Day 1

Paro-Thimphu

Your Amankora Luxury Tour of Bhutan begins at the Paro International Airport, where you’ll be collected and transported to the capital city of Thimphu via car. When you reach the Amankora Thimphu resort just over an hour later, you’ll be ready to begin your exploration of the Bhutanese way of life by having your astrology read by the lodge’s resident astrologer. This is a great way to get acquainted with an important facet of the country’s culture; you might even catch a glimpse into the good fortune that awaits you during the rest of your week in Bhutan!

After the reading, take some time to check out the local markets. Another highlight of Thimphu is the Buddha Dordenma, a 50-meter bronze statue of the Shakyamuni Buddha that’s gilded in gold. The statue watches over the nearby Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park, making this a top destination for photographers. Tonight, don’t miss your chance to see the magnificently lit fortress known as Tashichhoedzong, which houses the headquarters of the king and other government ministry offices. Spend some time photographing its ethereal glow against the dark hills of the Thimphu Valley before retiring for an early night.

Day 2

Thimpu

Start your day by learning more about Buddhism in Bhutan with a private meeting with Mynak Trulku Rinpoche, a local guru and the 12th reincarnation of a venerated lama. This can take the form of a formal meditation session or a simple conversation over tea and coffee. This unique opportunity from Amankora will set the stage for your travels to come, allowing you to appreciate the sights of Bhutan with a greater cultural understanding. Later, explore Thimphu’s many restaurants and shops; if you’re in town between Thursday and Sunday, the Weekend Market is the place to be.

If you aren’t too jetlagged, consider hopping onto a bicycle and exploring Thimphu on two wheels. There are a few shops in town which rent bikes at a reasonable rate. If you prefer to hike, the walk to the Tango and Cheri monasteries is a good way to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery. After you’ve had your fill of sightseeing this evening, return to Amankora Thimphu. You can treat yourself to a rejuvenating oxygen facial or holistic oxygen treatment at the hotel spa.

Day 3

Thimphu-Punakha

Your morning begins with a three-hour drive from Thimphu to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. This route takes you over the scenic pass of Dochu La, where you’ll stop to visit a collection of 108 chortens while enjoying fabulous views of the Himalayas. Just above the chortens is the Royal Botanical Park. This is a great place to take a short hike amongst a staggering variety of rhododendron species. A few longer trails also start here; if you aren’t in a rush, you can hike for two or three hours to the 18th-century Lungchutse Gompa. Afterwards, enjoy a cup of coffee or a snack at the Druk Wangyel Cafe before hitting the road.

Upon arrival at Amankora Punakha, you’ll sit down to a private lunch or dinner along the banks of the Mo Chhu river. This is an intimate affair where your chef will prepare a customized four-course meal, set amid a private grove of pines just below the lodge. With your appetite now sated, you might be ready for a day hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Temple. This route takes you across a suspension bridge and along a pleasant forested trail for about an hour. Make sure to look for the temple’s vivid murals and enjoy some excellent views of the Punakha Valley before returning to the Amankora Punakha resort. When you’re ready to turn in for the night, wind down with a grounding face ritual at the hotel’s Aman Spa. This massage and acupressure treatment uses rose quartz crystal and frankincense to promote wellness and emotional healing.

Day 4

Punakha

Enjoy a day exploring the vibrant town of Punakha. Must-see attractions include the Punakha Dzong, which is widely regarded as the country’s most beautiful fortress, and the Chimi Lhakhang, or Temple of the Divine Madman. If you’re up for an adventure, you can embark on a private whitewater rafting trip on the thrilling Mo Chhu or comparatively placid Po Chhu river. You can also spend the day hiking. The three-hour trek to or from nearby Nobgang Village is one gentle and relaxing option. For a greater challenge, consider hiking to Hokatsho Lake, Bhutan’s largest lake. This is an all-day affair with at least six or seven hours of walking.

After you’ve worked up an appetite, sign up for a private cooking class with Amankora’s chef-in-residence. You’ll learn to make classic Bhutanese dishes—and then you’ll get to eat them! Return to the Punakha Dzong at night to see how its floodlight exterior lends a warm glow to the waters of the Mo Chhu and the surrounding hills.

Day 5

Punakha-Gangtey

Start your day with a two-hour drive from Punakha to Gangtey, located within the scenic Phobjikha Valley. If you’re visiting during the winter, make sure to try your hand at spotting migratory birds from the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre. Any time of the year is perfect for visiting the Gangtey Gompa, which commands magnificent views of the valley. Amankora will arrange for you to participate in a food offering ritual for the monks at this monastery; this is a time-honored tradition encouraging selflessness and accumulating merit.

Leaving the gompa behind you, follow the Gangtey Nature Trail for an hour and a half, passing beside peaceful monasteries and through Semchubara Village. The short hike ends at Khewang Lhakhang and offers good views of the valley all along the way. A longer day hike conveniently starts just behind the Amankora Gangtey resort. This is the Shashi La Nature Trail, which takes about three or four hours and offers a steeper, more challenging route. Whichever path you take, your first day in Gangtey will come to an end with a warm and romantic candlelit dinner. You’ll dine in a rustic stone-built potato harvesting shed, just a few minutes’ walk from the Amankora Gangtey resort.

Day 6

Gangtey-Paro

Start your day with one of Amankora’s famous private yoga lessons. One of the lodge’s expert instructors will introduce you to the basic precepts of this ancient discipline during an hour-long session. Once you’re warmed up, spend the afternoon exploring this part of rural Bhutan; there are lots of nature trails leading to monasteries, rhododendron forests, and small villages. Cyclists won’t want to miss the unpaved route leading to tiny Kilkhorthang Village; the locals here are especially welcoming to visitors.

For a unique cultural experience, make sure to visit the Bayta Primary School. The campus is comprised of two academic buildings and a few courts and fields for the students to play sports. Bring a gift of school supplies to the children, and you’ll be rewarded with lots of smiling faces. At the end of the day, enjoy a blazing sunset over the Phobjikha Valley from the comfort of a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath. This is the perfect opportunity to unwind with a mug of hot cider and to reflect on all of the experiences you’ve had so far.

Day 7

Gangtey-Bumthang

Wake up early to start the five-hour drive from Gangtey to Bumthang, the cultural capital of Bhutan. This is a long morning on the road, but your route passes through some of the most beautiful hills, valleys, and terraced fields in the country. Upon arrival at Amankora Bumthang, you’ll be welcomed with a Bumthang herbal compress treatment: a relaxing full-body massage that will wipe the stress of travel away.

Afterwards, spend your afternoon sightseeing in Bumthang. The Jakar Dzong, Kurje Lhakhang, and Tamzhing Lhündrup Monastery are particular highlights. A tour of the nearby Bumthang Brewery can also be combined with a stop at the Swiss Cheese Factory. You’ll enjoy sampling cheeses and Red Panda beer while learning how these products came to be made in the middle of the Himalayas. If you want to burn some calories, try the high-altitude Padstelling Hike. The trail begins right by the brewery and ascends to Padstelling Temple, with amazing views of the valley below.

Day 8

Bumthang

Your second day in Bumthang will be distinguished by the unique opportunity to participate in a full-day tshewang: a blessing ceremony for good health and longevity. The ritual will be conducted by the head of the nearby Wangdicholing palace and monastery, with the assistance of several monks. After the ceremony, spend some time exploring the palace and checking out its enormous water-powered prayer wheels. The palace is currently undergoing renovation and will be converted into a museum, which will be of special interest if you want to learn more about Bhutanese history and royalty.

If you have the time and energy, consider taking a day hike to Ngang Lhakhang. This is where the longer Bumthang Cultural Trek begins, but you can enjoy this part of the trail in about three hours. You’ll return to Amankora Bumthang in the evening to enjoy a barbecue dinner at the lodge’s fire pit. You can customize tonight’s menu according to your own tastes and relish your meal to the lively accompaniment of traditional local musicians.

Day 9

Bumthang-Paro

Make sure to get a window seat on your scenic morning flight from Bumthang to Paro. You’ll touch down in about an hour, leaving you with plenty of time to explore the Paro Valley. You can’t miss the hike to Paro Takstang, also known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Amankora Paro can arrange for a private barbecue lunch right at the base of the monastery. After your short trek to Bhutan’s most famous site, pay a visit to the ancient Kyichu Lhakhang and join a ceremony where no fewer than 108 butter lamps are lit to dispel ignorance. If you’re traveling with your spouse, you’ll also have the opportunity to renew your wedding vows in a one-of-a-kind Bhutanese marriage blessing at another local temple.

If you’d rather have a more active afternoon, there are some great hiking opportunities in and around Paro. The high pass of Chelela is just about an hour’s drive away and makes for a great round trip. This is the highest motorable point in the country at approximately 3,800 meters. From here, you can trek uphill for another hour to earn a great view of Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and other Himalayan peaks. You can also opt for a downhill hike to the dramatic, seldom-visited cliffside school of Kila Nunnery, which is home to about 100 nuns pursuing a higher education in Buddhist studies. At the end of the day, you’ll have a good selection of restaurants in Paro where you can savour your last dinner in Bhutan.

Day 10

Paro-Departure

Get ready to bid farewell to your guides and drivers; the Amankora Luxury Tour of Bhutan comes to an end with your morning departure from Paro International Airport. We can’t wait to see you again next time!