15 Days Aman Kora Journey

Today offers rich immersion into local living and culture. Begin with a morning hike to Cheri Goemba monastery, stopping at the 16th-century Pangri Zampa, now an astrology training school. Later, discover the art of paper making and incense rolling, browse Himalayan artefacts, or make your own stamp at the post office. For a unique experience, a hands-on, personalized painting session can be arranged, providing the opportunity to learn from highly skilled instructors who are graduates of Bhutan’s prestigious 13 Arts School. After lunch, head to Tashi Chhoe Dzong, the seat of government, before taking a sunset stroll past the Takin Animal Sanctuary for views over the valley.

This morning, after breakfast, hike to Phajoding (2,800 metres) for panoramic views of Thimphu Valley. The three-hour ascent and two-hour descent pass through mesmerising chir pine and rhododendron forests. The afternoon is at your leisure to relax at the lodge or further explore the capital’s sights.

Relax and enjoy the views on the journey from Thimphu to Punakha as your driver takes you over Dochu La Pass. En route, visit Simtokha Dzong, Bhutan’s first fortress, and the Hongtsho Goemba Monastery with its ancient wall paintings. The descent through the Punakha Valley follows the Kingdom’s only east-west highway, continuing on through the scenic village of Wangdi. After a picnic lunch, continue to Punakha, stopping at Chimi Lhakhang, the 15th-century fertility monastery where couples seek to be blessed with the gift of a child.

Start the morning with a beautiful hike from the lodge along the Mo Chhu through terraces of rice, chillies, and cabbage, leading to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a monument recently built by the four queens of Bhutan. Enjoy a traditional Bhutanese Farmhouse lunch at the lodge, then try your hand at archery, Bhutan’s national sport, in the afternoon.

Today, visit the hilltop Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang nunnery, offering panoramic views of Punakha and Wangduephodrang. Later, 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. Explore the valley further by foot, car or bike, and take a trip to its iconic suspension bridge.

Today’s journey to Phobjikha is brief. The highway follows the scenic Dang Chhu before climbing through forests of bamboo and oak. Just before crossing the Pele La pass, a small side road splinters off to the hidden Phobjikha Valley. On arrival, explore Gangtey village and visit the historic Gangtey Goemba, with its ancient altars and sweeping vistas. If the Gangtey Trulku is in residence, an audience for a blessing can also be arranged.

This morning, embark on the awe-inspiring Longtey hike after breakfast. The trail winds through forest, ascending to a ridge with stunning views of Gangtey Valley. Dependent on the season, a visit to the Black Neck Crane Centre and its nearby hide is a must to view the breeding cranes. Return to the lodge to refuel with a Potato Shed Dinner, an authentic Bhutanese meal in a cosy, candlelit hut warmed by a traditional wood-burning stove.

Take a scenic five-hour drive to Bumthang via Bhutan’s east-west highway. Stop briefly at Chendebji Chorten, then continue to Trongsa, the royal family’s ancestral home. Explore the village or visit the inspiring Trongsa Dzong. Cross the scenic Yotong La Pass into Chhume Valley, known for Yathra weaving. On reaching the lodge, visit the adjacent Wangdichhoeling Palace, once home to Bhutan’s second King.

Begin your day exploring Jambay Lhakhang – host to winter festivals attracting thousands for sacred blessings – and Kurjey Lhakhang, a sacred site linked to Guru Rinpoche. Afterwards, visit the Tamzhing Monastery, known for its unique murals. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to soak in the serene atmosphere of the Bumthang Valley.

Journey to the serene Tang Valley, home to hidden temples and monasteries. Visit Membartsho (Burning Lake), where legend says Pema Lingpa emerged with treasures and a lit butter lamp. Discover a nunnery and Ta Rimochen Lhakhang, a 14th-century temple where Guru Rinpoche once meditated.

Transfer to the airport for a scenic 45-minute flight from Bumthang to Paro. Upon arrival, travel north to the lodge, tucked within a tranquil pine forest. In the afternoon, there is an opportunity for a quick stroll to the nearby ruins, a visit to the National Museum showcasing Bhutan’s rich culture, or a ramble down Paro’s main street.

After a hearty breakfast, drive north to the base of the valley for a hike up to the Drukgyel Dzong Fortress. Afterwards, visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the first Buddhist temples built in the country, and stroll through Paro Old Town. Evenings at Amankora may include informative lectures on the history, religion, flora and fauna of the region or an intriguing movie on the Himalayas.

This morning, visit one of Bhutan’s most dramatic monuments, the Taktsang Goemba, more commonly referred to as the Tiger’s Nest, built on a sheer cliff face at an altitude of 2,950 metres. The journey is a moderate to challenging hike, approximately 7km round-trip, and typically takes 5 to 6 hours, including a stop at the halfway cafeteria. The trail offers spectacular views of this sacred monastery perched on the rocks, 900 metres above the valley floor. After the rewarding hike, return to the lodge for a well-deserved Amankora Holistic Massage. For dinner, traditional dress (gho or kira) will be available for you to wear, on loan from the lodge for your final evening while you enjoy a hearty Bhutanese meal.

Early morning transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure flight. Bid farewell to Bhutan, taking the 30-minute journey from the lodge to the airport.