Combining 'aman', the Sanskrit word for 'peace' and 'kora' meaning 'circular pilgrimage' in
Dzongkha, the Bhutanese language, Amankora is a series of lodges sited throughout
Bhutan's principal western and central valleys. Each valley and lodge has its own character,
setting and experience. Guest may either visit one of the lodges or, to best experience all
that Bhutan has to offer, Amanresorts can plan a tailor-made journey, including one or
more of the Amankora lodges located in Paro, Punakha, Gangtey or Thimphu.

4 NIGHTS PARO - THIMPHU - PUNAKHA - AMANKORA ADVENTURE

SUGGESTED ITINERARY IN BHUTAN:
Day 1 Arrival Paro, overnight Amankora Paro
Day 2 Transfer to Thimphu, overnight Amankora Thimphu (3hrs drive)
Day 3 Transfer to Punaka, overnight Amankora Punakha (2hrs drive)
Day 4 Trasnfer to Paro, overnight Amankora Paro (4hrs drive)
Day 5 Departure
Program:
Day 01: Arrival
Arrival in Bhutan is scenic as the plane weaves through the valley before landing in Paro Airport. A few steps at the end of a village road lead you through a pine forest. Across 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 02: Paro - Thimpu
The journey to the capital is fortunately brief as the treasures that await are to be much anticipated. Upon arrival in Thimphu you will visit have a choice to first enjoy the festivities of the Thimphu festival or perhaps visit the National Textile Museum, Folf Heritage Museum, and perhaps even "kora" the Memorial Chorten. Dusk permitting, a short drive up to the BBS tower affords magnificent view across the Thimphu Valley. Amankora Thimphu is a 16-suite lodge which lies in a steep valley at an altitude of 2,350 meters (7,709 feet)
Day 03: Thimphu - Punakha
An early departure and a dramatic drive following the course of the Wang Chu (Wang River) on to the high mountain pass of Dochu La. Sights on the way include one of Bhutan's first fortress monasteries, the 17th century Simtokha Dzong, and ancient wall paintings at the Hongtsho Goemba monastery. The journey continue over the 3,050m mountain pass where on a clear day, towering Himalayan peaks are clearly visible. The descent into Punakha Valley along the Kingdom's only east-west highway, loops above the Punak Chhu before dropping to the valley floor. At an altitude of 1,300 meters (4,265 feet), Punakha Valley is one of the lowes lying valleys in Bhutan. Amankora Punakha is accessed via a suspension bridge over the Mo Chuu. A short drive or walk takes you to the lodge with its royal farmhouse oand 8-suite accommodation set amongst the paddy fields and fruit plantations. Depending on your preference on the day, an option is to visit the Punakha Dzong (30 minutes away by car) either prior to arriving at Amankora Punakha, or after a rest in the lodge.
Day 04: Phunaka - Paro
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 rejuvenoting treatments.
Day 05: Paro
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 an hour before your international flight departure.