8-Day Adventure in the Land of Thunder Dragon
Paro, Thimphu & Punakha
The tiny Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan awaits, nestled high in the Himalayas its isolation from the world has cultivated a culture rich in traditions, religion and a benevolent monarchy. The dramatic landscapes, from snow capped peaks and deeply forested slopes to raging, boulder strewn rivers, sit largely undisturbed as endeared environmental initiatives and religious beliefs leave the Kingdom pristine and a jewel of nature.
Novice monks in Thimphu
Guests may either visit one of Amankora’s lodges or, to best experience all that Bhutan has to offer, Amanresorts can plan a tailor-made journey, including one or more of its lodges located in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, or Bumthang.
Deriving its name from two words, aman meaning peace in Sanskrit and kora meaning circular pilgrimage in Dzongkha, the Bhutanese language, Amankora is a series of lodges sited throughout Bhutan’s principal western and central valleys. Each valley and each lodge has its own character, setting and experience.
For guests staying seven nights or more, a tailor-made itinerary based on preferred length of stay will include complimentary long road permits, private transport with driver and guide and one 60-minute massage that can be enjoyed at any one of the five lodges for the duration of stay at Amankora. A minimum of 11 nights is recommended to visit all five valleys.
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Itinerary
Day 01 / Bangkok – Paro – Thimphu
Your arrival in Bhutan is an unparalleled experience as the flight circles over the dramatic valley below. The transfer to Thimphu is approximately 1½ hours. Upon arrival and following lunch, visit your choice of the National Memorial Chorten, the National Textile Museum, the Folk Heritage Museum and the National Library then stroll the main street browsing for interesting Himalayan artefacts and textiles.
Overnight: Amankora Thimphu
Day 02 / Tour of Thimphu
In the morning, visit the north end of the valley to view Trashi Chhoe Dzong, the seat of Bhutan’s government and Royal offices, and 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, visit a few of the capital’s cottage industries ranging from traditional paper making to hand-rolled incense.
Overnight in Amankora Thimphu.
Day 03 / Thimphu – Punakha
An early departure brings you on a dramatic drive over the 3,050m mountain pass of Dochu La and on to Punakha 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 pass offering spectacular views of towering Himalayan peaks on a clear day. The descent into Punakha Valley along the Kingdom’s only east-west highway takes you via the town of Wangdi to visit the rustic Wangdiphodrang Dzong and perhaps the local temple next door. Explore this quaint village and its row of intimate shops before heading to the lodge. In the afternoon, visit the village of Talo, home of the Queen’s and the valley’s protective deity, lhakhang. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a hike to an ancient monastery on the hilltop behind the lodge.
Overnight in Amankora Punakha.
Day 04 / Exploring Punakha Valley
Begin the day with a hike from Punakha Lodge through terraces of rice, chillies and cabbage to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten – a monument recently built by the Queen of Bhutan. Afterwards, 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 leadership and still serves as the administrative headquarters for the Punakha region. A picnic lunch is served on the banks of the Punak Chu, prior to visiting the village of Lobesa. From there, enjoy a short walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the auspicious fertility monastery built in 1499.
Overnight in Amankora Punakha.
Day 05 / Punakha to Paro
After descending from Dochu La Pass, the road will lead back up the dramatic Wang Chu and Paro Chu river valleys before crossing through Paro towards the north end of the valley. Here, set in a pine forest, is the Amankora Paro lodge and spa. In the afternoon, stroll to the nearby ruins, visit some of the valley’s oldest and holiest religious monuments or amble down Paro’s main street. Evenings at Amankora Paro may include informative lectures on the history, religion, flora and fauna of the region, or a film on the Himalayas.
Overnight in Amankora Paro.
Day 06 / Exploring Paro Valley
The day starts with a visit to the National Museum, housedintheTaDzong(watchtower).Here,acollection 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 architecture. From the Dzong, cross Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilevered bridge, to reach the town temple built in 1525. Enjoy a picturesque picnic or a visit to a traditional farmhouse for lunch with a local family. The afternoon brings a choice of excursions; visitors interested in further immersion in Bhutan’s culture and religion must experience the Kyichu Lhakhang, Dumtse Lhakhang and the Drukgyel Dzong altar room. Hikers can follow a beautiful trail behind the lodge which passes Drukgyel Dzong and winds along the Paro Chhu, crossing a suspension bridge and ambling through terraced farmland and forests before looping back down the river to a second bridge and returning to the lodge.
Overnight Amankora Paro.
Day 07 / Tiger’s Nest Hike
Spend the morning hiking to one of Bhutan’s most revered monuments, the Taktshang Goemba, more commonly known as the “Tiger’s Nest”. The four- to five-hour return trek offers spectacular views of this sacred monastery perched on a cliff face almost 1,000m above the valley floor. The rest of the day can be spent browsing through shops in town, enjoying the spa or exploring the rich forests that rise behind the lodge.
Overnight Amankora Paro.
Day 08 / Paro – Bangkok
Early morning transfer to airport for departure flight to Bangkok.
Tour Cost ex-Bangkok
Prices per person in SGD dollars
8D7N
- SGD $*** ~ Double Suite
- SGD $*** ~ Single Suite
Inclusions
- Return economy class airfare from Bangkok to Paro on Drukair: BKK/PBH/BKK
- Visa processing assistance and inclusions as stated above.
- Visa application fee of USD $20 will be charged at time of booking.
- Government royalties of USD $65 per person per day (not applicable to Indian nationals)
- Tourism Development Fund tax of USD $10 per person.
- 08 nights accommodation as booked in a Suite at any Amankora property
- All meals and house beverages
- Airport transfers to and from Paro Airport (or Bumthang Airport from June 2011)
- 20% government tax and service charge;
- FIT surcharge of USD $40 (Single) / USD $60 (Double) per day
Exclusions
- Pre and post tour airport transfers, accommodation and meals in Bangkok
- Travel insurance covering trip curtailment, medical and/or emergency evacuation, etc.
- Personal expenditure, e.g. voice and Internet communications, spa treatments, beverages during meals, laundry, personal purchases, etc.
Validity
- Sep 01, 2011 – Aug 31, 2012
Land Cost without flights
for longer stays allowing visits up to Amankora Bumthang
9D8N
- USD $11,200 Suite (Double Occupancy)
- USD $10,400 Suite (Single Occupancy)
10D9N
- USD $12,600 Suite (Double Occupancy)
- USD $11,700 Suite (Single Occupancy)
11D10N
- USD $14,000 Suite (Double Occupancy)
- USD $13,000 Suite (Single Occupancy)
12D11N
- USD $15,400 Suite (Double Occupancy)
- USD $14,300 Suite (Single Occupancy)
13D12N
- USD $16,800 Suite (Double Occupancy)
- USD $15,600 Suite (Single Occupancy)
Validity
- Sep 01, 2011 – Aug 31, 2012
Amankora Resorts
The richness of life is found in the still simplicity surrounding the remarkably unscathed geophysical and biological existence in Bhutan today. Due to a sincere Buddhist belief, adhered to since the 7th century, the co-existence of nature and nurture has resulted in a unique eco-system and a thriving mosaic of different peoples all linked by a common belief system that regards all life forms as sacred. This prevailing ethos washes the staggeringly beautiful undulating valleys, plains, deep gorges, and mountainous landscape with a force of supreme greatness; that of genuine harmony and environmental compatibility.
To this astonishing effect, Amankora has created a series of lodges, all creatively unique and sympathetically balanced to their environment, in order to discover and comprehend the extraordinary wonders above and beneath this treasured land. The lodges are created to provide a circular pilgrimage in Bhutan’s breathtakingly spectacular central and western valleys.
Amankora Paro
Thirty minutes from Paro’s international airport, the lodge features a mix of rustic and contemporary design. Amankora Paro is situated 2,250 metres above sea level and on clear mornings will reveal an uninterrupted view onto Mount Jumolhari, the home of the Gods of the Kingdom in the clouds.
Housed in a lime-washed stone pavilion, the living and dining Rooms offer incredible views and a selection of Western and Indian food.
The boutique next door provides an exquisite collection of local fabrics and goods while the library features assorted books, publications, and internet.
The spa at Amankora’s Paro location includes a sauna, steam room, five treatment rooms with hot stone baths, changing rooms and a glass-walled yoga suite.
Our 24 suites are similar in design with a king-size bed, a traditional bukhari (wood-burning stove) and a large terrazzo-clad bath.
A number of excursions and experiences that can only be found in Paro await guests, including a visit to the 17th century ruins of Drukyel Dzong.
Amankora Thimphu
Set in the upper reaches of the Motithang area, this sixteen suite lodge lies in close proximity to the many attractions of the capital city of Thimphu.
The living and dining rooms feature soaring ceilings and an outdoor dining deck with views of the nearby stream and surrounding forest. The menu features both Western and Thai Cuisine served in a relaxing atmosphere.
The spacious library houses a collection of books on Bhutan and can also be converted into a state of the art meeting and conference room.
The boutique specializes in a fine collection of Bhutanese textiles, Himalayan art and jewellery.
The spa includes three treatment rooms, a steam room, changing areas and offers a number of holistic treatments.
Two dwellings house a total of 16 suites that provide views across a landscaped courtyard or directly onto the nearby stream and pine forest. Room interiors feature wood panel and chocolate brown walls. Each room features a king-size bed, bukhari and a terrazzo-clad bath. The suites are individually heated during cold winter months.
Amankora Thimphu offers guests a unique opportunity to shop and sightsee in Bhutan’s capital and to take treks into the region’s wilderness.
Amankora Punakha is set in sparkling verdancy east of the Dochu La Pass and just north of the resplendent Punakha Dzong.
Accessed by crossing a suspension bridge over the Mo Chhu, Amankora Punakha is centred by a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse built by a former Je Kempo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan).
In the dining room of the farm house, guests may consume either Western or Bhutanese cuisine at a long oat table meant to evoke a family-style dining experience.
The first floor features our living room and library. A selection of books and magazines are available, as well as an internet connection.
This location also features a traditional altar room for meditation and prayer, a courtyard for alfresco dining and a tea pavilion.
The spa at Amankora Punakha contains two treatment rooms, a steam room, changing areas and a yoga/meditation room.
The Amankora Punakha features 8 suites, located in 3 rammed earth dwellings. Identical to the suites at Paro, Punakha’s rooms include a traditional bukhari, king-size bed, terrazzo-clad bath, and a daybed. Suites are individually heated during the cooler winter months and air-conditioned in the summer months.
Amankora Punakha offers exciting excursions into Punakha valley including a trip to visit Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most impressive monastery fortresses.
Amankora Gangtey, set in the remote wilderness of the Phobjikha valley, proffers magical views across the bird-strewn gorge and to the empowering Gangtey Goemba, a 16th century monastery.
Amankora Gangtey lies in the little-visited Phobjikha Valley near the isolated village of Gangtey. Part of one of Bhutan’s most important wildlife reserves, the valley is home each winter to a flock of 300 rare and endangered black-neck cranes.
The living room overlooks the valley floor and a 16th century monastery called Gangtey Goemba.
The dining room features a family style dining experience of Western and Bhutanese food as well as an assortment of local and imported beverages.
Spa facilities include two treatment rooms, changing areas, and offer guests a variety of treatments.
The 8 suites are identical to those of Amankora Thimphu, offering an open plan bedroom and bathing area. Each room contains traditional bukhari, terrazzo-clad bath, shower, vanity, and daybed offering views across the valley.
Excursions to Gangtey Village and Gangtey Goemba are offered by Amankora, as is the chance to explore the stunning natural beauty of the region itself.
Amankora Bumthang rests adjacent to First and Second King’s palace, Wangdichholing, within the town of Jakar in the Choekhor valley, a valley sprinkled with an exotic mix of sloping pine forests, apple orchards, and restful fields of farm produce.
Unlike its sister locations, Amankora Bumthang is located directly in the centre of Bumthang Valley. The courtyard rests adjacent to the Wandichholing Palace, birthplace of Bhutan’s monarchy.
The dining room is set up into small tables for a more intimate dining experience. The kitchen provides Western a la carte menu, however a special Bumthang inspired Bhutanese set menu may be requested.
The library offers a variety of literature, magazines and reference books. It also contains an internet station as well as wireless access for laptops.
Amankora Bumthang features a cosy spa with three treatment rooms, a steam room and changing areas.
Accessed through an impressive stone-clad hallway, 16 suites are situated in four separate dwellings, each containing two suites on the ground floor and two on the upper floor. Each Suite features a traditional bukhari, king-size bed, terrazzo-clad bath, shower, twin vanities and daybed overlooking the courtyard, nearby Wangdichholing Palace and monastery.
Bumthang is home to 29 temples and monasteries, a museum and many more attractions fit for Sight-seeing. In addition to treks and excursions to the city, Amankora Bumthang can also arrange visits to organic farms and local cottage industries.
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