Incorporating stays at four out of five of Amankora's lodges in the Kingdom of Bhutan, this 8-night Amankora Journey will unveil the Land of the Thunder Dragon’s most iconic sites and cultural nuances in four different valleys.
Traversing the western and central valleys of Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Gangtey – this journey covers the breadth of the diversity of this Himalayan realm as the landscapes, climate, flora, fauna and even the culture changes as elevation shifts. Staying two nights in each lodge, the rhythm of this journey will naturally alternate between days of travel and days when you arise and go to sleep in the same lodge. Both will be filled with exploration and moments of discovery and wonder as you uncover the secrets of this last remaining Himalayan Buddhist Kingdom with Aman.
Your journey includes
Start of journey
Upon arrival at Amankora Thimphu, you will have time to settle before exploring the Buddha Dordenma where you’ll begin your discovery of the kingdom. On the way back, explore Thimphu, the country’s only urban centre – a unique capital city where not a single traffic light exists. Enjoy evening activities back at the Amankora Lodge or book a much-needed Jet Lag Reviver Treatment at the Aman Spa before heading to the Dining Room for dinner.
On Day 2, visit the Choki Art School, an institution focused on teaching traditional Bhutanese art (only open on weekdays) and the Pangri Zampa, a collection of 16th century temples that now houses a monastic astrology school.
After breakfast, travel to Punakha Valley. As you make your way out of Thimphu, stop at the Semtokha Dzong, the country’s first fortress. Dochula Pass also warrants a pause with its spectacular memorial of 108 chortens. As we enter Punakha, visit the intriguing Chimi Lhakhang Temple, a site known all over Bhutan as the Fertility Temple, where the faithful gather to pray for the gift of a child.
Begin Day 3 with a hike to the stunning Khamsum Chorten. From the lodge the trail takes you through farmland and rice paddies and offers a wonderful opportunity to experience local farming traditions. After lunch, head to Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s biggest fortresses. It is said to have been envisioned by its architect in a dream in 1637 - its design, imprinted in his memory. Visit its sacred halls, courtyards and cantilevered bridge, then walk towards another handcrafted marvel in the valley – the longest chain link suspension bridge in the world.
The drive to Gangtey takes around 2.5 hours, initially following the Mo Chhu River. The highway then continues eastwards, following the scenic Dang Chhu River before climbing through forests of bamboo and oak. Just before reaching the Pele La Pass, a small side road leads to the hidden Phobjikha (Gangtey) Valley perched at an altitude of 3,000m (9,842ft). On arrival you will have time for a stroll through Gangtey Village before visiting the ancient altars and ramparts of the vast Gangtey Goemba, which overlooks the valley.
On Day 6, put on your hiking boots for Gangtey Lodge's Nature Trail Walk or the Tongpushing Hike, or even both, if you'd like to do a complete loop of the valley. The Nature Trail is a pleasurable walk through Phobjikha Valley from the small hilltop down through flower meadows to Semchubara Village, and from here through beautiful forests into the open valley. After passing Khewa Lhakhang, the trail ends at the Tabeding Football grounds. If time permits, visit the Black Neck Crane Centre. Depending on the season, spend time on the deck to spot these rare birds that migrate from Tibet in winter to breed.
On day 7, journey back to Paro after a hearty breakfast. Upon arrival in the valley, taste the authentic flavours of Bhutanese cuisine with a traditional farmhouse lunch, prepared by a family that used to cook for the royal family of Bhutan. After lunch, start your explorations of the valley through the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the first Buddhist temples built in the Kingdom.
In the morning, visit one of Bhutan’s most dramatic monuments, the Taktsang Goemba - more commonly referred to as the Tiger’s Nest. For an unforgettable lunch, we suggest an alfresco BBQ at the base of the cliff where you can admire the monastery while enjoying your meal. In the evening, cap off your journey with a lecture on Gross National Happiness, Bhutan’s unique index of the country’s intangible wealth.
From: US$1,785++ per Suite per night based on double occupancy
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.*
*Bumthang is not included in journeys of seven to nine nights