A journey through the Land of the Thunder Dragon
An Eleven-Night 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 leaders.
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 Gangtey, 3 nights at Amankora Bumthang, 2 nights at Amankora Punakha, and finally 3 nights at Amankora Paro.
During your journey with us, we are pleased to provide you with one complimentary 60-minute massage in Amankora Spa which you may enjoy at any of the lodges.
Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer from Paro to Thimphu
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, a 16-suite lodge which lies in a steep valley at an altitude of 2,600 metres (8530 feet).
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.
Day 2: Thimphu to Gangtey
Today’s onward journey to Gangtey begins with a stop in the picturesque Wangdi for a visit to the Wangdiphodrang Dzong and Radak Naktshang, the village temple. Carrying on the highway follows the scenic Dang Chhu (river) before climbing through forests of bamboo and oak. Just before crossing the Pele La pass, a small side road splinters off to the hidden Phobjika Valley. At an altitude of 3,000 metres (9,842 feet), this glacier valley is home to the rural settlement of Gangtey. On a forested knoll close to the valley floor is Amankora Gangtey, an 8-suite lodge. After lunch, visit the striking Gangtey Goemba, sitting at the head of the valley, and perhaps stroll through the quaint Gangtey village.
Day 3: Gangtey Valley Exploration
This morning will start with a visit to the Black Neck Crane Centre and dependent on the season, time spent in the Centre’s nearby hide is a must to view the breeding cranes.
Alternatively, we can start the day with a moderate trek that through meadows and fields, then ascends to the Tselela pass through mixed forest of Juniper, Bamboo, Magnolia and Rhododendron. The people of Gogona speak a language called Bjopkha - the language of nomads. Their life in this isolated valley has encouraged them to continue using their ancient dialect. Visit the Gogona Goempa. After lunch, walk back the same route back to Gangtey. Note - guest can shorten trek after certain point and walk back.
Soaking up the beauty of the valley from the Lodge or returning to the revered Goemba for an audience with the Tulkul may be attractive, relaxing alternatives for the day.
Day 4: Gangtey to Bumthang
Today’s journey onward to Jakar (Bumthang) is perhaps long, but certainly memorable 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 faces. Following a brief stop in Wangdiphodrang, you will carry on to a picnic stop close by to the auspicious Chendebji Chorten, which according to belief was built to cover the remains of a demon spirit. Upon reaching Trongsa we may take time to stroll this quaint village and official business permitting, perhaps visit the Trongsa Dzong, ancestral home to Bhutan’s monarch where you will often find novice monks reciting mantras or practicing on sacred horns, flutes or drums. The drive onward 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 perhaps see the weavers create their intricate handiwork. Altitude at 2,580 metres (8,464 feet).
(overnight: Amankora Bumthang)
Day 5: Bumthang Valley Exploration
This morning you have at leisure and before lunch take time to explore our neighboring palace, Wangdichhoeling, home to the 2nd King, and the auspicious prayer wheels next door. In the afternoon a range of excursions from short treks in the nearby pristine valleys to visits to some of Bhutan’s most auspicious religious monuments will be available.
Afternoon, explore further in Bumthang district with an excursion the stunningly beautiful Tang Valley. This seldom visited valley offers a treat in revealing some off the beaten track lhakhangs and monasteries, and the amazing museum at Ugen Chhoeling Palace. A short hike takes you up to this well maintained Palace and it cultural treasures inside. Along way you will stop for a traditional picnic with breathtaking views of the pristine surroundings (overnight: Amankora Bumthang)
Day 6: Bumthang Valley Exploration
Enjoy a morning 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. Passing back thru Chhume you may stop at the grounds and courtyard of Domkhar Trashi Chhoeling, summer palace of the second King, and perhaps a nearby lhakhang currently under renovation (overnight: Amankora Bumthang)
Day 7: Bumthang to Punakha
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 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 8: Punakha Valley Exploration
Today’s day starts with a pleasant drive to the Talo Village, from there walk towards the Nobgang Village. On the way back, walk approximately 2hrs to through pinewoods and farm house.
The impressive Punakha Dzong, the winter residence of the monastic order’s head, can also be viewed. A picnic lunch is served on the banks of the Punak Chu, before visiting the village of Lobesa where a short walk ends at Chimi Lhakhang, the auspicious fertility monastery built in 1499. (overnight: Amankora Punakha)
Day 9: Punakha to Paro
The final leg of your journey takes you back to Paro Valley which is a 5-hour drive from Punakha. After descending back down 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.
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. Paro Valley sits on an elevation of 2,250 metres (7,382 feet). 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.
Day 10: Haa Valley Exploration
The Haa valley was recently opened to visitors and remains one of Bhutan’s most pristine areas. At the Chuzom confluence the road quickly ascends along the dramatic Wang Chhu river valley where you will have time to view the stunning Dobji Dzong and if time permits, hike around its high ramparts. The road into Haa climbs slowly thru quaint villages and thick conifer forests before opening onto the long, spectacular valley dotted with fields of millet, barley, potatoes and wheat. The unique architecture throughout the valley is reflected in the large farmhouses beautifully adorned with intricately painted cornices and framing, and three tiered windows. Quick visits to both Chhundu Lhakhang and Lhakhang Nagpo provide interesting insight into the history of the valley and its religious founding. You will also take in the striking blue highlighted Wangchulo Dzong, built in 1915, which currently houses the Indian Military Training Team headquarters. The smooth winding road heading up out of valley passes thru pastureland, often dotted with Yaks, before reaching the Cheli La pass at 3,900 meters. Here you will have time to take in lunch and afford the panoramic views of the higher, snow capped Himalayas on clear days, and perhaps search out the rare, near mythical blue poppy, Bhutan’s national flower. Descending back into the Paro Valley you will pass thru sub alpine pastures and carpets of mountain flowers before dropping thru mixed forests of blue pine, cypress, larch, fir and rhododendron. The evening will be at Amankora Paro.
Day 11: Paro Valley Exploration
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.
In the afternoon you could pay a visit to the National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Here, an intriguing collection of artefacts 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 12: 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 Bumthang
Paro 2 hours 4.5 hours 6 hours 10 hours
Thimphu 2 hours 2.5 hours 4 hours 8 hours
Punakha 4.5 hours 2.5 hours 2.5 hours 6.5 hours
Gangtey 6 hours 4 hours 2.5 hours 4 hours
Bumthang 10 hours 8 hours 6.5 hours 4 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.
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