13 Days Aman Kora Journey

This morning you will head to the north end of the valley to view Trashi Chhoe Dzong, the seat of Bhutan's government and Royal offices, and pay a visit to Pangri Zampa, two 16th-century buildings that now house a monastic training school for astrologers. At the head of the valley, should you wish to stretch your legs, a short hike will take you to Cheri Goemba, the monastery where the first monastic body was established in the kingdom. Back in town, you should be able to visit a few of the capital's cottage industries like traditional paper making and the weaving centre.

An early departure for a dramatic drive over the high mountain passes of Dochu La and on to the Phobjikha Valley. Sights on 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, towering Himalayan peaks are clearly visible. The descent down through the Punakha Valley along the kingdom's only east-west highway continues on through the scenic village 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. On arrival you will have time to visit the striking Gangtey Goemba, sitting at the head of the valley, and perhaps stroll through the quaint Gangtey village or hike amongst the blooming rhododendrons behind the lodge.

This morning will start with a visit to the Black-Necked Crane Center and, dependent on the season, time spent in the center's nearby hide is a must to view the breeding cranes. Various walks or a mountain bike ride through this magnificent valley can be arranged. Soaking up the beauty of the valley from the lodge or returning to the revered Goemba for an audience with the Tulku may be attractive, relaxing alternatives for the day.

Today's journey onward to Jakar (Bumthang) is perhaps long, but certainly memorable with dramatic landscapes of terraced farmland, deep river valleys and precariously perched farmhouses viewed from the only east-west highway that has been ingeniously carved out of the mountain faces. 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 what was the original home of the royal family. Upon reaching Trongsa you may take time to stroll this quaint village and, official business permitting, perhaps visit the Trongsa Dzong, ancestral home to Bhutan's monarch where you will often find novice monks reciting mantras or practicing on sacred horns, flutes or drums. The drive onward to Bumthang takes you over the picturesque Yotong La and down into the Chhume Valley, home of Bhutan's famous Yatra weaving. Here you will have a chance to browse the traditional textiles and perhaps see the weavers create their intricate handiwork.

This morning you will explore the neighbouring palace, Wangdichhoeling, home to the 2nd King, and the auspicious prayer wheels next door. Heading up valley, you will take in the grand Kurjey Lhakhang, considered one of Bhutan's most auspicious monuments, that was once the resting place of Guru Rimpoche, and Jambay Lhakhang, home to the early winter festivals that draw thousands of Bhutanese for their annual blessings. Heading back into town and across the Bumthang Chhu, you will enjoy a visit to the sin-alleviating Tamshing Monastery followed by quick visits to the valley's unique cottage industries – Red Panda Brewery, Bumthang Cheese/Dairy Facility and the Bumthang Distillery, home to numerous distinctive spirits.

Today you will explore further in Bumthang district with an excursion to the stunningly beautiful Tang Valley. This seldom-visited valley offers a treat in revealing some off-the-beaten-path lhakhangs and monasteries, and the amazing museum at Ugen Chhoeling Palace. A short hike takes you up to this well-maintained palace and its cultural treasures inside. Along the way you will stop for a traditional picnic with breathtaking views of the pristine surroundings.

Today you will start with an early departure for the lengthy drive back to Punakha, retracing your journey westward. This full-day drive recrosses the picturesque Yotong La and Pele La passes, offering another opportunity to appreciate the dramatic mountain landscapes. You will stop again at Chendebji Chorten and perhaps for lunch in the Trongsa area. Upon entering the Punakha Valley in the late afternoon, you may stop to stretch your legs for a short walk through the valley floor.

Your day in Punakha Valley begins with a hike up through the banks of the Mo Chhu to the upper end of the valley to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument recently built by the Queens and consecrated in 1999. Returning down through the valley you will have plenty of time to take in the impressive Punakha Dzong, 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. Later a picnic lunch will be served on the banks of the Punak Chhu at a vantage point of the stunning dzong and confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu. Following lunch a quick drive will take you to the village of Talo where you will stop to walk the stunning, quiet grounds of the village temple and perhaps visit the home village of the kingdom's four Queens. Further hikes or valley excursions can be organized.

After descending back down from Dochu La, you will follow your way back up the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu river valleys, before crossing through Paro town towards the north end of the valley. Here, set in a pine forest, you will find the Amankora lodge and its spa. In the afternoon, there is 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.

The day starts with a visit to the National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Here, an intriguing collection of artefacts provides a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the kingdom. Just a short walk downhill lies the dominating Paro Dzong, a fine example of Bhutanese historic architecture. From the dzong, the tour crosses Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilever bridge, and guests are then driven to the town temple, built in 1525, to view ancient wall paintings. Paro options include picturesque picnic spots or, perhaps, a visit to a traditional farmhouse to lunch with the family. 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.

Morning drive to the base for the hike to Tiger’s Nest, the most revered temple in the country that literally hangs on a granite cliff overlooking the Paro valley. Most of the day will go on the hike. The hike is a moderate to challenging trek leading to the iconic Paro Taktsang Monastery. The hike is approximately 7km round-trip, with an elevation gain of about 518 meters. It typically takes 5 to 6 hours to complete, including a stop at the halfway cafeteria. The trail offers stunning views of the Paro Valley and features prayer flags and a scenic waterfall. If you have energy visit the Kichu Lakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan which marks the beginning of Buddhism in the country.

Early morning transfer to Paro International Airport (approximately 15 minutes) for your departure flight. Your tour staff will bid you farewell at the airport.