This five-night journey through the eastern valleys of Bumthang and Trongsa has been designed for returning travellers eager to discover more of the Kingdom’s secrets. Beginning with a homecoming Thrisel Blessing and a rediscovery of Drukgyel Dzong at Amankora Paro, the journey continues with a flight to Amankora Bumthang, the easternmost of Aman’s five lodges. This region of sloping pine forests, apple orchards and fertile farmland is known for its cottage industries that produce the sought-after Bumthang butter, Gouda and Emmenthal cheeses, honey and a variety of fruit spirits and brandies.
From Amankora Bumthang, explore the eastern valleys of Trongsa, the birthplace of the royal Wangchuck dynasty; Tang, home to the Burning Lake and Ogyen Choling Palace Museum; and Chhume, where Bhutan’s current queen was born. On returning to Paro for your final night, discover the mysterious second Tiger’s Nest with its hidden treasure and Statue of Longevity in the tranquil setting of Dzongdrakha.
Your journey includes
Start of journey
A Thrisel Blessing by a revered lama welcomes you back to Bhutan and blesses your journey ahead using holy water to cleanse the mind, spirit and soul. After a delicious lunch, visit the iconic Drukgyel Dzong. This fortress was built in 1649 to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invaders, but it was destroyed by a fire in the 1950s. In 2016, to celebrate the birth of the Gyalsey (crown prince), the Royal Government of Bhutan started its restoration, part of which has now been opened to the public. Sensitively brought back to life to once again reign over the landscape and Amankora Paro’s views, the fortress makes the perfect location to begin your rediscovery of Bhutan.
A 35-minute morning flight from Paro International Airport will see you arriving at Bumthang Bathpalathang Domestic Airport. After settling into Amankora Bumthang, visit the Lingkha Lhakhang, the Water Chortens and finally Wangdicholing Palace, built in 1857 by Jigme Namgyel, the father of the first King and Governor of Trongsa, on the battle ground where he defeated the Jakar Dzongpon. After lunch, spend the afternoon explorating the Kingdom’s holiest Buddhist sites: As the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, Jakar Valley contains some of the oldest and most sacred temples including Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Kenchosum Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang.
After a stopover visit to the Jakar Dzong just above the lodge, travel to Chume Valley, birthplace and home of the present queen. The 45-minute drive to Nimalung Monastery takes you through Chhume Valley and past Zugney, where you can visit the Yathra Weaving Centre and admire their beautiful handicrafts.
After a picnic lunch at Chume, travel to Trongsa, the ancestral home of the royal Wangchuck dynasty. Trongsa Dzong, the 'Fortress on conch tip', was built in 1648 on many levels into the side of a hill and boasts 25 lhakhangs housing sacred images and religious treasures. Round off your day viewing the Raven Crown, worn by the first king of Bhutan, in the Trongsa Museum which rests in the Taa Dzong (watchtower).
Today sees you exploring Tang, the most remote of the Bumthang valleys where sheep dot the landscape. A full day excursion can include a visit to the Burning Lake, a nunnery, Ta Rimochen Lhakhang and Ogyen Chholing Palace, which is now a beautiful museum. The story of the Ogyen Chholing Palace began in the 14th century, and the same family who owns it to this day turned it into a museum a few years back. The exhibition is laid out on three levels and offers rare insight into Bhutanese culture, lifestyle, history and religion. After studying the many artefacts, enjoy your lunch outside the palace overlooking Tang Valley, or i inside the traditional cabin-like living room.
The short flight from Bumthang will see you arriving at Paro International Airport, from where you will travel directly to Dzongdrakha by car. Many don’t realise that this second Tiger’s Nest even exists, consisting of four sacred chapels dedicated to specific Buddhist deities. The ascent is a beautiful 45-minute hike through blue pine forests and apple orchards, and a picnic lunch is something to look forward to along the way. Learn the secrets of its legendary flying chorten and important relics, including its Statue of Longevity. Then journey back to Amankora Paro for a well-deserved Holistic Massage and a final (for this visit) Bhutanese feast.
This morning 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.
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Available until 31 March 2026