8D7N Amankora Journey

A 1.5 hour drive away, Thimphu, Bhutan's capital, lies in a steep valley at an altitude of 2,350m (7,709ft). Upon arrival at Amankora Thimphu, you will have time to settle in before exploring the area including the National Library, the Textile Museum, the Weaving Center, Buddha Point and the National Memorial Chorten.

Depending on your arrival time, you may also able to visit the Institute of Traditional Medicines, the School of Arts and Crafts, the Folk Heritage Museum and Simply Bhutan - museums depicting Bhutan's ancient cultural heritage. Alternatively, opt for a mild hike with a good view, such as the Wangditse Leisure Forest trail.

An early departure is necessary for the dramatic drive over the mountain pass of Dochu La, and on to the Punakha Valley. 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, from where towering Himalayan peaks are visible on clear days. After a picnic lunch we continue on to Punakha, which lies at an altitude of 1,250m (4,100ft) in a warm fertile valleyat the junction of the Mo Chhu (Female River) and the Pho Chhu (Male River).

The subtropical environment allows the cultivation of rice and numerous fruits. On entering Punakha valley, guests can visit Chimi Lhakhang, the auspicious fertility monastery built in 1499, which couples traditionally visit to pray for a pregnancy and receive a wang (blessing) from the saint with the 'magic thunderbolt of wisdom'.

Start the morning with a hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument built by the Bhutanese Queen Mother and consecrated in 1999. Following the hike you can visit the impressive Punakha Dzong, home to remains of Bhutan's first ruler and the winter residence of the monastic order's leader and his entourage of monks.

A popular option for lunch or dinner is the Private Riverside BBQ. Just below the lodge, guests sit in the shade of pine trees and enjoy the sounds of the river, views of rice fields and mountain peaks, and the aromas of food sizzling on the charcoal grill. Dinner is especially romantic, lit by candles and lanterns and warmed by a bonfire (chargeable activity).

In the afternoon, try your hand at archery, Bhutan's national sport. We have a set of bow and arrow ready for you. Alternatively, sign up for a cooking class to learn how to make momos, traditional dumplings and the famous ema datse (chargeable activity).

Today you can start the morning with a visit to Nunnery, approximately 15 minute drive from Khuruthang, Punakha, perched on a ridge amid pine trees and overlooking valleys of Toebesa, Punakha and Wangduephodrang, gleams the magnificent structures of Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup lhakhang. While on return, you will be able to visit the Khuruthang Temple.

Further, you may opt to go for Wangduephodrang Valley excursion where you will be able to have a far way view of Wangduephodrang Dzong/fortress which is currently under renovation after it was razed down to the ground by fire in 2012. Alternatively, you may further explore Punakha valley by walk/ride or cycling if possible & visit the longest suspension bridge.

Enjoy the evening in our courtyard.

The four-hour journey to Paro takes you back across the impressive Dochu La pass. For lunch you can either stop at Thimphu lodge or enjoy a picnic at any beautiful spot on the route back along the dramtic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu valleys. Outside the town, Amankora Paro lies hidden in pine forest towards the north end of the valley.

In the afternoon, there is time for a short stroll across open fields and past village houses. Before the sun sets, sit down by the big prayer wheel below the ruins of the Drukgyel Dzong, and relaz amid the rural scenery and changing sky. Alternatively, enjoy an archery session using a set of traditional bows and arrows.

Evening at Amankora Paro may include informative lectures on Gross National Happiness, traditional cultural performances, prayer flag printing or and intriguing movie on the Himalayas.

Begin the day with a visit to the National Museum. Here, an intriguing collection of artefacts provides a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. Just a short walk downhill lies the imposing Paro Dzong a fine example of historic Bhutanese architecture. From the Dzong, the tour crosses Nyamai Zampa a traditional cantilever bridge, from where you will be driven to the town temple, built in 1525, to view ancient wall paintings.

Paro lunch options include picturesque picnic spots or, perhaps, a visit to a traditional farmhouse. After lunch guests can visit the uniquely shaped Dumtse Lhakhang to view beautifully preserved wall paintings there. Later, stroll the main street in Paro and shop for Himalayan artefacts or textiles to take home.

In the morning, hike up to view one of Bhutan's most dramatic monuments, the Taktsang Goemba, more commonly referred to as the Tiger's Nest, built on a sheer cliff face at an altitude of 2,950m (9,678ft).

The four-hour trek offers spectacular views of this scared monastery perched on the rocks, 900m above the valley floor. Accommodating mules and donkeys will be on hand to lessen the exertion for the climb up, if so desired. Your guide will check with you in advance if you would like to avail this service.

After lunch in the lodge, you can drive to the outskirts of Paro town where you will find the 7th-century twin temples of Kyichu Lhakhang one of the first Buddhist temples built in the country. Spend time lighting 108 butter lamps (chargeable activity) and learn about the ancient Buddhist traditions that are still practised today.

This morning you bid farewell to Bhutan. Your driver will take you to Paro International Airport, a journey of around 30 minutes from the lodge. We recommend you arrive two hours before the flight scheduled to depart.