11 DAYS: ULTIMATE AMANKORA BHUTAN THROUGH FIVE VALLEYS

Arrival in Thimphu

Enjoy a spectacular descent as your flight arrives into Paro amid stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayas. Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be met and transferred ~1½ hours into Thimphu.

Thimphu City Tour

Explore Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, which lies at an elevation of ~2,350m. Discover Bhutan’s Textile Museum, a local Weaving Centre for handicrafts, and the famous golden-gilded Great Buddha Dodernma statue. We also visit the National Memorial Chorten, which was erected in memory of Bhutan’s third king.

Depending on your arrival time, you may also visit the Institute for Traditional for Traditional Medicine, the School of the 13 Arts, or Bhutan’s heritage museums, which offer fascinating insight into the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Transfer: Thimphu to Punakha

Embark on a dramatic ~2½ hours drive from Thimphu into Punakha, passing ancient fortress monasteries and the imposing Dochu La mountain pass (Elevation: ~3,050m). We stop for a scenic picnic lunch amidst the Himalayan mountains before continuing on to Punakha, where the scenery changes to one of lush green and subtropical valleys. (Elevation: ~1,250m)

Visit Chimi Lhakhang

Visit Chimi Lhakhang, famously known as the temple of fertility. Idyllically perched atop a rotund hill, the monastery is surrounded by verdant hills and serene terraced rice fields. The monastery continues to draw many couples who come and pray for pregnancy and receive blessings from the saint with the “magic thunderbolt of wisdom”.

Hike to Punakha Dzong

Start the morning with a scenic hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten (Elevation: ~3,400m), a stunning monument built by the Bhutanese Queen Mother with impressive views of Punakha’s northern ridges. On the way down, we cross over a suspension bridge into Punakha Dzong, the winter residence of Bhutan’s central monastic body and one of Bhutan’s most beautiful dzongs with towering, whitewashed walls and lilac-coloured jacaranda trees in spring.

Optional Add-On: Private Riverside BBQ or Cooking Class

In the afternoon, try out archery, Bhutan’s national sport, or opt to indulge in various authentic cultural and culinary activities at Punakha lodge at additional cost.

Option A: Private Riverside Lunch or Dinner BBQ

Just below the lodge, sit in the shade of pine trees as you enjoy the sounds of the river, the surrounding mountain views, and the aroma of food sizzling on the charcoal grill. A tailor made four course menu will be prepared for you by Aman’s chef.

Option B: Bhutanese Cooking Class

Learn how to make momos (traditional dumplings) and the famous ema datshi (Bhutan’s national dish), amongst other popular Bhutanese dishes. The private cooking class will be taught by Aman’s chef and take place in a former farmhouse kitchen.

Transfer: Punakha to Gangtey

Travel ~2½ hours to Gangtey, following the scenic Mo Chhu and Dang Chhu river, after which we pass through forests of bamboo and oak. Just before reaching the Pele La pass, we arrive at Phobjikha (Gangtey) Valley (Elevation: ~3,000m), a serene place of untouched scenery and natural beauty.

Explore Gangtey Village & Monastery

Take a leisurely stroll through Gangtey village before visiting the ancient altars and ramparts of the Gangtey Monastery, also known as Gangtey Goemba. The monastery is the main seat of the Pema Lingpa tradition of Nyingma School, an ancient school of Tibetan Buddhism; and if the Gangtey Trulku (abbot) is in residence, a blessing may be arranged.

Traditional Hot Stone Bath Experience

Later in the day, you may pamper yourself with a complimentary Traditional Hot Stone Bath, a one-of-a-kind experience unique to Amankora Gangtey. Held in a candlelit stone hut with bamboo doors that can be closed for privacy or opened for views of Gangtey Valley, sit back and unwind in the bath for as long as you wish while sipping on a cup of hot apple cider and watching the sunset or stars.

Gangtey Valley Hiking

Today, put on your hiking boots for a choice of a leisurely Nature Walk through Gangtey valley or the Tongpushing Hike. The Nature Walk takes you through flower meadows and crisp pine forests into the open valley, while the Tongpushing hike takes you through pine forest, farmland and villages (~2 hours). For a more challenging and intense hike, you may consider taking on the Longtey hike, which affords breathtaking views of the valley’s dramatic landscapes.

Visit the Black-Necked Crane Centre

For an experience unique to the region, visit the Black-Necked Crane Centre, which offers informative displays about the endangered black-necked cranes and their environment. Depending on the season, you may be able to spot these rare and endangered birds up close, as they migrate from Tibet every winter to breed.

Transfer: Gangtey to Bumthang

Embark on a 5 hour dive to Bumthang, passing dramatic landscapes of terraced farmland, deep river gorges, and precariously perched farmhouses. Along the way, we stop by Chendebji Chorten, before carrying on to Trongsa, the original home of the royal family. Here, stroll the village or visit the large Trongsa Dzong, before continuing past the picturesque Yotong Lo Pass and Chhume Valley to arrive at Bumthang (Elevation: ~2,580m).

Chhume Valley is home to Bhutan’s famous Yathra weaving, while Bumthang is best known for its fields of buckwheat and potato, apple orchards, and pine forest.

Explore Wangdichhoeling Palace

Upon arrival at the lodge, explore the Wangdichhoeling Palace, conveniently located next to Amankora Bumthang. The palace was the birthplace of Bhutan’s monarchy and was home to the second King, with five giant auspicious prayer wheels within the compound.

Visit Jambay Lhakhang & Kurjey Lhakhang

Heading up the valley, we visit Jambay Lhakhang, home to the early winter festivals that draw thousands of Bhutanese for their blessings every year. Therafter, we visit the grand Kurjey Lhakhang, once the resting place of Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, and one of the most auspicious monuments in the country.

Bumthap Farmhouse Lunch

In the afternoon, experience a traditional Bhutanese meal and sample Bumthang delicacies in an authentic farmhouse, before we cross into Bumthang Chhu to visit the sin-alleviating Tamshing Monastery (UNESCO).

Optional Add-On: Red Panda Brewery Beer & Cheese Tasting

For a local culinary experience with a twist, visit Red Panda Brewery, which was the first established beer brewery in the country. Opened by a Swiss who later became a Bhutanese citizen in 1976, the brewery is the sole producer of the specialty Weissbier. The visit includes a 30-minutes tour of the premises to learn about the beer production process and a Red Panda beer and local cheese tasting in the brewery gardens.

Flight: Bumthang to Paro

After breakfast, take a scenic ~45-minute domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro. Note that the Bumthang – Paro flights generally operate approximately twice to thrice per week, depending on seasonality.

Transfer: Airport to Hotel

Upon arrival at Paro airport, you will be driven ~30 minutes through the town to the Amankora Paro Lodge, which lies hidden within pine forest.

Afternoon at Leisure

In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely stroll around the lodge’s verdant surroundings, and visit the big prayer wheel below the Drukgyel Dzong ruins for a picturesque sunset. You may also enjoy another archery session using a set of traditional bows and arrows at the lodge if you prefer.

Evening at Leisure

Evenings at Amankora Paro come with a selection of cultural activities, such as traditional cultural performances or prayer flag printing. Alternatively, you may arrange for a private lecture on Gross National Happiness, a Forest and Fortress dinner under the stars, or a private meditation and blessing ceremony at additional cost.

Chele La Pass Excursion

A ~2½ hour drive from Paro takes you to one of the highest vantage points in Bhutan, the Chele La Pass (Elevation: ~3,988m). Feel the wind running through your hair, the fresh air around you, and the impressive sight of dozens of fluttering prayer flags in the breeze as you enjoy the experience of wild and beautiful Bhutan at its finest.

Explore Paro Town & the Paro Dzong

On the way back to the lodge, visit Paro town, which lies on the banks of the Paro Chhu river. Visit the National Museum of Paro for an insightful look into Thangka (Tibetan Buddhist) relics and paintings, or just a short walk away, you may visit the imposing Paro Rinpung Dzong, and cross into Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilever bridge from which you can drive to the town temple to view ancient wall paintings.

If time permits, you may also stroll the main street of Paro, an eclectic mix of charming Bhutanese shops and small lodges selling Himalayan handicrafts and textiles.

Visit Tiger’s Nest Monastery

End on a high note hiking up to one of Bhutan’s most dramatic monuments – the Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang Goemba), built on a sheer cliff face at an elevation of ~3,120m. The 4 hour trek offers spectacular views of pine forests, prayer flags, and the sacred monastery, and you may opt for accommodating mules and donkeys to lessen the exertion for the climb up if desired.

Lighting Butter Lamps & Dinner

Continue to the outskirts of Paro town, where we may partake in the lighting of butter lamps at the 7th-century twin temples of Kyichu Lhakhang at additional cost. Learn about ancient Buddhist traditions still practised by devotees today and discover the history of one of Bhutan’s first temples

Transfer: Hotel to Airport

This morning, bid farewell to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. You will be taken to Paro International airport for your flight home.