AMANKORA PARO Thirty minutes from Paro’s international airport, the lodge contrasts rustic with contemporary design, featuring natural rammed-earth walls and a gentle sloping roof. A lime-washed stone pavilion houses the Living and Dining Rooms, Library, Boutique and Outdoor Terrace. Behind the main cluster of buildings is the Spa which includes a sauna, steam room, five treatment rooms with hot stone baths, changing rooms and a glass-walled yoga suite. There are six dwellings with four suites each, two on the ground floor and two on the upper floor. The 24 suites are similar in design with a king-size bed, a traditional bukhari
(wood-burning stove) and a large terrazzo-clad bath.

AMANKORA THIMPHU The lodge incorporates tall, white-washed stone buildings accessed through an enclosed entrance court. The Living and Dining Room features soaring ceilings and an outdoor dining deck with views of the nearby stream and surrounding forest. The Spa includes three treatment rooms, a steam room and changing areas. Two dwellings house a total of 16 suites featuring a combined living and bedroom that includes a king-size bed, two reading chairs and a window banquette providing views across a landscaped courtyard or directly onto the nearby stream and pine forest. Room interiors feature wood panel and chocolate brown walls. The traditional bukhari is positioned between the bedroom and the bathroom with a shower, toilet and twin vanities. The suites are individually heated during cold winter months.

AMANKORA PUNAKHA Accessed by crossing a suspension bridge over the Mo Chhu, the lodge is centred by a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse built by a former Je Kempo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan). This quaint, three-storey structure with its preserved vegetable dye wall paintings is now a reception area with a Dining Room, traditional Altar Room, a courtyard for alfresco dining and a tea pavilion. Just beyond is the Spa with two treatment rooms, a steam room, changing areas and a yoga/meditation room. Eight suites, located in three rammed-earth dwellings, are situated in an orange orchard with views across the rice fields and up the
Punakha Valley. The suites are identical to the design of the suites at Amankora Paro and feature wood-panelled interiors, a traditional bukhari, king-size bed, terrazzo-clad bath, shower, vanities and daybed. Suites are individually heated during the cooler winter months and air-conditioned in the summer months.

AMANKORA GANGTEY Floor-to-ceiling windows in the combined Living and Dining Room offer beautiful views over the expansive Phobjikha Valley. Spa facilities include two treatment rooms and changing areas. The eight suites are identical to those of Amankora Thimphu, offering an open plan bedroom and bathing area. The design combines wood panelling and chocolate brown walls, traditional bukhari, terrazzo-clad bath, shower, vanity and daybed offering views across the valley.

AMANKORA BUMTHANG Overlooking established orchards and nestled near the grounds of one of Bhutan's royal palaces, the lodge offers a Library, comfortable Living Room, regal Dining Room and cosy Spa with three treatment rooms, a steam room and changing areas. Accessed through an impressive stone-clad hallway, 16 guest suites are situated in four separate dwellings, each containing two suites on the ground floor and two on the upper floor. Suites feature wood-panelled interiors, a traditional bukhari, king-size bed, terrazzo-clad bath, shower, twin vanities and daybed overlooking the courtyard, nearby Wangdichholing Palace and monastery.

7 NIGHTS PARO - PUNAKHA - GANTEY - THIMPHU

SUGGESTED ITINERARY IN BHUTAN:
Day 1 Arrival Paro, overnight Amankora Paro
Day 2 Paro - Valley - day hike to Taktsang Monastery (round trip 5hrs walk), overnight Amankora Paro
Day 3 Transfer to Punakha Valley, overnight Amankora Punakha (4hrs drive)
Day 4 Punakha Valley Exploration, overnight Amankora Pukakha
Day 5 Morning transfer to Gantey, overnight Amankora Gantey (3hrs drive)
Day 6 Gantey Valley Exploration, overnight Amankora Gantey
Day 7 Transfer to Thimphu Valley, overnight Amankora Thimpu (5hrs drive)
Day 8 International departure to Paro Airport (2hrs drive)

Program
Day 01: Arrival
From the flight in, weaving through the valley, arrival in Bhutan is like no other. A short transfer to brings guests to Amankora and its spa, set inside a forest of pine. The spa offers a range of unique healing and rejuvenating treatments. In the afternoon, visit the National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Here, an intriguing collection of artifacts provide 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 guests are then driven to the town temple, built in 1525, to view ancient wall paintings. Paro options include picturesque picnic spots or, perhaps, a visit to a traditional farmhouse to lunch with family. (Overnight: Amankora in Paro)
Day 02: Excursion to Taktsang Goemba
Start the day with a pleasant hike up to view one of Bhutan's most revered monuments, the Taktsang Goemba, more commonly referred to as the "Tiger's Nest". The four-hour trek offers spectacular views of this sacred monastery perched on a cliff face 900m above the valley floor. Picnic lunch at the view point of the monastery. In the evening, 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. (Overnight: Amankora in Paro)
Day 03: From Paro to Punakha
An early departure and a dramatic drive following the course of the Paro Chu (Paro River) and 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 continues 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 Chu before dropping to the valley floor. A short drive onward to the Amankora bridgehead affords guests access to the lodge with its royal farmhouse and accommodations set amongst the paddy fields and chili plantations. (Overnight: Amankora in Punakha)
Day 04: Punakha Valley
The day in Punakha Valley begins with a drive through the town of Khuruthang and continues along the banks of the Mo Chu river, passing the Punthsho 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 four queens of Bhutan. The impressive Punakha Dzong, the winter residence of the monastic order's head, can also be viewed. A picnic lunch is served on the banks of the Punak Chu, before visiting the village of Lobesa where a short walk ends at Chimi Lhakhang, the auspicious fertility monastery built in 1499. (Overnight: Amankora in Punakha)
Day 05: Gangtey Valley
Today's onward journey begins with a stop in the picturesque Wangdi for a visit to the Wangdiphodrang Dzong and Radak naktshang, the village temple. Carriying on the highway follows the scenic Dang Chu 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 Phobjika Valley.
On arrival guests will have time to take lunch at Amankora Gangtey before visiting the striking Gangtey Goemba, sitting at the head of the valley, and perhaps strolling through the quaint Gangtey village. (Overnight: Amankora in Gangtey)
Day 06: Day Excursion
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. Various walks or a mountain bike ride are also recommended for the afternoon. 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. (Overnight: Amankora in Gangtey)

Day 07: Transfer to Thimphu Valley
Today's journey back to the capital is lengthy, but the treasures that await are to be much anticipated. Upon arrival in Thimphu you will visit the National Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum, and perhaps even "kora" the Memorial Chorten. Dusk permitting, a short drive up to the BBS tower affords magnificent views across the Thimphu Valley. After lunch, drive head north up to the Thimphu Valley stopping to view Trashi Chhoe Dzong, the seat of Bhutan's government and Royal offices, and continuing on past Dechenchoeling, residence of the Queen Mother to Pangri Zampa, two 16th century buildings that were once the home of the Shabdrung and now house o monastic astrologer training school. (Overnight: Amankora Thimphu)
Day 08: Departure Day
Early morning transfer to airport for international departure.

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