Itinerary

    Day 1: Bangkok

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.
Accommodation: The Peninsula (5*)

The Peninsula, located on the west bank of Chao Phraya, is considered one of Bangkok’s finest hotels. Its 370 rooms and 65 suites appeal to business travelers and well-heeled tourists alike. Soak up the sun by the glorious pool, or indulge in a culinary trip around the world. The Peninsula not only offers every conceivable facility required for business or pleasure, but a wide variety of dining opportunities. If it’s shopping you crave most, take the free shuttle boat services to the Skytrain and head for the Siam Centre for bargain deals.

Day 2: Bangkok - Paro - Thimphu

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

Fly from Bangkok to Paro today with Druk Air.

Your arrival in Bhutan is an unparalleled experience as the flight circles over the dramatic valley below. The transfer to Thimphu is approximately two 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.

Enjoy lunch (included in tour price).
Accommodation: Amankora Thimphu

Set in the upper reaches of the Motithang area, Amankora Thimphu is a 16-suite lodge close to the capital’s sights and shopping while remaining a quiet retreat. The dzong inspired architecture incorporates high stone, white-washed buildings. Visits to Thimphu’s folk-heritage and textile museums and festive ceremonies offer engaging insights into Bhutan’s cultural and spiritual traditions.

Day 3: Thimphu

This morning you will visit the north end of the valley to view Trashi Chhoe Dzong, the seat of Bhutan’s government and Royal offices, and Pangri Zampa, two 16th century buildings that now house a onastic 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 will be able to visit a few of the capital’s cottage industries ranging from traditional paper making to hand-rolled incense.
Accommodation: Amankora Thimphu

Day 4: Thimphu - Gangtey

Today see an early departure for a dramatic drive over the high mountain pass 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 easily visible. The descent through the Punakha Valley along the Kingdom’s only east-west highway continues through the scenic village of Wangdi. The highway follows the scenic Dang Chhu before climbing through 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 stroll through the quaint Gangtey village.
Accommodation: Amankora Gangtey

In the little-visited Phobjikha Valley near the village of Gangtey, the eight-suite Amankora Gangtey is set on a forested knoll with scenic views of the valley floor and the 16th century Gangtey Goemba (monastery). Part of one of Bhutan’s most important wildlife reserves, the valley is home each winter to a flock of 300 rare and endangered black-neck cranes.

Day 5: Gangtey

The morning will begin with a visit to the Black Neck Crane Center and depending on the season, a viewing of breeding cranes. Various walks or mountain bike rides through this magnificent valley can then be arranged. Soak up the beauty of the valley from the Lodge or return to the revered Goemba for a possible audience with the Trulkul, should he be in residence, for a relaxing cap to the day.
Accommodation: Amankora Gangtey

Day 6: Gangtey - Bumthang

Today’s memorable journey to Jakar (Bumthang) is filled with dramatic landscapes of terraced farmland, deep river valleys and precariously perched farmhouses viewed from the only east-west highway that has been ingeniously carved out of the mountain face. Following a brief stop at Chendebji Chorten, which is believed to cover the remains of a demon spirit, you will carry on to what was the original home of the royal family. Upon reaching Trongsa you may stroll the quaint village and perhaps visit the Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home to Bhutan’s monarch where novice monks recite mantras or practice on sacred horns, flutes or drums. The drive to Bumthang takes you over the picturesque Yotong La and down into the Chhume Valley, home of Bhutan’s famous Yatra weaving. Here you will have a chance to browse the traditional textiles and see the weavers create their intricate handiwork.
Accommodation: Amankora Bumthang

Consisting of four valleys — Chhume, Choekhor, Tang and Ura — Bumthang is home to no less than 29 temples and monasteries, a museum and a treasure-trove of Bhutan’s art and painting traditions. The 16-suite Amankora Bumthang rests adjacent to the Wandichholing Palace, within the town of Jakar in the Choekhor Valley.

Day 7: Bumthang

This morning you will explore our neighboring palace, Wangdichhoeling, home to the 2nd King, and the auspicious prayer wheels next door. Heading up valley, you will take in the grand Kurjey Lhakhang, considered one of Bhutan’s most auspicious monuments, which was once the resting place of Guru Rimpoche, and Jambay Lhakhang, home to the early winter festivals that draw thousands of Bhutanese for their annual blessings. Heading back into town and across the Bumthang Chhu, enjoy a visit to the sin alleviating Tamshing Monastery followed by quick visits to the valleys unique cottage industries: Red Panda Brewery, Bumthang Cheese/Dairy Facility and the Bumthang Distillery, home to numerous distinctive spirits.
Accommodation: Amankora Bumthang

Day 8: Bumthang

Explore further in Bumthang with an excursion to the beautiful Tang Valley. This seldom-visited valley offers several off-thebeaten path lhakhangs and monasteries, along with the museum at Ogen Chhoeling Palace. A short hike leads to a well-maintained Palace which houses various valuable artifacts. Stop for a traditional picnic with breathtaking views of the pristine surroundings along the way.
Accommodation: Amankora Bumthang

Day 9: Bumthang - Punakha

Begin the day with an early departure for the Punakha Lodge. Upon entering the Punakha Valley, stop to stretch your legs for a short walk through the valley floor to the Chimi Lhakhang, an auspicious fertility monastery built by the Divine Madman in 1499.
Accommodation: Amankora Punakha

Amankora Punakha is set in sparkling verdancy east of the Dochu La Pass and just north of the resplendent Punakha Dzong. Reached by crossing a suspension bridge over the Mo Chhu (river), the Amankora Punakha lodge includes a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse built by a former Je Kempo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan). The farmhouse houses the Dining Room and intimate relaxation areas. The courtyard offers outdoor dining during Punakha’s temperate months.

Day 10: Punakha

Your day in Punakha Valley begins with a hike up thru fields of chillies, cabbages and rice 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 through the valley, you will have plenty of time to take in the impressive Punakha Dzong, home to the remains of Bhutan’s first ruler, Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal, and the winter residence of the monastic order’s leader and his entourage of monks. 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 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.
Accommodation: Amankora Punakha

Day 11: Punakha - Paro

After descending from Dochu La, you will follow your way back up the dramatic Wang Chu and Paro Chu river valleys before crossing through Paro Town towards the north end of the valley. Here, set in a pine forest, you will find the Amankora lodge and 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 an intriguing film on the Himalayas.
Accommodation: Amankora Paro

The lodge in Paro is nestled among glistening conifers in a 24-suite pine forest retreat. Amankora Thimphu, raised up in a blue-pine forest of the Motithang area, sits close to the capital’s intriguing sights and traditional shops.

Day 12: Paro

This morning will begin with a hike to view one of Bhutan’s most revered monuments, the Taktshang Goemba, more commonly referred to as the “Tiger’s Nest”. The four to five hour return trek offers spectacular views of this sacred monastery perched on a cliff face 900m above the valley floor. The balance of the day can be spend browsing through shops in town, enjoying the spa around the lodge or taking on another hike into the rich forests that rise behind the lodge.
Accommodation: Amankora Paro
Day 13: Paro

Upon arrival in Paro, you will be required to present two passport photos to the immigration official for your Bhutan visa (included), which will be stamped into your passport. Once you pass through customs your guide and driver will be waiting for you.
Accommodation: Depart

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