Bhutan-Amankora Journey

Post Card View from Bhutan by ernieleo 800

An Adventure in the Land of the Thunder Dragon

9 NIGHT AMANKORA JOURNEY

THIMPHU- GANGTEY– PUNAKHA - PARO

July 15-24,  2012

The tiny Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan awaits, nestled high in the Himalayas its isolation from the world has cultivated a culture rich in traditions, religion and a benevolent monarchy. The dramatic landscapes, from snow capped peaks and deeply forested slopes to raging, boulder strewn rivers, sit largely undisturbed as the endeared environmental initiatives and religious beliefs leave the Kingdom pristine and a jewel of nature. The program takes you into this ancient Kingdom for an adventure into the hearts and lands of charming farmers, fascinating weavers, enchanting monks and charismatic leaders.

Yoga classes with Lorraine McConnon

This Yoga Retreat can be tailored to suit all levels of age, experience and fitness and are lead by Lorraine McConnon, a London-based teacher with over 25 yrs of Iyengar yoga teaching experience.

Yoga classes will be interwoven around the travel itinerary in and around the lodges at the beginning and/or end of the day.

The morning classes will be dynamic, with experienced students attending a longer lesson. The evening sessions will focus on recuperative poses and breath work. Individual progammes will be designed to address what you personally hope to achieve: reducing stress, increasing energy levels, improving strength and suppleness, increasing co-ordination, improving postural awareness, building up endurance, strengthening the immune system, and of course, experiencing the silence of relaxation and the deep emotional well-being this brings.

Itinerary

  • Day 1         Arrival, Transfer to Thimphu, o/n  Thimphu
  • Day 2         Thimphu Valley Exploration, o/n  Thimphu
  • Day 3         Transfer to Phobjika, o/n Gangtey
  • Day 4         Explore Phobjika Valley, o/n Gangtey
  • Day 5         Transfer to Punakha Valley, o/n  Punakha
  • Day 6         Punakha Valley Exploration, o/n  Punakha
  • Day 7         Transfer to Paro Valley, o/n  Paro
  • Day 8         Paro Valley Exploration, o/n  Paro
  • Day 9         Paro Valley Exploration, o/n Paro
  • Day 10      International Departure

Program

Day 1: Arrival

From the flight in, weaving through the valley, arrival in Bhutan is like no other. The transfer to Thimphu is approximately 1 ½ hours and upon arrival and following lunch, you will have the choice of the National Memorial Chorten, National Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum, and National Library to visit, and perhaps time to stroll main street for some interesting Himalayan artefacts or textiles. (overnight: Amankora in Thimphu)

Day 2: Tour of Thimphu

tour of ThimphuThis morning you will head to the north end of the valley to view Trashi Chhoe Dzong, the seat of Bhutan’s government and Royal offices, and pay a visit to Pangri Zampa, two 16th century buildings that now house a monastic training school for astrologers. At the head of the valley, should you wish to stretch y  our legs, a short hike will take you to Cheri Goemba, the monastery where the first monastic body was established in the Kingdom. Back in town you should be able to visit a few of the capital’s cottage industries ranging from traditional paper making to hand rolled incense. (overnight: Amankora Thimphu).

Day 3: From Thimphu to Gangtey

thirdAn early departure for a dramatic drive over the high mountain pass of Dochu La and on to the Phobjika 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 where on a clear day, towering Himalayan peaks are clearly visible. The descent down thru the Punakha Valley along the Kingdom’s only east-west highway, continues on through the scenic village of Wangdi.  Carrying on the highway follows the scenic Dang Chhu before climbing thru forests of bamboo and oak, and just before crossing the Pele La pass, a small side road splinters off to the hidden Phobjika Valley. On arrival you will have time to visit the striking Gangtey Goemba, sitting at the head of the valley, and perhaps strolling thru the quaint Gangtey village.  (overnight: Amankora in Gangtey).

Day 4: Gangtey Valley Exploration

This morning will start with a visit to the Black Neck Crane Center and dependent on the season, time spent in the Center’s nearby hide is a must to view the breeding cranes. Various walks or a mountain bike ride thru this magnificent valley can be arranged. Soaking up the beauty of the valley from the Lodge or returning to the revered Goemba for an audience with the Tulkul may be attractive, relaxing alternatives for the day. (overnight: Amankora in Gangtey)

Day 5: Gangtey to Punakha

Today’s journey back to Punakha will be brief and upon arrival you will have time to take lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon you will explore the hidden village of Talo, home of the Queens’ and the valley’s protective deity lhakhang. Later in the afternoon a hike to an ancient monastery on the hilltop behind the lodge can be organized or time given to enjoy the farmhouse and spa of the lodge. (overnight: Amankora in Punakha).

Day 6: Punakha Valley Exploration

fourThe day in Punakha Valley begins with a beautiful hike from the Punakha Lodge along the Mo Chhu thru terraces of rice, chillies and cabbage, takes to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a monument recently built by the four queens of Bhutan. Following the hike you will drive back up the valley towards Khuruthang passing Punthsho Pelri Palace and several other winter homes of the royal family before reaching the impressive Punakha Dzong. This ancient fortress is the winter residence of the monastic order’s head and still serves as the administrative headquarters for the Punakha region. A picnic lunch is served on the banks of the Punak Chu, before visiting the village of Lobesa where a short walk ends at Chimi Lhakhang, the auspicious fertility monastery built in 1499. (overnight: Amankora in Punakha).

Day 7: From Punakha to Paro

fiveAfter descending back down from Dochu La, you will follow your way back up the dramatic Wang Chu and Paro Chu river valleys, before crossing thru Paro Town towards the north end of the valley. Here, set in a pine forest, you will find the Amankora lodge and its spa. In the afternoon, there is an  opportunity for a quick stroll to the nearby ruins, a visit to some of the valley’s oldest and holiest religious monuments or a ramble down Paro’s main street. Evenings at Amankora may include informative lectures on the history, religion, flora and fauna of the region or a intriguing movie on the Himalayas. (overnight: Amankora in Paro).  

Day 8: Paro Valley Exploration

The day starts with a visit to the National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Here, an intriguing collection of artefacts provide a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. Just a short walk downhill lies the dominating Paro Dzong, a fine example of Bhutanese historic architecture. From the Dzong, the tour crosses Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilever bridge, and guests are then driven to the town temple, built in 1525, to view ancient wall paintings. Paro options include picturesque picnic spots or, perhaps, a visit to a traditional farmhouse to lunch with the family. After lunch you will visit the uniquely shaped Dumtse Lhakhang to view the beautiful, well preserved wall paintings there and then continue on to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the Kingdom’s oldest religious worship and most auspicious houses, that is said to pin down the left knee of an ogress that once demonized the Himalayas. (overnight: Amankora in Paro).

Day 9: Paro Valley Exploration – Tiger’s Nest Hike

sixToday will be an auspicious pilgrimage up to one of Bhutan’s most revered monuments, the Taktshang Goemba, more commonly referred to as the “Tiger’s Nest”. The four to five hour trek offers spectacular views of this sacred monastery perched on a cliff face 900m above the valley  floor. Accommodating mules and donkeys will be on hand to lessen the exertion for the climb up, and along the way a rewarding picnic will be served. The afternoon will be at leisure to enjoy the spa and ease those blessed aches from the morning’s pilgrimage. (overnight: Amankora in Paro).

Fees

Single Double Government Royalty Visa Fee
Sustainable Tourism Fund FIT
US$ 1,300 plus 20% tax/sc per night US$ 1,400 plus 20% tax/sc per night
US$ 65 per person per day
US$ 20
US$ 10
US$ 30 per person per day based on double occupancy US$ 40 per day based on single occupancy

FIT =For Individual Travellers ␣ a tax on stays of two or less persons. If guests can co-ordinate their arrival and departure date and a minimum of three people travel on these same dates, then the FIT Tax can be waived.
For journeys of seven nights or more, rates also include complimentary long road permits and private transport with driver and guide throughout the stay as well as a 60-minute massage at the Amankora spa per person which maybe enjoyed at any one of the lodges.

To book directly or for more info please contact AMANKORA RESERVATIONS Tel: (975) 2 331 333 Fax: (975) 2 331 999 E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

* Rates include all yoga classes, all meals, and house beverages, laundry, airport transfers to and from Amankora Paro or Amankora Thimphu, and visa processing assistance. The cost of travel insurance and flights are not included.