Bask in the festive season with Aman
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12-Night Journey
Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey & Bumthang
Explore the farthest reaches of Bhutan’s inhabited regions with a 12-night itinerary through five of Bhutan’s most spectacular valleys – Thimphu, Phobjikha, Bumthang, Punakha and Paro – with optional excursions to the Tang and Ura valleys. All Amankora itineraries are accompanied by a private guide, and can be adjusted to suit preferences, both before arrival and on the ground.
Start of Journey
DAY ONE & TWO
Explore forested mountains dotted with monasteries and temples on route to Thimphu. A gentle walk through the city with afternoon visits to museums and chortens offers a window into the ancient culture, before a night at Amankora Thimphu.
Thimphu Valley - Home to the seat of Bhutan's royal government and a monastic astrology academy. An invigorating walk crosses one of the country’s oldest cantilever bridges to Cheri Goemba, where the kingdom’s first community of monks was based.
DAY THREE & FOUR
Ascend 3,000-metre mountain passes with Himalayan views before reaching Amankora Gangtey in the Phobjikha Valley. Stroll through Gangtey Village, lost in time, and visit the striking Gangtey Goemba at the head of the valley before taking a traditional Tsa-Tsa making class where you will be creating miniature terra cotta stupas.
Explore Gangtey Valley with either a gentle stroll along the Nature Trail, or explore the famous Longtey Hike. Experience the Bhutanese national sport of archery when you make your way back to the lodge.
DAY FIVE & SIX
Pass through dramatic landscapes to Bumthang and visit Trongsa Dzong - the ancestral home of Bhutan's monarch. Observe deep-coloured traditional Yatra textiles being crafted in Chhume Valley, home to one of Bhutan’s oldest weaving communities.
Explore the lodges' neighbour, Wangdichhoeling Palace, home to Bhutan's second King. Elsewhere in the valley, visit the grand Kurjey Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s most auspicious monuments, as well as Tamshing Monastery.
DAY SEVEN & EIGHT
Traverse the rarely visited Tang Valley, with a midday picnic amid breathtaking surroundings. Visit temples and monasteries as well as Ogyen Choling Palace, filled with countless Bhutanese cultural treasures.
Cross Shelthang Pass at 3,600 metres to the Ura Valley, where village life unfolds in pristine meadows. Take in views of Bhutan’s highest unclimbed peak, visit a new temple dedicated to Guru Rinpoche and ride mountain bikes down into the Jakar Valley.
DAY NINE & TEN
Journey to Punakha Valley, taking in some of Bhutan's most spectacular scenery, from high mountains to tiered fields. On arrival at Amankora Punakha, a short drive through the valley floor leads to the Chimi Lhakhang, the auspicious 15th-century fertility monastery.
Hike alongside the rive Mo, through tiered rice paddies to a Chorten built by the Queen Mother. Visit Punakha's dzong, one of the grandest in the country, and enjoy an afternoon trek to an ancient monastery near Amankora Punakha.
DAY ELEVEN & TWELVE
Wind trough the Wang and Paro river valleys to Amankora Paro, surrounded by pines. Explore nearby ruins as well as some of the valley’s oldest and holiest religious monuments, followed by an evening prayer flag printing demonstration, an astrology reading or lecture on Gross National Happiness.
Discover artefacts dating back to 4000 BCE at the National Museum. An early morning hike ascends a cliff-face to one of Bhutan’s most revered sites – Tiger’s Nest. Depart from Paro airport the next morning.
A Continuous Journey
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.