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Travel to Bhutan, Nepal & India Independent & group travel experts
Travel to Bhutan, Nepal & India Independent & group travel experts
Page updated – 10 October 24
This luxury 7 night Amankora journey includes stays at 4 Amankora luxury lodges in Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha & Paro Valleys.
This tour features the most important sights in Thimphu city; the splendour of the magnificent Punakha Dzong; the remote beauty of the Phobjikha valleys & finally a special pilgrimage hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tigers Nest) in Paro.
This luxury tour combines the very best the Kingdom of Bhutan has to offer the discerning traveller in the west Bhutan & can be tailored to suit your exact requirements.
Please note this suggested 7 night itinerary (detailed below) is the minimum duration possible and features 4 of the 5 Amankora lodges. To travel to all five Amankora lodges we would recommend a 10 night + itinerary. This will allow more time to explore each valley in a relaxed manner.
Departures are daily, all year round, subject to lodge availability. Please note Gangtey lodge, in Phobjikha, offers only 8 suites and is regularly fully booked in peak season months. Booking early is essential.
01 JUN to 31 AUG 24 & 01 to 31 DEC 24 : Amankora Journey 7 nts
Stay 7 nts: Pay for 5 nts: US$6060.00 pp Twin/DBL share + 2 nts SDF.
6th night US$100.00 per person SDF only
7th night US$100.00 per person SDF only
SDF = Sustainable Development Fee.
01 JUN to 31 AUG 24 & 01 to 31 DEC 24 : Amankora Journey 9 nts
Stay 9 nts: Pay for 7 nts: US$8464.00 pp Twin/DBL share + 2 nts SDF.
8th night US$100.00 per person SDF only
9th night US$100.00 per person SDF only
SDF = Sustainable Development Fee.
OR CALL THE BHUTAN TRAVEL EXPERTS ON
James – 0412 416 111, Nicola – 0413 598 669
01 SEPTEMBER – 30 NOVEMBER 24 & 01 MARCH – 30 APRIL 2025
Per Person
DOUBLE/TWIN SUITE
US$8870.00 pp
TRIPLE SUITE
US$7563.00 pp
SINGLE OCCUPANCY SUITE
US$15366.00 pp
Rates & govt taxes are subject to change without notice.
Extra night costs 01 SEP to 30 NOV 2024 & MAR 2025
01-DECEMBER 24 – 28 FEBRUARY & 01 MAY – 31 AUGUST 2025
Per Person
DOUBLE/TWIN SUITE
US$ 8464.00 pp
TRIPLE SUITE
US$ 7293.00 pp
SINGLE OCCUPANCY SUITE
US$ 14554.00 pp
Rates & govt taxes are subject to change without notice.
Extra night costs 01 DEC 2024 to 28 FEB & 01 MAY – 31 AUG 2025
01 SEPTEMBER – 30 NOVEMBER 2025
Per Person
DOUBLE/TWIN SUITE
US$ 9073.00 pp
TRIPLE SUITE
US$ 7699.00 pp
SINGLE OCCUPANCY SUITE
US$ 15772.00 pp
Rates & govt taxes are subject to change without notice.
Extra night costs 01 SEP – 30 NOV 2025
8th & 9th night @US$1289.00 per person twin/double.
10th night click here for details.
01 – 31 December 2025, 01 January – 28 February 2026
Per Person
DOUBLE/TWIN SUITE
US$ 8667.00
TRIPLE SUITE
US$ 7428.00
SINGLE OCCUPANCY SUITE
US$ 17960.00
Rates & govt taxes are subject to change without notice.
Extra night costs 01-31 DEC 25 & 01 JAN – 28 FEB 2026
8th & 9th night @US$1231.00 per person twin/double.
10th night click here for details.
These conditions cover land travel arrangements only, not airfares, which are subject to their own cancellation conditions.
Paro Airport to Thimphu city. (1.5 hrs drive)
Your flight to Bhutan offers a wonderful introduction as it weaves through the valley before landing at Paro Airport. After clearing customs & immigration meet your private Amankora professional guide & driver for a 1.5 hour SUV transfer to Amankora Thimphu, a 16-suite lodge. Amankora Thimphu lies in a steep pine forested valley, above Thimphu city, and at an altitude of 2,350 metres (7,709 feet).
Take an afternoon orientation tour of Thimphu city. Options include the celebrated Royal Textiles Academy; the Folk Heritage Museum; Zorig Chusum – the Institute of the 13 Arts & Crafts of Bhutan; a “kora” at the National Memorial Chorten and the Takin Preserve. This is home to Bhutan’s most unusual national mammal. Alternatively relax and sample the delights of the lodge and its spa.
Overnight – Amankora Luxury Lodge Thimphu
Thimphu to Phobjikha Valley. (5 hrs)
Depart Thimphu and visit the awesome Golden Buddha which affords magnificent views across the Thimphu Valley. For those with more energy we recommend the 3 km (1 hour) hike through the adjacent National Park.
Continue eastwards over Dochu La (pass-3116m) viewing the 108 stupas. On clear days witness the magnificent eastern Himalaya vista. Descending into the Punakha valley continue on via Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. The road follows the scenic Dang Chhu (river) before climbing through forests of bamboo and oak.
Finally a small side road splinters off into the very beautiful hidden Phobjikha Valley. At an altitude of 3,000 metres (9,842 feet), this glacial valley is home of the rural settlement of Gangtey. On a forested knoll close to the valley floor is the very special Amankora Gangtey, an intimate 8-suite lodge.
After late lunch visit the striking Gangtey Goempa sitting at the head of the valley. After that take a stroll through the quaint Gangtey village.
Overnight – Amankora Luxury Lodge Gangtey
Sightseeing Phobjikha Valley.
This morning will start with a visit to the Black Neck Crane Centre. Depending on the season, time spent in the centre’s nearby hide is a must to view the breeding cranes. The cranes are an endangered species who arrive from Tibet in late October and depart again in early March. After lunch hike the valley Nature Trail, a 1.5-2 hour easy walk along the valley floor.
Alternatively, we can start the day with a moderate grade hike across meadows and fields that ascend to the Tselela pass through mixed forest of Juniper, Bamboo, Magnolia and Rhododendron. Meet the people of Gogona who speak a language called Bjopkha – the language of nomads. Their life in this isolated valley has encouraged them to continue using their ancient dialect. Visit the Gogona Goempa and after a picnic lunch, walk back the same route to Gangtey. Note – guests can shorten treks after a certain point and travel back by SUV to take late lunch at the lodge.
Overnight – Amankora Luxury Lodge Gangtey
Phobjikha to Punakha. (3hrs)
Today you will have a leisurely start for your drive back westwards to the Punakha Valley. On arrival stop for a stroll up to the Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the ‘monastery of the Mad Monk’. This auspicious fertility monastery built in 1499 enjoys a very colourful history which your guide will explain to you. It is still a place of important cultural significance today where females come to receive a ‘wang’, a fertility blessing to aid pregnancy.
At an altitude of 1,300 metres (4,265 feet), Punakha Valley is one of the lowest lying valleys in Bhutan and enjoys a warmer climate. Amankora Punakha is accessed via a suspension bridge over the Mo Chhu (river) and a short drive by buggy takes you to the lodge comprising a former royal farmhouse combined with modern 8 suite accommodation and spa facilities set among the paddy fields and fruit plantations.
This afternoon enjoy a short hike or horse ride in the valley, spend time mixing with the locals in the town or relax and enjoy the delights of the lodge and spa.
Overnight – Amankora Luxury Lodge Punakha
Sightseeing Punakha Valley.
The day in Punakha Valley begins with a hike through terraces of rice, chillies and cabbage along the banks of the Mo Chhu (river) to the upper end of the valley. Here you will find the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten. This is a stunning monument built by a former Queen of Bhutan to protect the current 5th King from perceived misfortunes.
After lunch visit the very impressive Punakha Dzong, Bhutan’s best, and home to the remains of Bhutan’s first ruler, Shabdrung Narwang Namgyal. It is also the winter residence of the Monk Body of Bhutan. If time permits drive to the nearby village of Talo, via a stop at the local nunnery, and wander through the beautiful grounds of the village temple.
Overnight – Amankora Luxury Lodge Punakha
Punakha to Paro Valley. (4 hrs 30 mins)
After a leisurely breakfast the final leg of your ‘kora’ takes you westwards to the Paro Valley. After descending from Dochu La (pass) you will follow the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu (rivers) valleys before passing through Paro town en route to the Amankora Lodge located further up the valley. Paro Valley sits on an elevation of 2,250 metres (7,382 feet).
A hidden pine forest trail leads you across a small brook and into a clearing where you will find the wonderful Amankora Paro. This 24-suite lodge and spa offers a range of unique healing and rejuvenating treatments. In the afternoon, there is an opportunity for a stroll to the nearby ruins of the Drugyel Dzong, or take a visit to the Paro Dzong & the National Museum.
Not far from the lodge is Kyichu Lhakhang, a revered temple with historic & cultural significance. Furthermore it features an orange tree that perpetually bears fruit. This afternoon after arrival at the Paro lodge perhaps enjoy a walk to the recently restored Drugyel Dzong. This is the historical site of the Fort of Drukpa Victory, from which the Bhutanese used to repel the Tibetan invaders again and again.
Overnight – Amankora Luxury Lodge Paro
Sightseeing Paro & Taktsang Monastery Hike.
Start the day with a pilgrimage hike to view one of Bhutan’s most revered monuments, the Taktsang Monastery. More commonly referred to as the“Tigers Nest “, Taktsang is a most revered place and all Bhutanese Buddhists try to take the pilgrimage to this monastery at least once in their lives. Each step taken on the path counts as merit points for their future.
For those with limited time, or fitness, a 1.5 hour round trip hike to the monastery viewpoint is an excellent compromise and it offers a good cafeteria for lunch or refreshments.
The full 4-5 hour round trip hike into the monastery itself, perched on a cliff face 800 m above the valley floor, is very rewarding. However a good standard of fitness and ability to handle plenty of steep steps is essential. This hike will be one of your trip highlights and is a fitting end to your Bhutan experience. Amankora will pack you a picnic lunch as an option on this hike.
In the afternoon take a visit to the town temple, built in 1525, to view ancient wall paintings. A wander along Paro main street for handicrafts and jewellery is a great way to end your journey or simply relax and enjoy your afternoon at the lodge and spa.
Overnight – Amankora Luxury Lodge Paro
Depart Paro.
Your guide & driver will transfer you to Paro Airport after an early breakfast. The transfer time is approximately 30 minutes and you are advised to arrive at the airport two hours before your international flight departure.
Better still, consider a longer stay of up to 10-11 nights and include the central Bumthang region of Bhutan.
Tashi Delek! You have completed your rewarding “kora”.