A journey through the Land of the Thunder Dragon

 
A Seven Night Adventure
Prosposed 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 1 night at Amankora Thimphu, followed by 2 nights at Amankora Gangtey, 2 nights at Amankora Punakha and finally 2 nights at Amankora Paro. All four lodges have their own spa facilities in unique settings. 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 lodge

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival to Paro/ Transfer to Thimph

On your departure, kindly be at the check-in counter 2 hours ahead of 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, a 16-suite lodge which lies in a steep valley at an altitude of 2,350 metres (7,709 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.

WEEKEND MARKET (Friday, Saturday and Sunday only)
Here, every weekend, Thimphu's residents break from whatever it is that they are doing to stock vegetables, a copy of Kuensel (Bhutan's national weekly newspaper) and to exchange the week's gossip. It is a custom as old as the market and one both buyer and seller enjoy. For visitors who can't share in the gossip, a wander through the stalls reveals mountains of bright red chilies, eggplants and okra, asparagus in season and rice of every size. Traditional Bhutanese masks, incense, hand made knives, jewelries are also sold here. It's an incredible experience for the visitor.

Day 2:  Transfer to Gangtey

Today’s onward journey 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 before climbing thru forests of bamboo and oak, and 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

We will 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.
(overnight: Amankora Gangtey)

Day 4: Transfer to Gangtey

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 5: 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 6: Transfer to Paro

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. 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 7 – 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 8: 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 departure.

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   5 hours
Bumthang 10 hours 8 hours 6.5 hours  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.