5-day Trekking Trails in the Land of the Thunder Dragon
Located between the Tibetan Plateau and India, Bhutan is one of the most remote and unaltered environments on earth. To fully experience the cultural traditions, scenic beauty and spirituality of this sole surviving Himalayan Buddhist Kingdom, Aman Resorts recommends journeys of seven nights or more. However, Aman Resorts has also created exclusive 4-night offers in the valleys of Paro to give travellers a taste of this unique destination.
Discover the beauty of Bhutan on foot with a hiking programme.
For those preferring the option of a more relaxing day, one of the tour days can be replaced with a visit to Bhutan’s capital city of Thimphu. The day includes a short hike in the morning with museum visits and shopping in the afternoon.
Itinerary
Day 01 / Arrive Paro
From the flight in, weaving through the valley, arrival in Bhutan is like no other. The 30-minute transfer takes guests from Paro’s International Airport to Amankora Paro. After lunch, hike to the dramatic ruins of Drukyel Dzong and continue on to the Paro Chhu (river) before heading through beautifully-terraced fields of rice and buckwheat. Village hamlets dot the landscape against a richly-forested backdrop. In the evening, enjoy a discussion about the area’s nature and wildlife.
Overnight Amankora Paro.
Day 02 / Paro
Following a sunkey ceremony or travel blessing in the morning, hike to the revered 7th century ‘Tiger’s Nest’ or Taktsang Lhakhang, following the trail of one of the most frequented pilgrimages in the Himalayas. After a picnic lunch on descent, spend the afternoon in the Paro Dzong and nearby National Museum, with a stroll through Paro Town. The evening will begin with a relaxing hot stone bath followed by a Swedish-style massage.
Overnight in Amankora Paro.
Day 03 / Paro
Begin the day’s trek above the National Museum in apple and peach orchards, crossing through a series of quaint hamlets and an ancient pine and oak forest. Above the tree line, the trail continues to a ridge affording 300 degree vistas of the Himalaya. A short hike ends at Jili Dzong, one of the Kingdom’s oldest fortresses. A choice of descents is possible before returning to the lodge where a steam or sauna will reward the day’s challenging walk.
Overnight in Amankora Paro.
Day 04 / Paro
An early start to the final day of activities begins with a drive up Paro Valley and then a gradual ascent up the 4,000m Cheli La Pass. The all-day trek offers incredible views of not only the Haa and Paro Valleys, but also the Himalayan backdrop that runs along the border with Tibet. Following the ridge line, hike down to Paro Valley at various points or stretch on to the Sagala Pass at 3,300m and then drop down to Amankora’s back door. Along the way, wildlife including forest cocks, barking deer and occasional snow leopard may be seen. Bhutan’s national flower, the rare blue poppy, also grows along this route. Back at the lodge, a steam or sauna, followed by a deep tissue oil massage, provides relaxation from the day’s exertions. International departure follows the next morning.
Overnight in Amankora Paro.
Day 05 / Depart Paro
Early morning transfer to airport for international departure. Tashi Delek!
Tour Cost
- US$5,860 Suite (Double Occupancy)
- US$5,230 Suite (Single Occupancy)
Other Costs
- USD $916 Return airfare from Bangkok to Paro
- USD $460 Return airfare from Kathmandu to Paro
- USD $540 Return airfare from Calcutta to Paro
Above airfares are indicative only. Actual cost will be advised at the time of booking.
Tour Validity
- Oct 01, 2008 – Sep 31, 2010
Tour Inclusions
- Rates listed include accommodation for 04 nights in Amankora Paro, all meals and house beverages, laundry, airport transfers to and from Amankora Paro, visa processing assistance and inclusions as stated above.
- Rates are subject to 15% government tax and service charge, daily FIT surcharge of US$40 (single occupancy) / US$60 (double occupancy), government royalties of US$65 per person per day, and Tourism Development Fund (TDF) tax of US$10 per person.
- A visa application fee of US$20 will be charged at time of booking.
- Rates and government taxes are subject to change without notice.
Tour Validity
- Oct 01, 2008 – Dec 31, 2009