8 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 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

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.