Bhutan Luxury Tours – Aman Kora Resorts

From the flight in, weaving through the valley, arrival in Bhutan is like no other. Sights on the way include view of Bhutan’s first fortress monasteries, the 17th century Simtokha Dzong. The transfer to Thimphu is approximately to 1 ½ hours and upon arrival following dinner, visit the national Momerial Chorten and strolled around in the town to visit a few of the capitals Himalayan artefacts or textiles shops. (Overnight stay at Amankora Thimphu)

An early departure for a dramatic drive over the high mountain passes of Dochula and on to the Phobjikha valley. Sights on the way include one of the Bhutan’s first fortress monasteries, the 17th century Simtokha Dzong, and ancient wall paintings at the Hongtsho Gemba monestary. The journey continues over the 3050m mountain pass where on s clear day, towering Himalayan peaks are clearly visible.

The descent down through the Punakha valley along the kingdoms only east – west highway, continues on through the scenic village of Wangdue. Carrying on the high ways follows scenic Dang Chhu before climbing the forests of bamboo and oak, and just before crossing the Pele la pass, a small side’s roads splinter off the hidden Phobjikha valley. On arrival you will have time to visit striking Gangtay Gemba sitting at the head of the valley, and perhaps strolling through the quaint Gangtay village or hike behind the lodge, (overnight stay at Amankora Gangtay)

Today’s journey onward to Jakar (Bumthang) is the perhaps long, but certainly memorable with dramatic landscape of terraced farmland deep river valleys and preciously perched farmhouse view only from the east west highway that has been ingeniously carved out of the mountain faces. Following a brief stop at Chendebji Chorten, which according to belief was built to cover remains of the demon spirit, you will carry on to what was the original home of royal family.

Upon reaching Trongsa you may take time to strolled this quaint village and official visit permitting, perhaps visit the Trongsa Dzong, ancestral home to Bhutan’s monarchy where you can find novice monks reciting mantra or practicing on sacred horns, flutes or drums. The drive onwards takes you over the picturesque Yotong la and down into Chumey valley, home for Bhutan’s famous Yatra weaving. Here you will have the chance to browse the traditional textiles and perhaps see the weavers create their intricate handiwork. (Overnight stay at Amankora Bumthang).

This morning you will explore our neighboring places, Wangdichholling, home to the second king, and auspicious prayer wheel nest door. Heading up valley you will take in grand Kurjay Lhakhang, that was once the resting place of Guru Rinpochhe, and Jambay Lhakhang the home to the early winter festival that draw thousands of Bhutanese for their annual blessings.

Heading back into town and crossing the Bumthang Chhu, you will enjoy a visit to the sin alleviating Tamzhing Monastery followed by quick visit to the valleys cottage industries – Red Panda Brewery, Bumthang Cheese/Dairy Facility and the Bumthang Distillery, home to numerous distinctive spirits. (Overnight stay at Amankora Bumthang)

Today you will start with an early departure for the lengthy drive to Punakha. Upon entering the Punakha valley you may stop to stretch your legs for a short walk thru the valley floor to the Chimi Lhakhang, the auspicious fertility monestary built by ‘’Divine Madman in 1499’’. (Overnight stay at Amankora Punakha).

Your day in Punakha Valley will begins with hike up through fields of chilies, cabbages and rice along the bank of the Mo Chhu. To the up end of the valley of Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, a stunning monument recently built by Queens and constructed in 1999. Returning down thru valley you will have plenty of time to take in the impressive Punakha Dzong, homes to the remains of Bhutan’s first ruler, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, and the winter residence of the monastic old leader and his entourage of monks.

Later a picnic lunch will be served at the banks of the Punakha Chhu at the vantage point of the stunning Dzong and confluence of Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu. Following lunch a quick drive will take you to the village of Talo where u will stop to walk the stunning, quiet grounds of the village temple and perhaps visit the home village of the kingdoms four Queens. (Overnight stay at Amankora Punakha).

After descending down back from Dochula, you will follow your way back up the dramatic Wangchuk and Paro Chhu river valleys, before crossing thru Paro town towards the north end of the valley. Here, set in the pine forest, you will find Amankora lodge and its spa. After lunch, visit the uniquely shaped Dumtse Lhakhang to view the beautiful, well preserve wall paintings and then continues to Kichu Lhakhang, one of the kingdoms oldest religious worship and most auspicious houses, that is said to pin down the left knee of an ogress that once demonized the Himalayas. (Overnight stay at Amankora Paro).

In the morning, hike up to the Bhutan’s most reserved monuments, the Taktsang Gemba, more commonly refers to as the’’ Tigers Nest’’. The four hours trek offers spectacular views of this secret monastery perched on a cliff face 900m above the valley floor. In the evening, there is an opportunity for the quick strolled to the nearby ruins, a visit to some of the valleys oldest and holiest religious monuments or a ramble down Paros Main Street. (Overnight stay at Amankora Paro).

Today a car will be ready to take you to the Paro Airport. You are advice to arrive at the airport an hour before your international flight.

Tashi Delek !!!!!!