Luxury Bhutan Tour with Amankora Lodges

Tour Info

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Duration

10 days

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Tour Type

Heritage & Culture, Nature & Serenity

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Best time to travel

March-May, September – Novembe

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Destinations

Thimphu, Punakha, Bumthang, Gangtey and Paro

Overview

Explore the heartlands of Bhutan, a pristine and undiscovered Himalayan kingdom, on this 10-day luxury all-inclusive tour. Stay at the exclusive Amankora lodges, renowned for their exquisite suites, divine spa treatments, and exceptional service. Experience the culture and traditions of Bhutan’s rural towns and villages, while enjoying a journey through the country’s stunning landscapes.

Tailor-Made Luxury Holidays
This luxury holiday itinerary is a suggestion. It can be booked as it is or used as a starting point for creating your perfect tailor-made holiday to Bhutan. If you prefer a shorter trip, we can arrange itineraries covering two or four valleys.

Two-Valley Itinerary: Includes Punakha and Paro.
Four-Valley Itinerary: Includes Punakha, Gangtey, and Paro.

Amankora Lodges in Bhutan

Amankora Paro Lodge Nestled among thick pine trees, Amankora Paro Lodge offers 24 luxurious suites, a two-storey spa, and a glass-walled yoga studio. It’s the perfect base for exploring the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, just a 4-hour hike away

Amankora Thimphu Lodge Set in the upper reaches of the Motithang area, this lodge features 16 suites built in the style of a traditional dzong fortress. It’s close to the capital’s shops and sights, yet remains a secluded retreat.

Amankora Punakha Lodge Reached by crossing a suspension bridge over the Mo Chhu River, Amankora Punakha Lodge incorporates a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse. The lodge offers stunning views of the surrounding valley and a serene atmosphere

Amankora Gangtey Lodge Located in the remote Phobjikha Valley, this lodge has 8 suites set on a forested knoll with scenic views of the Gangtey Goemba monastery. It’s an ideal spot for nature walks and birdwatching

Amankora Bumthang Lodge Situated adjacent to the Wandichholing Palace in the Choekhor Valley, Amankora Bumthang Lodge features 16 suites. It offers a peaceful retreat with easy access to the spiritual heartland of Bhutan

Each Amankora lodge is designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings, providing a luxurious yet authentic Bhutanese experience. Whether you’re exploring ancient dzongs, hiking through lush forests, or simply relaxing in your suite, Amankora lodges offer the perfect combination of comfort and cultural immersion.

Highlights

Thimphu: Discover the grandeur of Tashichho Dzong and take in the panoramic views from the massive Buddha Dordenma statue.

Punakha: Explore the magnificent Punakha Dzong and enjoy a peaceful walk across Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge.

Bumthang: Visit the sacred Kurjey Lhakhang and hike to the picturesque Tang Valley.

Gangtey: Wander through the enchanting Gangtey Monastery and observe the rare black-necked cranes in the serene Phobjikha Valley.

Paro: Trek to the iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) and visit the historical Paro Dzong. Experience authentic Bhutanese rural life in a local village and unwind with a traditional hot stone bath.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Paro and drive to Thimphu

Arrive at Paro international airport (Druk Air flight). You’ll be welcomed and driven to Thimphu, a 1.5-hour drive away. On the way, visit Tamchog Lhakhang, built by the 14th-century saint and iron bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo. Marvel at the orange tree in the courtyard, blessed by the saint. Pass Chuzom, the confluence of rivers, where three shrines in Nepali, Tibetan, and Bhutanese styles ward off evil influences. Drive from Simtokha to Thimphu, situated in a valley at 2320m elevation, with the Thimphu River running through. The evening is at leisure. Overnight at Thimphu.

Day 2: Thimphu – Exploring the Capital Discover Thimphu with your private guide.

Visit Tashichho Dzong, home to the monk body in summer and government offices. See the picturesque cantilever bridge below the dzong. Explore the National Library with its ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan texts. If time allows, visit the School of Arts and Crafts, where students master traditional crafts and sell their works in a nearby shop. Experience the bustling weekend market, including a handicraft section, and visit local emporiums and handicrafts shops. Overnight at Thimphu.

Day 3: Drive to Punakha Embark on a scenic 3-hour drive to Punakha.

The journey begins from Simtokha, climbing to Dochula pass (3150m) with views of the Himalayas, then descending to Punakha valley. Pass the Simtokha Dzong and prayer wheels powered by flowing water. Punakha, the old capital, is warmer than Paro and Thimphu. Visit Punakha Dzong and take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility. Arrange a visit to a traditional Bhutanese village or hike to nearby villages. Overnight at Punakha.

Day 4: Punakha Exploration

Experience rural Bhutan with a visit to a traditional village. For the energetic, hike to nearby villages. Next, visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, a serene center with stunning views over Punakha and Wangduephodrang. Then, drive to Talo Monastery, a historic site founded by Chogtrul Jigme Singye. In the afternoon, visit Khamsum Yuley Chorten, a chorten built in the 1990s by the Queen Mother. Enjoy a 45-minute uphill walk through rice fields, rewarded with amazing views. The return walk is downhill and takes about 30 minutes. If time permits, take a two-hour riverside walk along an ancient trail through farmlands, homes, and villages, back to Punakha Dzong. This trail is perfect for bird watchers and countryside enthusiasts.

Day 5: Drive to Bumthang

Depart early for Bumthang, a 6.5-hour drive. Pass Chume village, known for its yathra weaving. Bumthang, the cultural heartland of Bhutan, is rich in religious sites. Walk past a suspension bridge to Thankabi Monastery and continue to Ngang Lhakhang (Swan Temple). Enjoy a picnic lunch en route if desired. Visit Sey Lhakhang and Chakkar Lhakhang, and explore the beautiful sites of Bumthang. Overnight at Bumthang.

Day 6: Bumthang – Spiritual Heartland

Bumthang is where Buddhism was introduced to Bhutan by Guru Padmasambhava. Your guide will plan the day for you to attend the festival and visit other significant sites. Visit Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, and other notable sites like Tamshing Goemba and Mebartsho. Explore Mebartsho, where Pema Lingpa discovered treasures, and Tamshing Goemba, built by Pema Lingpa with the help of fairies. Optionally visit the picturesque village of Ura, two hours away from Bumthang proper. Overnight at Bumthang.

Day 7: Drive to Phobjikha and Gangtey

After breakfast, enjoy a magnificent drive with waterfalls. Phobjikha is a protected area and the winter home of the black-necked crane. Visit Gangtey Monastery, restored to its former glory. Overnight at Gangtey.

Day 8: Drive to Paro

Explore Gangtey, the winter home of the black-necked crane. Visit Gangtey Goemba, founded in the 17th century. The Royal Society for Protection of Nature has built an observatory overlooking the valley and developed nature trails. Drive to Paro, stopping for lunch at Thimphu. PARO, at an altitude of 2280m, extends from Jumolhari on the Tibetan border to Chuzom, the confluence of the Thimphu and Punakha rivers. Overnight at Paro.

Day 9: Tiger's Nest Monastery

Today, visit the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched on a cliffside where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have flown on the back of a tiger. This revered site involves a two-hour uphill hike through alpine forests. Enjoy lunch on the trail or at the cafeteria with a good view of the monastery. After your visit, relax at the hotel or treat yourself to a spa appointment. Overnight at Paro.

Day 10: Paro – The Beautiful Valley and Departure

Begin your sightseeing tour with a visit to the Paro Dzong, a fortress built in 1646. Then, head to the National Museum in the ancient watchtower, housing a rich collection of Bhutanese culture and Thangkhas. In the afternoon, visit Choeten Lhakhang and the unique Dumtse Lhakhang, with its three floors representing hell, earth, and heaven. Explore Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan.