Highlights
- A remote and rarely visited corner of the Himalayas
- Ancient Buddhist traditions and monasteries
- Colourful and cheerful people
- Walk to Tiger's Nest Monastery
Day 1 - Paro -Thimphu (2,350M)
Spectacular views of Everest, Khangchendzonga (formerly Kanchenjunga) and other famous Himalayan peaks as you arrive into Paro. Transfer 1 ½ hours to Thimphu and to Amankora Thimphu, a 16-suite lodge which lies in a steep valley. After lunch you have the choice of visiting the National Memorial Chorten, the National Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum and National Library with time perhaps to explore the local shops (L,D).
Amankora Thimphu (Suite)
Day 2 - Thimphu
This morning head to the north end of the valley to view Tashichoe Dzong, the seat of Bhutan's government and royal offices, and pay a visit to Pangri Zampa, two 16th century buildings that now house a monastic training school. At the head of the valley take a short 25-minute hike across one of the country's oldest cantilever bridges and up a steep trail to the 1620 Goemba where the Kingdom's first monastic body was established. Back in town visit the capital's cottage industries ranging from traditional paper making to hand-rolled incense (B,L,D).
Amankora Thimphu (Suite)
Day 3 - Thimphu - Gangtey (3,000M)
Enjoy a dramatic drive over the high mountain pass of Dochu La and on to the Phobjikha Valley. Sights on the way include one of Bhutan's first fortress monasteries, the 17th century Simtokha Dzong, and ancient wall paintings at the Hongtsho Goemba monastery. The journey continues over the 3,050m mountain pass where on a clear day, the towering Himalayan peaks are clearly visible. The highway follows the scenic Dang Chhu before climbing through forests of bamboo and oak. On arrival in Phobjikha Valley visit the striking Gangtey Goemba and stroll through the quaint Gangtey village (B,L,D).
Amankora Gangtey (Suite)
Day 4 - Gangtey
Start with a visit to the Black Neck Crane Centre and dependent on the season, time spent in the centre's nearby hide is a must to view the breeding cranes. Various walks or a mountain bike ride through this magnificent valley can be arranged. A relaxing alternative for the day is to soak up the beauty of the valley from the Lodge or return to the revered Goemba for an audience with the Tulku (B,L,D).
Amankora Gangtey (Suite)
Day 5 - Gangtey - Bumthang (2,580M)
Today's journey onward to Jakar (Bumthang) is perhaps long but certainly memorable with dramatic landscapes of terraced farmland, deep river valleys and precariously perched farmhouses viewed from the only east-west highway ingeniously carved out of the mountain face. Following a brief stop at Chendebji Chorten, carry on to what was the original home of the royal family. Upon reaching Trongsa take time to stroll through this village and, official business permitting, visit the Trongsa Dzong, ancestral home to Bhutan's monarch where novice monks are often seen reciting mantras or practicing their sacred instruments. Then drive onward to Bumthang, over the picturesque Yotong La and down into the Chhume Valley, home of Bhutan's famous Yatra weaving. Browse the traditional textiles and perhaps see the weavers creating their intricate handiwork (B,L,D).
Amankora Bumthang (Suite)
Day 6 - Bumthang
Explore the neighbouring palace, Wangdicholing, home to the second King, and see the auspicious prayer wheels next door. Head up the valley and take in the grand Kurjey Lhakhang, considered one of Bhutan's most auspicious monuments. Travelling back into town and across the Bumthang Chhu, enjoy a visit to the sin alleviating Tamshing Monastery followed by a quick visit to the valleys unique cottage industries - Red Panda Brewery, Bumthang Cheese/Dairy Facility and the Bumthang Distillery, home to numerous distinctive spirits (B,L,D).
Amankora Bumthang (Suite)
Day 7 - Bumthang
Explore Bumthang district further with an excursion to the stunning Tang Valley. This seldom visited valley reveals some off the beaten track lhakhangs and monasteries, and the museum at Ugen Choeling Palace. It is a short hike up to this well preserved palace and its cultural treasures inside. Stop for a traditional picnic along the way with breathtaking views of the pristine surroundings (B,L,D).
Amankora Bumthang (Suite)
Day 8 - Bumthang - Punakha (1,300M)
Start the day with an early departure for the lengthy drive to Punakha. Upon entering the Punakha Valley have a short walk through the valley floor to the Chimi Lhakhang, the auspicious fertility monastery built by the, "Divine Madman" in 1499 (B,L,D).
Amankora Punakha (Suite)
Day 9 - Punakha
Begin with a hike up through fields of chillies, cabbages and rice along the banks of the Mo Chhu to the upper end of the valley and the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument recently built by the Queens and consecrated in 1999. Returning down through the valley see the impressive Punakha Dzong, home to the remains of Bhutan's first ruler, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, and the winter residence of the monastic order's leader and his entourage of monks. Later enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of the Punak Chhu in the stunning dzong which straddles the confluence of the Mo Chhu (mother river) and Pho Chhu (father river). Following lunch take a quick drive to the village of Talo for a walk in the beautiful and quiet grounds of the village temple and visit the home village of the Kingdom's four Queens (B,L,D).
Amankora Punakha (Suite)
Day 10 - Punakha - Paro (2,250M)
After descending back down from Dochu La, follow the way back up the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu river valleys, before crossing through Paro Town towards the north end of the valley. Here, set in a pine forest, is the Amankora Lodge and Spa. There is an opportunity for a quick stroll to the nearby ruins, a visit to some of the valley's oldest and holiest religious monuments or a stroll down Paro's Main Street. Evenings at Amankora may include informative lectures on the history, religion, flora and fauna of the region (B,L,D).
Amankora Paro (Suite)
Day 11 - Paro
The day starts with a visit to the National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Here, an intriguing collection of artefacts provide a wonderful insight to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. Just a short walk downhill lies the dominating Paro Dzong, guests are then driven to the town temple, built in 1525, to view ancient wall paintings. Paro options include picturesque picnic spots or, perhaps, a visit to a traditional farmhouse to lunch with the family. In the afternoon, hike up to view one of Bhutan's most revered monuments, the Taktshang Goemba, more commonly referred to as the, "Tiger's Nest". The four-hour trek offers spectacular views of this sacred monastery perched on a cliff face 900m above the valley floor B,L,D).
Amankora Paro (Suite)
Day 12 - Depart Paro
Early morning transfer to airport (B).
*Flight not included.
Amankora
Amankora is a series of traditionally inspired guest lodges set in Bhutan's central and western valleys.
Paro: the 24-suite Amankora Paro pine forest retreat overlooks 17th century dzong ruins.
Punakha: the Amankora Punakha's eight suites are set in an orchard in the Punakha valley.
Gangtey: the intimate Amankora Gangtey has just eight suites and sits on a forested knoll near the 16th century Gangtey monastery.
Thimphu: the 16-suite Amankora Thimphu is in a blue pine forest near the capital city.
Bumthang: the 16-suite Amankora Bumthang is surrounded by temples and monasteries.
Festivals & Events
A must on any journey to Bhutan is the opportunity to experience the spiritual tradition, colour and excitement of one of its festivals or national holidays.
January - Winter Solstice - celebrated in Western Bhutan
February - Losar (New Year) - celebrated Nationwide
February/March - Punaka Dromche - celebrated in Punakha
April - Paro Tshechu - celebrated in Paro
April/May - Shabdrun Kuchoe - celebrated Nationwide
September - Thimphu Drupchen & Thimphu Tshechu - celebrated in Thimphu
A&K Special Inclusions
A&K airport welcome - assistance with luggage and transportation by private chauffeur drive in the best vehicles complete with bottled water - Your own English speaking guide conducts sightseeing and is your key contact on the ground - Pre-registration at all hotels enables seamless check-in - All meals - House beverages - Daily complimentary laundry service - Complimentary massage per person.
Pricing
As a guide, this 12 day suggested journey in Bhutan will cost from USD$10,215 per person based on two adults sharing and is subject to availability.
If the price goes down after you book, we will refund the difference - guaranteed
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