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Landlocked by the mighty Himalayas, what Bhutan offers in unique cultural experiences and Buddhist spirituality, it matches in enchanting scenery and diverse wildlife. With nights in Delhi before and after your Bhutan itinerary, stay in three of Amankora’s luxurious lodges across the country, enjoying various excursions and Bhutanese activities alongside your local guide.
Hike in the stunning Thimpu Valley, uncovering monasteries, heritage buildings and spectacular sunsets
Why not learn how to make momos, traditional Bhutanese dumplings, at a cookery class?
Visit an array of stunning Buddhist landmarks, each with their own story to tell
Built on a sheer cliff face at an altitude of 2,950m, ascend the iconic Taktsang Goemba (Tiger’s Nest) monastery in Paro
Helpful and friendly while always giving you your own space, a local guide from Amankora will accompany you throughout your itinerary of Bhutan, ensuring that each excursion is perfect for you and sharing their passion and knowledge of the mystical kingdom.
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Stay for one night at the luxurious Oberoi, Gurgaon, a nine-acre sanctuary that is conveniently located for the airport, as well as the treasures of Delhi.
Transfer to Delhi International Airport for your flight to Paro. Meet your friendly guide, who will remain with you throughout your journey, and take a private car transfer to Amankora Thimphu Lodge.
Breakfast
Your first Amankora lodge is in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan nestled within a steep valley. After settling in, it’s time to see the sights of the city – including the National Library, Textile Museum and Buddha Point – or you can head into your stunning surroundings with an easy hike along the Wangditse Leisure Forest trail. Discover the Cheir Goemba monastery and the 16th century Pangri Zampa, before learning more about Thimphu’s cottage industries, from traditional paper making to hand rolled incense. Visit the Trashi Chhoe Dzong, the seat of Bhutan’s government, enjoying stunning sunset views as you stroll past a takin sanctuary, a unique cattle species. According to local legend, the takins are believed to be part cow and part goat.
Take a private car transfer to Amankora Punakha Lodge. This scenic drive will take you over the mountain pass of Dochu La and the Punakha Valley, while sights on the way include the 17th century Simtokha Dong and Hongtsho Goemba monastery.
All-Inclusive (some drinks restrictions)
From Amankora Punakha Lodge, visit a selection of fascinating monuments – including Chimi Lhakhang, a monastery dedicated to fertility built in 1499, and Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stupa built by the Bhutanese Queen’s mother. Try your hand at archery, the national sport of Bhutan, before the option of signing up to a cookery class to make traditional dumplings - please note that an additional charge applies. Another popular dining choice here is a private riverside barbecue, where fresh and simply delicious Bhutanese cuisine is served, backed by glorious views of pine trees, rice fields and mountain peaks.
Take a private car transfer to Amankora Paro Lodge.
Your final hideaway is the Amankora Paro Lodge, nestled within thick pines and surrounded by mountain peaks. Enjoy a stroll across open fields and local villages, before soaking up the sunset from the ruins of the Drukgyel Dzong. Visit the National Museum, home to a wealth of rich cultural artefacts, and take the short walk to the Paro Dzong, crossing the traditional cantilever bridge Nyamai Zampa. In the town’s temple, marvel at the impressive ancient wall paintings. While in Paro, you will also tackle one of Bhutan’s most famous treks to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, the place where Buddhism was said to have arrived in Bhutan. The trek takes around four hours, offering magnificent views over the valley.
Take a private car transfer to Paro International Airport and bid goodbye to your guide before your flight to Delhi. Here, take a private car transfer to The Oberoi, Gurgaon.
Stay for a final night at The Oberoi, Gurgaon. Make the most of the impressive Oberoi Spa, the Olympic-sized outdoor swimming pool and fine dining cuisine from across the globe.
Take a private car transfer to Delhi International Airport for your flight to the UK.
In Bhutan’s beautiful Thimphu Valley, a short morning hike will take you to Cheri Goemba monastery, followed by the 16th-century Pangri Zampa, which now houses a monastic training school for astrologers. Back in the town, learn more about Bhutan’s capital’s cottage industries - from traditional paper making to hand rolled incense - browse Himalayan artefacts along the main street, and make your own stamp at the post office. After lunch, head to the north of the valley to visit the striking Trashi Chhoe Dzong, the seat of Bhutan’s government and royal offices. As the sun sets, take a stroll past the takin sanctuary (a hoofed mammal) for a beautiful view over the Thimphu valley. According to local legend, the takins are believed to be part cow and part goat. Your itinerary here is customisable according to your interests and there will be chance to discuss with your guide before setting off.
Upon arrival in Punakha Valley – which lies at an altitude of 1,250 metres - pay a visit to Chimi Lhakhang, built over half a millennium ago by Ngawang Choegyel, the 14th Drukpa hierarch. It is perhaps more commonly known as The Fertility Temple due to the Buddhist belief that it aids fertility. As a result, thousands pilgrimage to the temple in the hopes of having a child, receiving a wang (blessing) from a saint.
Discover the delights of the Punakha Valley with your Amankora guide. Start the morning with a hike to Khasum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a striking monument built by the Bhutanese Queen’s Mother with the aim to protect Bhutan from evil forces and help bring peace to the world. Despite its relatively recent construction, the stupa was built in strict accordance with traditional teachings and offers a glorious glimpse into Bhutanese Buddhist culture. Then, visit the impressive Punakha Dzong, the administrative centre of the Punakha district. With simply stunning exteriors, all of Bhutan’s kings have been crowned here, while it remains the winter residence of the Ratshang (official monk body). Your itinerary here is customisable according to your interests and there will be chance to discuss with your guide before setting off.
Begin the day with a visit to Paro’s National Museum, perusing a range of artefacts and exhibitions that introduce you to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. Then, take a short walk downhill to the striking Paro Dzong, a building that flaunts stunning Bhutanese architecture and spectacular valley views. From the Dzong, the tour crosses Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilever bridge, followed by a drive to the town’s temple, built in 1525. Here, peruse the impressive selection of ancient wall paintings. After lunch – at a picturesque picnic spot or traditional farmhouse - visit the uniquely shaped Dumtse Lhakhang, a Buddhist temple and unique repository of Kagyu lineage arts. Your itinerary here is customisable according to your interests and there will be chance to discuss with your guide before setting off.
Takstang Goemba – or Tiger’s Nest Monastery – is perhaps the best known of Bhutan’s Buddhist landmarks, perched on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the ground. A four-hour trek past colourful prayer flags (accompanied by mules and donkeys if required) promises spellbinding views of the valley and blue pine forest. Reaching the dramatic buildings, take off your shoes and backpacks and take a look around the magnificent monastery, browsing the beautiful paintings, ornate thrones and sacred objects. After lunch back at the lodge, a drive to the outskirts of Paro will take you to the 7th century twin temples of Kyichu Lhakhang, some of the first to be built in the country.
October to December, and March to April, are great for visiting Bhutan, due to pleasant temperatures and sunny skies.
11 NIGHTS FROM £7,350 per person
Price based upon economy flights from London, transfers, UK airport lounge passes and meals and excursions as specified.
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