Bhutan: The Five Amankora Lodges (15 Days)

Arrive at Paro International Airport and transfer to Amankora Thimphu, set in a blue pine forest above the capital. Ease into Bhutan with the Folk Heritage Museum, the Textile Museum and the vast gilded Buddha Dordenma overlooking the valley. Dinner at the lodge beside the bukhari.

A morning hike to Cheri Goemba, the 17th-century monastery where Bhutan's first monastic body was founded, followed by the 16th-century Pangri Zampa temples. The afternoon turns hands-on with traditional paper-making and incense-rolling. End with a sunset visit to Tashi Chhoe Dzong, seat of the government and the Je Khenpo.

A three-hour ascent through rhododendron and blue pine forest to Phajoding at around 2,800m, a monastic complex with panoramic views the length of the Thimphu valley. Return to the lodge for lunch and an afternoon in the spa. Third night at Amankora Thimphu.

Drive east over the Dochu La pass at 3,100m, stopping at Simtokha Dzong and Hongtsho Goemba on the way up. A picnic lunch is served before the descent into the subtropical Punakha valley. Visit the 15th-century fertility temple of Chimi Lhakhang before checking in to the 12-suite Amankora Punakha.

Hike through rice paddies and across the Mo Chhu to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, built as a monument for the kingdom's wellbeing. A traditional farmhouse lunch follows in a village home. The afternoon is given to archery, Bhutan's national sport, with the lodge team.

Visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang nunnery on its ridge, with panoramas over the Punakha valley. Explore the valley on foot, by car or by bike, crossing the long suspension bridge over the Pho Chhu. Punakha Dzong, at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu, is the highlight and Bhutan's former winter capital.

A two-hour drive along the Mo Chhu River climbs into the glacial Phobjikha valley, winter home of the black-necked cranes. Check in to the intimate eight-suite Amankora Gangtey, whose windows frame the whole valley. Explore the village and the historic Gangtey Goemba monastery with its ancient altars and sweeping vistas.

The Longtey hike traverses forest and open ridgeline with some of the finest valley views in central Bhutan. Return to the lodge for a spa treatment or an afternoon by the fire. The day closes with the Potato Shed Dinner, served in a cosy candlelit hut warmed by a traditional wood-burning stove.

A five-hour drive east, one of Bhutan's great road journeys, passing the Nepali-style Chendebji Chorten and the commanding Trongsa Dzong, ancestral seat of the royal family. Cross the Yotong La pass into the Chhume valley and continue to the 16-suite Amankora Bumthang. Visit Wangdichhoeling Palace on arrival.

Bumthang is Bhutan's religious heartland, and today takes in Jambay Lhakhang, said to be one of 108 temples built in a single day in the 7th century, and Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche meditated. Continue to Tamzhing Monastery, founded by the treasure-revealer Pema Lingpa. A 60-minute massage at the Bumthang spa is included during your stay.

Head into the remote Tang Valley to Membartsho, the Burning Lake, where Pema Lingpa is said to have retrieved sacred treasures from the water. Visit a local nunnery and the 14th-century Ta Rimochen Lhakhang with its rock carvings. Return to the lodge for dinner. Third night at Amankora Bumthang.

A 45-minute domestic flight from Bumthang across the Himalayan foothills to Paro, saving two days of driving. Transfer to Amankora Paro, the 24-suite flagship lodge in a pine grove below the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong. The afternoon covers the National Museum and Paro Rinpung Dzong.

Walk up to Drukgyel Dzong fortress, built to commemorate victory over Tibetan invaders, with Jomolhari on the skyline in clear weather. Continue to the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the first Buddhist temples built in the country. The afternoon is free for the two-storey spa, the Banya or Hammam Spa Houses, or a forest barbecue lunch.

The journey culminates in the four-to-five-hour guided hike to Taktsang Goemba, the Tiger's Nest, on its cliff face at 2,950m some 900m above the valley floor. Climb through blue pine and prayer flags with your guide recounting the Guru Rinpoche legend. Return for a massage and a farewell traditional Bhutanese dinner.

A final breakfast at Amankora Paro looking out over the valley. Private transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight.