The Ultimate Travel Journey in Bhutan.
The Bhutan & Beyond team, being James & Nicola Irving, have had the great fortune to have personally experienced all 5 of the wonderful Amankora luxury lodges. We can attest to the fine effort Aman Resorts has made to provide such a high level of service, food & beverage and accommodations in what can be a challenging environment for luxury providers. Amankora is the very best Bhutan has to offer the discerning traveller.
This tour combines the very best the Kingdom of Bhutan has to offer in the west & central regions.
OR CALL THE BHUTAN TRAVEL EXPERTS
AUS toll free 1300 367 875, James – 0412 416 111, Nicola – 0413 598 669
Amankora Journey – Costs & Inclusions.
Your Amankora Journey Includes:
* 7 nights (or more) luxury suite accommodation.
* All gourmet meals & snacks incl a range of house beverages.
* All transfers, extensive sightseeing & touring.
* Bhutan visa processing, Sustainability Fee & road permits.
* Private SUV with personal English speaking guide & driver.
* Complimentary laundry & one 60 min massage per person.
* Bhutan government royalties and local taxes.
* Bank transfers and communications charges.
* A comprehensive pre-departure trip planning kit
*Access to our exclusive travel app COMPANION
* ZERO FLIGHT RISK – free cover for supplier default.
* ATAS Accredited via our parent company MTA Travel
Amankora Journey 7 night Tour Costs Per Person
| 01 JANUARY 2019 – 31 MARCH 2020 | |
|---|---|
| Single Suite | US$12559.00 |
| Double/Twin Suite | US$7008 pp |
| Triple Suite | US$5680 pp |
Rates & govt taxes are subject to change without notice.
Extra night costs:
8th night @ US$994.00 per person twin/double
9th-14th nights @ US$962.00 per person per night twin/double
Please enquire for single/triple share extra night rates & 1 & 2 bedroom suites at rates at Amankora Punakha.
Amankora Journey 7 night + Itinerary:
In the suggested itinerary below you will be spending your first night at Amankora Thimphu in the Kingdom’s capital, followed by 2 nights at Amankora Gangtey in the beautiful & remote Phobjikha valley, 2 nights Amankora Punakha in a spectacular setting, and finally 2 nights at Amankora Paro with dramatic views to Mt Chomolhari. Better still stay a minimum of 10 nights and you’ll experience a relaxing 2 nights at all 5 Amankora Lodges plus visit the central Bumthang region.
Departures are daily, all year round, subject to lodge availability.
Day 1:
Paro Airport to Thimphu city. (1.5 hrs drive)
Your flight to Bhutan offers a wonderful introduction as it weaves through the valley before landing at Paro Airport. After clearing customs & immigration meet your private Amankora professional guide & driver for a 1.5 hour SUV transfer to Amankora Thimphu, a 16-suite lodge, which lies in a steep pine forested valley above Thimphu city at an altitude of 2,350 metres (7,709 feet).
Take an afternoon orientation tour of Thimphu city. Visits may include the celebrated National Textiles Museum; the Folk Heritage Museum; Zorig Chusum – the Institute of the 13 Arts & Crafts of Bhutan; a “kora” at the Memorial Chorten and the Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s most unusual national mammal. Alternatively relax and sample the delights of the lodge and its spa.
Overnight – Amankora Luxury Lodge Thimphu
Day 2:
Thimphu to Phobjikha Valley. (5 hrs + drive)
Depart Thimphu and visit the awesome Golden Buddha which affords magnificent views across the Thimphu Valley. For those with more energy we recommend the 3 km (1 hour) hike through the adjacent National Park. Continue eastwards over Dochu La (pass-3116m), viewing the 108 stupas and on clear days the magnificent eastern Himalaya vista before descending into the Punakha valley. Continue on via Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, sadly destroyed by fire in June 2012 and now under reconstruction.
The road follows the scenic Dang Chhu (river) before climbing through forests of bamboo and oak, and finally a small side road splinters off into the very beautiful hidden Phobjikha Valley. At an altitude of 3,000 metres (9,842 feet), this glacial valley is home of the rural settlement of Gangtey. On a forested knoll close to the valley floor is the very special Amankora Gangtey, an intimate 8-suite lodge.
After late lunch, visit the striking Gangtey Goempa, sitting at the head of the valley, followed by stroll through the quaint Gangtey village.
Overnight – Amankora Luxury Lodge Gangtey
Day 3:
Sightseeing Phobjikha Valley.
This morning will start with a visit to the Black Neck Crane Centre and dependent on the season, time spent in the centre’s nearby hide is a must to view the breeding cranes, an endangered species who arrive from Tibet in late October and depart again in early March. After lunch hike the valley Nature Trail, a 1.5-2 hour easy walk along the valley floor.
Alternatively, we can start the day with a moderate grade hike across meadows and fields that ascend to the Tselela pass through mixed forest of Juniper, Bamboo, Magnolia and Rhododendron. Meet the people of Gogona who speak a language called Bjopkha – the language of nomads. Their life in this isolated valley has encouraged them to continue using their ancient dialect. Visit the Gogona Goempa and after a picnic lunch, walk back the same route to Gangtey. Note – guests can shorten treks after a certain point and travel back by SUV to take late lunch at the lodge.
Overnight – Amankora Luxury Lodge Gangtey
Day 4:
Phobjikha to Punakha. (3hrs 30 mins)
Today you will have a leisurely start for your drive back westwards to the Punakha Valley. On arrival stop for a stroll up to the Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the ‘monastery of the Mad Monk’. This auspicious fertility monastery built in 1499 enjoys a very colourful history which your guide will explain to you. It is still a place of important cultural significance today where females come to receive a ‘wang’, a fertility blessing to aid pregnancy.
At an altitude of 1,300 metres (4,265 feet), Punakha Valley is one of the lowest lying valleys in Bhutan and enjoys a warmer climate. Amankora Punakha is accessed via a suspension bridge over the Mo Chhu (river) and a short drive by buggy takes you to the lodge comprising a former royal farmhouse combined with modern 8 suite accommodation and spa facilities set among the paddy fields and fruit plantations.
This afternoon enjoy a short hike or horse ride in the valley, spend time mixing with the locals in the town or relax and enjoy the delights of the lodge and spa.
Overnight – Amankora Luxury Lodge Punakha
Day 5:
Sightseeing Punakha Valley.
The day in Punakha Valley begins with a hike across through terraces of rice, chillies and cabbage along the banks of the Mo Chhu (river) to the upper end of the valley. Here you will find the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument recently built by a former Queen of Bhutan to protect the current 5th King from perceived misfortunes.
After lunch visit the very impressive Punakha Dzong, Bhutan’s best, and home to the remains of Bhutan’s first ruler, Shabdrung Narwang Namgyal. It is also the winter residence of the Monk Body of Bhutan. If time permits drive to the nearby village of Talo, via a stop at the local nunnery, and wander through the beautiful grounds of the village temple.
Overnight – Amankora Luxury Lodge Punakha
Day 6.
Punakha to Paro Valley. (4 hrs 30 mins)
After a leisurely breakfast the final leg of your ‘kora’ takes you westwards to the Paro Valley. After descending from Dochu La (pass) you will follow the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu (rivers) valleys before passing through Paro town en route to the Amankora Lodge located further up the valley. Paro Valley sits on an elevation of 2,250 metres (7,382 feet).
A hidden pine forest trail leads you across a small brook and into a clearing where you will find the wonderful Amankora Paro, a 24-suite lodge and spa offering a range of unique healing and rejuvenating treatments. In the afternoon, there is an opportunity for a stroll to the nearby ruins of the Drugyel Dzong, or take a visit to the Paro Dzong; the National Museum and Kyichu Lhakhang which is a revered temple historic & cultural significance and features an orange tree that perpetually bears fruit.
Overnight – Amankora Luxury Lodge Paro
Day 7.
Sightseeing Paro & Taktsang Monastery Hike.
Start the day with a pilgrimage hike up to view one of Bhutan’s most revered monuments, the Taktsang Monastery, more commonly referred to as the “Tigers Nest “. Taktsang is a most revered place and all Bhutanese Buddhists try to take the pilgrimage to this monastery at least once in their lives. Each step taken on the path counts as merit points for their future.
For those with limited time, or fitness, a 1.5 hour round trip hike to the monastery viewpoint is an excellent compromise and it offers a good cafeteria for lunch or refreshments. The full 4-5 hour round trip hike into the monastery itself, perched on a cliff face 1000 m above the valley floor, is very rewarding however a good standard of fitness and ability to handle plenty of steep steps is essential. This hike will be one of your trip highlights and is a fitting end to your Bhutan experience. Amankora will pack you a picnic lunch as an option on this hike.
In the afternoon take a visit to the town temple, built in 1525, to view ancient wall paintings. A wander along Paro main street for handicrafts and jewelry is a great way to end your journey or simply relax and enjoy your afternoon at the lodge and spa.
Overnight – Amankora Luxury Lodge Paro
Day 8.
Depart Paro.
Your guide & driver will transfer you to Paro Airport after an early breakfast. The transfer time is approximately 30 minutes and you are advised to arrive at the airport two hours before your international flight departure.
- Better still, consider a longer stay of up to 10-11 nights and include the central Bumthang region of Bhutan.
Tashi Delek! You have completed your rewarding “kora”.
CALL THE BHUTAN TRAVEL EXPERTS
AUS toll free 1300 367 875, James – 0412 416 111, Nicola – 0413 598 669
