At a Glance
visits of ancient worship houses, monasteries, museums and easy to moderate walks/hikes at each valley, including Tiger's Nest hike. Throughout the walking tour, you'll stay at luxury Amankora lodges, across Bhutan's cloud-crowned, pine-lined peaks in boutique hotel bliss.
The trip includes Wangditse Leisure Forest Trail walk, Phajoding Goenpa Hike, Lungchutse Hike, Khamsum Chorten Hike, Tacho lhakang Hike, a section of Chele La Trek, and the famous Tiger's Nest Hike. You'll also visit Dzongs, stroll pass the Takin animal sanctuary and venture into local villages.
The tour also offers you unique cultural, spiritual and wellness experiences, including printing prayer flags and enjoying a relaxing massage.
The tour is privately guided and fully supported. You only need to carry a day pack.
All meals are included for the duration of the tour as well as house ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Seven nights' luxury lodge accommodation (twin share) at Amankora
- All meals and house beverages including select wines and spirits
- Amazing walks and sightseeings including Tiger's Nest hiking
- Guided excursions/walks each day with an experienced Bhutanese guide
- Return private transfer to and from Paro airport
- All transport and guiding
- All monument passes and road permit processing
- Bhutan tourist visa fee, Bhutan government tourism royalty & surcharge, and Bhutan sustainable tourism fund
- Unique cultural, spiritual and wellness experiences such as printing prayer flags
- One 60-minute Amankora Holistic Massage per person once during stay
- Wi-fi & Laundry
Itinerary
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Walking distance: 2 - 3 hours walking (Easy Grade) Enjoy one of the world's most spectacular descents as your early-morning flight arrives into Paro amid breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks. On arrival you will be greeted by your local guide, who will remain with you throughout your journey across Bhutan. You will have 1.5 hour car journey and arrive in Thimphu, Bhutan's capital, lying in a steep valley at an altitude of 2,350m (7,709ft). You will take a mild hike on the Wangditse Leisure Forest Trail. Wangditse Leisure Forest Trail The trail leads up through many hanging prayer flags making the place beautiful and if you look back you will find good view of Thimphu city. At first the trail seems to head up into the mountain towards Phajoding. But after 10 minutes of abrupt climbing you take the side footpath to right and the trail gets gentler and easier. You will find apple orchard and few farm houses above the trail. From here the trail drops down gently through oak, blue pine and rhododendron until you reach Wangtse monastery. The view of Tashicho Dzong, Thimphu city, and Buddha statue is stunning from here. Optional sightseeings in Thimphu at your choice (free of charges): including visiting the Institute of Traditional Medicines, the School of Arts and Crafts, the Folk heritage Museum, Simply Bhutan - museums depicting Bhutan's ancient cultural heritage, the National Library, Textile Museum, the Weaving Centre, Buddha Point and the National Memorial Chorten. We can tailor the itinerary to suit your interest and arrival time. |
Amankora Thimphu
Lunch, Dinner |
Walking distance:4 - 5 hours walking (Moderate Grade). The trek to Phajoding is an uphill climb through forested area of blue pine, fir and spruce. Bhutan is the least deforested country in the world, covered with 70% virgin blue pine forest. The walk, at a leisurely pace, takes about four hours. Phajoding provides an excellent view of Thimphu Valley and is also a retreat center for monks and nuns. Phajoding Goenpa Hike After lunch, hike to Cheri Goemba monastery. On the way back, pay a visit to the 16th-century Pangri Zampa, which now houses a monastic training school for astrologers. Then head to the north end of the valley to visit the Trashi Chhoe Dzong, the seat of Bhutan's government and royal offices. As the sun sets, take a stroll past the Takin animal sanctuary for a beautiful view over the Thimphu valley. In the evening, enjoy a private meeting at the lodge with the Mynak R Tulku, who will answer all your Buddhism questions. He is the 12th reincarnated lama of the famous Mynak Rinpoche (Subject to his availability. Additional charges apply). Optional tours in Thimphu at your choice (free of charges), including exploring the capital's cottage industries, from traditional paper making to hand rolled incense; browsing Himalayan artefacts along the main street; and making your own stamp at the post office, and visiting Craft Bazaar or Vegetable markets (open at weekends). Your guide can tailor the itinerary to suit your interest and time. |
Amankora ThimphuBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Walking distance: 2 - 3 hours walking (Moderate Grade). You'll have an early departure for the dramatic drive over the mountain pass of Dochu La, and on to the Punakha Valley. Enjoy Lungchutse hike, one of the most rejuvenating and picturesque hikes in the Thimphu region. Lungchutse Hike The loop hike starts from Dochu La, the pass between Thimphu and Punakha at 3,140m (10,300ft) above sea level. Slowly climb a ridge through a forest of hemlock, birch and rhododendrons until reaching an open meadow. You'll then enter into forest of moss-covered rhododendrons, gigantic hemlocks, junipers, and bamboo undergrowth. A small trail leads you the last 50 meters past a row of fluttering prayer flags up to Lungchutse temple. On clear days, the view from the temple is fantastic! You will have a 360° view of the Himalayas including views of Jumolhari (7,314m / 24,00ft), Masang Gang in the region of Laya (7,158 m / 23,500ft), Zongophu Gang - a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana (7,060m / 23,160ft) and Gangkhar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan and the highest unclimbed peak in the world (7,497 m / 24,600ft). You can also see Gasa Dzong, as a tiny white speck in a sea of green almost 50 kilometres to the north. Enjoy the evening in the courtyard of Amankora Punakha lodge. |
Amankora PunakhaBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Walking distance: 1 - 2 hours walking (Easy Grade). Start the morning with a walk to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, standing majestically on a strategic ridge above the Punakha valley. Built over a period of 9 years, it is a splendid example of Bhutan's fine architectural and artistic traditions and the only one of its kind in the world. Built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother, this temple is dedicated for the well being of the kingdom and in particular the long life of our beloved King. Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten Walk Then visit the impressive Punakha Dzong, home to the remains of Bhutan's first ruler and the winter residence of the monastic order's leader and his entourage of monks. Visit Chimi Lhakhang, known to the English speaking world as The Fertility Temple, is a Buddhist monastery, in the Punakha District of Bhutan, idyllically placed on a rotund hill. The temple was built over half a millennium ago by Ngawang Choegyel, the 14th Drukpa hierarch. Enjoy a private riverside BBQ decorated with candles and lanterns. A bonfire is prepared for a cool night. Sitting in the shade of pine trees, you'll enjoy the sounds of the river, views of rice fields and mountain peaks and the aromas of food sizzling on the charcoal grill. Optional afternoon activities (additional charges apply): archery, cooking class to learn how to make moms, traditional dumping and the famous ema datse. |
Amankora PunakhaBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Walking distance: 1 hour walking (Easy Grade). A four-hour car trip to Paro takes you back across the impressive Dochu La pass en route to Tacho lhakang for a spiritual hike. This hike is a short and easy one but has profound sprit of history and Buddhism in Bhutan. Walk to the 14th century Monastery and feel the energy prevailing there. Walk down to the river and on the bridge with clear water passing below. The bridge is no ordinary one for the chain on the bridge is from 14th century made by an Enlightened Buddhist master, Thanthong Gyalpo of Tibet, popularly known as the iron bridge builder. He came to Bhutan in the14th century, and discovered irons and made about 8 iron chain bridges in Bhutan in different places. In those days there was no welding technology invented anywhere in the world. How this Buddhist Master could make round pieces of iron without signs of joints remains a great mystery. Tacho lhakang Hike Enjoy a picnic at a beautiful spot on the route back along the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu valleys. You'll arrive at Amankora Paro in the afternoon, hidden in pine forest towards the north end of the valley. You can take a short stroll across open fields and past village houses. Before the sun sets, sit down by the big prayer wheel below the ruins of the Drukgyel Dzong and relax amid the rural scenery and changing sky. In the evening, you can print a prayer flags for tomorrow's hike or watch an intriguing movie on the Himalayas. You may also take an evening lecture for an introduction to Gross national Happiness (additional charges apply). |
Amankora ParoBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Walking distance: 13 km, approx. 6 - 7 hours walking (Moderate Grade). After a hearty breakfast, take a beautiful one and half hour drive to Chele La pass (3,899m / 12,792ft). You will walk a section of Chele La Trek, offering you a taste of trekking in high Himalayas within a short span of time. Chele La Trek (Ningula via Kungkarpo pass to Paro) Start from Ningula, descend for few minutes and follow the ridge through meadows, and you climb uphill through the forest of tall rhododendrons toward Kung Karpo Sky Burial at 4,350m. The view of Haa Valley is spectacular as you climb up through these stone cairns to Kung Karpo. From the sky burial, you will be walking up and down with panoramic views of Paro Valley on the left and Haa Valley on right. The view of Kila Goenpa Nunnery below is also spectacular. Walk further downhill until you reach Chele La pass, which is one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. There are thick fluttering prayer flags sending enormous prayers for all sentient beings in the world. You can fix your prayer flag made the night before and be fortunate to gain good merit. Once you leave the fluttering prayer flags your vehicle will be waiting here to transfer you to Paro. |
Amankora ParoBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Walking distance: Approx. 9 km return, 4 hours walking (Moderate Grade) In the morning, hike up to view one of Bhutan's most dramatic monuments, the Taktshang Goemba, known as Tiger's Nest. It's built on a sheer cliff face at an altitude of 3,120 metres (10,240 ft). The four-hour return hike offers spectacular views of this sacred monastery perched on the rocks, 900m above the valley floor. Tiger's Nest Hike Return to your lodge for lunch. After lunch, you can visit the outskirts of Paro town where you will find the 7th-century twin temples of Kichu Lhakang, one of the first Buddhist temples built int he country. Spend time lighting 108 butter lamps and learn about the ancient Buddhist traditions that are still practised today. On the final evening of your journey, enjoy a famous Bhutanese hot stone bath. Dinner tonight is at the archery field. |
Amankora ParoBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
This morning you bid farewell to Bhutan. Your driver will take you to Paro International Airport. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfast,Accommodation
Dates & Prices
Daily departure on request. Single supplement for solo travellers is available. Please contact us for group bookings.
More Info
- The departure point is Paro
- The finish point is Paro
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Paro. We recommend you fly from Bangkok, Delhi or Singapore into Paro. In Bangkok, Aman has an airport representative who will assist with check-in. Drukair, and Bhutan Airlines are the only airlines that operate in and out of Bhutan.
We offer complimentary services to book all flights on your behalf. Airfare quotes will be provided upon request.
Flight Routes to Paro Bhutan
2 - 7 hours easy to moderate walking each day. We can tailor the walking program to suit your fitness level.
Day 1: Approximately 2 - 3 hours walking, easy grade; altitudes: 2,400 meters
Day 2: Approximately 4 - 5 hours walking, moderate grade; altitudes: 3,500 meters
Day 3: Approximately 2 - 3 hours walking, moderate grade; altitudes: 3,600 meters
Day 4: Approximately 1 - 2 hours walking, easy grade; altitudes: 1,500 meters
Day 5: Approximately 1 hour walking, easy grade; altitudes: 2,200 meters
Day 6: Approximately 6 - 7 hour walking, moderate grade; altitudes: 4,400 meters
Day 7: Approximately 4 hour walking, moderate grade; altitudes: 3,100 meters
Day 8: Depart
Total: Approximately 42 - 51 km
Bhutan has four distinct seasons. Bhutan can be enjoyed in any season.
Spring & Autumn Seasons (Mar - May, Sep - Nov)
The weather is ideal in spring and autumn. Generally, it's clear and mild weather with excellent scenery, lower rainfall and a range of festivals called Tshechus and Dromchoes. Himalayan views are best in October, while rhododendron blooms peak in March and April. However, they are peak season for tourist visitors and you can expect some congestion at major tourist sights.
Winter Season (Dec - Feb)
The weather is still pleasant, though it can be cold and temperatures fall below zero at night in December and January. During those months, it has snow to the higher regions however the southern regions and main valleys where visitors generally travel are considerably warmer. Paro and Thimphu normally experience only light dusting's of snow. Cool weather and clear skies is a great time for photography and valley hiking plus the opportunity for wonderful Himalayan vistas.
Summer Season (Jun - Aug)
Monsoon rains. High-altitude flowers are at their peak. Early-mid summer period June to July is good time to visit as there are less tourists.
Average Temperature in Bhutan
For more weather & climate information, please visit Tourism Council of Bhutan (http://www.tourism.gov.bt/about-bhutan/climatic).
Please note: Your Bhutan tourist visa application fee is included in this package. We offer services to arrange Bhutan tourist visas on your behalf.
All travellers (excluding Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian passport holders) to Bhutan are required to obtain tourist visas prior to arriving in Bhutan. Visa application requires at least 14 working days for handing. India, Bangladeshi and Maldivian passport holders do not require a visa to visit Bhutan.
How We Apply a Bhutan Tourist Visa on Your Behalf
1. You need to complete a Pre-registration form and legal form (We will send to you after your booking.)
2. Return the forms with clear colour copies of your passport. Please note that each passport should have a validity of at least six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan.
3. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs typically does not issue a visa until approximately 15 to 20 days prior to arrival. Once available, we will forward a copy of your visa for your reference.
For guests flying into and out of Bhutan via India, it is necessary to have e-tourist Indian visas or a regular double- or multiple-entry Indian visa. Please contact your nearest Indian embassy for more information. Please note that it will be all travellers' responsibility to make your own visa arrangements for any destinations prior to your Bhutan trip.
For more Bhutan Tourist Visa information, please visit Tourism Council of Bhutan (http://www.tourism.gov.bt/plan/visa).
Bhutan's infrastructure is continually being improved, which causes regular closures along the national highway. Delays are not uncommon. Some roads can be very degraded. You'll have experienced driver throughout the trip. The following is estimated travel time based on ideal road conditions.
Estimated Travel Time in Bhutan
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 40% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 90 days monies will be refunded less deposit
- Within 90 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
