Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Five Valleys of Bhutan The Amankora Journey
Bhutan - Thimphu - Gangtey - Bumthang - Punakha - Paro
Your route naturally unfolds west to east, giving you time to adjust to the altitude and pace of life. Along the way, cross high mountain passes strung with prayer flags, explore vast fortress monasteries and visit temples that have been quietly in use for centuries. In Thimphu, dip into local life with market visits and traditional crafts, while in Gangtey, walk through glacial valleys known for their rare black-necked cranes. Bumthang offers a deeper spiritual focus, with temple visits linked by gentle countryside walks, before Punakha brings a softer, warmer landscape of rice fields and rivers.
And then there’s Paro, home to Bhutan’s most iconic sight: the Tiger’s Nest monastery. The climb is steady but rewarding, with views that more than justify the effort – and a sense that you’ve arrived somewhere rather special.
Throughout, where you stay is just as considered as what you see. Aman’s lodges are understated but exceptional: calm, beautifully designed spaces that reflect their surroundings. After each day out, return to crackling fires, generous hospitality and the kind of quiet that’s increasingly hard to find.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Your journey begins with a flight to Delhi, taking around nine hours from the UK. Head to the airport, breeze through security, grab a last-minute snack and settle in – whether that’s with a film, a glass of wine or some sleep before tomorrow’s early start.
When you arrive, you’ll be met and privately transferred to your hotel just outside the city. It’s a calm base away from the chaos, with plenty of space to properly unwind after the flight.
Today is intentionally easy. Check in, take a nap if needed or stretch your legs with a wander around the grounds. Tomorrow, things ramp up – Bhutan is next.
This morning, head back to the airport for your flight to Paro (around two-and-a-half hours). Try to nab a window seat, as the approach through the Himalayas is pretty special, with snow-capped peaks appearing almost within touching distance.
On arrival, meet your guide and driver for the rest of the trip, and head to Thimphu (around an hour), following the river through forested valleys. Sitting at 7,874ft, Bhutan’s capital blends tradition with a quietly modern edge – think monasteries and prayer wheels alongside small cafés, craft shops and local markets.
You’ll check into Amankora Thimphu, set in a peaceful forest above the city, before heading out with your private guide. Visit the Memorial Chorten, explore the weaving centre and see traditional paper being made by hand. A stop at VAST gallery offers a glimpse into Bhutan’s contemporary art scene.
In between, there’s time to wander, browse and ease into the rhythm of Bhutanese life.
Set off early for Gangtey, a scenic drive of around six hours that’s very much part of the experience. Climb to the Dochu La Pass (10,131ft), where rows of white chortens sit against a backdrop of Himalayan peaks. On a clear day, the views stretch for miles.
Descending into the Phobjikha Valley, the landscape opens out into wide glacial plains, home to the impressive Gangtey Monastery (the largest Nyingma monastery in Bhutan).
Your base for the next two nights is Amankora Gangtey, perched quietly above the valley, blending seamlessly into its surroundings.
The following day is spent exploring the valley at a slower pace. Visit the black-necked crane conservation centre to learn about these rare migratory birds, then head out on foot to take in the landscape properly. Prefer two wheels? Cycling is an option too – just be prepared for the altitude to keep things interesting.
Set off early for Bumthang, a long but rewarding drive (around ten hours) through some of Bhutan’s most remote and scenic landscapes.
En route, stop at Trongsa Dzong, one of the country’s most impressive fortresses dramatically perched above the valley. Wander through its courtyards, admire the intricate paintings and watch monks going about their daily routines.
Arrive in Bumthang and settle into Amankora Bumthang, your base for the next three nights. The setting is peaceful, with views across the valley and a slower pace that’s hard to resist.
The following days are all about exploration. Visit some of Bhutan’s oldest and most important temples, including Jambey Lhakhang and Kurje Lhakhang, linked by an easy walk through the countryside. There’s also time to head into the Tang Valley, stopping at remote monasteries and a small museum that offers an insight into Bhutanese life.
And yes, there’s even a local cheese factory and brewery along the way (Bhutan does balance things nicely).
The journey to Punakha takes you west again, crossing high mountain passes before descending into a noticeably warmer, greener valley.
Check into Amankora Punakha, reached via a suspension bridge draped in prayer flags – a memorable arrival, to say the least. The lodge itself sits among rice fields and orange groves, right by the river.
During your stay, explore Punakha Dzong, widely considered Bhutan’s most beautiful fortress. Set at the meeting point of two rivers, it’s as photogenic as it is historically important.
You’ll also visit Chimi Lhakhang, a small temple with a rather unusual reputation; it’s known as the ‘fertility temple’, linked to the eccentric Divine Madman.
Between visits, there’s time to enjoy the setting. Riverside walks, quiet moments on your terrace or simply watching the rhythm of rural life unfold.
Today, return to Paro via the Dochu La Pass, with another chance to take in those heavenly Himalayan views (they never get old).
Check into Amankora Paro, your final lodge, set among pine forests and traditional farmhouses.
The main event here is the hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, one of Bhutan’s most iconic sights. Clinging to a cliff face, it’s a challenging but rewarding climb (allow around five hours for the round trip). Take it steady – the altitude is noticeable – and stop often to take in the views.
Along the way, pass prayer flags, forest trails and viewpoints that make the effort worthwhile long before you reach the top.
Back in Paro, the rest of your time is yours. Visit the dzong, explore the town or unwind at the spa for a well-earned reward.
Today, fly back to Delhi (around two-and-a-half hours), where you’ll check back into your hotel near the airport.
This final stop is all about comfort. After the mountain air and early starts, it’s a chance to properly unwind. Perhaps you’d enjoy a spa treatment, a swim or a final good meal before heading home.
In the evening, transfer to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.
As you make your way home, it’s hard not to reflect on the contrast of the journey – from high Himalayan valleys and monastery trails to quiet lodges and slow, thoughtful travel. Bhutan has a way of lingering long after you’ve left (and not just because your legs still remember that hike).
Suggestions
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
TREK FROM PARO
If you’re keen to go beyond the main routes, a multi-day trek from Paro is a great way to see Bhutan differently. Routes vary in length and difficulty, but all take you deeper into the mountains, with quiet trails, wide valley views and the chance to experience rural life away from the usual stops.MEETING IN THE TANG VALLEY
From Bumthang, venture further into the Tang Valley on foot or even on horseback if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s a quieter, less-visited corner of the region, with the chance to meet a Bhutanese writer and visit a small museum that offers a deeper look at local culture and history. An extra night here is well worth it if you have the time.EXTEND YOUR STAY IN GANGTEY
If the pace of the Phobjikha Valley suits you (it usually does), it’s easy to linger a little longer. Spend more time walking the valley, join a meditation session or sit down with a monk to learn more about daily life and Buddhist practice.
Why visit Bhutan with Original Travel ?
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to Bhutan
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption
