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: Thimphu Cultural Sightseeing
Spend the day exploring Thimphu’s cultural and spiritual highlights. Depending on your interests, visits may include Buddha Dordenma, the National Memorial Chorten, traditional craft centres, local markets, museums, and nearby monasteries.
You may also enjoy a light cultural activity such as archery, darts, traditional arts, or a quiet guided walk. The day is designed to feel immersive but unhurried.
Day 3: Thimphu Tshechu Festival Experience
Attend the Thimphu Tshechu and witness one of Bhutan’s grandest cultural celebrations. The festival courtyard comes alive with sacred mask dances, traditional music, colourful costumes, and local families gathered in celebration.
Your guide will explain the stories, symbols, masks, and spiritual meanings behind the dances. This is a beautiful opportunity to see Bhutanese faith, community, and culture come together in one powerful setting.
Day 4: More Festival and Local Life in Thimphu
Continue your festival experience in Thimphu. Depending on the festival schedule, you may witness different cham dances, rituals, and performances throughout the day.
Between festival sessions, explore more of Thimphu’s local life, such as the weekend market, traditional shops, art spaces, monasteries, or viewpoints around the valley.
Day 5: Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass
Travel from Thimphu to Punakha, crossing Dochula Pass, known for its 108 memorial chortens and beautiful mountain views on clear days.
Continue into Punakha Valley, a warmer riverside region surrounded by terraced fields and traditional villages. Visit Chimi Lhakhang or nearby cultural sites depending on time and interest.
Day 6: Punakha Valley and Return to Paro
Visit Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful and historically important fortresses. Set between two rivers, the dzong is known for its grand architecture, peaceful courtyards, and deep spiritual importance.
After exploring Punakha, drive back towards Paro with scenic stops along the way. On arrival, check in and enjoy a relaxed evening in Paro Valley.
Day 7: Tiger’s Nest Monastery and Departure or Extension
Begin the day with the hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Bhutan’s most iconic spiritual landmark. The trail passes through pine forests and mountain paths before reaching the sacred cliffside monastery above Paro Valley.
After the hike, transfer to Paro International Airport for departure if your flight schedule allows. If needed, this day can also be adjusted with an extra night in Paro for a more relaxed ending.
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