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.
Day 1: 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.
Day 2: 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 3: 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.
Day 4: 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 5: 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.
Day 6: 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 7: 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.
Day 8: 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 9: 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.
Day 10: 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 11: 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.
Day 12: 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.
Day 13: Depart Paro.
| City | Nights | 5* Luxury Hotels |
| Thimphu | 02 | Thimphu Lodge, Amankora |
| Gangtey | 02 | Gangtey Lodge, Amankora |
| Bumthang | 04 | Bumthang Lodge, Amankora |
| Punakha | 02 | Punakha Lodge, Amankora |
| Paro | 02 | Paro Lodge, Amankora |
• Welcome with fresh flower garlands.
• Meeting and assistance by our representative.
• Luxury Amankora Hotels as per the duration of the program selected.
• Daily Breakfast, Lunch and Dinners.
• Bhutan Visa.
• Entrance fees to monuments.
• Private English-Speaking guide throughout your journey.
• Full board as described in the program for two guests (non- alcoholic beverages included).
• Covering all main / major monuments and tourist attractions in each city.
• All Transfers, Sightseeing and Overland drive as per the itinerary by private air-conditioned Transport.
• Luxury vehicle Land Cruiser / Prado to be used for the program.
• All taxes.
• Domestic and International Flights.
• Personal Expenses.
• Camera / Video Camera Fees.
• Medical Aid.
• Tips.
• Travel Insurance.
• Accommodation in good hotels.
• Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
• Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost. – Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
• A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
• If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
• Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
• In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
• In Asia, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
• While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
• Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
• In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.
