The tiny Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan awaits, nestled high in the Himalayas its isolation from the world has cultivated a culture rich in traditions, religion and a benevolent monarchy.
Itinerary
The tiny Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan awaits, nestled high in the Himalayas its isolation from the world has cultivated a culture rich in traditions, religion and a benevolent monarchy. The dramatic landscapes, from snow capped peaks and deeply forested slopes to raging, boulder strewn rivers, sit largely undisturbed as the endeared environmental initiatives and religious beliefs leave the Kingdom pristine and a jewel of nature. The program takes you into this ancient Kingdom for an adventure into the hearts and lands of charming farmers, fascinating weavers, enchanting monks and charismatic leaders.
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Thimphu
Elevation 2,320 m
As your Druk Air flight weaves through the valley, arrival in Bhutan is like no other. As you touch down, keep your camera at the ready, as we have noticed how passengers slowly disembark and then stand on the tarmac totally bewildered. Then move through to immigration where you will present your Visa Approval letter and Passport for the official stamp. As you clear the Immigration check, please make your way to the baggage delivery area and here you will meet your Guide for the first time. The transfer to Thimphu is approximately 1½ hours and upon arrival and after settling in; you will have the choice of the National Memorial Chorten, National Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum, National Library to visit, and perhaps time to stroll the Main Street for some interesting Himalayan artefacts or textiles.
Hotels:
 Amankora Thimphu |
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Day 2: Tour of Thimphu
Elevation 2,320 mThis morning you will head to the north end of the valley to view Trashi Chhoe 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 for astrologers. At the head of the valley, should you wish to stretch your legs, a short hike will take you to Cheri Goemba, the monastery where the first monastic body was established in the Kingdom. Back in town you should be able to visit a few of the capital’s cottage industries like traditional paper making and the weaving centre.
Hotels:
Amankora Thimphu |
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Day 3: From Thimphu to Gangtey
Elevation 3,000 mAn early departure for a dramatic drive over the high mountain passes of Dochu La and on to the Phobjika 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, towering Himalayan peaks are clearly visible. The descent down through the Punakha Valley along the Kingdom’s only east-west highway continues on through the scenic village of Wangdi. Carrying on the highway follows the scenic Dang Chhu before climbing thru forests of bamboo and oak, and just before crossing the Pele La pass, a small side road splinters off to the hidden Phobjika Valley. On arrival you will have time to visit the striking Gangtey Goemba, sitting at the head of the valley, and perhaps strolling through the quaint Gangtey village or hike amongst the blooming rhododendrons behind the lodge.
Hotels:
 Amankora Gangtey |
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Day 4: Exploring Phobjika Valley
Elevation 3,000 mThis morning will start with a visit to the Black Neck Crane Center and dependent on the season, time spent in the Center’s nearby hide is a must to view the breeding cranes. Various walks or a mountain bike ride thru this magnificent valley can be arranged. Soaking up the beauty of the valley from the Lodge or returning to the revered Goemba for an audience with the Tulkul (Subject to availability) may be attractive, relaxing alternatives for the day.
Hotels:
Amankora Gangtey |
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Day 5: Longtey Hike
Elevation 3,000 mToday we will hike through some of the most beautiful parts of Gangtey. It is a 30 minute drive from the lodge to the starting point in Longtey village on the East-West highway. Start by walking downwards following the path to the right of the road. The path will lead through bush bamboo towards a small cluster of village houses. There are beautifully coloured rhododendron forests on both sides of the valley, and in the winter months, yaks graze in the area.
Continue straight through the village upwards until you reach the start of mystifying old-growth rhododendron forest. For the next two hours or so, you might feel like you are in the settings of Lord of The Rings surrounded by tall old trees which appear to be living creatures around you. The last part through the forest is slightly steeper uphill until you reach the pass with impressive views of the Gangtey Goemba, the Shedra, the lodge and the rest of the valley. From here it slopes down the valley towards the idyllic Kumbu village and may continue down to the Shedra or all the way down to the lodge.
Hotels:
 Amankora Punakha |
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Day 6: Transfer to Punakha Valley
Elevation 1,300 mToday’s journey back to Punakha will be brief and upon arrival you will have time to take lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon you will explore the hidden village of Talo, home of the Queens’ and the valley’s protective deity lhakhang. Later in the afternoon a hike to an ancient monastery on the hilltop behind the lodge can be organized or time given to enjoy the farmhouse and spa of the lodge.
Hotels:
Amankora Punakha |
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Day 7: Explore Punakha Valley
Elevation 1,300 mYour day in Punakha Valley begins with a hike up along the banks of the Mo Chhu to the upper end of the valley to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument recently built by the Queens and consecrated in 1999. Returning down thru the valley you will have plenty of time to take in the impressive Punakha Dzong, home to the remains of Bhutan’s first ruler, Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyal, and the winter residence of the monastic order’s leader and his entourage of monks. Later a picnic lunch will be served on the banks of the Punak Chhu at a vantage point of the stunning Dzong and confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu. Following lunch a quick drive will take you to the village of Talo where you will stop to walk the stunning, quiet grounds of the village temple and perhaps visit the home village of the Kingdom’s four Queens. Further hikes or valley excursions can be organized.
Hotels:
Amankora Punakha |
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Day 8: From Punakha to Paro
Elevation 2,280 mAfter descending back down from Dochu La, you will follow your way back up the dramatic Wang Chu and Paro Chu river valleys, before crossing thru Paro Town towards the north end of the valley. Here, set in a pine forest, you will find the Amankora lodge and its spa. In the afternoon, 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 ramble down Paro’s main street. Evenings at Amankora may include informative lectures on the history, religion, flora and fauna of the region or a intriguing movie on the Himalayas.
Hotels:
 Amankora Paro |
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Day 9: Paro Valley Exploration
Elevation 2,280 mThe day starts with a visit to the National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Here, an intriguing collection of artefacts provide a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. Just a short walk downhill lies the dominating Paro Dzong, a fine example of Bhutanese historic architecture. From the Dzong, the tour crosses Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilever bridge, and 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. After lunch you will visit the uniquely shaped Dumtse Lhakhang to view the beautiful, well preserved wall paintings there and then continue on to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the Kingdom’s oldest religious worship and most auspicious houses, that is said to pin down the left knee of an ogress that once demonized the Himalayas.
Hotels:
Amankora Paro |
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Day 10: Tiger Nest Hike
Elevation 2,280 mToday will be an auspicious pilgrimage up to one of Bhutan’s most revered monuments, the Taktshang Goemba, more commonly referred to as the “Tiger’s Nest”. The four to five hour trek offers spectacular views of this sacred monastery perched on a cliff face 900m above the valley floor. Accommodating mules and donkeys will be on hand to lessen the exertion for the climb up, and along the way a rewarding picnic will be served. The afternoon will be at leisure to enjoy the spa and ease those blessed aches from the morning’s pilgrimage.
Hotels:
Amankora Paro |
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Day 11: Departure Day
Elevation 2,280 mEarly morning transfer from Amankora Paro to Paro Airport for your international departure.
What’s Included
» Private guided tour
» Visas for Bhutan
» Airport transfers
» Daily 3 meals (B/L/D) & house beverages at Aman
» Accommodation at Aman Resorts
» A qualified & licensed English-speaking guide
» An experienced driver
» A tour vehicle
» Entry fees & road permits
» Government fee, royalty, taxes & surcharges
» Mineral bottled water
» Laundry service on a daily basis
» A 60-minutes massage per person at Aman Spa
» Full service & assistance before, during and after your Bhutan trip
Suitable Months
Whole year round
High Season: March-May and September-November
Low Season: December-February and June-August
Prices
For Travel during the months of: Dec-Feb and Jun-Aug
To be advised
For Travel during the months of: Mar-May and Sep-Nov
To be advised
What’s Excluded
» Flight into Bhutan via Drukair (can be arranged with us)
» Flight on other airline to catch Drukair Flight
» Hotel stay outside of Bhutan
» Travel Insurance (can be arranged with us)
» Meals at 4-5 stars restaurants
» Tips for the guide and driver
» Alcoholic drink
» Expenditure of personal nature
Our Guarantee
Guaranteed Visa approval. We have yet to disappoint a single of our travellers in term of Visa issuance.
Your choice of hotels will be confirmed for your inspection before your arrival. We only book you on hotels which we love and would love again.
We will be happy to change your guide, driver or vehicle on the first two days of arrival in Thimphu if you are not satisfied with our selection. Drop us a note and our hospitality team be on the spot to assist you.
We’re here to help. Our world-class member services team is available by phone or email — there’s no automated system or call center; you’ll communicate with a real person.
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