Itinerary Highlights
  • Experience Bhutan from five amazing Aman lodges

  • A journey to the Buddhist kingdom with lashings of luxury, culture and comfort

  • We'll organise logistics plus visas, entrance fees, and private guides well ahead of time so that you can focus on enjoying yourself

  • You'll have access to our additional services including our local Concierge, 24-hour assistance and personalised tours, plus a complimentary massage and dinner

Contact one of our Bhutan specialists + 44 (0) 20 3958 6120

The Kingdom of Happiness

Bhutan, a kingdom isolated by the highest summits of the Himalayas, remains a secluded, peaceful and ecological enclave. At the foot of the Himalayan range, the landscapes are unspoilt and wild, with rhododendrons, oaks, pines, rivers, glaciers and forests. The Bhutanese architecture shows off the kingdom's ancestral culture. The villages consist of traditional houses with lauze and dzong roofs, and Monks continue to practise unreformed Lamaic Buddhism in the ancient, fortified monasteries. You'll see numerous examples of ancestral rites, religious iconography and dressing customs during your visit. Despite gradually opening up to the world, the number of visitors is limited by quotas, which is why Bhutan remains so traditional.
For more than 40 years this small kingdom has been at the forefront of new ideas based on four pillars: environmental protection; conservation and the promotion of culture; good governance; and sustainable and responsible economic development that takes into account the quality of life of the people rather than their ability to produce. The country is measured by a 'Gross National Happiness' index which prioritises the wellbeing of the Bhutanese people over any other measurement of success.



Amankora, Five Exceptional Lodges

Known for its refined taste and distinctive locations, Aman's home has evolved its spirit in Bhutan through five lodges under one Amankora, which in means peace in Sanskrit (Aman) and circular pilgrimage in Dzongkha, the Bhutanese language (kora). Spread between Paro, Punakha, Gangtey, Bhumthang and Thimphu, these exceptional places are the must-visit stops on your Bhutanese journey. A subtle balance between traditional and modern Bhutanese culture, they also invite wellbeing through the use of natural materials and spas with treatments inspired by local techniques. This trip is a must for anybody who appreciates the great outdoors; for travellers looking for a sense of meaning; who are moved by the values of Buddhism; and those who are looking for a more original honeymoon.

Route

Everything is 100% tailored to you
DAY 1

International flight to Delhi (India)

As well as Calcutta and Kathmandu, Delhi is one of the main gateways to Bhutan. Overnight in The Oberoi Gurgaon, a real getaway from the bustling city.

DAYS 2 & 3

Thimphu, Bhutan

Fly to Paro and drive to Thimphu, situated in a valley at an altitude of over 7,800ft. Combining tradition and modernity, the country's political and economic capital is now expanding rapidly but it remains a quiet and pleasant town. Dynamic and culturally vibrant with markets and local crafts, it's a must-see in Bhutan. Enjoy a two-night stay at the Amankora Thimphu, nestled above the city, in a forest overlooking a small harmonious river, it is built like a dzong around a large solemn courtyard. Sixteen spacious, elegant and warm rooms open onto the central courtyard or the river. The spa offers a range of Ayurvedic treatments.

Included in your itinerary the private guide will accompany you as you spend the day discovering Thimphu. In Thimphu you'll visit the Chorten Memorial, which was built in memory of the revered third king of Bhutan; the weaving centre, where you will see the traditional weaving process and meet with weaving craftsmen; a factory where the traditional paper is made and finally the VAST gallery. The VAST gallery is an NGO that brings contemporary artists together and showcases young and local talent.

DAYS 4 & 5

Gangtey

The journey to Gangtey takes about six hours and is spectacular. You will pass Dochula Pass at an altitude of over 10,000ft and topped by peaks of almost 23,000ft. On arrival, visit Gangtey Gompa Monastery, Bhutan's largest Nyingma Monastery. Enjoy a two-night stay at Amankora Gangtey. The lodge, located over 9,800ft above sea level and built on a wooded mound, uses sleek design utilising mostly wood to ensure that it blends into the landscape.

Included in the itinerary: A day to discover the Gangtey Valley. Discover the protection centre for black-necked cranes; these rare birds are migratory visitors to the region. The centre also offers information on the natural and cultural history of the valley. It is an ideal day for discovering the surroundings on foot and by mountain bike for those who are more sporty.

DAYS 6 to 8

Bhumthang

You'll leave Gangtey and head to Bhumthang, about 100 miles (five hours' drive) further east. On the way you'll stop at Trongsa and its beautiful dzong which was built in 1644 for the unification of the kingdom. There you will admire the magnificent paintings, turn the prayer mills, and watch the monks in their red tunics. Next you'll head towards Jakar and follow the Bhumthang Chhu River for a good part of the journey. After that Bumthang is just around the corner. Enjoy a three-night stay at Amankora Bhumthang. It's luxurious without being showy - the rooms are elegant, simple and warm with an immaculate and refined decor. Inside, one of the main rooms houses the fireplace which faces a small sitting area surrounded by square tables. The Royal Palace can be seen from the outdoor terrace.

Included in the itinerary : the day after you arrive, you'll discover Bhumthang with a guide. The tour consists of a small pilgrimage connecting three temples. Jambey Lhakhang, the first temple, is one of the oldest in the country and erected in the seventh century by the King of Tibet. Then you'll visit Kurje Lhakhang and finally Tamshing Lhakhang. You'll go on a lovely one-and-a-half hour walk broken up by avisit to a cheese shop and brewery. The next day you'll leave with your private guide for the beautiful Tang Valley which is home to temples and monasteries. Along the way you'll stop in Membartsho to visit a convent. Then you'll visit the Oygen Chhoeling Palace museum to discover the culture, history and religion of the kingdom.



DAYS 9 & 10

Punakha

Next you'll head to Punakha via the Yutong-La pass. A stop at the Trongsa Dzong, the former seat of power of Central and Eastern Bhutan, is a must. Enjoy a two-night stay at Amankora Punakha. Built around an ancient royal palace, a few miles from Punakha, and set amid rice fields and orange trees on the banks of the Pho River, this Aman hotel is incredible charming. The way to get there is also very original and contributes to its charm. Guests go over the river via a hanging bridge lined with prayer flags; a cart awaits on the other side and follows a small path for a few minutes, crossing charming rice fields.

Included in the itinerary: A day to discover Punakha with a private guide. You will visit the Punakha dzong which is the second of Bhutan's dzongs. It was built in 1637 and it served as the seat of government for many years. In the afternoon, you'll pass through the small village of Chimi Lakhang (the Temple of the Divine Madman). Lama Drukpa Kinley, more commonly known as the 'Divine Madman', is one of the most respected saints in the country. The site is also known as the Fertility Temple and many women come here each year.

DAYS 11 & 12

Paro

Drive to Paro via the Dochu Pass. The view of the Himalayan peaks is stunning. Enjoy a two-night stay at Amankora Paro. The suites are beautiful and combine light and dark woods. You will stay in stone houses which evoke the local style. The spa is remarkable and is not easy to forget. Now guests know why Aman found his kingdom in the Land of Happiness.

Included in the itinerary: The Taktsang (Tiger Nest) is one of the most revered places in the Himalayan world. It was founded in the eighth century by Guru Rinpoche Padmasambhava and the story is that Bhutanese people must make a pilgrimage there once in their lives. You will also be going up the 'Tiger's Nest'. The path passes through villages and forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron. Prayer flags fly in the wind and the view from the cliff is exceptional.

DAYS 13 & 14

Flight to Delhi and return flight to France

You will spend your last day in India at the Oberoi Gurgaon Hotel. This conceptual hotel is situated in a neighbourhood on the outskirts of Delhi and combines lovely rooms with trendy restaurants and luxury shops. We suggest a sixty-minute 'jiva' massage [b/] followed by dinner at the hotel before catching the flight home. It's the ideal way to wrap up the trip.

Finally in the evening, transfer to the airport and take the night flight.

A la carte

A trek from Paro



Hikers will be able to take a two-day trek or longer (of varying degrees of difficulty) from Paro; it's another way to discover the mountains and valleys and it gives the opportunity to encounter and see things off the classic tourist trail.

Optional



Meeting in the Tang Valley

Starting from Bhumthang, you'll ride on horseback to the Tang Valley. You'll have an opportunity to meet a Bhutanese writer and visit a magnificent museum.

Optional



Extend the stay in Gangtey...



... and take part in a meditation session or meet and talk with a monk.

Optional

A Rough Idea of Price

Dependent on season, accommodation and activities
The estimated cost for this trip starts from £10,715 to £13,395per person. The final cost of the trip depends on the way we tailor it especially for you. The final cost will vary according to several factors, including the level of service, length of trip and advance booking time. The exact price will be shown on your personalised quote. The average starting price for this trip is £11,605 per person.
  • International flights with a scheduled airline

  • Airline taxes and fuel surcharge

  • Return flights between Delhi and Paro

  • Overnight stay in Delhi at L'Oberoi Gurgaon, in a double room with breakfast included

  • Two-night stay in Thimphu at Amankora Thimphu in a double room with full board

  • Two-night stay in Gangtey at Amankora Gangtey in a double room with full board

  • Two-night stay in Bhumthang, Amankora Bhumthang in a double room with full board

  • Two-night stay in Punakha in the Amankora Punakha in a double room with full board

  • Two-night stay in Paro at Amankora Paro in a double room with full board

  • Private transfers and transport with driver

  • A day trip to Thimphu with a private guide

  • A day trip to Gangtey Valley with a private guide

  • A day trip to Bhumtang with a private guide

  • A day trip to Tang Valley with a private guide

  • A day trip to Punakha Valley with a private guide

  • A one-hour Ayurvedic massage and dinner at the Oberoi Gurgaon

  • Visa and local tourist tax

  • Our local Concierge service
  • A few of the benefits of travelling with us
    Get in touch
    Our experts have the inside track on the destinations they sell and will tailor-make a holiday to your unique requirements.
    Contact one of our Bhutan specialists