Paro International Airport - A Warm Welcome to the Land of Happiness

Paro - Begin your journey by breathing in the crisp air as you step off the plane, enjoy a seamless check-out at Immigration, and meet your cheerful tour guide and driver at the airport gate.

Amankora, Thimphu - Depending on your flight schedule, either enjoy lunch in Paro town or have a quick coffee and snacks before heading to Thimphu, an hour’s drive away. Upon arrival, proceed to your Amankora Lodge, where your personal butler will ensure a comfortable check-in and restful stay. The Aman Lodge in Thimphu is nestled on the outskirts among pine trees, offering a secluded retreat with easy access to the city.

Thimphu Valley – A Blend of the Ancient and the Modern

Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten) - Situated in the heart of Thimphu city, the Memorial Chorten is a beloved spiritual gathering place and a wonderful interactive spot for tourists and locals alike. The three-story stupa houses significant statues of Buddhist saints, figures, and relics, making it an auspicious site for rituals and ceremonies. The main statue of the ‘Wish-fulfilling Buddha’ inside the Chorten is believed to grant wishes to those with sincere hearts.

Buddha Dordenma - Overlooking the charming city of Thimphu is one of the world’s largest Buddha Dordenma Statues. Standing at 51.5 meters, this bronze statue gilded in gold is truly unique. Known as Buddha Point, it is a favorite among devotees from all over Bhutan who come to pay their respects. Like other religious sites in Bhutan, the construction of this grand statue was prophesied by Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th century and Yogi Sonam Zangpo in the 20th century, foretelling a Buddha statue would be built here for World Peace and Happiness. The area is adorned with vibrant prayer flags fluttering in the wind, symbolizing the well-being of all sentient beings. Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Thimphu valley, and the park is perfect for picnics or a peaceful break with tea, coffee, and snacks.

Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong) - Every Dzong in Bhutan houses district administrative offices and the Local Monastic Body, but Tashi Chho Dzong is particularly significant as it contains the King’s office, the Throne room, and the Central Monastic Body. Tashi Chho Dzong, or the Fortress of the Glorious Religion, is located along the banks of the Thimphu river and is one of the valley’s most prominent and spectacular attractions.

Thimphu to Gangtey and Phobjika Valleys – Enjoy the Scenic Drive

Dochula Pass - The first stop is at Dochula Pass (3150 meters) to admire the breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayan Mountains. The 108 small stupas built on a hill are a beautiful sight, with pilgrims walking around them.

Chimi Lhakhang Temple - The road from the pass descends into warm, fertile valleys. After a brief rest, visit the Fertility Temple, Chime Lhakhang. It’s a pleasant 30-minute walk through mustard and paddy fields. Perched on a picturesque hilltop, the Lhakhang is renowned for granting fertility wishes to couples. Inside, the walls are adorned with frescoes depicting the colorful life of Lama Drukpa Kuenley, the Divine Madman, known for his unconventional teaching methods, including blessing women through copulation.

Phobjikha Valley - Enjoy a picnic lunch at a peaceful spot above the highway, then continue driving to Gangtey. Visit a yak herders camp and the famous potato fields of Gangtey and Phobjika valleys. These valleys are known for producing delicious high-altitude potatoes, a favorite ingredient in Bhutanese cuisine.

Relax in the evening at your Lodge, enjoying scenic views of the valley floor and countryside.

Gangtey & Phobjika Valleys – The Valley of the Sacred Black Necked Cranes

Gangtey Monastery - After breakfast, visit the Gangtey Goemba Monastery and, if interested, get a horoscope reading from the Astrologer. A must-do is the short one-and-a-half-hour Gangtey Nature Trail hike through the pine trees.

Trongsa and Bumthang Valleys – Deeper into the Interior Himalayas

Trongsa - At the Trongsa viewpoint, admire the majestic Trongsa Dzong/fortress of the vanguard of Warriors and the neighboring valleys. Above the Dzong is the Watch Tower, now a Museum dedicated to the Dragon Kings of Bhutan.

There are many beautiful spots along the way to enjoy your picnic basket.

Bumthang Valley – The Spiritual Heartland of Bhutan

Bumthang - Known as mini-Switzerland due to its stunning landscape, Bumthang is one of the most beautiful valleys. At an altitude of about 2,900 meters, rice was not grown until recently, so the Bumthang diet primarily consists of wheat, buckwheat, and various dairy products.

Jambay Lhakhang Temple - Enjoy a typical Bumthang breakfast, a fusion of international and local ingredients, then leisurely walk to the four temples of Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamzhing Lhakhang, and Kenchosum Lhakhang. These ancient monasteries each have unique histories and beauty. A Buddhist name-giving ceremony can be arranged at one of the temples, where you will receive your own Bhutanese name.

Jakar Dzong - After lunch, visit the Jakar Dzong/fortress of the White Bird and the Swiss factory/farmhouse, where you can taste or purchase local beer, honey wine, Swiss cheese, clover honey, apple cider, apple brandy, and other products.

A special outdoor BBQ dinner will be arranged for you on the lawn, overlooking the palace and neighboring farmlands.

Tang Valley Excursion – Remote, Peaceful, and Beautiful Valley

Bumthang to Trongsa to Punakha – Enjoy the Scenic Drive through the Black Mountains

Trongsa - Enjoy a hearty breakfast as you embark on a seven-hour journey with frequent stops at scenic points to stretch your legs. You’ll drive back to Trongsa and continue to Punakha via the Divine Madman’s Temple.

Punakha - In Punakha, check into your luxurious Lodge overlooking paddy fields and orange orchards. Accessible by crossing a suspension bridge over the Mo Chhu (Female river), the Lodge is a traditional Bhutanese Farmhouse built by a former Chief Abbot of Bhutan. Since Punakha is a sub-tropical valley, you can enjoy the warm evening by the outdoor swimming pool.

Punakha Valley Excursion – The Old Capital of Bhutan

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten - After an early breakfast, drive a few minutes north and walk for about an hour to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten stupa. The walk is beautiful through the pine trees, and from the Stupa, the view of the meandering river across scattered villages, the massive Punakha Dzong in the distance, and the paddy fields is a visual delight.

Punakha Dzong - Next, visit the Punakha Dzong, meaning the Fortress of Great Bliss, built in 1673 to commemorate the final victory against numerous Tibetan invasions. Situated on land between two rivers, Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu (literally meaning male and female rivers), the Dzong is massive and magnificent in its architectural grandeur. Despite being ravaged by floods, fires, and earthquakes many times, the Dzong has always been rebuilt to its original design.

Punakha - Enjoy a picnic lunch by the banks of the Mo Chhu.

You can choose to relax at your Lodge or explore Nobgang village, about a half-hour drive from the main town. Walk through the village, observe the villagers’ daily farm life, visit a traditional farmhouse, enjoy a cup of salted butter tea, and interact with the local family. At the farmhouse, the Aum (head of the family) will demonstrate the traditional art of making ara – rice wine, and zow – puffed rice, a local snack best enjoyed with butter tea. A walk through the village will also introduce you to the tropical organic fruits grown in Punakha and the region.

Paro Valley – The Aerial Gateway to Bhutan

Thimphu - After a leisurely breakfast, drive back to Paro for about three and a half hours via the scenic Dochula Pass and Thimphu valley. Stopover at Thimphu valley to enjoy a traditional lunch at the Folk Heritage Museum, which serves home-cooked local food with a variety of vegetables and meat.

Amankora, Paro - Continue your drive until you reach your Lodge in Paro. The Aman Lodge at Paro offers an atmospheric end to this Amankora Journey and a time to reflect on your experiences over the past few days.

Kyichu Lhakhang - In the evening, drive for about 15 minutes to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples built in the 7th Century, visited and blessed by numerous renowned Buddhist saints over the centuries. The temple enjoys a peaceful and serene location away from the main town, and though the structure is simple, it abounds in many tantric and mythical stories that transport you back to the times of demons and saints and their battles. You can light the auspicious 108 butter lamps at the temple with a simple blessing ceremony for Happiness, Peace, and Prosperity.

Paro - Evenings are perfect for a walk, hike, or cycle through the sleepy rural village until you reach the main Paro town. The small town is lined with cafes, eateries, and handicraft shops that provide a perfect glimpse into the unique culture and traditions of Bhutan.

Namgay Artisanal Brewery - A visit to the Namgay Artisanal Brewery is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Overlooking the valley and the airport strip, the place also offers dining options with musical performances by local artists during the weekends.

At the brewery, you can enjoy a guided tour of the microbrewery followed by a beer tasting session of all the 8 different flavors produced – Red Rice Lager, Dark Ale, Wheat Beer, Indian Pale Ale, Milk Stout, Pilsner, Pineapple Gose, and Apple Cider.

Foraging and Cooking

Amankora, Paro - With a small team from Aman, enjoy a day on a farm and in the nearby forest foraging with a live cooking lunch onsite. If visiting during monsoon (June-August), the nearby forests offer a range of mushrooms to delight your palate.

Rinpung Dzong - In addition to the above activities, if time permits, visit the Rinpung Dzong (Palace of Heaped Jewels) and the National Museum located above the Dzong. If you’re up for a short hike, the leisurely trail from the Museum to Zuri Dzong is a moderate one-and-a-half-hour hike with a bird’s eye view of the Paro valley and its colorful houses and paddy fields.

National Museum - In addition to the above activities, if time permits, visit the Rinpung Dzong (Palace of Heaped Jewels) and the National Museum located above the Dzong. If you’re up for a short hike, the leisurely trail from the Museum to Zuri Dzong is a moderate one-and-a-half-hour hike with a bird’s eye view of the Paro valley and its colorful houses and paddy fields.

Hike to Taktsang Monastery / Tiger’s Nest – The Most Important Cultural Icon of Bhutan

Taktsang Gompa - Enjoy a hearty breakfast before your hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, locally known as Taktsang Goemba. The hike and excursion to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery is a full-day activity, typically taking about 3-4 hours uphill, with the option of riding a pony halfway.

Amankora, Paro - Enjoy your BBQ lunch at the base of the Monastery.

A special farewell dinner will be arranged for you back at the Lodge. Called the King’s Table Dinner, the menu features some Royal Bhutanese cuisine and His Majesty the Fifth King’s favorite dishes.

Farewell from the Land of Happiness

Airport Road - Depending on your flight time, your tour guide and driver will drop you at the Airport, or if it’s an afternoon flight, you can continue exploring the valley and its popular attractions.

• Private transportation
• Dedicated SUV vehicle with a driver
• Bottled mineral water throughout
• Government Royalty for socio-economic development
• Lunch
• Monumental Fees
• Cooler box for cold water/beverage in the vehicle
• Dinner
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Breakfast
• Hot thermos with tea/coffee on the go
• VISA Processing Fee
• VISA Fee
• Bhutan Tourism Development Fee
• Umbrellas

• Tip or gratuity
• International Air fare
• Refreshments and bottled drinks and alcohol
• Cost arising out of Flight Cancellation/road blockades/ landslides and events beyond our control
• Expenses of personal nature and any other expenses not mentioned in the above cost

Located deep within the Himalayas, with its untainted air and glacier-sourced waters, Bhutan serves as a pristine habitat for a variety of fruit and vegetable production, typically classified as ‘Organic’ because of the negligible or non-existent application of artificial additives. The country’s climatic diversity, ranging from subtropical in the south, temperate in the central regions to the arctic-like conditions in the north, optimizes the growth of a vast assortment of crops. The import of fruits and vegetables, particularly from India, is prohibited (due to their extensive chemical fertilization) and Bhutan’s focus is towards self-sufficiency and domestic crop cultivation.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.