Upon arrival at Amankora Thimphu, you will have time to settle before exploring the Textile Museum, the Weaving Centre, the Buddha Dordenma and the National Memorial Chorten. 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.

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 town, explore the capital’s cottage industries, from traditional paper making to hand rolled incense; browse Himalayan artefacts along the main street; and make your own stamp at the post office. At weekends you can visit the Craft Bazaar or vegetable markets. 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 Takin animal sanctuary for a beautiful view over Thimphu Valley. 

Start the morning with a hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument built by the Bhutanese Queen Mother and consecrated in 1999. A popular option for lunch or dinner is the Private Riverside BBQ. Just below the lodge, guests sit in the shade of pine trees and enjoy the sounds of the river, 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. 

Begin the next day with a visit to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhan, a hilltop nunnery, approximately 15 minutes by car from the lodge. Perched on a ridge amid pine trees, it overlooks the valleys of Toebesa, Punakha and Wangduephodrang. Later, choose to explore Wangduephodrang Valley with its distant views of Wangdue Dzong. Alternatively, you may further explore Punakha Valley on foot or by car or bicycle, including its magnificent suspension bridge.​

After a hearty breakfast, drive 30 minutes towards Trongsa to begin the stunning Longtey Hike. From the trail head, the hike takes you through the rhododendron forest and on reaching the top of the ridge, you will have breathtaking views of the Gangtey Valley beneath. Back at the lodge, enjoy a Potato-Shed Dinner (chargeable activity). Set in a stone hut, enjoy a delicious Bhutanese meal surrounded by hundreds of flickering candles and warmed by a traditional bhukari wood-burning stove. 

On Day 10, embark on the five-hour drive to Bumthang, a journey along the country’s only east-west highway. Following a brief stop at Chendebji Chorten, which according to legend was built to cover the remains of a demon spirit, you will carry on to Trongsa, the original home of the royal family. Here, you can stroll the village and perhaps visit the large Trongsa Dzong. The drive onward to Bumthang takes you over the picturesque Yotong La Pass and down into the Chhume Valley, home of Bhutan’s famous Yathra weaving. ​Upon arrival at the lodge, you will have time to explore our neighbouring palace, Wangdichhoeling, previously home to the second King and renowned for its auspicious prayer wheels.