Dining from farm to table on the Trans Bhutan Trail

The Trans Bhutan Trail is an amazing journey that takes you from the lush, green forests of central Bhutan to the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. Along the way, you’ll enjoy some of the best food in the world—from local dishes to international cuisine. But how does this food get from farm to table? And who is responsible for ensuring that it reaches your plate? In this blog post, we will explore the Trans Bhutan Trail and how it brings you closer to the origins of your food. We’ll also discuss some of the challenges and realities of food production and distribution on this incredible trail.

Along the newly reopened Trans Bhutan Trail, a network of farmhouses has sprouted, providing tourists with a rare glimpse into rural life and culture as well as a taste of Bhutanese cuisine.

The newly reopened Trans Bhutan Trail offers tourists a rare glimpse into rural life and culture as well as a taste of Bhutanese cuisine. The 50-mile trail winds its way through the scenic Himalayan landscape, passing by farmhouses that have been converted into restaurants, offering visitors an intimate look at life in Bhutan.

The restaurants along the Trans Bhutan Trail serve traditional dishes such as chicken soup with dumplings, naan bread and tarka dhal (marinated lentil stew). The food is hearty and often includes ingredients such as yak meat, fresh vegetables and herbs, which are all grown on the farms nearby.

In addition to enjoying meals out, visitors can also explore the local villages. Many of the village homes have been renovated and now include guest rooms for tourists to stay in while in town. Villagers are happy to show visitors around and share their stories about life in rural Bhutan.

As my guide, Singay Dradul, and I made our way toward a lush valley in the Wangdue Phodrang district, it was midmorning. We had arrived from Pele La, one of the highest passes in Bhutan at 3,407 meters,

After a long trek, our journey finally came to an end as we reached the lush valley of Wangdue Phodrang. The Wangdue Phodrang district is known for its agricultural produce, including maize, potatoes, apples, and grapes. The valley is also home to many herders who keep cattle, sheep, and goats.

As my guide Singay Dradul and I made our way toward a lush valley in the Wangdue Phodrang district, it was midmorning. We had arrived from Pele La, one of the highest passes in Bhutan at 3407 meters. The pass provides stunning views of Bhutan’s rugged landscape and villages below.

We were excited to explore this part of Bhutan and sample some of the region’s delicious food. Our first stop was the farmstead of Ngawang Tamdin Dolma where we sampled local produce such as maize, potatoes, apples, and grapes. Next stop: Langtang Monastery!

Langtang Monastery is one of Bhutan’s most sacred Buddhist sites and attracts pilgrims from all over Asia. We were amazed by the beautiful architecture and stupa filled with invaluable religious manuscripts dating back centuries. After touring Langtang Monastery, it was time for lunch!

Our first meal on our Trans Bhutan Trail expedition was at a traditional farmhouse called Drupchen Khyentse Jigmey Ling monastery where we enjoyed a simple meal including locally-

Fortunately, Rukubji, where we planned to stop for a hearty farmhouse lunch, was only a half-hour away.

If you’re looking for a hearty farmhouse lunch on the Trans Bhutan Trail, fortunately, Rukubji is only a half-hour away.

The restaurant is tucked away off the highway in a small village, and it’s easy to miss if you don’t know where to look. Once you find it, though, the cozy interior is perfect for refueling after a day of hiking.

The menu is simple but delicious, and the servings are generous. We ordered a few dishes to share and were very happy with our decision. The garlic chicken was especially tasty—charred in their own backyard grillpit—and we were glad we didn’t skip the pork belly skewers.

Rukubji also has an excellent selection of local wines and beers, so if you’re looking for something to quench your thirst after dinner, this place won’t disappoint.

The TBT was the only means of transportation for rulers, pilgrims, monks, traders, and legendary trail runners known as “garps” in the 16th century, when they delivered political messages to the country’s dzongs (fortresses).

The Trans Bhutan Trail stretches 2,175 miles from the Indian border to the Tibetan border, crossing 12 districts in three countries. The trail was first used as a trade route in the 16th century and served as the only means of transportation for rulers, pilgrims, monks, traders, and legendary trail runners known as “garps” in that era. Today, the trail is frequented by hikers, cyclists, and walkers who enjoy its stunning scenery and tranquil ambiance.