Bhutan | Amankora Journey
Perched atop craggy Himalayan peaks between India and China, the awesome, remote, and stunningly beautiful Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan is slowly awakening. To offer visitors a rare - and close-up - glimpse of some hitherto sequestered regions, the luxurious Amanresorts have pioneered a novel circuit with a series of intimate lodges called Amankora (derived from aman or peace in Sanskrit and kora or circular pilgrimage in Dzongkha, the Bhutanese language). Amankora Thimphu is a quiet retreat, flanked by forested slopes dotted with ancient monasteries and lhakhangs (temples). It is here that your journey of rejuventation begins.
| Duration: | 8 Days |
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| Tour Code: | ITW308 |
| Trip Style: | Deluxe - 5 star |
| Departure Dates: | Daily departures |
| Price: | $6,965 |
| Single Supplement: | $5430 |
| Places you'll visit: |
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| Highlights: |
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Trip Details
SUGGESTED ITINERARY
Itinerary can be tailored to suit lodge availability and individual requirements.
Day 1
Arriving in Bhutan is scenic as the plane weaves through the valley before landing at Paro Airport. A 2-hour complimentary transfer brings you to Amankora Thimphu, a 16-suite lodge which lies in a steep valley at an altitude of 2,350 metres (7,709 feet).
Visits may include the National Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum, and perhaps even "kora" the Memorial Chorten. At dusk, a short drive up to the BBS tower affords magnificent views across the Thimphu Valley. A game of golf can be organised for this afternoon.
Day 2
Today's onward journey begins with a stop in picturesque Wangdue for a visit to the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong and Radak Naktshang, the village temple. Carrying on the highway follows the scenic Dang Chhu before climbing through forests of bamboo and oak, and just before crossing the Pele La pass, a small side road splinters off to the hidden Phobjikha Valley.
At an altitude of 3,000 metres (9,842 feet), this glacier valley is home of the rural settlement of Gangtey. On a forested knoll close to the valley floor is Amankora Gangtey, an 8-suite lodge. After lunch, visit the striking Gangtey Goemba, sitting at the head of the valley, and perhaps stroll through the quaint Gangtey village.
Day 3
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.
Alternatively, we can start the day with a moderate trek through meadows and fields that ascend to the Tselela pass through mixed forest of Juniper, Bamboo, Magnolia and Rhododendron. The people of Gogona 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. After lunch, walk back the same route to Gangtey. Note - guests can shorten treks after a certain point and walk back.
Soaking up the beauty of the valley from the Lodge or returning to the revered Goemba for an audience with the Tulkul may be attractive, relaxing alternatives for the day.
Day 4
Today you will have a leisurely start for your return west to the Punakha Valley. Before reaching the main Punakha Valley, you will stop for a stroll up to the Chimi Lhakhang, the auspicious fertility monastery built in 1499. At an altitude of 1,300 metres (4,265 feet), Punakha Valley is one of the lowest lying valleys in Bhutan. Amankora Punakha is accessed via a suspension bridge over the Mo Chhu. A short drive or walk takes you to the lodge with its royal farmhouse and 8-suite accommodation set amongst the paddy fields and fruit plantations.
Day 5
The day in Punakha Valley begins with a drive through the town of Khuruthang and continues along the banks of the Mo Chhu River, passing the Phuntsho Pelri Palace and several other winter homes of the royal family. At the upper end of the valley, a hike across a footbridge through terraces of rice, chillies and cabbage, takes guests to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a monument recently built by the Queen of Bhutan. The impressive Punakha Dzong, the winter residence of the monastic order's head, can also be viewed.
Day 6
The final leg of your journey takes you back to Paro Valley which is a 5-hour drive from Punakha. A few steps at the end of a village road lead you through a pine forest. Across a small brook, the carpet of pine needles leads to a clearing and the cluster of buildings that house Amankora Paro, a 24-suite lodge. The spa offers a range of unique healing and rejuvenating treatments. In the afternoon, there is an opportunity for a quick stroll to the nearby ruins, a visit to some of the valley's oldest and holiest religious monuments or a ramble down Paro's main street. Paro Valley sits on an elevation of 2,250 metres (7,382 feet).
Day 7
Start the day with a pleasant hike up to view one of Bhutan's most revered monuments, the Taktsang Lhakhang, more commonly referred to as the Tiger Lair. The four-hour trek offers spectacular views of this revered temple perched on a cliff face 900m above the valley floor. Picnic lunch will be served at the view point of the temple complex.
Where time permits, you can pay a visit to the National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Here, an intriguing collection 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 historic architecture. From the Dzong, the tour crosses Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilever bridge, and you are then driven to the town temple, built in 1525, to view ancient wall paintings.
Day 8
A car will be ready to take you to Paro Airport. Transfer time is approximately 30 minutes and you are advised to arrive at the airport two hours before your international flight departure.
Tashi Delek! You have completed your kora.
Inclusions
- 7 nights accommodation
- all meals
- house beverages
- visa processing
- long road permits
- private transport with driver and guide
- one spa treatment
Terms & Conditions
Click here for our Terms & Conditions
For more information, availability and pricing and options, please contact our expert travel specialists at Inspired Travel Worldwide on (02) 9449 8598 or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you.
