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
Arrive at Paro International Airport, where your guide will welcome you. Transfer to your hotel and take the rest of the day to relax, adjust to the altitude, and prepare for the journey ahead.
Depending on arrival time, you may explore Paro town or visit a nearby cultural landmark.
Day 2: Paro Acclimatisation and Cultural Sightseeing
Spend the day in Paro for acclimatisation and light cultural exploration. Visit Paro Dzong, the National Museum, Kyichu Lhakhang, or enjoy a gentle walk through the valley.
Your guide will also brief you on the adventure route, travel conditions, packing needs, altitude awareness, and safety considerations.
Day 3: Tiger’s Nest Monastery Hike
Hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Bhutan’s most famous spiritual landmark. The hike helps with acclimatisation while offering one of the most meaningful cultural experiences in Bhutan.
Return to Paro for rest and final preparation before moving deeper into the country.
Day 4: Paro to Punakha
Travel from Paro to Punakha, crossing Dochula Pass along the way. Enjoy scenic mountain views, prayer flags, and changing landscapes as you move from the western valleys into warmer river country.
In Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong or take a short valley walk depending on time and energy.
Day 5: Punakha to Gasa
Drive towards Gasa, Bhutan’s northern highland district and gateway to some of the country’s most remote mountain landscapes. The journey passes through forests, river valleys, and rugged mountain roads.
On arrival, settle into the area and prepare for the more demanding adventure sections ahead.
Day 6: Gasa Highlands and Route Preparation
Spend the day around Gasa for acclimatisation, local exploration, and preparation. Depending on conditions, take a guided walk through nearby villages, forest trails, or highland landscapes.
This day also allows time to organise logistics, review safety plans, and prepare physically for the remote route.
Day 7: Begin the High-Altitude Adventure Route
Start the adventure section inspired by the Snowman Run route. Travel through remote valleys, alpine trails, and highland settlements surrounded by dramatic Himalayan scenery.
The day introduces the challenging terrain, thin mountain air, and raw beauty of Bhutan’s northern wilderness.
Day 8: Remote Valleys and Mountain Landscapes
Continue through isolated landscapes shaped by glaciers, rivers, high pastures, and mountain ridges. The route offers wide views, untouched nature, and a strong sense of distance from modern life.
This section is physically demanding and requires steady pacing, careful altitude management, and full support from the local team.
Day 9: Alpine Trails and Highland Settlements
Move through high-altitude terrain where remote communities, yak pastures, and traditional mountain life form part of the experience. The day offers insight into how people live in some of Bhutan’s most challenging environments.
Depending on the route and conditions, the journey may include long walking sections, scenic viewpoints, and cultural encounters.
Day 10: Glacial Valleys and High Pass Areas
Continue across rugged Himalayan terrain with views of glaciers, mountain peaks, open valleys, and wild landscapes. This is one of the most dramatic sections of the journey and gives travellers a true sense of Bhutan’s extreme adventure environment.
The pace and distance can be adjusted according to weather, safety, and traveller fitness.
Day 11: Descent Towards Central Bhutan
Begin moving gradually towards lower valleys and central Bhutan. The landscape starts to shift from high alpine terrain to forested valleys, villages, and more accessible mountain roads.
This day offers a change in rhythm after the intense highland sections.
Day 12: Journey to Bumthang
Continue towards Bumthang, Bhutan’s spiritual heartland. On arrival, settle into your accommodation and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of one of the kingdom’s most sacred regions.
Depending on timing, visit nearby temples, local villages, or simply rest after the demanding mountain journey.
Day 13: Bumthang Cultural Exploration
Spend the day exploring Bumthang’s sacred temples, monasteries, valleys, and traditional settlements. This day balances the adventure with culture, reflection, and a slower pace.
Visits may include ancient lhakhangs, local markets, traditional weaving areas, or peaceful valley walks.
Day 14: Bumthang to Paro or Thimphu
Begin the return journey towards western Bhutan. Depending on the final arrangement, travel by road or domestic flight where available.
Use the day for scenic travel, rest, and final cultural stops before returning to Paro or Thimphu.
Day 15: Departure from Paro
After breakfast, your guide will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. Depart Bhutan with memories of remote Himalayan landscapes, high-altitude adventure, cultural encounters, and one of the kingdom’s most demanding wilderness journeys.
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