A journey through the Land of the Thunder Dragon

A Five Nights Adventure
Proposed Itinerary

The tiny Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan awaits, nestled high in the Himalayas its isolation from the world has cultivated a culture rich in traditions, religion and a benevolent monarchy. The dramatic landscapes, from snow capped peaks and deeply forested slopes to raging, boulder strewn rivers, sit largely undisturbed as the endeared environmental initiatives and religious beliefs leave the Kingdom pristine and a jewel of nature. The program takes you into this ancient Kingdom for an adventure into the hearts and lands of charming farmers, fascinating weavers, enchanting monks and charismatic leader

Combining ‘aman’, the Sanskrit word for ‘peace’ and ‘kora’ meaning ‘circular pilgrimage’ in Dzongkha, the Bhutanese language, Amankora is a series of lodges in Bhutan’s central and western valleys.

You will be spending your first night at Amankora Thimphu, followed by 2 nights at Amankora Punakha, and finally 2 nights at Amankora Paro. All three lodges have their own spa facilities in unique se

Itinerary

Please note that you carry the passport that matches the passport details indicated in your visa application.

Day 1 – Arrival to Paro/Transfer to Thimphu Valley

On your departure, kindly be at the check-in counter 2 hours before your flight departure time. 
Your check-in luggage limit is 20kg on Economy Class / 30kg on Business Class, and hand luggage must not exceed 5kg.

Arrival in Bhutan is scenic as the plane weaves through the valley before landing in Paro Airport. A 2-hour complimentary transfer brings you to Amankora Thimphu.

Visits may include the National Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum, and perhaps even “kora” the Memorial Chorten. A visit to Thimphu’s Philatelic Centre reveals some of the worlds most innovatively designed stamps and farther up the valley the Tashichoe Dzong houses the seat of government and office of His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Nearby, enjoy a visit to Pangri Zampa, two 16th century buildings that now house a monastic training school. A walk across one of the country’s oldest cantilever bridges leads to the Goemba where the Kingdom’s first monk community is based. The main street of Thimphu offers the opportunity to browse for Himalayan jewellery, Bhutanese handicrafts and textiles or to stop for Indian sweets. At dusk, a short drive up to the BBS tower affords magnificent views across the Thimphu Valley.
(overnight: Taj Tashi Thimphu)

Day 2 – Thimphu to Punakha Valley

An early departure and a dramatic drive following the course of the Paro Chu (Paro River) and Wang Chu (Wang River) on to the high mountain pass of Dochu La. 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 clearly visible. The descent into Punakha Valley along the Kingdom’s only east-west highway, loops above the Punak Chhu before dropping to the valley floor. At an altitude of 1,300 metres (4,265 feet), Punakha Valley is one of the lowest lying valleys in Bhutan. Amankora Punakha is accessed via a suspension bridge over the Mo Chhu. A short drive or walk takes you to the lodge with its royal farmhouse and 8-suite accommodation set amongst the paddy fields and fruit plantations.
 

Day 3 – Explore Punakha Valley

The day in Punakha Valley begins with a drive through the town of Khuruthang and continues along the banks of the Mo Chu River, passing the Punthsho Pelri Palace and several other winter homes of the royal family. At the upper end of the valley, a hike across a footbridge through terraces of rice, chillies and cabbage, takes guests to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a monument recently built by the four queens of Bhutan. The impressive Punakha Dzong, the winter residence of the monastic order’s head, can also be viewed (overnight Amankora Punakha)

Day 4 – Punakha to Paro Valley

The final leg of your journey takes you back to Paro Valley which is a 5-hour drive from Punakha. A few steps at the end of a village road lead you through a pine forest. Across a small brook, the carpet of pine needles leads to a clearing and the cluster of buildings that house Amankora Paro, a 24-suite lodge. The spa offers a range of unique healing and rejuvenating treatments. 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. Paro Valley sits on an elevation of 2,250 metres (7,382 feet).

Day 5 – Paro Valley

Start the day with a pleasant hike up to view one of Bhutan’s most revered monuments, the Taktsang Goemba, more commonly referred to as the "Tiger’s Nest". The four-hour trek offers spectacular views of this sacred monastery perched on a cliff face 900m above the valley floor. Picnic lunch will be served at the view point of the monastery.

Where time permits, you can pay a visit to the National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Here, an intriguing collection of artifacts provide 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 historic architecture. From the Dzong, the tour crosses Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilever bridge, and you are then driven to the town temple, built in 1525, to view ancient wall paintings (overnight: Amankora Paro)

Day 6 – International Departure

A car will be ready to take you to Paro Airport. Transfer time is approximately 30 minutes and you are advised to arrive at the airport an hour before your international flight.

Tashi Delek! You have completed your “kora”.

Estimated Traveling Time (with short stops)

 Paro Thimphu Punakha Gangtey
Paro  2 hours 4.5 hours  6 hours
Thimphu 2 hours   2.5 hours  4 hours
Punakha 4.5 hours  2.5 hours  2.5 hours
Gangtey 6 hours  4 hours 2.5 hours  

Note: This is very much a guideline for the travels across the Kingdom and the overall program is subject to travel conditions and very flexible in terms of adding more cultural, religious and/or nature/hiking experiences along
the way.