A bespoke adventure across the entire Kingdom, the Ultimate Amankora Journey draws deeply on Aman’s intuitive understanding of Bhutanese culture, offering the only way to seamlessly experience five different valleys in seven to thirteen nights.
Your journey includes
START THE ULTIMATE 13-NIGHT JOURNEY
Upon arrival at Amankora Thimphu, you will have time to settle in before exploring the Textile Museum, the Weaving Centre, the Buddha Dordenma and the National Memorial Chorten in the Kingdom’s only city. Depending on your arrival time, you may also have time to visit the Institute for Traditional Medicine, the School of the 13 Arts, the Folk Heritage Museum and Simply Bhutan. No matter how many of these fascinating cultural centres you choose to visit, you will find yourself immediately immersed in the natural beauty and unique atmosphere of this capital like none other.
On day 2, a short morning hike will take you to Cheri Goemba monastery. On the way back, pay a visit to the 16th-century Pangri Zampa, which now houses a monastic training school for astrologers. Back in Thimphu, explore the capital’s cottage industries including traditional paper making and hand-rolled incense; browse Himalayan artefacts along the main street; and make your own stamp at the post office. After lunch, head to the north end of the valley to visit the Tashi Chhoe Dzong, the seat of Bhutan’s government and royal offices. As the sun sets, take a stroll past the Motithang Takin Preserve for a beautiful view over the Thimphu Valley and the chance to spot Bhutan’s national animal, the large bovid known as the takin.
After a hearty breakfast, hike to Phajoding, a beautifully decorated, hilltop Buddhist monastery overlooking the entire Thimphu Valley from the west. It is a steep climb, taking about 3½ hours up and about two hours down, passing through wooded areas of chir pine and rhododendron. In the afternoon, you may want to explore the charming lanes of central Thimphu to discover the city’s coffee and dining scene and browse for Himalayan curiosities.
Day 4's early departure takes guests on a dramatic drive over the mountain pass of Dochu La and into the Punakha Valley. Sights on the way include one of Bhutan’s first fortress monasteries, the 17th-century Simtokha Dzong, and ancient wall paintings at the Hongtsho Goemba Monastery. After a stop for a picnic lunch, we continue on to Punakha, which lies at an altitude of 1,250m (4,100ft) in a warm, fertile valley at the junction of the Mo Chhu (Female River) and Pho Chhu (Male River). The valley’s subtropical environment allows the cultivation of rice and exotic fruits, making it an apt setting for Chimi Lhakhang, the auspicious fertility monastery built in 1499. Many couples hoping to start a family come here to receive a blessing from the saint with the ‘magic thunderbolt of wisdom’.
Start the morning with a hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument built by the Bhutanese Queen Mother and consecrated in 1999. Following the hike you can visit the impressive Punakha Dzong, which houses the remains of Bhutan’s first ruler and is the winter residence of the monastic order’s leader and his entourage of monks. Choose to enjoy a private riverside barbecue for lunch or dinner, held just below the lodge in a grove of pine trees with views of rice fields and mountain peaks and the aromas of food sizzling on the charcoal grill. In the afternoon, try your hand at archery, Bhutan’s national sport.
On Day 6, the drive to the lofty village of Gangtey takes around 2½ hours. Just before reaching the Pele La Pass, a small side road leads to the hidden Phobjikha Valley, home to Gangtey which is 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. Should the Gangtey Trulku be in residence, an audience for a blessing can be arranged.
Today, you have the choice of joining our Nature Trail walk, hiking to Tongpushing or combining both to complete a full loop of the valley. The Nature Trail winds through wildflower meadows to Semchubara Village, and then through beautiful forests to Tabeding Football ground via Khewa Lhakhang. If time and season permit, visit the Black Neck Crane Centre to spot these rare birds that migrate from Tibet in winter to breed. The Tongpushing Hike is is a leisurely 1½ - 2 hour walk, starting from the lodge and continuing through Tokha Village. The trail then ascends to a magnificent open meadow and ends near the Royal Society for Protection of Nature campsite (a 15-minute drive from the lodge).
On Day 8, undertake the five-hour drive to Bumthang – a journey along the country’s only east-west highway. Following a brief stop at Chendebji Chorten, you will carry on to Trongsa, the original home of the royal family. Explore the village and perhaps the Trongsa Dzong, then continue over the picturesque Yotong La Pass into the Chhume Valley, home to Bumthang and Bhutan’s famous Yathra weaving. At 2,580m (8,464ft), Bumthang Valley is a patchwork of buckwheat, millet and potato fields, with apple orchards climbing the slopes to meet deep pine forest. After getting settled at the lodge, explore our neighbouring palace, Wangdicholing, the birthplace of Bhutan’s first king renowned for its prayer wheels.
On Day 9, visit Jambay Lhakhang, home to the early-winter festivals that draw thousands of Bhutanese for their annual blessings; and then the grand Kurjey Lhakhang, once the resting place of Guru Rinpoche. A short walk away, enjoy a Bumthap farmhouse lunch, then head back into town and across the Bumthang Chhu to visit to the sin-cleansing Tamshing Monastery. Don’t miss the chance to explore the valley’s unique cottage industries – Red Panda’s local beer and cheese tasting session is highly recommended (chargeable activity).
The next day, we begin early for an excursion to Tang Valley, a seldom-visited area of temples and monasteries that are truly off the beaten track. Enroute, stop off at the Burning Lake, where legend tells of a famous Buddhist saint who dreamt that he dove into the river pool carrying a burning butter lamp and returned with treasures and the lamp still burning. Visit the nunnery as well as 14th-century Ta Rimochen Lhakhang, its temple dominated by an enormous rock at which Guru Rinpoche meditated. Continue to the wonderful museum at Ogyen Chhoeling Palace. The exhibits offer a rare insight into Bhutanese culture, lifestyle, history and religion. The palace is reached by a short hike, stopping along the way for a traditional picnic with breathtaking valley views.
After a scenic 35-minute flight from Bumthang, you will land in Paro and be driven through the town towards the north end of the valley. Here, Paro lodge lies hidden in pine forest. Before the sun sets, settle beside the big prayer wheel below the Drukgyel Dzong, and relax whilst admiring the rural scenery and changing sky. Alternatively, enjoy an archery session using a set of traditional bows and arrows.
Begin Day 12 with a visit to the National Museum, housed in the former watch tower of the Rinpung Dzong fortress. Just a short walk downhill lies the imposing Paro Dzong, home to one of the most important monastic bodies and countless cultural treasures. From the fortress, we will cross the Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilevered bridge, after which you'll be driven to the town temple. Built in 1525, it is renowned for its ancient wall paintings. Choose between a picnic lunch or a traditional farmhouse meal then explore the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the Kingdom’s first Buddhist temples. Light 108 butter lamps (chargeable activity) and learn about the ancient Buddhist traditions still practised today. A visit to the unique stupa-shaped Dumtse Lhakhang will be followed by a stroll around Paro’s picturesque old town.
In the morning, hike up to view one of Bhutan’s most dramatic monuments, the Taktsang Goemba (more commonly referred to as the Tiger’s Nest), built on a sheer cliff face at an altitude of 2,950m (9,678ft). The four-hour trek offers spectacular views of this sacred monastery perched on the rocks, 900m above the valley floor. Accommodating mules and donkeys will be on hand to lessen the exertion of the climb, if so desired. As this is your last evening with us, you may want to soak in our Hot Stone Bath and relax your body with a massage (chargeable activity).
On Day 14, you bid farewell to Bhutan. Your driver will take you to Paro International Airport, a journey of around 30 minutes from the lodge. We recommend arriving two hours before the flight is scheduled to depart.
From: US$1,900++ per Suite per night based on double occupancy
This offer is valid for new bookings only, is subject to availability, and is not combinable with any other offer unless specified. Aman reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time with 48 hours' notice. Payment and cancellation conditions as per hotel standard terms.
Dates available until 31 March 2026