Travel anytime to the Great Kingdom of Bhutan. Bhutan is a wild, spiritual and majestic mountain kingdom where tranquility reigns and everything is off the beaten track. February affords our Admiral guests the perfect opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in their most magnificent cool and crisp splendor.

Day 1 – Arrival into Delhi Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the JW Marriot for your evening’s stay.

The JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity welcomes business and leisure travelers here to India with 5-star luxury, carefully chosen amenities and world-class service. Located adjacent to Indira Gandhi International Airport. Hotel guests are near the U.S. Embassy and Consulate General, as well as Ambience Mall and Qutab Minar. Enjoy a deluxe room and an evening at leisure.

Day 2 – Delhi to Thimphu Awaken and transfer to the airport for a light flight to Paro. After arriving at Paro International Airport, your journey begins with a 90 minutes drive to Thimphu, passing rich, forested mountains dotted with monasteries and temples. At an altitude of 7,700 ft (2,200 meters), Thimphu lies in a steep valley and is the only city in the world without a single traffic light.

This evening enjoy the beautiful surrounding of Amankora which is situated in the exclusive area where the residences of the royal families are. Enjoy the luxury of an Aman hotel here in Thimphu for the next two nights.

Amankora Thimphu

Set in the upper reaches of the Motithang area, the 16-Suite Lodge of Amankora Thimphu is built in the style of a traditional dzong fortress. Within reach of the capital’s shops and sights, the lodge remains a secluded retreat from which to explore both all the city has to offer and the wild Himalayan landscape.

Amenities include king-size beds, traditional wood-burning stoves and banquette window-seats, while bathrooms feature terrazzo-clad bathtubs, twin vanities, a separate shower and toilet.

Himalayan and Western culinary cultures meet on the menu, which features the best of Bhutan’s natural ingredients, offering guests inventive interpretations of local dishes.

Day 3 Touring in Thimphu – Welcome to your first sunrise in glorious Thimphu. Awaken to a gorgeous vista of picturesque mountains covered in ever-green fir trees. Take in the crisp, cool breeze as you sip on a unique “eye-opener”, a refreshing morning drink to jump start your day.

After a hearty breakfast, start your tour with a drive to the iconic Tashichhoe Dzong, popularly known as the Thimphu Dzong (or ‘Fortress of the Glorious Religion’, is Bhutan’s administrative and religious centre and houses the throne room of His Majesty the King, government ministries, the nation’s largest monastery and headquarters of His Holiness the Je Khenpo and the monk body. The attention to detail and finish given to this building adds to its grand appearance – the outer walls are built of trimmed neatly fitted granite blocks, unlike other Dzongs, which were made of roughly dressed stones. Similarly, the courtyard is paved with rectangular stone slabs.

Next, lace up your walking shoes and embark on a scenic one hour hike through lush forests to reach the historic Cheri Monastery (or Cheri Dorji Dhen). Imagine pilgrims and monks traversing this very path for centuries. As you ascend, soak in the breathtaking views of the Thimphu valley unfolding below.. Drive back to the city (or the hotel) for lunch, or, should you prefer, carry a packed lunch and enjoy a beautiful afternoon picnic at Cheri-Tango.

After lunch, visit the iconic Buddha Dordenma Statue, a towering monument of peace and compassion. Standing at a majestic 51.5 meters tall, it’s one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. Absorb the serene atmosphere, marvel at the intricate details, and let the golden aura fill you with tranquility.

Onward, travel to the famous Changankha Monastery – a 15th-century monastery, and the oldest in the city, perched on a hill overlooking the valley. Admire the traditional Bhutanese architecture, intricate murals, and sacred relics, and let the serene ambiance transport you to a bygone era.

Take a scenic drive to the city’s outskirts, and visit the Takin Preserve, a sanctuary within the city’s peripheral for the national animal of the country, the curious Takin. Within the sanctuary, enjoy feeding the antelope while also seeing Sambhar and Barking Deer.

Enjoy another night at Amankora Thimphu.

Day 4 Thimphu to Gangtey

Today, embark on a journey to Gangtey, where you will spend the next two nights immersed in the untouched beauty of this captivating region.

Gangtey, nestled in the Phobjikha Valley of central Bhutan, is a serene and picturesque village renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. It is especially famous for the Gangtey Monastery, a significant Buddhist site that attracts pilgrims and tourists alike. The valley is also a haven for the endangered black-necked cranes, which migrate there during the winter months, adding to its natural allure.

Complementing the beauty and tranquility of Gangtey is the Gangtey Lodge, a luxurious retreat that offers guests an immersive experience of Bhutanese hospitality and tradition. Perched on a hillside with panoramic views of the valley, the lodge combines rustic elegance with modern comforts, featuring cozy fireplaces, sumptuous local cuisine, and guided excursions that allow guests to explore the enchanting surroundings and cultural landmarks.

Day 5 Gangtey to Paro Awaken and be swept away to Paro.

Today you will, visit the Paro National Museum: previously the watchtower of the valley, it displays an intriguing collection of artifacts that illustrate the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. A short walk from the National Museum takes you to the base of the Paro Dzong, across a traditional, cantilevered, covered bridge.

Visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo. The origin of Kyichu Lhakhang dates back to the seventh century, it is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan (the other is Jambey Lhakhang in Bumthang). Kyichu Lhakhang is composed of twin temples, the first temple was built by Buddhist Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and in 1968, H.M. Ashi Kessang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, arranged for a second temple to be built alongside the first one, in same style.

Later in the day, Explore Paro on a walking tour of the town and visit the Paro Dzong.

In the evening indulge in an optional Archery session or a traditional hot stone bath before checking into the magical Amankora Paro.

Day 6 Hike to Tiger’s Nest – 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 sacred 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.

An elaborate Bhutanese style Picnic lunch will be arranged exclusively for the guests in a private Chilli field near the River. After the lunch, head back to the hotel. Enjoy a relaxing foot massage, or a much-recommended full body spa treatment at the hotel’s spa.

Enjoy an evening at leisure at Amankora Paro.

Tiger’s Nest Bhutan

Day 7 Hike to Haa Valley

Today, adventure on a full day hike to the beautiful Haa valley will be arranged. The Haa Valley is one of the western-most districts of Bhutan, bordering China and the Indian state of Sikkim. A relatively unexplored, but extremely picturesque valley, Haa beautifully captures the simple country life enjoyed and treasured by the local populace.

The two monasteries, Karpo (White) and Nagpo (Black) Lhakhang, and the Haa Dzong are the highlights of this sleepy town.

Return back to Paro where a special blessing ceremony with lighting 108 butter lamps at a Private temple will be arranged and learn about the ancient Buddhist traditions that are still practiced today.

Tonight, on your last evening in Bhutan, step into the magic of the country with a unique culinary experience where you will be dressed in traditional Bhutanese style attire.

Enjoy your final evening at Amankaro Paro.

Day 8 Departure
Morning transfer to the airport to connect with the international flight to Delhi.

Please call our office (888-722-3401) to customize your own adventure to the Kingdom of Bhutan.

All payments are non-refundable. We highly recommend trip insurance and are happy to assist.

INCLUSIONS

  • Accommodation as per the programme on a twin share basis
  • Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
  • Picnics enroute to other Amankora Lodges
  • In-house beverages include house wine and spirits.
  • Wifi and laundry
  • Service charges at the Amankora
  • A game of traditional archery/darts at any of the lodges
  • Transport hire of Deluxe van as per the programme.
  • Services of an English-speaking Bhutanese guide.
  • Royalty payable to Bhutan Governments.
  • Bhutan Visa fee.
  • Special picnic lunch at the base of Tiger Nest.
  • Special private blessing ceremony with lunch.
  • Special evening with a local host in Thimpu.
  • One 60-minute Amankora Holistic massage per person at Thimphu
  • A one-time Hot Stone Bath, Amankora Paro
  • All government taxes and Royalty etc.

EXCLUSIONS

  • Arrival air to Delhi
  • Departure air
  • Flight to Paro