7 Nights Amankora Journey

Experience a luxurious seven-night journey through Bhutan's breathtaking western valleys with Dewa Rabsel Adventure, staying at the exclusive Amankora Lodges in Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro. This meticulously curated itinerary offers an immersive balance of Himalayan landscapes, ancient monasteries, traditional villages, sacred temples, and Bhutan's living cultural heritage. Each day is thoughtfully paced to combine guided cultural exploration with peaceful countryside walks and time to relax within the serene settings of the Amankora properties. From crossing the dramatic Dochula Pass to visiting riverside fortresses and meeting local families in rural villages, this journey allows you to experience Bhutan both intimately and authentically. The adventure culminates with the iconic pilgrimage hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), one of the most revered spiritual sites in the Himalayas.

Journey Highlights

• Exclusive stays at Amankora Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro Lodges
• Scenic drive across Dochula Pass (10,000 ft) with panoramic Himalayan views
• Private exploration of Thimphu's monasteries, museums, and dzongs
• Hike to Cheri Goemba and participation in traditional incense offering ceremony
• Village visit to Talo with home-hosted Bhutanese lunch
• Riverside hike along the Mo Chhu River in Punakha Valley
• Visit to the majestic Punakha Dzong and the 15th-century fertility temple
• Trans Bhutan Trail experience en route to Paro
• Cultural discovery of Paro's National Museum, Kyichu and Dumtseg Temples
• Pilgrimage trek to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest)

Detailed Itinerary

• Day 01 — Arrival in Paro | Drive to Thimphu
  Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will complete visa formalities before meeting your private Dewa Rabsel Adventure guide. Drive approximately 1.5 hours (55 km) through forested mountains and river valleys to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital. After check-in at Amankora Thimphu Lodge, take a relaxed orientation walk through the city. Visit local museums and chortens that introduce Bhutan's unique spiritual and historical foundations. Evening at leisure in the tranquil Wang Chhu Valley setting.
  Overnight: Amankora Thimphu.
• Day 02 — Thimphu Valley Exploration
  Begin the morning with a visit to the monastic astrology academy where monks study Bhutanese astrology and astronomy. Continue with a guided hike to Cheri Goemba, Bhutan's first monastic community founded in the 17th century. Meet resident monks and participate in a traditional incense offering ceremony. In the afternoon, explore Tashichho Dzong, the administrative and religious center of Bhutan, and browse the Authentic Bhutanese Craft Bazaar for handcrafted souvenirs. Evening free for relaxation or optional lodge experiences.
  Overnight: Amankora Thimphu.
• Day 03 — Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass
  Drive 3—4 hours (74 km) across the dramatic Dochula Pass at 10,000 feet. On clear days, enjoy sweeping views of the eastern Himalayan range framed by colorful prayer flags and 108 memorial chortens. Descend into Punakha Valley and visit Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, a peaceful hilltop retreat. Continue to the village of Talo, home to a temple dedicated to the Queen Mother's protective deity. Enjoy a traditional home-cooked lunch with a local family before arriving at Amankora Punakha Lodge set amid rice terraces.
  Overnight: Amankora Punakha.
• Day 04 — Punakha Exploration
  Start the day with a scenic hike along the Mo Chhu River, walking through terraced rice paddies toward a Chorten built by the Queen Mother. Enjoy a riverside picnic lunch. Later, visit Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan's most magnificent fortresses, dramatically positioned at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Continue to the 15th-century fertility temple, a revered pilgrimage site for couples seeking blessings. Afternoon at leisure to relax or further explore Punakha Valley.
  Overnight: Amankora Punakha.
• Day 05 — Punakha to Paro | Trans Bhutan Trail Experience
  After breakfast, drive approximately 5 hours (126 km) to Paro, passing through the scenic Wang and Paro River Valleys and experiencing sections of the historic Trans Bhutan Trail. Check into Amankora Paro Lodge, surrounded by pine forests. Explore nearby ruins and religious monuments, and enjoy a cultural experience such as prayer flag printing, a traditional lecture, or a Bhutanese cultural performance.
  Overnight: Amankora Paro.
• Day 06 — Paro Cultural Exploration
  Visit the National Museum housing artifacts dating back to 4000 BCE. Continue to Kyichu Lhakhang and Dumtseg Temple, two of Bhutan's oldest and most sacred temples. After lunch, enjoy a 40-minute walk to Dzongdrakha Monastery perched above the valley, a 16th-century site rich with legend and panoramic views. Afternoon free for relaxation or shopping in Paro town.
  Overnight: Amankora Paro.
• Day 07 — Trek to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest)
  Embark on the iconic hike to Taktsang Monastery, perched 900 meters above Paro Valley. This revered site is one of Bhutan's most sacred pilgrimage destinations. The hike takes approximately 5—6 hours roundtrip and offers breathtaking views of the monastery clinging to the cliffside. After descending, return to the lodge for your final evening in Bhutan.
  Overnight: Amankora Paro.
• Day 08 — Departure
  After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for departure. Your 7-night luxury journey with Dewa Rabsel Adventure concludes.
  Overnight: Amankora Paro.

Cost Includes

• Bhutan visa processing and permits
• Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
• Accommodation at Amankora Lodges in Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro guide
• Daily breakfast and dinner
• Private luxury vehicle with professional driver
• Licensed English-speaking cultural guide
• Bottled drinking water during excursions
• Government royalties and monument fees
• Airport transfers

Cost Excludes

• Travel insurance
• Lunches unless specified
• Alcoholic beverages
• Spa treatments and wellness services
• Personal expenses and laundry
• Gratuities for guide and driver
• Optional activities not listed in the itinerary