Bhutan in Style

Upon arrival in Thimphu airport, you will pass through immigration where you will present your Visa Approval letter and then make your way to the baggage delivery area where you will meet your guide. The transfer to Thimphu is approximately 90 minutes. Upon arrival, you will have time to settle into the hotel. In the afternoon you will have the choice to visit the National Memorial Chorten, the National Textile Museum, the Folk Heritage Museum or the National Library. Overnight at Amankora Thimphu .

Today you will travel to Punakha. Upon arrival, you will have time to take lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon you will explore the hidden village of Talo, home of the Queens’ and the valley’s protective deity, lhakhang. Later in the afternoon you can choose either to hike to an ancient monastery on the hilltop behind the lodge, or to enjoy the spa at the lodge. Overnight at Amankora Punakha . Approximate driving time: 3 hours

The day in Punakha Valley begins with a beautiful hike from the Punakha Lodge along the Mo Chhu thru terraces of rice, chillies and cabbage to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a monument recently built by the four queens of Bhutan. Following the hike, you will drive back up the valley towards Khuruthang, passing Punthsho Pelri Palace and several other winter homes of the royal family, before reaching the impressive Punakha Dzong. This ancient fortress is the winter residence of the monastic order’s head and still serves as the administrative headquarters for the Punakha region. A picnic lunch is served on the banks of the Punak Chu, before visiting the village of Lobesa where a short walk ends at Chimi Lhakhang, the auspicious fertility monastery built in 1499. Overnight again at Amankora Punakha .

You will depart early today for the dramatic drive over the high mountain pass of Dochu La and on to the Phobjika Valley. Sights along the way include one of Bhutan’s first fortress monasteries, the 17th century Simtokha Dzong, and ancient wall paintings at the Hongtsho Goemba monastery. The journey continues over the 3,050m mountain pass where, on a clear day, the towering Himalayan peaks are clearly visible. The descent down through the Punakha Valley along the Kingdom’s only east-west highway through the scenic village of Wangdi. The highway follows the scenic Dang Chhu before climbing through forests of bamboo and oak, and just before crossing the Pele La pass, a small side road splinters off to the hidden Phobjika Valley. Upon arrival, you will have time to visit the striking Gangtey Goemba, sitting at the head of the valley, and perhaps strolling through the quaint Gangtey village. Overnight at Amankora Gangtey . Approximate driving time: 2.5 hours

This morning will start with a visit to the Black Neck Crane Centre. Depending on the season, it is worthwhile to time spent in the Centre’s nearby hide to view the breeding cranes. Various walks or even a mountain bike ride through this magnificent valley can be arranged. Soak up the beauty of the valley from the Lodge for the remainder day. Overnight again at Amankora Gangtey .

After descending back down from Dochu La, you will follow your steps back up the dramatic Wang Chu and Paro Chu river valleys, before crossing thru Paro Town towards the north end of the valley. Here, set in a pine forest, you will find the Amankora lodge and spa. In the afternoon, there will be an opportunity for a quick stroll to the nearby ruins, a visit to some of the valley’s oldest and holiest religious monuments or a ramble down Paro’s main street. Evenings at Amankora may include informative lectures on the history, religion, flora and fauna of the region or an intriguing movie on the Himalayas. Overnight at Amankora Paro . Approximate driving time: 6 hours

The day starts with a visit to the National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Here, an intriguing collection of artefacts provide a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. In the afternoon, hike up to view one of Bhutan’s most revered monuments, the Taktshang Goemba, more commonly referred to as the “Tiger’s Nest”. The four-hour trek offers spectacular views of this sacred monastery perched on a cliff face 900m above the valley floor. Overnight again at Amankora Paro .

You will be transferred to the Paro airport in time for your morning flight to Delhi or Bangkok on Druk Air.