Experience

Tailored explorations of the Buddhist Kingdom can encompass Bhutan’s natural splendour and rich ancient heritage

12-Night Journey – Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey & Bumthang

Explore the farthest reaches of Bhutan’s inhabited regions with a 12-night itinerary through five of Bhutan’s most spectacular valleys – Thimphu, Phobjikha, Bumthang, Punakha and Paro – with optional excursions to the Tang and Ura valleys. A private guide offers insight on an itinerary taking in all five Amankora Lodges. All Amankora expeditions can be adjusted to suit preferences, both before arrival and on the ground

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DAY 1: EXPLORE FORESTED MOUNTAINS DOTTED WITH MONASTERIES AND TEMPLES ON ROUTE TO THIMPHU

A gentle walk through the city with afternoon visits to museums and chortens offers a window into the ancient culture, before a night at Amankora Thimphu

 

DAY 2: THIMPHU VALLEY – HOME TO THE SEAT OF BHUTAN’S ROYAL GOVERNMENT AND A MONASTIC ASTROLOGY ACADEMY

An invigorating walk crosses one of the country’s oldest cantilever bridges to Cheri Goemba, where the kingdom’s first community of monks was based

 

DAY 3: ASCEND 3,000-METRE MOUNTAIN PASSES WITH HIMALAYAN VIEWS BEFORE REACHING AMANKORA GANGTEY IN THE PHOBJIKHA VALLEY

Stroll through Gangtey Village, lost in time, and visit the striking Gangtey Goemba at the head of the valley before taking a soothing Spa treatment at Amankora's Gantney Lodge

 

DAY 4: GLIMPSE THE MAJESTIC, ENDANGERED BLACK-NECKED CRANE IN THEIR BREEDING GROUNDS IN SEASON

The valley’s varied terrain can be explored on foot or mountain bike, and a personal blessing may be arranged when the Gangtey Tulku is in residence

 

DAY 5: PASS THROUGH DRAMATIC LANDSCAPES TO BUMTHANG AND VISIT TRONGSA DZONG – THE ANCESTRAL HOME OF BHUTAN’S MONARCH

Observe deep-coloured traditional Yatra textiles being crafted in Chhume Valley, home to one of Bhutan’s oldest weaving communities

 

DAY 6: EXPLORE THE LODGES’ NEIGHBOUR, WANGDICHHOELING PALACE, HOME TO BHUTAN’S SECOND KING

Elsewhere in the valley, visit the grand Kurjey Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s most auspicious monuments, as well as Tamshing Monastery and Red Panda Brewery

 

DAY 7: TRAVERSE THE RARELY VISITED TANG VALLEY, WITH A MIDDAY PICNIC AMID BREATHTAKING SURROUNDINGS

Visit temples and monasteries as well as Ogyen Choling Palace, filled with countless Bhutanese cultural treasures

 

DAY 8: CROSS SHELTHANG PASS AT 3,600 METRES TO THE URA VALLEY, WHERE VILLAGE LIFE UNFOLDS IN PRISTINE MEADOWS

Take in views of Bhutan’s highest unclimbed peak, visit a new temple dedicated to Guru Rinpoche and ride mountain bikes down into the Jakar Valley

 

DAY 9: JOURNEY TO PUNAKHA VALLEY, TAKING IN SOME OF BHUTAN’S MOST SPECTACULAR SCENERY, FROM HIGH MOUNTAINS TO TIERED FIELDS

On arrival at Amankora Punakha, a short walk through the valley floor leads to the Chimi Lhakhang, the auspicious 15th-century fertility monastery

 

DAY 10: HIKE ALONGSIDE THE RIVER MO, THROUGH TIERED RICE PADDIES TO A CHORTEN BUILT BY THE QUEEN MOTHER

Visit the village of Talo, home to the temple of the Queen Mother’s protective deity, and enjoy an afternoon trek to an ancient monastery near Amankora Punakha

 

DAY 11: 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 12: DISCOVER ARTEFACTS DATING BACK TO 4000 BCE AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM

An afternoon hike ascends a cliff-face to one of Bhutan’s most revered sites – Tiger’s Nest. Depart from Paro airport the next morning

A continuous journey

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. To begin your journey, please submit an online enquiry 

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