Start Location: Paro, Bhutan; End Location: Paro, Bhutan
Duration: 7 Days
Travel Season: March to May and September to November (Best: October)
Accommodation: Amankora - 2 to 3 lodges
Three nights sees the Tiger's Nest. Six nights sees Bhutan. This journey crosses three or four valleys, each at a different altitude with its own climate, architecture and farming, moving seamlessly between Aman's architectural havens by road.
Highlights at a Glance
• Punakha: A dzong built on the island between two rivers, reached across a suspension bridge - the most beautiful building in the country, in a subtropical valley.
• Phobjikha (Gangtey): A glacial valley and one of Bhutan's most important conservation areas.
• Thimphu: The capital, Tashichho Dzong, the Buddha Dordenma, and the weekend market.
Itinerary
27.25°N27.5°N27.75°N89.25°E89.5°E89.75°EPunakhaTiger's NestDochu LaThimphuParo1234520 km
1 Paro · 2 Thimphu · 3 Dochu La · 4 Punakha · 5 Tiger's Nest
Day 1Arrive Paro, drive to Thimphu
Land at Paro International Airport and transfer by private vehicle to Amankora Thimphu, a 16-suite lodge in a pine forest above the capital. The afternoon introduces Bhutanese daily life at the Folk Heritage Museum, the Textile Museum and Weaving Centre, and the traditional paper factory. Dinner at the lodge beside the bukhari.
Day 2Thimphu — Cheri Goemba
Hike up through forest to Cheri Goemba, the 17th-century monastery where Bhutan's first monastic body was established. The afternoon takes in the Thangka Painting Enterprise or the twin temples of Pangri Zampa, with an optional traditional astrology reading. A 60-minute massage at the Thimphu spa is included during your stay.
Day 3Thimphu to Punakha via Dochu La
Drive east over the Dochu La pass at 3,100m, stopping at Semtokha Dzong and pausing among the 108 memorial chortens with the eastern Himalaya on the horizon in clear weather. A traditional farmhouse lunch follows on the descent into the warm Punakha valley. Afternoon visit to Chimi Lhakhang, the 15th-century fertility temple, before checking in to the 12-suite Amankora Punakha.
Day 4Punakha — Khamsum Chorten and Punakha Dzong
A morning hike through terraced rice paddies and across the Mo Chhu to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, built as a monument for the kingdom's wellbeing. In the afternoon explore Punakha Dzong at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers, Bhutan's most beautiful fortress and its former winter capital. Cross the long suspension bridge before returning to the lodge; a traditional farmhouse dinner is included.
Day 5Punakha to Paro
Return west over Dochu La and continue to Amankora Paro, set in a pine grove near Drukgyel Dzong. The afternoon covers the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang and Paro Rinpung Dzong with the National Museum in its watchtower above. Choose between a prayer-flag printing workshop or an astrology reading, and a stamp-making session at the National Post Office.
Day 6Tiger's Nest (Taktsang Goemba)
The journey's centrepiece is the guided hike to Taktsang Goemba, the Tiger's Nest, set on a cliff face at 2,950m with long views down the Paro valley. Allow four to five hours return, climbing through blue pine and prayer flags with your guide explaining the Guru Rinpoche legend. Return for optional exploration of Paro old town, and a farewell traditional Bhutanese dinner at the lodge.
Day 7Departure
A final Himalayan breakfast at Amankora Paro before a short private transfer to Paro International Airport. Departures from Paro are timed to the early morning for mountain flying conditions.
Accommodation
Amankora - 2 to 3 lodges. Amankora Thimphu Lodge - 16 suites; Amankora Punakha Lodge - 12 suites, including the Mo Chhu Suite; Amankora Paro Lodge - 24 suites; Suite: open-plan bedroom with king-size bed and banquette window seat; Bukhari wood-burning stove in each suite; Terrazzo-clad bathtub; Amankora Paro two-storey spa: five treatment rooms, hot stone bath, sauna, steam room, yoga studio; Banya Spa House and Hammam Spa House (Amankora Paro); Traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath; Guest Lounge, Library, Boutique and dining room with terrace at each lodge.
All-Inclusive Benefits
• Accommodation in suites at Amankora Thimphu, Punakha and Paro
• All in-house meals at each Amankora lodge, plus picnics on transfer days
• House beverages including house wines and spirits
• Private airport transfers to and from Paro International Airport
• Daily guided excursions with a private English-speaking guide, driver and vehicle
• All touring permits and monument access passes
• Guided Tiger's Nest (Taktsang) day trip
• One 60-minute massage per person at Amankora Thimphu
• Traditional farmhouse dinner in Punakha and Khamsum breakfast
• 108 butter-lamp lighting ceremony and forest-and-stream dinner in Thimphu
• Stamp-making at the National Post Office; archery or darts at the lodges
• Daily laundry service, all internal transfers, ground handling and concierge
Not Included
• Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100 per person per night, payable in addition
• Bhutan visa fee of USD 40 per person, payable in addition
• International flights to and from Paro
• Travel insurance and personal expenses
• Spa treatments beyond the one included 60-minute massage; premium wines and spirits outside the house selection
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