr. Upahar was really nice and cool person. He was right on time everywhere. We gelled along well during the trip. Just that a driver with guide knowledge is better. We felt that a little missing. Otherwise it was an excellent trip overall. Really happy.

While we were choosing agent. there was some doubt in air while looking at some of older reviews. Though we initiated the process, the best part we like about is responsiveness, flexibility, listening ability and quick turnaround as major plus of Mr. Damber Gurung. It was 12 nights 13 days trip(18-30th March, 2019). The whole itinerary was as per us, how we wanted; with each and every thing well defined. we are kind of people who define what we want to do and choose on basis who can fulfill the requirement best. Now starting with trip all tickets, cab and hotel booking were done well in advance in our choice of hotels; also all vouchers shared as per agreed timeline. Now coming to parts of the tour. Hotels, all were amazing (Tashi Nagmey(Paro), Ramada Valley(Thimphu), Drubchu resort(Punakha), Hotel Dewachen (Phubjika), Bumthang(Jakar Village lodge)) we got complimentary upgrade in Paro and Thimphu. Cab, we got SUV, with an amazing driver and gem of person Mr. Gyadhen Jamtsho, a clear hearted man who try to ensure that you are happy. Now some parts where traveler needs to take a lead like please check the timings of all dzongs & Lakhangs. Also check on what attire needs to worn. Kindly note that if you are travelling ahead of Thimphu towards Punakha, Phobjika and Bhumthang, road permit to be taken from Thimphu. Better you can visit with driver so that correct information can be given in one go. There is one caution that in some of lakhang and dzongs they will ask specifically for guide, though Indian’s don’t need to have a guide as a necessity. In this please ask your driver to keep their traditional dress with him and should accompany you to avoid these kind of situations, as in that case they generally don’t ask much. Tip: On standard itinerary please check what all places you want to visit and timings. Also check what places are good to eat, as you can eat in evening outside and come to hotel later. In Tashi Namgey: Take rooms on 1st floor like 117, also hotel got a good massage center. Ramada Valley: Take rooms having river view.

Wanting nothing more than a relaxing getaway, she hopped away on a 6 nights 7 days Bhutan trip with her best friends. Little did she know that those multicoloured realms and smiling faces of Bhutan will change her idea of â€˜happinessâ€™ forever! Read on to know her awesome experiences!

Trip Duration: 6 Nights / 7 Days
Trip Cost: INR 87,000/-
Agent Name: AD Tours and Travels
Inclusions: Transfers, Accommodation, Breakfast, Sightseeing, Sim Cards, Immigration Formalities
Exclusions: Flights, Entry Tickets, Lunch & Dinner

They say Travel is about the gorgeous feeling of teetering on the unknown. Buy the ticket, take the ride, and getting lost will help you find yourself. Word! I am not really a solo traveler kind of a person and usually seek company of vagabonds like me, who are keen to embark on new adventures. The more the merrier!

For my all girls trip to Bhutan I roped in my gang of six girls and we started planning three months prior to the trip. We spent around 2 weeks in doing a detailed research and browsed various budget customized Bhutan tour packages, since we all our travel hobby on a shoestring budget. We finalized on TT since it claimed to give exactly that! The dates were worked out after cross checking minimal leaves requirement, low flight cost and Bhutan immigration office’s working day

Post locking our calendar, we registered our requirements on TT and received many quotations within a week. After talking with few of their travel agents, we finalized on AD Tours and Travels, who did not give us any chance to regret our decision. And thus, all excited to get our passport inked for the very first time, we started our incredible journey to Bhutan!

Day 1: Arrival – Drive to Phuentsholing – Check in Immigration formalities

We took an early morning flight from Pune to Bagdogra via Kolkata, which took around 6 hours. Bagdogra welcomed us with fire blenching sun. So our driver Mr. Binod immediately ushered us into his AC cab and we headed towards Phuentsholing. We took a halt for lunch and evening tea on our way. It took us around 5 hours to get to Phuentsholing. Once we had reached, we straightaway went to immigration office since it was about to close. Thanks to our travel agent, all formalities were done with ease in not more than 10 minutes and we could finally commence our holiday in Bhutan! Post this, we went to the hotel, had our dinner, and jumped into our beds, fatigued from traveling all day.

Day 2: Drive to Thimphu – Memorial Chorten – Buddha Dordenma – Street Market

Next morning, we started early from Phuentsholing towards Thimphu (capital of Bhutan). Just like the previous day, we reached Thimphu by afternoon, had our lunch and started exploring the capital city. The first place we visited out of our Bhutan tour itinerary was Memorial Chorten, a stupa built in honor of the late third king. The place was crowded with both old and young ones praying and meditating in the sound of prayer bells and enjoying the warm weather.

Next, we went to Buddha Dordenma famed for its colossal Shakyamuni statue of Buddha, visible from almost every corner of Thimphu. The place was no less than a wonder! The kinetic wind at Buddha Point made it difficult to even to click pictures, so we had no choice but to leave the place and start our drive back towards the shopping center of Thimphu. On our way we enjoyed the eagle’s eye view of King’s Palace and Tashichho Dzong. The Street Market had a variety of beautiful, yet expensive looking souvenirs. We bought few knick knacks and left.

Day 3: Drive to Punakha – views of Himalayas – Druk Wangyal Chorten – Druk Wangyal Café – Punakha Dzong â€“ Suspension Bridge

We all woke up early that morning. Our window gave us charismatic views of the city. The sound of furiously gushing water in the Thimphu river tingled our senses. I could not resist a morning walk that promised so much beauty, so me and my friend put on our shoes and skipped away. After a walk, we took some rest sitting in a garden by the river bank and enjoyed the peaceful views, before returning to our room to commence the third day of our trip to Bhutan. Once ready, we left for Punakha. What we saw on our way to Punakha was simply breathtaking! Stunning views of snowcapped Himalayas and Druk Wangyal Chorten, one of the greatest tourist attractions of Bhutan greeted us from behind wispy clouds. Located at Dochula Pass, Druk Wangyal Chorten has 108 memorial chortens built to commemorate soldiers killed in the war between the Royal Bhutan Army and Assamese insurgents in 2003. This place is also home to the Lhakhang Temple and one café with the same name. When we reached this place, it was all covered with fog and one could hardly see beyond 6 feet.

The freezing weather made us all run for cup of coffee at Druk Wangyal Café which was filled with aroma of freshly baked cakes and brewed coffee. After warming up with this quick coffee break, we headed for Punakha Dzong which is the second oldest and largest Dzong in Bhutan. Our guide narrated many legendary stories associated with Dzong during our short tour of this brilliantly built place. Post this, we went to the Suspension Bridge nearby, standing at which, we could feel the peaceful vibrations in the noise of Pho Chhu river flowing underneath, shuffling of prayer flags all around, and gusts of wind rocking this gigantic bridge with their strength. Done for day 3, we went to our hotel Pema Karpo, the best one on our entire 7 day Bhutan tour.

Day 4: Drive to Paro – Rinpung Dzong – Kyichu Lhakhang – shopping in Paro

We welcomed another great morning in Bhutan, but bid adieu to the delightful city of Punakha, as it was now time to head to Paro! With the only international airport of the country located at Paro, the city offers a blend of commercialization and historical essence. On our first day here, we covered Rinpung Dzong, National Museum and Kyichu Lhakhang Temple. At the temple, we had the greatest honor of meeting few members of Bhutan royal family including Her Majesty the Royal Grandmother. Later, we spent the evening exploring café and souvenir shops on the colorful streets of Paro. We skipped the expensive lot and ushered ourselves into a cozy shop called Bhutan Made General Store. Here, we bought Knick knacks like a small bronze statue of Buddha and a mug in well under INR 300/-. Post some hearty shopping in Bhutan, we returned to our hotel.

Day 5: Tiger Nest trek and Taktsang Monastery tour for INR 500/- in Paro

The route was not difficult to climb but it definitely put our stamina to test. And once you reach up there, youâ€™ll realize it was worth all the efforts! At the top, we bought our tickets of INR 500/- each and were clubbed in groups of 8 to 10 tourists, each being escorted into the monastery with one guide. He recited historical tales associated with this ancient temple and showed us the way out after just 10 minutes of the tour. We were annoyed with the length of a tour of Bhutan’s most famous tourist attraction against the hefty amount they charged for it. Just as we started our descent, the rain started its own! All wet and hungry, we reached the base village, got into our wagon, and ran in the hunt of food.

Day 6: First experience with snow at Chele La Pass drive to Phuentsholing departure formalities at immigration office

Chele La Pass, considered the highest point on Dantak road, was now the only item left in our Bhutan holiday itinerary. The place was around a 35 km drive away from the city. After covering first 20/22 kms, we started coming across snow on the sidewalk of tar road. To our surprise, as we started ascending, the piles of snow started to become thicker.

For people like us who had never ever seen ice anywhere outside the refrigerator, that experience and utter excitement can’t be put down in words. We were almost jumping inside our cab. Reaching a height of 13,084 ft above sea level, we treated ourselves to stunning views of the Himalayas. We immersed ourselves in the moment with some snow ball fights, drawing fairies on ice, and few awesome clicks, completely forgetting that this was the last day of our Bhutan trip. When it finally dawned on us, the feeling of closing one of the most memorable chapters of our travel diary left us feeling gloomy and sad.

We headed back to Phuentsholing and completed departure formalities at the immigration office, before proceeding for dinner with our 5-day caretaker cum guide cum driver Mr. Dorji, who, with his Super Wagon had made our journey so comfortable. For closure, we clicked a few pictures at Bhutan Gate and went back to our hotel.

Day 7: Drive to Bagdogra – return flight from Delhi to Pune

We had an early morning departure for Bagdogra with Mr. Binod again and from there we flew back to Pune via Delhi with a treasure chest of fun and flabbergasting memories. We bid goodbye to Bhutan with a longing in our hearts to be able to return some day. We thank TT and AD Tours and Travel for taking care of everything and making this for us a very safe all girls trip to Bhutan. We enjoyed our vacation without any hassles.

We all fell in love with Bhutanâ€™s natural beauty, weather, culture, hospitality and kindness of people. Truly, it is a place of happiness!

Our so-so moments: The overpriced short tour of Taktsang Monastery

Tips for future travelers:

Immigration office at Phuentsholing is closed on weekends. So plan your travel dates accordingly
Donâ€™t forget to carry your passport and/or voter ID card for immigration formalities
Indian currency would work everywhere, so no need to worry about currency exchange
If you are willing to have tour of Taktsang monastery on reaching top of Tigerâ€™s nest, make absolutely sure you are okay with paying 500 bucks for a mere 10 minute tour of Taktsang Monastery
Carry enough food and water during the Tiger Nest trek, and trek light
Collect tickets for Taktsang Monastery from the base, as there are no ticket counters at the top
Most locals speak Hindi and English fluently, so language wonâ€™t be a barrier. However, learning a few Dzongkha sentences will give you some edge over other tourist while bargaining on streets of Bhutan

Bhutanese cuisine is a rich tapestry of flavors and ingredients, deeply influenced by the country’s geography, climate, and cultural practices. Here are some key elements and dishes that define Bhutanese cuisine:

Key Ingredients

Rice: A staple in Bhutanese meals, particularly red rice, which is a whole grain variety that is nutritionally rich and has a slightly nutty flavor.
Chilies: Chilies are not just a seasoning but a main ingredient in many dishes. Bhutanese food is known for its spiciness.
Cheese: Dairy products, particularly cheese, play a significant role in the diet. The most common type is a homemade fresh cheese similar to cottage cheese.
Buckwheat: In regions where rice is less prevalent, buckwheat is a major crop, used in dishes such as noodles and pancakes.
Meat: While many Bhutanese are vegetarians, meat, especially pork, beef, and chicken, is consumed by non-vegetarians.

Popular Dishes

Ema Datshi: Often referred to as the national dish, Ema Datshi is a spicy stew made with chilies and cheese. Variations can include adding potatoes (Kewa Datshi), mushrooms (Shamu Datshi), or green beans.
Phaksha Paa: A dish made with pork, chilies, and sometimes radish. It can be cooked with either dried or fresh pork.
Jasha Maru: A spicy chicken stew, often served with rice.
Goep (Tripe): Tripe cooked with various spices and chilies.
Red Rice: Served as a staple side dish with most meals, red rice has a distinctive pinkish hue after cooking.
Momos: Steamed dumplings that are filled with meat or vegetables. They are often served with a spicy dipping sauce.

Beverages

Suja (Butter Tea): A traditional tea made with butter and salt. It is particularly popular in the colder regions.
Ara: A traditional alcoholic beverage made from rice, maize, millet, or wheat. It can be distilled or fermented and is sometimes consumed hot with egg, butter, and cheese.

Cooking Methods

Bhutanese cuisine typically involves boiling, stewing, and fermenting. Frying is less common due to the traditional use of butter instead of oil. Fermented foods, such as cheese and preserved meats, are also significant due to the need for food preservation in the mountainous climate.

Influence and Adaptation

Bhutanese cuisine is heavily influenced by Tibetan and Indian cuisines, reflecting the country’s location between these two larger neighbors. However, it has its own unique identity, shaped by the country’s isolation and traditional farming practices. The emphasis on locally grown and sustainable ingredients is a testament to Bhutan’s commitment to environmental conservation.

In summary, Bhutanese cuisine is characterized by its spiciness, the use of fresh and locally sourced ingredients, and the simplicity of its cooking methods, all of which contribute to a unique and flavorful culinary tradition.