Driving Distance: 50 km | Driving time: 1.25 hr |Altitude of Thimphu: 2300 m

The panoramic Himalayan views shall be mesmerizing as you fly to Bhutan. The Landing is another experience. On arrival at the Paro International airport your guide from Ideal Travel Creations shall welcome you with a “Tashi Khadar”.

Drive to Thimphu. Discover the barren mountains, Tamchog Lhakhang, the Paro River (Pa Chhu) joining the Thimphu River (Wangchhu) at Chhuzomsa and the three stupas featuring distinct Bhutanese, Tibetan and Nepali style architecture. Villages, linear settlements the comfortably winding road along the Thimphu and Paro River with some beautiful views are some of the experiences as you reach Thimphu.

Check in at the Amankora, Thimphu located in the upper reaches of the Motithang area. This 16-suite Lodge of Amankora Thimphu is built in the style of a traditional dzong (fortress). It is within reach of the capital’s shops and sights, yet the lodge remains a secluded retreat. 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. Hiking and cycling are arguably the best ways to explore the incredible landscape.

Lunch at the Property.

After lunch, if the energy levels allow stroll around Clock Tower Square and Craft Bazaar.

In the evening visit impressive Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion) which houses the Throne Room and the Offices of His Majesty the King as well as the Je Khenpo, seniormost religious authority of Bhutan.

Dinner and Overnight in Amankora, Thimphu.

After a leisure breakfast, join the Local residents of Thimphu for circumambulations at the National Memorial Chorten, built in the honor of the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, also known as “The Father of Modern Bhutan”. Drive towards Kuenselphodrang. On the way visit Hindu Temple formally known as Devi Panchayan Mandir which was consecrated on 1st October 2019. His Majesty, The King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck offered worship and granted “Tika” to the Hindu Communities on the Dussehra on 1019 in this temple. Further in Kuenselphodrang, witness the 52-meter Buddha Dordenma statue in Thimphu. Visit the temple inside the statue and discover the 125,000 smaller Buddhas. The place offers a breath-taking view of the Thimphu Valley. If you love Hiking You can opt for a gentle hike to Changangkha Lhakhang from here. It is a 7 km Hike through the pine forest. This trail was initially intended to be a cycling trail but is very good for hike as well. It is a part of the 60 km cycling trail around Thimphu valley which was initiated in 2016 to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth King of Bhutan. Finally visit the Simply Bhutan, a living museum and a photo studio aimed at preservation and promotion of culture involving Bhutanese youth as the core group. 

After lunch, visit Takin Preserve. Takin is the national animal of Bhutan. Then visit the Zorig Chusom (The National Institute for 13 Traditional Arts and Crafts of Bhutan) and the Royal Textile Academy. The day ends witnessing an Archery Match at the Changlimithang stadium.

In the evening, you may choose to take a spa in the hotel (additional costs may be applicable)

Dinner and Overnight in Amankora, Thimphu.

After a memorable breakfast in the quaint settings of Amankora, start your day with a hike to Cheri Monastery. Established in the year 1620, the monastery was initially known as Chagri Dorjeden Monastery. After driving for about 20 minutes, we must steep hike about approx. 1 – 1.5 hrs. to reach the monastery. The monastery is now a major teaching and retreat center of the Drukpa Kagyu order. On your way back enjoy sometime by the Dodena River and drive back to Thimphu. On the way and visit the Choki Traditional Art School (Closed on Summer and Winter Breaks and Public holidays). Dasho Choki Dorji Started this school in the year 1999 with two main objectives, to help children of broken and disadvantaged families and to keep country’s rich traditional arts and crafts alive through the time to come. It started with 5 Students in 1999 and today they have 186 students. The school is funded by Himalayan Youth foundation and Fontana Foundation. They also earn revenue by selling the arts and crafts made by the students.

Then, Explore the nearby villages and interact with local people. If time permits, you may choose to visit the Voluntary Artists studio Thimphu (VAST) and the Kaja Throm.

Dinner and Overnight in Amankora, Thimphu.

Driving Distance: 140 km | Driving Time: 4 hr | Altitude of Phobjikha/ Gangtey: 3000 m

Visit the Simtokha Dzong on the way. This is one of the oldest dzongs in Bhutan. Drive to the Dochula Pass (3150 m), the highest point between Thimphu and Punakha valleys. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the higher Himalayas, explore the 108 Druk Wangyel Chhortens and then visit the Druk Wangyel Lhakhang.

Descend to the subtropical lush and beautiful valley of Punakha. The terraced rice fields, the meandering river and the beautiful villages shall welcome you as you reach Punakha. Explore the Lobesa Village for a while. Interact with the local vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables and other local produce.

Lunch at the Lobesa. Visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong overlooking the convergence of the Dangchhu and Punatsangchhu Rivers. The dzong was initially built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1638.

Drive along the slopes of bare hills following the river (Drang Chhu) until you reach Chuzomsa, (the confluence of the Dang Chhu and the Pe Chhu). After crossing the bridge, the road goes uphill through pine forests often encountering small villages, where women spinning yarns on their porches, older men idling their time and children frolicking around could be the most common sights. Explore the Lawala Pass. A few Photographs are must here.

Drive down along the pine forest till you reach Amankora, Gangtey. This is an eight-suite Lodge set on a forested knoll with scenic views of the valley floor and the 16th century Gangtey Goemba monastery. Suite interiors are identical to those of Amankora Thimphu, each enjoying a view across the valley.

Spend your evening enjoying the breathtaking views the property has to offer in one of the most beautiful Glacial valleys in the Himalayas.

Dinner and overnight in Amankora, Gangtey. 

Start your day with a breakfast with views. Visit the Gangtey Goemba overlooking the large green expanse of the Phobjikha Valley. Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa founded the Temple in 1613, and Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, the second re-incarnation, built the temple.

Hike the Gangtey Nature Trail. The trail starts at the 17th century Gangtey Monastery. The two-hour gentle trek lets you get immersed in the beautiful Phobjikha valley.

Visit the Khewang Lhakhang and interact with the young monks.  Explore the nearby villages for a while.

Picnic Lunch in the Phobjikha Valley. After lunch drive towards the villages of Kilkhorthang and Remeachin. Visit the Nelung Dreachagling Nunnery and the villages around. Witness farmers working in the field and enjoy taking photographs in this beautiful Glacial valley.

On the way back visit the Black Necked Crane Information Centre, a place for recreation with crane watching equipment (binoculars, spotting scopes) and reference books.

In the evening a short walk from Amankora, Gangtey, atop a hill above the picturesque Phobjikha Valley, a wooden hut with bamboo doors houses Aman’s Bhutanese hot-stone bath. Soak in candlelight in the water rich in minerals and floating sprigs of khempa as the sun sets. (Advance reservations and additional cost may be applicable)

Dinner and overnight in Amankora Gangtey.

Driving Distance: 85 km | Driving Time: 2.5 hr | Altitude of Punakha: 1250 m

Retrace your steps back to Punakha with ample stoppages on the way to enjoy anything interesting that comes along the way.

Picnic Lunch in Punakha.

Visit Chimi Lhakhang. Also known as the temple of fertility, the temple was built by Lam Drukpa Kuenley. the revered ‘Divine Madman’ and Buddhist ‘crazy wisdom.’ A lot of graphic phallus paintings and crafts might surprise you in the nearby areas.

Spend some time with the Nuns at the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery. Explore the Khuruthang town for a while and then finally visit the Punakha dzong at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu River. Addition to its appealing looks this Majestic Dzong stands six stories high. Walk over the one of the country’s longest suspension bridges and enjoy the breathing views, soothing breeze and a beautiful experience.

Finally drive to Six Senses, Punakha. This beautiful lodge has a rustic feel inspired by the valley’s farmhouse architecture and is blessed with a warmer climate. You’ll find a choice of suites and villas, pool, boutique, yoga and meditation huts.

Dinner and overnight in the Six Senses, Punakha, “Flying farmhouse Amidst the Rice Fields”.

After a leisure breakfast, drive to Chorten Ningpo was founded in the mid-late 18th century by Jigme Sengye, the 18th Druk Desi (secular ruler) of Bhutan, who held office from 1776-88.  This revered figure is renowned for his unorthodox teachings and profound impact on the Bhutanese people. The temple was built to house a sacred relic of Guru Rinpoche, reinforcing its spiritual significance. The chorten is home to a magnificent statue of Maitreya (the future Buddha) and images of the great lamas of the Drukpa lineage. The great oak tree outside the monastery is said to have grown out of the blazing log that the ‘Divine Madman’ threw (the tree’s bark is still black from where it was burnt).

Start your Hike to Kabji Hoka Tsho. The hike is of medium difficulty with few stretches of uphill climb. Walk along the irrigation channel to the lake. An array of lush flora and soothing chirps of birds. When you get to the lake, a little walk leads down to the water, where you get some of the best views of Kabji Hoka Tsho in its serene and pristine surroundings. Though the lake is hidden amidst the thick vegetation, it’s amazing to see the vast area surrounding the lake. (Hiking to this place during the summertime is not advisable due to slippery irrigation Channels and leeches specially for urban hikers.)

In the afternoon, explore the villages in upper Punakha Valley. And try white water rafting in the Mo chhu. Drive back to hotel and simply relax at the hotel enjoying what the property has to offer.

Dinner and overnight in the Six Senses, Punakha, “Flying farmhouse Amidst the Rice Fields”.

Driving Distance: 135 km | Driving Time: 3.75 hr | Altitude of Paro: 2280 m

After a nice breakfast, drive to Paro. On the way explore the Royal Botanical Park for a while. Picnic Lunch on the banks of Paro River near Shaba Village. After a short stoppage at Airport Viewpoint, visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. Finally Visit the Paro National Museum, which displays a collection of fascinating Bhutanese relics.

Explore the Paro Town. Visit Coffee shops, handicraft shops and interact with the locals.

Finally check in Six Senses, Paro “Stone Ruins”. Designed to maximize what is surely one of the most scenic settings, this lodge, perched high above the valley floor, is known as Stone Ruins. Surrounded by pine forests and within walking distance of several ancient monasteries, Six Senses hotel in Paro offers views and authentic experiences at every turn.

Dine among the Stone Ruins at the property.

Overnight at the Six Senses, Paro, “Stone Ruins”.

Altitude of Paro: 2280 m

Your day starts with an early morning hike to Taktshang Monastery, one of the most wonderful and significant monasteries in Bhutan. Also known as the Tiger’s Nest, the hike shall be accompanied with stories of Guru Rinpoche, who arrived on the spot where the monastery is located on the back of a flying tigress somewhere in 8th century. Reaching the top shall enlighten you on why the Monastery is an iconic pilgrimage for visitors to the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Visit Kyichhu Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple nearby with two magical orange trees that bear fruit throughout the year. Drive to a local farmhouse for lunch with a Bhutanese family.  Try the traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, National Dress and Archery here. You shall also have an opportunity to witness the daily life in a village in Bhutan.

Drive back to the Hotel. Explore the property, enjoy a peaceful time all by yourself within the property.

Dinner and Overnight at the Six Senses, Paro, “Stone Ruins”.

In the morning drive to Chelela Pass which is the highest point between the Paro and the Haa Valley. At approximately 45 km from the Paro Town, the Chelela Pass lies at an altitude of 3988 m and is the one of the highest motorable roads in Bhutan. The drive from Paro to Chelela would be through a winding road over the dense pine forest, the view is spectacular. As we ascend further to higher elevation the vegetation changes to conifer such as spruce, juniper, hemlock, silver fir and finally at the summit, the vegetation is all open alpine meadows.

The Pass is decorated with colorful prayer flags. You can choose to hang some prayer flags or offer incense here. On a clear day the views are beautiful.

After a while Hike to Kila Goemba. The trail, spanning approximately 9-12 kilometers, meanders through alpine meadows and rhododendron forests, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks and valleys. The hike concludes at the serene Kila Goenpa Nunnery, a centuries-old cliffside retreat home to Buddhist nuns. This journey, marked by natural beauty and cultural significance, provides hikers with a unique blend of adventure and spiritual tranquility.

On the way back visit the Namgay Artisanal Brewery. Check out the varieties of made in Bhutan beers. Set in a traditional Bhutanese style, the place is beautifully located overlooking the Paro valley.  This place brews different flavors of Bhutanese Beer to suit one’s palette. The outdoor setting of Namgay Artisanal brewery is equally awesome. Take a tour in the beer producing house. They mainly produce Indian Pale Ale, Apple Cider, Wheat beer, Dark ale, and red rice lager.

Finally visit the Drukgyal Dzong, with a picturesque village nestling below. The dzong was initially built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 to commemorate the victory of Bhutanese over the allied Tibetan-Mongolian forces. It was destroyed by fire in 1951 and was in ruins for a long time until reconstruction process was initiated in the year 2016 under the Command of His Majesty the King of Bhutan.

Dinner and Overnight at the Six Senses, Paro, “Stone Ruins”.

“A Regal Journey Amidst the Himalayas” comes to an end with a drive to Paro airport and farewell.