11 Day Amankora Journey

As your Drukair flight weaves through the Himalayan valleys, your arrival into Bhutan is unlike anywhere else in the world. Upon landing at Paro International Airport, travellers often pause on the tarmac in quiet amazement — a moment worth savouring with your camera close at hand. After clearing immigration and receiving your official entry stamp, meet your friendly private guide before beginning the scenic drive to Thimphu, approximately one and a half hours away.

After settling into your lodge, enjoy a gentle introduction to Bhutan’s capital. Visit sites such as the National Memorial Chorten, Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum, and if time permits, stroll along Thimphu’s main street to browse Himalayan artefacts and traditional textiles.

Overnight: Amankora Thimphu

This morning, explore the northern reaches of the Thimphu Valley with a visit to Tashichho Dzong, the seat of Bhutan’s government and royal offices. Continue to Pangri Zampa, a pair of 16th-century buildings that now house Bhutan’s traditional monastic school for astrologers, offering insight into the spiritual sciences still practised today.

At the head of the valley, those wishing to stretch their legs can enjoy a short hike to Cheri Goemba, the monastery where Bhutan’s first monastic body was established. Back in town, visit local cottage industries specialising in traditional paper-making and weaving, preserving crafts passed down through generations.

Overnight: Amankora Thimphu

Depart early for a dramatic drive over the high mountain passes of Dochula and onward to the Phobjikha Valley. Along the way, visit Simtokha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s earliest fortress monasteries, and admire ancient wall paintings at Hongtsho Goemba.

Crossing the 3,050-metre Dochula Pass, clear days reveal sweeping Himalayan views before descending through the Punakha Valley and continuing along the Kingdom’s east–west highway. Pass through the scenic town of Wangdi, follow the Dang Chhu River, and climb through forests of bamboo and oak. Just before Pele La Pass, a small side road leads into the hidden glacial valley of Phobjikha. On arrival, visit Gangtey Goemba at the head of the valley and enjoy a gentle stroll through Gangtey village or a walk among blooming rhododendrons behind the lodge.

Overnight: Amankora Gangtey

Begin the day with a visit to the Black-Necked Crane Centre. Depending on the season, time spent in the nearby observation hide offers the chance to view these rare and sacred birds in their breeding grounds.

The remainder of the day is flexible. Options include guided valley walks, mountain biking through open meadows, relaxing at the lodge while soaking in panoramic views, or returning to Gangtey Goemba for a possible audience with the Tulku, subject to availability.

Overnight: Amankora Gangtey

Today is devoted to one of Bhutan’s most enchanting hikes. A short drive brings you to Longtey village, where the walk begins gently downhill through bamboo groves and small clusters of village homes. The trail continues through beautifully coloured rhododendron forests, with yaks grazing nearby in the winter months.

As the hike progresses into old-growth rhododendron forest, the atmosphere becomes almost mythical, with towering ancient trees surrounding the path. The final ascent leads to a mountain pass with sweeping views of Gangtey Goemba, the monastic school, the lodge and the entire valley below. From here, descend towards the idyllic Kumbu village and continue back to the lodge or the monastic school, depending on preference.

Overnight: Amankora Gangtey

Today’s journey back to Punakha is relatively short. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at the lodge before exploring the hidden village of Talo, ancestral home of Bhutan’s queens and site of the valley’s protective deity lhakhang.

Later in the afternoon, choose between a hike to an ancient hilltop monastery behind the lodge or a more relaxed afternoon enjoying the farmhouse setting and spa facilities.

Overnight: Amankora Punakha

Begin the day with a scenic hike from the Amankora Punakha lodge along the Mo Chhu River, passing terraces of rice, chillies and cabbage en route to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a striking monument built by Bhutan’s four queens. After the hike, drive further up the valley, passing Punthsho Pelri Palace and other winter residences of the royal family, before reaching the magnificent Punakha Dzong.

Once the seat of Bhutan’s government, this historic fortress now serves as the winter residence of the monastic order’s head and remains the administrative centre of the region. A picnic lunch is served by the banks of the Punakha Chhu, followed by a visit to Lobesa Village and a short walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the revered fertility temple built in 1499.

Overnight: Amankora Punakha

After ascending back over Dochula Pass, follow the dramatic river valleys of the Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu as you journey towards Paro. Passing through Paro town, continue north to reach Amankora Paro, set peacefully within a pine forest.

The afternoon is at leisure. Enjoy a gentle stroll to nearby ruins, visit some of Paro Valley’s oldest and most sacred temples, or wander along Paro’s main street. Evenings at Amankora may include insightful talks on Bhutan’s history, religion, flora and fauna, or a thoughtfully curated film exploring the Himalayan world.

Overnight: Amankora Paro

Begin with a visit to the National Museum housed in the Ta Dzong watchtower, offering a rich introduction to Bhutan’s culture and heritage. Walk downhill to Paro Dzong, one of Bhutan’s finest architectural masterpieces, before crossing the traditional cantilever bridge Nyamai Zampa.

Continue to the town temple built in 1525 to admire its ancient wall paintings. Lunch options include a scenic picnic or a visit to a traditional farmhouse. In the afternoon, visit Dumtse Lhakhang to view its beautifully preserved murals, followed by Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, believed to pin down a demoness that once plagued the Himalayas.

Overnight: Amankora Paro

Today marks a spiritual highlight with a pilgrimage to Taktsang Goemba, famously known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The four to five-hour trek offers breathtaking views of this sacred site perched 900 metres above the valley floor. Mules and donkeys are available to assist those who wish to reduce the physical exertion, and a picnic lunch is served along the way.

The afternoon is at leisure, perfect for enjoying the Amankora spa and easing the gentle aches from the morning’s pilgrimage.

Overnight: Amankora Paro

An early morning transfer takes you from Amankora Paro to Paro International Airport for your onward journey. As you depart Bhutan, you leave with more than photographs — carrying memories of a kingdom that reveals itself quietly, deeply and beautifully.

We look forward to welcoming you again on another Bhutan luxury journey. Tashi Delek.