Druk Asia
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7 Nights | Thimphu – Punakha – Paro
This eight-day journey is a thoughtfully paced exploration of western Bhutan, taking you from the cultural heart of Thimphu through the fertile river valleys of Punakha and into the sacred landscapes of Paro. Along the way, you cross high Himalayan passes, walk through traditional villages and farmland, explore some of Bhutan’s most important dzongs and temples, and undertake the iconic pilgrimage to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
The itinerary balances immersive cultural discovery with unhurried moments of rest and reflection, allowing Bhutan to be experienced in depth rather than at speed. Throughout the journey, you stay at Amankora Lodges in Thimphu, Punakha and Paro, where refined design, serene natural settings and deeply personalised service provide a seamless and luxurious retreat at the end of each day.
All our tours are fully customisable — the itineraries you see are simply a starting point. We'll work closely with you to tailor every detail.
8 Days Amankora Journey Itinerary
1
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
2
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
3
Depart early for a dramatic drive across Dochula Pass, descending into the fertile Punakha Valley. En route, visit Simtokha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s earliest fortress monasteries, dating back to the 17th century. At the 3,050-metre pass, clear weather reveals sweeping views of the eastern Himalayas crowned by snow-clad peaks.
Continue through the Wangdi Valley to explore Wangduephodrang Dzong and the nearby town temple. Enjoy time to walk through this small riverside town, browsing its intimate local shops, before returning to Punakha Valley. Later in the afternoon, choose between visiting Talo Village, ancestral home of Bhutan’s queens and site of the valley’s protective deity or relaxing closer to the lodge with a hilltop monastery walk, spa time or quiet moments at the farmhouse.
Overnight: Amankora Punakha
4
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
5
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
6
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
7
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
8
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.
per person · SDF included
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Community Partners
Your journey contributes directly to local communities. Complete a feedback form after your tour and Druk Asia will donate to your chosen cause.
Gyalyum Trust
VAST Bhutan
Museums of Bhutan
Let's Customise Your Dream Bhutan Adventure
Join over 22,940+ happy travellers who've trusted our Bhutan experts to craft journeys that are anything but ordinary.
- Visa guaranteed — or your money back
- Pick your perfect stay — charming farmstay or luxe hotel
- Design your day — change activities even while you're in Bhutan
- Add a vibrant festival — timing around Bhutanese celebrations is pure magic
- Hike more, or hike less — totally your pace
- Experience Bhutan like a local — hot stone bath, cooking session, astrology reading
What Our Travellers Say
Druk Asia has strong networks with DrukAir and local tour agencies, making logistics a total breeze. The itinerary was well-planned yet flexible enough to accommodate different needs. We could decide when we wanted to get up, which places to visit or simply recuperate in solitude. Will go with Druk Asia again if I were to go back for spring or autumn. Won’t have it any other way!
My trip to Bhutan was pleasant and well organized by Druk Asia. I was very happy and comfortable with my tour guide, Tshering, and had absolute confidence in my driver, Chimmi. Tshering kept me entertained throughout the trip with histories and stories about Bhutan while Chimmi was an excellent driver. Bhutan is a very beautiful country with its unique Buddhist culture and a nation of very warm people. The sceneries were spectacular and its culture charming. I will definitely visit Bhutan again and recommend Druk Asia to my friends.
I knew this Druk Asia through my friend who initially asked me to go to Bhutan. I have to say this travel is excellent. We went to Bhutan through Thailand and the next day we missed the flight. Bhutan’s flight is a bit strange in a sense that we need to be at Thai’s airport 2 hours before departure. The gate closed quite early. Druk Asia helped us a lot to arrange our next day flight. During our time in Bhutan, this travel agent frequently asked our condition there whether we were alright or not. This sense of caring is simply excellent, particularly for the country like Bhutan which is in the Himalayan continent. I really grateful to go to this country with Druk Asia. Excellent!
Just wanted to let both of you know that we had a great time in Bhutan. Thanks for looking into the details. Both our guide and driver were great. Thanks again!
Back from Bhutan, I wanted to let you know that this has probably been the best holiday I ever had. Bhutan is really a wonderful place, the people are so friendly and the landscape gorgeous. We also had the best weather one could ask for, and that helped. We have been very happy the whole tour. One suggestion I would give you is to propose your future clients to spend 1 night in a farmhouse. We did, and we loved it. The host was absolutely nice and the experience of sharing dinner, breakfast and the ordinary life of a Bhutanese family was absolutely fantastic.
An unique experience! We had wonderful time in Bhutan. Though it was a short trip, we enjoyed natural beauty, spectacular view and warm friendly people. We have been many countries but this trip was something different, ...memorable and nostalgic.
