DAY BY DAY PLAN
Itinerary
This is a sample route. The final journey can be adjusted based on your flight dates, hotel preference, walking level, and travel style.
Day 1: Arrival in Paro and Transfer to Thimphu
Arrive at Paro International Airport, where your private guide will welcome you. Enjoy a scenic drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city, and settle into the peaceful rhythm of the kingdom.
Day 2: Paro Birdwatching and Cultural Exploration
Begin the journey with gentle birdwatching around Paro Valley. Explore riverside areas, forest edges, and open landscapes where different bird species may be spotted.
Later, visit Paro’s cultural highlights such as Paro Dzong, the National Museum, or Kyichu Lhakhang. This day gives a balanced start with both nature and culture.
Day 3: Paro to Thimphu
Drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city, with birdwatching stops along the way. The route offers river valleys, wooded slopes, and scenic viewpoints.
In Thimphu, visit cultural landmarks such as Buddha Dordenma, the National Memorial Chorten, local markets, or traditional craft centres depending on time and interest.
Day 4: Thimphu Valley Birdwatching
Spend the day exploring birding areas around Thimphu Valley. Depending on the season, your guide may take you to forest trails, riverbanks, or higher viewpoints where Himalayan species can be observed.
The day can also include light cultural visits, photography stops, and time to enjoy the valley’s peaceful atmosphere.
Day 5: Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass
Travel to Punakha across Dochula Pass, one of Bhutan’s most scenic mountain passes. The drive offers opportunities for birdwatching in forested areas and changing habitats as you move from cooler highlands to the warmer Punakha Valley.
Stop for photographs, short walks, and possible bird sightings before continuing to Punakha.
Day 6: Punakha Valley Birding and Cultural Sites
Explore Punakha’s riverside habitats, fields, and forest edges, which offer excellent birdwatching opportunities. The valley’s warmer climate supports a different mix of birdlife compared to the higher regions.
Visit Punakha Dzong, nearby villages, and the suspension bridge, combining nature observation with Bhutanese heritage.
Day 7: Punakha to Phobjikha Valley
Drive towards Phobjikha Valley, one of Bhutan’s most important natural landscapes. The route passes through forested hills and rural scenery, with birdwatching stops along the way.
On arrival, enjoy the wide open valley, peaceful surroundings, and the possibility of seeing the famous Black-necked Crane during the right season.
Day 8: Phobjikha Valley Birdwatching
Spend a full day exploring Phobjikha Valley and surrounding nature trails. This area is known for its open marshy landscapes, forest edges, and conservation importance.
Visit Gangtey Monastery and take gentle walks through the valley while observing birds, rural life, and the quiet beauty of the landscape.
Day 9: Phobjikha to Trongsa or Bumthang
Continue eastward through mountain roads, forests, and valleys. Depending on the final route, the journey may include a stop in Trongsa or continue toward Bumthang.
Enjoy birdwatching stops along the way, especially in forested areas and high passes where different Himalayan species may be found.
Day 10: Bumthang Nature and Cultural Discovery
Explore Bumthang’s peaceful valleys, sacred temples, and natural surroundings. Birdwatching can be combined with visits to ancient monasteries, village landscapes, and quiet walking trails.
This day offers a slower rhythm, ideal for photography, cultural discovery, and nature observation.
Day 11: Return Journey Towards Paro
Begin the return journey towards Paro, either by road or with a domestic flight depending on the final arrangement. Use the day for scenic travel, final birdwatching opportunities, and cultural stops along the route.
On arrival in Paro, enjoy a relaxed final evening.
Day 12: Departure from Paro
After breakfast, your guide will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. Depart Bhutan with memories of rare birdlife, peaceful valleys, forest trails, cultural landmarks, and Himalayan landscapes.
INCLUDED
What is Included?
- Luxury accommodation at selected Amankora lodges
- Private airport transfers to and from Paro International Airport
- Daily private vehicle, English-speaking guide, and driver
- All meals at selected Amankora dining venues
- Picnic meals between lodges where applicable
- Selected in-house alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Tiger’s Nest Monastery day excursion
- Breakfast on arrival for the Tiger’s Nest experience where applicable
- Post-hike recovery lunch experience
- Selected wellness or recovery experience depending on stay length
- Archery or darts experience at the lodge
- Morning or evening prayer session where available
- Touring permits and monument access passes
- Laundry service
- Personalised itinerary planning support
- Bhutan visa processing assistance
- Pre-trip and on-ground travel support
ADDITIONAL
Additional Inclusions for Longer Stays
- One 60-minute holistic massage per person for selected longer stays
- Make-your-own stamp experience at the National Post Office in Thimphu
- Butter lamp lighting ceremony for selected extended journeys
- Complimentary night benefits where applicable for qualifying stay lengths