Bhutan Amankora Experience

Arrive Paro at the Paro International Airport and it’s a scenic flight over the Himalayas. As you come out from the plane you will be greeted with some cool, clean and fresh air, the first gift of Bhutan. After clearing the customs and visa formalities, met our representatives outside and transfer to Paro for lunch. Afterwards, drive to Thimphu (1 hour) following the Pa Chhu ‘river’ downstream. PM: Free to explore. Overnight at Amankora Thimphu. (Lunch/Dinner)

After breakfast, proceed with Thimphu sighting visiting ‘Buddha’s point’ located atop hill which commands stunning view of the valley. Then drive to ‘Takin Preserve’ to observe ‘Takin’- Bhutan national animal, which is a strange looking beast which some says resembles a bee-stung moose. Visit ‘Tashichoe Dzong’ – the seat of the government, ‘King’s Memorial Chorten – monument erected in memory of Bhutan’s third king H.M. Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Later on Centenary Farmer’s Market, the new authentic craft bazaar, National Institute of Traditional Medicine- which still dispenses traditional herbal medicines to locals, the Folk heritage museum – 300 year old traditional house converted to museum.

Afterwards, drive to Punakha crossing over the popular Dochula pass which commands great views of the northern Himalayas in a clear day. En-route, take a short hike to Chimmi Lhakhang, the fertility temple dedicated to the saint ‘Drukpa Kunley’. Afterwards, Punakha is reached. Overnight at Amankora Punakha. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Today, drive to Gangtey via Wangdue. After Wangdue, the roads winds up along the mountain road through oak and rhododendron forests and over a high pass down into the Phobijikha Valley –one of the beautiful valleys in Bhutan. Phobijikha is one of the Bhutan’s few glacial valleys and also the chosen location of the Black Necked Cranes which migrates from Tibetan plateau during winter. Overnight at Amankora Gangtey. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

After breakfast, re-trace the same road and drive back to Paro from Gangtey. PM: Stroll around the streets of Paro. Overnight at Amankora Paro. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Early in the morning, drive to the base point of Taktsang ‘Tiger’s Nest’ and being about 2 hours hike to the cafeteria. At this point, witness the spectacular view of the monastery. It’s believed that Guru Padmasambhava landed here on a back of a flying tigress during the 8th century. Then hike up to the monastery. After visiting the monastery, back to road head and drive to Drukyul Dzong, the ruined fort. Later on, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most scared shrines in Bhutan. Then back to the hotel. Overnight at Amankora Paro. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Bhutan Amankora Experience tour ends with bidding farewell to the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom disappearing again behind its guardian mountains. (Breakfast only)