Khalong Goenpa House is hidden away in remote Mongar district. On the way to Khalong you pass by Drametse monastery, which was founded by Ani (nun) Choeten Zangmo, the great granddaughter of Terton Pema Lingpa in the late 15th century.
Currently the house is still small and can only accommodate two guests. The standard is basic but visitors will be rewarded with great hospitality, breath-taking views and traditional village life.
The hike from Drametse to Khalong takes approx. 2,5-3 hours and offers a glimpse into the rich flora and fauna of the region. The farm road to the village is very rough and requires good cars. The surroundings of Khalong goenpa offer wonderful short hikes, for instance to a sacred place called Drupchhu. From here a path continues to Drametse and if you walk slowly it will take approximately 4hs.
Kinley’s passion for cooking
Your host Kinley Wangmo was born at Khalong gonpa. However, she spent the majority of her young life in Thimphu. Kinley completed a Bachelor of Hotel Management in India and more recently a Diploma in Hospitality Management from the Institute for Tourism and hotel Management (ITH) at Klessheim, Salzburg in Austria.
From an early age Kinley had to cook for a large family. During that time her passion for food awakened. Kinley considers cooking an art as well as a science. She enjoys the collection and preparation of traditional recipes and constantly creates and invents new dishes. Kinley decided to become a chef because she is fascinated with food and because she thinks that the flavours and textures of any cuisine appeal to our senses in a way that is unique. With such great passion, Kinley first worked as an assistant chef at the high end UMA resort in Paro. Later she became the head chef at Baan Thai restaurant in Thimphu. Kinley’s dream is to eventually return full-time to her ancestral village where she she plans to expand her homestay and share her knowledge with fellow villagers.
Requirements
Khalong Goenpa House is perfect for guests who want to escape the beaten tracks of busy standard tours. They will get a truly authentic glimpse into remote everyday village life.
You are adventurous and do not mind basic standard with simple washing facilities (hot water in buckets) and toilet outdoors? Then you are in the right place.