Discover the Amankora Lodges in all five of Bhutan’s most beautiful valleys: Thimphu, Gangtey, Bumthang, Punakha and Paro. Take in the country’s history and natural majesty, accompanied by an insightful private guide. All Amankora expeditions can be adjusted to suit preferences, both before arrival and on the ground
Start of journey
DAY ONE & TWO
Explore forested mountains dotted with monasteries and temples on route to Thimphu. A gentle walk through the city with afternoon visits to museums and chortens offers a window into the ancient culture, before a night at Amankora Thimphu.
Thimphu Valley - home to the seat of Bhutan's royal government and a monastic astrology academy. An invigorating walk crosses one of the country’s oldest cantilever bridges to Cheri Goemba, where the kingdom’s first community of monks was based.
DAY THREE & FOUR
Ascend 3,000-meter mountain passes with Himalayan views before reaching Amankora Gangtey in the Phobjikha Valley. Stroll through Gangtey Village, lost in time, and visit the striking Gangtey Goemba at the head of the valley before taking a Tsa-Tsa making class where you will be creating miniature terra cotta stupas.
Glimpse the majestic, endangered black-necked crane in their breeding grounds in season. Explore Gangtey Valley with either a gentle stroll along the Nature Trail, or explore the famous Longtey Hike. Experience the Bhutanese national sport of archery when you make your way back to the lodge.
DAY FIVE & SIX
Pass through dramatic landscapes to Bumthang and visit Trongsa Dzong - the ancestral home of Bhutan's monarch. Observe deep-coloured traditional Yatra textiles being crafted in Chhume Valley, home to one of Bhutan’s oldest weaving communities.
Explore the lodges' neighbour, Wangdichhoeling Palace, home to Bhutan's second King. Elsewhere in the valley, visit the grand Kurjey Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s most auspicious monuments, as well as Tamshing Monastery.
DAY SEVEN & EIGHT
Traverse the rarely visited Tang Valley, with a midday picnic amid breathtaking surrounds. Visit temples and monasteries as well as Ogyen Choling Palace, filled with countless Bhutanese cultural treasures.
Journey to Punakha Valley, taking in some of Bhutan's most spectacular scenery, from high mountains to tiered fields. On arrival at Amankora Punakha, a short drive through the valley floor leads to Chimi Lhakhang, the auspicious 15th-century fertility monastery.
DAY NINE & TEN
Hike alongside the river Mo, through tiered rice paddies to a Chorten built by the Queen Mother. Visit Punakha's dzong, one of the grandest in the country, and enjoy an afternoon trek to an ancient monastery near Amankora Punakha.
Wind through the Wang and Paro river valleys to Amankora Paro, surrounded by pines. Explore nearby ruins as well as some of the valley’s oldest and holiest religious monuments, followed by an evening lecture with a Gross National Happiness expert, an astrology reading or prayer flag printing.
DAY ELEVEN
Discover artefacts dating back to 4000 BC at the National Museum. An early morning hike ascends a cliff-face to one of Bhutan’s most revered sites – Tiger’s Nest. Depart from Paro airport the next morning.
For stays of seven nights or more in any Lodge, or a combination of Lodges, a tailor-made Bhutan itinerary will include complimentary road permits, private transport with a driver and guide, and one 60-minute Spa treatment. To begin your journey, please make an enquiry.