DAY 1: ARRIVAL PARO- THIMPHU
On Your arrival in Bhutan is an unmatched experience as the flight circles over the spectacular valley below. The transfer to Thimphu is approximately 1½ hours. Upon arrival and following lunch, visit your choice of the National Memorial Chorten, the National Textile Museum, the Folk Heritage Museum and the National Library then stroll the main street browsing for interesting Himalayan artefacts and textiles.
Accommodation: Amankora Thimphu
DAY 2: THIMPHU
After breakfast, 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 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, visit a few of the capital’s cottage industries ranging from traditional paper making to hand-rolled incense.
Accommodation: Amankora Thimphu
DAY 3: THIMPHU TO GANGTEY
An early departure leads to a dramatic drive over the 3,050m mountain pass of Dochu La and on to 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 pass where on a clear day, towering Himalayan peaks are easily visible. The descent through Punakha Valley along the Kingdom’s only east-west highway passes the scenic village of Wangdi, then climbs through forests of bamboo and oak. Just before crossing the Pele La Pass, a small side road splinters off to the hidden Phobjika Valley. On arrival, visit the striking Gangtey Goemba, sitting at the head of the valley, and stroll through quaint Gangtey Village.
Accommodation: Amankora Gangtey
DAY 4: EXCURSION PHOBJIKA VALLEY
Spend the morning time visiting the Black Neck Crane Centre where, depending on the season, you will have the chance to view 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.
Accommodation: Amankora Gangtey
DAY 5: PHOBJIKA TO BUMTHANG
Today’s memorable journey to Jakar (Bumthang) is filled with dramatic landscapes taking in terraced fields, deep river valleys and precariously perched farmhouses viewed from a highway ingeniously carved into the mountain face. Following a brief stop at Chendebji Chorten, believed to cover the remains of a demon spirit, arrive at Trongsa, the original home of the royal family. Visit Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home to Bhutan’s monarch where novice monks recite mantras or practice on sacred horns, flutes and drums. The drive to Bumthang takes you over the picturesque Yotong La Pass and down into Chhume Valley, home to Bhutan’s famous Yatra weaving. See the weavers create their intricate handiwork and browse the finished textiles.
Accommodation Amankora Bumthang
DAY 6: EXPLORING BUMTHANG VALLEY
Begin the day by exploring the palace of Wangdichhoeling, home to the second King and the neighbour of Amankora’s Bumthang lodge. Note the auspicious prayer wheels then head up the valley,
Taking in the grand Kurjey Lhakhang, considered one of Bhutan’s most auspicious monuments. Once the resting place of Guru Rimpoche and Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang is where the early winter festivals are held, drawing thousands of Bhutanese to receive blessings. Head back into town and visit Tamshing Monastery before exploring the valley’s unique cottage industries: Red Panda Brewery, Bumthang Cheese/Dairy Facility and Bumthang Distillery, brewers of numerous distinctive spirits.
Accommodation: Amankora Bumthang
DAY 7: EXCURSION TO TANG VALLEY – BUMTHANG DISTRICT
Explore further afield with an excursion to the beautiful Tang Valley. This seldom-visited valley offers several off-the-beaten 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. Enjoy a picnic with spectacular views along the way.
Accommodation: Amankora Bumthang
DAY 8: BUMTHANG TO PUNAKHA
Depart early for Amankora’s Punakha lodge. Upon entering Punakha Valley, stop to stretch your legs by strolling to Chimi Lhakhang, an auspicious fertility monastery built in 1499.
Accommodation: Amankora Punakha
DAY 9: EXCURSION TO PUNAKHA VALLEY
In the morning, hike through fields of chillies, cabbages and rice lining the banks of the Mo Chhu to reach the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument built by the Queen and consecrated in 1999. Returning through the valley, take in the impressive Punakha Dzong which houses the remains of Bhutan’s first ruler, Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal. It is also the winter residence of the monastic order’s leader and his entourage of monks. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of the Punak Chhu then drive to the quaint village of Talo. Further hikes or valley excursions can be organised.
Accommodation: Amankora Punakha
DAY 10: PUNAKHA TO PARO
After descending from Dochu La Pass, the road will lead back up the dramatic Wang Chu and Paro Chu river valleys before crossing through Paro towards the north end of the valley. Here, set in a pine forest, is the Amankora Paro lodge and spa. In the afternoon, stroll to the nearby ruins, visit some of the valley’s oldest and holiest religious monuments or amble down Paro’s main street. Evenings at Amankora Paro may include informative lectures on the history, religion, flora and fauna of the region, or a film on the Himalayas.
Accommodation: Amankora Paro
DAY 11: PARO VALLEY TOUR
After breakfast hike to one of Bhutan’s most revered monuments, the Taktshang Goemba, more commonly known as the “Tiger’s Nest”. The four- to five- hour return trek offers spectacular views of this sacred monastery perched on a cliff face almost 1,000m above the valley floor. In the afternoon visit the National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Here, a collection of artefacts provides 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 architecture. From the Dzong, cross Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilevered bridge, to reach the town temple built in 1525. Enjoy a picturesque picnic or a visit to a traditional farmhouse for lunch with a local family
Accommodation: Amankora Paro
DAY 12: DEPARTURE
Early morning transfer to the airport
