Arrival Early this morning you will fly to Paro, Bhutan. Experience breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks as you descend into this remote land. The flight into Paro is one of the most spectacular in the world. On arrival you are greeted by your local Amankora guide. Your itinerary has been tailored to remain as flexible as possible. As your guide will be with you throughout your journey, you will be able to discuss your itinerary in advance. A 1.5 hour drive away, Thimphu lies in a steep valley at an altitude of 2,350m (7,709ft). Upon arrival at Amankora Thimphu, you settle in and have lunch. As the capital, Thimphu is home to many attractions and you may choose to visit the Institute of Traditional Medicines, School of Arts and Crafts and the Folk Heritage Museum and Simply Bhutan, museums depicting Bhutan’s ancient cultural heritage. Other sights include the National Library, the Textile Museum, the Weaving Center, Buddha Point and the National Memorial Chorten. Alternatively, if you wish to stretch your legs after the long journey, you can opt for a mild hike with a good view, such as the Wangditse Leisure Forest trail. To end the day you can try a hot oil head massage, Amankora Thimphu Spa signature treatment which is based on the ancient healing system of Ayurveda. Overnight – Amankora Thimphu

This morning, a short hike will take you to Cheri Goemba, the monastery where the first monastic body was established in the Kingdom. On the way back you can pay a visit to Pangri Zampa, two 16th century buildings that now house a monastic training school for astrologers. Back in town you can visit a few of the capital’s cottage industries ranging from traditional paper making to hand rolled incense and perhaps you can stroll the main street for some interesting Himalayan artefacts and make your own stamp at the post office. On weekends you can visit the Craft Bazar or Vegetable markets. After lunch, you can head to the north end of the valley to visit the Trashi Chhoe Dzong, the seat of Bhutan’s government and Royal offices, As the sun sets you can take a stroll via the Takin animal sanctuary for a beautiful view over the Thimphu valley. According to local legend the Takins are believed to be part cow and part goat.. Alternatively, you can visit the Thimphu Golf Club for nine holes of golf played amongst Chortens and beautiful landscapes. As this course is situated at 2,350 meters (over 7,700 ft) above sea level, it gives that extra mile as balls fly further in the thin mountain air (chargeable activity). In the evening we can arrange a private meeting with the Mynak Trulku at the lodge to get your questions about Buddhism answered. He is the 12th reincarnate lama of the famous Mynak Rinpoche (chargeable activity). Overnight – Amankora Thimphu

An early departure for a dramatic drive over the high mountain pass of the 3,050m mountain pass Dochu La where on a clear day, towering Himalayan peaks are visible. Sights on the way to Phobjikha Valley include one of Bhutan’s first fortress monasteries, the 17th century Simtokha Dzong, and ancient wall paintings at the Hongtsho Goemba monastery. The descent down through the tropical Punakha Valley along the Kingdom’s only east-west highway, continues on through the scenic villages of Wangdi. Carrying on 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 Phobjikha Valley. Gangtey has an elevation of 3,000m (9,842ft) and is a place with natural beauty, untouched scenery, local traditions and culture, and unconstrained peacefulness. On arrival you will have time for a causal stroll through the quaint Gangtey village before visiting the ancient altars and ramparts of the massive Gangtey Goemba, sitting at the head of the valley. Should the Gangtey Trulku be in residence then an audience for a highly revered blessing may be arranged. Overnight – Amankora Gangtey

This morning will start with the pleasurable Nature Trail through flower meadows, pine forests and into the open valley.. If you are looking for a longer and more challenging hike, consider the majestic Longtey Hike which will offer you some breath-taking views and takes you through mystifying old-growth rhododendron forest. You can also visit the Black Neck Crane Center and dependent on the season, spend time in the center’s nearby hide to view the breeding cranes which come in winter from Tibet. A not to be missed activity in Gangtey is the traditional Hot Stone Bath. It is an unforgettable experience to soak in the wooden tub in a candle lit stone hut while you enjoy the open views of the magnificent Phobjikha Valley. Your body will benefit from the minerals in the heated stones and the healing effects of local herbs (chargeable activity). Most guests combine the Hot Stone Bath with the romantic Potato-Shed Dinner for rounding up a truly Bhutanese evening. After the relaxing bath you will enjoy a delicious Bhutanese meal with hundreds of flickering candles while the bhukari, the traditional wood-burning oven, makes the shed comfortably warm (chargeable activity). Due to the popularity of the Hot Stone Bath and the Potato-Shed Dinner, we recommend to pre- book these experiences. Overnight – Amankora Gangtey

Today’s journey onward to Bumthang is 5 hours long, but certainly memorable with dramatic landscapes of terraced farmland, deep river valleys and precariously perched farmhouses viewed from the only east west highway. Following a brief stop at Chendebji Chorten, which according to belief was built to cover the remains of a demon spirit, you will carry on to Trongsa, the original home of the royal family. Reaching there, you may take time to stroll this quaint village, and perhaps visit the large Trongsa Dzong. The drive onward to Bumthang takes you over the picturesque Yotong La pass and down into the Chhume Valley, home of Bhutan’s famous Yathra weaving. Here you will have a chance to browse the traditional textiles and perhaps see the weavers create their intricate handiwork. Bumthang Valley at 2,580m (8,464ft) is covered with fields of buckwheat, millet and potato, with apple orchards climbing up the slopes to mix with the deep pine forest. Across the valley lie many of the Kingdom’s most auspicious and highly revered houses of worship and ancient monasteries, many decorated with still vibrant wall paintings and richly adorned altars, all with colorful, mystical history. Upon arrival at the lodge, you have time to explore our neighboring palace, Wangdichhoeling, previously home to the second King, and the auspicious prayer wheels. Overnight-Amankora Bumthang

Heading up valley, you will visit Jambay Lhakhang, home to the early winter festivals that draw thousands of Bhutanese for their annual blessings and then the grand Kurjey Lhakhang, considered one of Bhutan’s most auspicious monuments, that was once the resting place of Guru Rimpoche. Just a short walk away you can enjoy traditional Bumthap Farmhouse Lunch where you can experience traditional Bhutanese food in authentic surroundings including Bumthang specialties made from local products. Heading back into town and across the Bumthang Chhu, you will enjoy a visit to the sin alleviating Tamshing Monastery. Don’t miss a visit to the valley’s unique cottage industries – Red Panda Brewery, Cheese/Dairy Facility and the Distillery, home to numerous distinctive spirits. We recommend you to try the local beer and cheese tasting(chargeable activity). To unwind, relax with a Zen Massage, Bumthang’s signature treatment where dynamic stretches and pressure point stimulation are followed by soothing oil massage techniques (chargeable activity). Overnight – Amankora Bumthang

Today you will explore further the Bumthang district with an excursion to the stunningly beautiful Tang Valley. This seldom visited valley offers a treat in revealing some off the beaten track temples and monasteries. On the way, don’t miss to stop at the Burning Lake (Membartsho), where the story has it that Pema Lingpa had a dream that he dove into the river pool carrying a burning butter lamp in his hand and returned with treasures and the lamp still burning. After, you can visit the nunnery as well as Ta Rimochen Lhakhang which was built by Pema Lingpa in the 14th century whose temple is dominated by an enormous rock at which Guru Rimpoche meditated. Then, continue to the amazing museum at Ugen Chhoeling Palace. The exhibits offer a rare insight into Bhutanese culture, lifestyle, history and religion. A short hike takes you up to this well maintained palace and its cultural treasures inside. Along way you will stop for a traditional picnic with breathtaking views of the pristine surroundings. Alternatively, for those who would like to explore the valley on foot, Tang Valley offers various hiking trails. Overnight – Amankora Bumthang

Today you will start with an early departure for the 6.5 hour drive to Punakha. Following the same route as the drive to Bumthang from Gangtey, on the way we will stop to visit the Ta Dzong (Watch Tower) which was converted into the museum in 2008 and showcases some of the rare and priceless artefacts belonging to the monarchy. After a stop for a picnic lunch we continue on to Punakha which sits on an elevation of 1,250 m (4,100 ft) m in a fertile and warm valley at the junction of the Mo Chhu (Female River) and Pho Chhu (Male River). The sub-tropical environment allows the cultivation of rice and numerous fruits such as oranges, mangoes and bananas. When entering Punakha valley, you can visit Chimi Lhakhang, the auspicious fertility monastery built in 1499 where numerous couples visit to pray to become pregnant and receive a wang (blessing) from the saint with the ‘magic thunderbolt of wisdom’. Alternatively, if you feel like stretching your legs you can walk the short Punakha Lodge Loop to stretch your legs after the long drive. Enjoy the evening in the courtyard of the Punakha lodge or unwind with a massage or a facial, Punakha’s signature treatment. Overnight – Amankora Punakha

Today you can start the morning with a hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument recently built by the Queens and consecrated in 1999. Following the hike you can visit the Punakha Dzong. The impressive Punakha Dzong is home to the remains of Bhutan’s first ruler, Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal, and the winter residence of the monastic order’s leader and his entourage of monks. A popular option for a different lunch or dinner experience is the Private Riverside BBQ. Just below the lodge, you sit in the shade of pine trees and enjoy the views and sounds of the river, the rice fields and the Himalayan mountain peaks while smelling the charcoal of the food sizzling on the grill. The dinner experience is more romantic with candle light, lanterns and a bonfire (chargeable activity). As our BBQ is very popular, we recommend you to pre-book this experience. In the afternoon you can try your skills in archery, the national sport of Bhutan, or sign up for a Bhutanese cooking class to learn how to make Momos, the traditional Bhutanese dumplings, and the famous Ema Datse (chargeable activity). Overnight Amankora Punakha

The four-hour journey to Paro takes you again across the impressive Dochu La pass. For lunch you can either stop at Thimphu lodge or enjoy picnic lunch at any beautiful spot on your way back along the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu valleys. After crossing through Paro Town you will find the Amankora Paro lodge set in a pine forest towards the north end of the valley. In the afternoon, there is time for a short stroll from the lodge, walking across open fields and past village houses. Before the sun sets, sit down by the big prayer wheel below the ruins of the Drukgyel Dzong, and relax whilst admiring the rural scenery and changing sky. Alternatively, there is an opportunity to try your hand at the ancient sport of archery. We have for you a set of traditional bows and arrows to enjoy our national game with reduced distance of about 70 meters between the two targets. Evenings at Amankora Paro may include informative lectures on Gross National Happiness, traditional cultural performances, prayer flag printing or an intriguing movie on the Himalayas. Overnight – Amankora Paro

This morning you bid farewell to Bhutan. Your driver takes you to the Paro International Airport, a drive of approx. 30 minutes from the lodge. We recommend you to be there 2 hours prior to departure. Have a save journey home and we hope to welcome you back in the Land of the Thunder dragon!