Amankora Bhutan - The Lifetime Journey Tour

Package Overview

Amankora Bhutan - The lifetime journey of 11 nights allows you to experience all five valleys . You will literally do "Kora" pilgrimage, which Amankora stands for.Discount on requestTips

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Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : Paro Airport - Thimpu

  Early this morning you will fly to Paro - Bhutan. Experience breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks as you descend into this remote land. The flight into Paro is one of the most spectacular in the world. On arrival you are greeted by your local Amankora guide. Your itinerary has been tailored to remain as flexible as possible. As your guide will be with you throughout your journey, you will be able to discuss your itinerary in advance.
  1.5 hrs drive from Paro Airport, Thimpu lies in a steep valley at an altitude of 2350 Mts (7709 ft). Upon arrival at Amankora Thimphu, you settle in and have lunch . As a capital, Thimpu is home to many attractions and you may choose to visit the Institute of Traditional Medicines, School of Arts and Crafts and the Folk Heritage Museum and Simply Bhutan, museums depicting Bhutan's ancient cultural heritage. Other sites include the National Library and the Textile Museum, the weaving centre, Budha Point and the National Memorial Chorten.
  Alternatively, if you wish to stretch your legs after the long journey, you can opt for a mild hike with a good view, such as the Wangidiste Leisure Forest Trails.
  To end a day you can try a hot oil head massage. Amankora Thimpu Spa signature treatment which is based on the ancient healing system of Ayurdeva.

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• Day 2 : Thimpu Local

  This morning a short hike will take you to Cheri Goemba, the monastery where the first monastic body was established in the Kingdom. On the way back you can pay visit to Pangri Zampa, two 16th century buildings that now houses a monastic training school for astrologers. Back in the town you can visit a few of the capital's cottage industries ranging from traditional paper making to hand rolled incense and perhaps you can stroll the main street for some interesting Himalayan artifacts and make your own stamp at the post office. On the weekend s you can visit Craft Bazar or Vegetable markets
  After lunch, you can head to the North end of the Valley to visit Trashi Chhoe Dzong, the seat of Bhutan's Government and Royal Offices.
  As the sun sets you can take a stroll via the Takin Animal Sanctuary for a beautiful view over the Thimpu Valley. According to a legend the Takins are believed to be the part of Cow and part of Goat.
  Alternatively you can visit the Thimpu Golf Club for nine holes of Golf played amongst Chortens and beautiful landscapes. As this course is situated at 2350 mts (Over 7700 ft) above sea level it gives that extra mile as balls fly further in the thin mountain air.
  In the evening we can arrange a private meeting with the Mynak Trulku at the lodge to get your questions about Buddhism answered. He is the 12th reincarnate lama of the famous Mynak Rinpoche

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• Day 3 : Thimpu - Gangtey

  An early departure for a dramatic drive over high mountain passes. Dochu La pass (3050 mts) from sea level where on a clear day towering Himalayan peaks are visible. Sights on the way to Phobjika Valley include one of the Bhutan's first fortress monasteries, The 17th century Simtokha Dzong and ancient wall paintings at the Hongtsho Goemba monastry. The descent down through the tropical valley along the Kingdoms only east - west highway, continues on through the scenic villages of Wangdi. Carrying on the highway follows the scenic Dang Chu before climbing through the forests of Bambo & Oak and just before crossing the Pele La Pass, a small side road splinters off to the hidden Phobjika Valley. Gangtey has an elevation of 3000 mts (9842 ft) and is a place with natural beauty. untouched scenery, local traditions and culture and unconstrained peacefulness.
  On arrival you will have time for casual stroll through the quaint Gangtey Village before visiting ancient altars and ramparts of the massive Gangtey Goemba, sitting at the head of the Valley

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• Day 4 : Gangtey - Phobjika Valley

  This morning will start with a pleasurable Nature Trail through the flower meadows, pine forests and into the vast open Valley. If you are looking for longer and more challenging hike, consider the majestic Longtey Hike which will offer you some breathtaking views and takes you through mystifying old grown Rhododendron forest. You can also visit the Black Necked Crane Centre depending on the season.
  Not to be missed activity in Gnagtey is a traditional Hot Stone Bath. It is an unforgettable experience to soak in the wooden tub in a candle lit stone hut where you enjoy the open views of the magnificent Phobjika Valley. Your body will benefit from the minerals in the heated stone and the healing effects of local herbs.
  Most guests combine the Hot Stone Bath with the romantic potato shed dinner for rounding up a truly Bhutenese evening. After a relaxing bath you will enjoy delicious Butanesse meal with hundreds of flickering candles, while the Bukhari, the traditional wood burning oven, makes the shed comfortable warm. Due to the popularity of Hot Stone Bath and the potato shed dinner, we recommend to pre book these experiences.

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• Day 5 : Gangtey - Bhumthang

  Today's journey to Bhumthang is 5 hour drive, but certainly memorable with dramatic landscapes of terraced farmland, deep river valleys and precariously perched farmhouses viewed from the only east-west highway. Following a brief stop at Chendjib Chorten, which according to belief was built to cover the remains of demon spirit, you will carry on to Trongsa Dzong. The original home of royal family. Reaching there you may take time to stroll this quaint village, and perhaps visit the large Trongsa Dzong. The drive onwards to Bhumthang takes you to picturesque Yotong La pass and down to the Chhume Valley, home of Bhutan's famous Yathra weaving, here you will have a chance to browse the traditional textiles and perhaps see the weavers create and their intricate handiwork.
  Bumthang Valley at 2580 mts (8464 ft) is covered with feilds of buckwheat, millet and potato, with apple orchids climbing up the slopes to mix with the deep pine forests. Across the Valley lie many of the Kingdoms most auspicious and highly revered houses of worship and ancient monasteries, many decorated with still vibrant wall paintings and richly adorned altars all with colorful mystical history. Upon arrival at the Lodge you have time to explore our neighbouring palaces. Wangdichhoeling previously home to 2nd king and the auspicious prayer wheel.

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• Day 6 : Bhumthang

  Heading up Valley, you will visit Jambay Lakhang, home to the early winter festivals that draw thousands of Butanesse for their annual blessings and then the great Kurjey Lakhang considered one of the Bhutan's most auspicious monument, that was once the resting place of Guru Rimpoche.
  Just a short walk away you can enjoy traditional Bhumthang Farmhouse lunch, where you can experience traditional Bhutanese food in authentic surroundings including Bhumthang specialities made from local products, Heading back into town and across the Bhumthang chhu, you will enjoy a visit to the sin alleviating Tamshing Monastery.
  Don't miss a visit to valleys unique cottage industries, Red Panda Brewery, Cheese/Dairy facilities and the Distillery, home to numerous distinctive spirits. We recommend you to try local Beer and cheese tasting.
  To unwind, relax with a Zen massage. Bhumthang's signature treatment where dynamic stretches and pressure point stimulation are followed by soothing oil massage techniques.

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• Day 7 : Bhumthang - Tang Valley

  Today we will explore further the Bhumthang district with an excursion to the stunningly beautiful Tang Valley. This seldom visited Valley offers a treat in revealing some of the beaten track temples and monasteries. On the way don't miss to stop at Burning Lake (Membartsho). Where the story has it that Pema Lingpa had a dream that he dove into the river pool carrying a burning lamp in his hand and returned with treasures and the lamp still burning. After that you can visit the nunnery as well as Ta Rimochen Lakhang, which was built by Pema Lingpa in the 14th century whose temple is dominated by an enormous rock at which Guru Rimpoche meditated.
  Then continue to the amazing museum at Ugen Choeling Palace. The exhibites offer a rare insight into Bhutanese culture. lifestyle, history and religion. A short hike takes you to well maintained palace and its cultural treasures inside. Along way you will stop for traditional picnic with breathtaking views of the pristine surroundings.
  Alternatively for those who would like to explore the valley on foot, Tang Valley offers various hiking trails.

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• Day 8 : Bhumthang - Punakha

  Today we will start with an early departure for the 6.5 hrs drive to Punakha, following the same route as the drive to Bhumthang from Gangtey, On the way we will stop to visit Ta Dzong (Watch Tower), which was converted into the museum in 2008 and showcases some of the rare and priceless artifacts belonging to the Monarchy.After a stop for a picnic lunch we continue on to Punakha which sits on an elevation of 1250 Mts (4100 ft) in a fertile and warm valley at the junction of the Mo Chu (Female River) and Pho Chu (Male River). The subtropical environment allows the cultivation of rice and numerous fruits such as oranges, mangoes and bananas.
  When entering Punakha Valley, you can visit Chimi Lakhang, the auspicious fertility monastery built in 1499 where numerous couples visit to pray to become pregnant and receive a wang (blessings) from the saint with the 'magic thunderbolt of wisdom'. Alternatively if you feel like stretching your legs you can walk the short Punakha Lodge Loop to stretch your legs after the long drive.
  Enjoy the evening in the courtyard of the Punakha Lodge or unwind with a massage or a facial, Punakha's signature treatment.

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• Day 9 : Punakha Local

  Today you can start the morning with a hike to Khamsum Yuelley Chorten, a stunning monument recently built by the queens and consecrated in 1999. Following the hike you can visit the Punakha Dzong. The impressive Punakha Dzong to the remains of Bhutan's first ruler, Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal and the winter residence of the monastic order and his entourage of Monks.
  A popular option for a different lunch or dinner experience is the private residence BBQ, just below the lodge, you sit in a shade of pine trees and enjoy the views and sounds of river.the rice fields and the Himalayan Mountain peaks while smelling the charcoal of the food sizzling on the gril. The dinner experience is more romantic with candle light, lanterns and a bonfire. As our BBG is very popular, we recommend you to pre book this experience.
  In the afternoon you can try your skills with archery, the National sport of Bhutan or sign up for Bhutanese cooking class to learn how to make momos, the traditional Bhutanese dumplings and the famous Ema Datse.

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• Day 10 : Punakha to Paro

  The 4 hour drive to Paro takes you gain across the Dochu La Pass. For Lunch you can either stop at Thimpu Lodge or enjoy picnic lunch at any beautiful spot on your way back along the dramatic Wang chhu and Paro Chhu Valleys. After crossing through Paro Town you will find the Amankora Paro Lodge set in the Pine Forests towards the North end of the Valley.
  In the afternoon there is a time for short stroll from the lodge, walking across open fields and past village houses. Before sun sets sit down by the big prayer wheel below the ruins of the Drukgyel Dzong and relax whilst admiring the rural scenery and changing sky. Alternatively there is an opportunity to try your hand at the ancient sport of archery. We have for you a set of traditional bows and arrows to enjoy our national game with reduced distance of about 70 mts between the 2 targets.
  Evening in Amankora Paro may include informative lectures on Gross National Happiness, Traditional Cultural Performances, prayer flag printing or an intrigue movie on the Himalayas.

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, lunch & Dinner

• Day 11 : Paro - Tiger's Nest

  In the morning hike up to the Bhutan's most dramatic monument, Takthsang Goemba, more commonly referred to as Tiger's Nest, built on a sheer cliff face at an height of 2950 mts (9678 ft). The 4 hour Trek offers spectacular views of the sacred monastery perched on a cliff face 900 mts above Valley floor.
  After lunch in a local farmhouse or in the lodge, you can drive to the outskirts of Paro town where you can find twin temples of 7th century Kyichu Lakhang, one of the first Buddhist Temples in the country. Spend time lighting 108 butter lamps and learn about the ancient Buddhist traditions that are still practised today.
  Alternatively take an excursion to the town of Paro. Visit the National Museum, previously the watch tower of the valley that displays an intriguing collection of artifacts that illustrate the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. Just a short walk down hill lies the dominating Paro Dzong a prime example of Bhutanese architecture.
  As this is your last evening with us, soak in our Hot stone bath and relax your day with a Tibetan Ku Nye Massage, where warm oil is applied on special points and joints to release energy blocks

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• Day 12 : Paro - Departure

  This morning you bid farewell to Bhutan. Your driver takes you to Paro International Airport, a drive of about 30 min from the Lodge. We recommend you to be there 2 hours prior to departure.
  Have a safe journey home and we hope to welcome you back in the Land of Thunder Dragon.

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast

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Inclusions

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Exclusions

• Tips

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Package Start From

• Thimphu, Bhutan, Asia

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