The tiny Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan awaits. The dramatic landscape, from snow capped peaks and deeply forested slopes to raging boulderstrewn rivers, sits largely undisturbed due to various environmental initiatives and religious beliefs. Explore the valleys of Thimphu, Punakha and Paro with a private guide, taking in ancient monasteries, majestic mountains and more of this high-altitude Himalayan kingdom. All Amankora expeditions can be adjusted to suit preferences, both before arrival and on the ground.

  • Day 1

    Explore forested mountains dotted with monasteries and temples on route to Thimpu
     
    Your arrival in Bhutan is an unparalleled experience as the flight circles over the dramatic valley below. The transfer to Thimphu is approximately 1.5 hours. Upon arrival and following lunch, you will have the choice to visit the National Memorial Chorten, National Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum, and National Library with time to stroll the main street for some interesting Himalayan artefacts or textiles. before a night at Amankora Thimphu. 
  • Day 2

    Thimphu valley, home to the seat of Bhutan royal government and a monastic astrology academy
     
    This morning you will head to the north end of the valley to view Trashi Chhoe Dzong, the seat of Bhutan’s government and royal office, 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 may visit a few of the capital’s cottage industries ranging from traditional paper making to hand rolled incense. 
  • Day 3

    Arrive at the Dochu La Mountain pass en route to Punakha vallery, stopping at one of Bhutan's first fortress monasteries
     
    Visit the village of Talo, home to the temple of the Queen Mother’s protective deity, then take an afternoon hike or a soothing Spa treatment at Amankora Punakha.
  • Day 4

    Hike alongside the river Mo, through tiered rice paddies to a chorten built by the Queen Mother
     
    The day in Punakha Valley begins with a hike across through terraces of rice, chillies and cabbage along the banks of the Mo Chhu (river) to the upper end of the valley. Here you will find the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument recently built by a former Queen of Bhutan to protect the current 5th King from perceived misfortunes. After lunch visit the very impressive Punakha Dzong, Bhutan’s best, and home to the remains of Bhutan’s first ruler, Shabdrung Narwang Namgyal. It is also the winter residence of the Monk Body of Bhutan. If time permits drive to the nearby village of Talo, via a stop at the local nunnery, and wander through the beautiful grounds of the village temple.
  • Day 5

    Wind through the Wang and Paro river valleys to Amankora Paro, surrounded by pines
     
    Explore nearby ruins as well as some of the valley’s oldest and holiest religious monuments, followed by an evening talk at the Lodge by a monk
  • Day 6

    Discover afterfacts dating back to 4,000 BC at the National Museum
     
    Visits to Kyichu and Dumtse temples offer cultural discovery, while a gentle walk past Drukgyal Dzong leads along the River Paro through forests and tiered fields
  • Day 7

    A morning hke scends to Tiger's Nest, one of Bhutan''s most revered ancient sites
     
    Experience astonishing views from the monastery, perched on a cliff 900 metres above the valley floor, before taking a hot stone bath in the Lodge Spa.
  • Day 8

     Depart from Paro airport in early morning. 

Details

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For stays of seven nights or more in any Lodge, or a combination of Lodges, a tailor-made itinerary will include complimentary road permits, private transport with a driver and guide, and one 60-minute Spa treatment.

Hotels

  • Day 1 Amankora Thimphu
  • Day 2 Amankora Thimphu
  • Day 3 Amankora Phunkha
  • Day 4 Amankora Phunkha
  • Day 5 Amankora Paro
  • Day 6 Amankora Paro
  • Day 7 Amankora Paro

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