An Ultra-Luxury Journey Across Bhutan’s Most Sacred Valleys

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Duration

12 days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

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About this tour

The Aman Kora Circuit is the ultimate expression of luxury travel in Bhutan, seamlessly connecting Aman’s five lodges across distinct valleys—from the western frontier to the spiritual heartland of central Bhutan. Designed for discerning travelers who seek privacy, authenticity, and profound cultural immersion, this journey unfolds at an unhurried pace, blending sacred landscapes, living traditions, and Aman’s signature understated elegance.

Highlights

  • Ultra-luxury circuit journey across Bhutan with exclusive stays at all five Aman Kora lodges
  • Scenic drives and mountain passes linking sacred valleys from Paro to Bumthang
  • Cultural and spiritual immersion in Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, and Bumthang
  • Panoramic Himalayan views at Dochula Pass and along Bhutan’s most beautiful routes
  • Gentle hikes through rice terraces, forests, and pristine glacial valleys
  • Encounters with iconic monasteries, dzongs, and living Buddhist traditions
  • Journey into the serene Phobjikha Valley, home of the black-necked cranes
  • Exploration of Bumthang, Bhutan’s spiritual heartland of ancient temples and legends
  • Scenic domestic flight back to Paro over deep valleys and snow-capped peaks
  • Legendary hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery above the Paro Valley

Included/Excluded

  • Accommodation on twin sharing/Single occupancy on government certified hotels, Lodges, Resorts and Farm houses OR Tents while camping or trekking, selected according to your budget and finalized travel itinerary.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, one time evening tea & snacks.
  • All transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary
  • English speaking local guide
  • Sustainable Tourism Development Fund (SDF)
  • Entry fees to government institutions
  • One time evening tea & snacks
  • Bottled drinking water in bus as extra service ( as much as you wish to drink)
  • Camping equipment's (tents to sleep, chairs,tables, dining, Kitchen & toilet tent, sleeping cot, sleeping bags)
  • Airfare & Airport taxes
  • Bar & Laundry service
  • Travel Insurance
  • Gratuities
  • Other expenses of personal nature eg. sim card, small tipping to hotel staff, shopping, room up gradation
  • Single supplement
  • FIT surcharges for 1 and 2 pax of US$ 40 and 30 per day per person respectively.

Itinerary

Distance: ~55 km
Drive Time: 1.5 hours
Elevation:

  • Paro: 2,280 m
  • Thimphu: 2,334 m

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, one of the world’s most dramatic Himalayan gateways, you are warmly welcomed by your Bhutanese guide and chauffeur. The journey to Thimphu follows the emerald Paro and Thimphu rivers, passing traditional farmhouses, fluttering prayer flags, and terraced fields backed by pine-covered hills.

Arrive at Aman Kora Thimphu, an oasis of calm nestled within a pine forest.
Afternoon at leisure—unwind after your journey with a spa treatment, a gentle forest walk, or simply relax by the fireplace as the mountain air sets the tone for the days ahead.

Today offers a deep introduction to Bhutan’s living culture:

  • National Memorial Chorten – A serene monument dedicated to world peace and enlightenment, where locals gather daily for prayer and meditation.
  • Buddha Dordenma (Buddha Point) – A colossal gilded Buddha overlooking the Thimphu Valley, offering breathtaking panoramic views and quiet contemplation.
  • Takin Preserve – Home to Bhutan’s unique national animal, steeped in legend and mythology.
  • Drubthob (Zilukha) Nunnery – A tranquil spiritual enclave where Buddhist nuns pursue meditation and study.
  • Simply Bhutan – An interactive cultural living museum offering insight into traditional homes, attire, food, and crafts.
  • Weekend Market & Craft Bazaar – A vibrant glimpse into daily Bhutanese life, showcasing local produce, textiles, and handmade artifacts.

Return to Aman Kora for a refined evening at leisure.

Distance: ~75 km
Drive Time: 3 hours
Highest Point: Dochula Pass – 3,100 m
Punakha Elevation: 1,200 m

Ascend through mist-laden forests to the iconic Dochula Pass, adorned with 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens. On clear days, the pass reveals a breathtaking sweep of the eastern Himalayan range, including Bhutan’s highest peaks—an unforgettable moment of stillness and grandeur.

Descend into the subtropical Punakha Valley, once Bhutan’s winter capital.

  • Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility) – A revered pilgrimage site associated with the Divine Madman, approached via a scenic walk through rice fields and village homes, offering warm encounters with local life.

Check in at Aman Kora Punakha, overlooking the Mo Chhu River, where warmer air and lush landscapes create a gentle contrast to the highlands.

  • Punakha Dzong – One of Bhutan’s most magnificent fortresses, dramatically positioned at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers. This architectural masterpiece remains the winter seat of the Je Khenpo and plays a central role in Bhutanese history.
  • Suspension Bridge – One of the longest traditional bridges in Bhutan, adorned with prayer flags and offering immersive views of the valley and rivers below.
  • Kham Sum Yulley Namgyal Chorten Hike – A gentle yet rewarding hike through rice terraces and pine forests to a hilltop chorten built to promote peace and harmony. From the summit, panoramic views of the Punakha Valley unfold in serene splendor.

Afternoon relaxation back at Aman Kora.

Distance: ~80 km
Drive Time: 3.5–4 hours
Elevation: Phobjikha – 2,900 m

Journey through winding mountain roads into the pristine Phobjikha Valley, a vast glacial bowl renowned for its untouched beauty and spiritual calm.

  • Black-Necked Crane Information Centre – Learn about the endangered cranes that migrate here each winter, revered as symbols of longevity and peace.

Settle into Aman Kora Gangtey, perfectly positioned above the valley, offering sweeping views and deep silence.

  • Nature Walk – A gentle trail across marshlands and meadows, ideal for absorbing the valley’s stillness and raw beauty.
  • Gangtey Monastery – A 17th-century Nyingma monastery overlooking the valley, serving as the spiritual anchor of the region and home to sacred annual festivals.

The remainder of the day is reserved for quiet reflection, spa rituals, or fireside conversations at Aman.

Distance: ~170 km
Drive Time: 6–7 hours

This is one of Bhutan’s most scenic journeys, crossing dense forests, deep gorges, and dramatic mountain passes.

  • Trongsa Dzong – Bhutan’s largest and most strategically located dzong, once controlling east–west trade routes and ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family.
  • Hot Lunch en route at a carefully selected local restaurant.

Continue onward to the spiritual heartland of Bumthang, where four sacred valleys converge. Check in at Aman Kora Bumthang.

  • Jakar Dzong – Known as the “Castle of the White Bird,” offering commanding views of the valley.
  • Jambay Lhakhang – One of Bhutan’s oldest temples, built in the 7th century.
  • Kurje Lhakhang – Site where Guru Rinpoche left his body imprint.
  • Tamshing Lhakhang – A revered monastery linked to the teachings of Pema Lingpa.
  • Swiss Farm & Cheese Factory – A delightful blend of Bhutanese tradition and European craftsmanship.
  • Me-Bar Tsho (Burning Lake) – A sacred site associated with the treasure-revealing saint Pema Lingpa.

Enjoy a scenic domestic flight back to Paro, offering aerial views of deep valleys and snow-capped peaks.

Afternoon at leisure:

  • Aman spa rituals
  • Private meditation session
  • Curated village walk
  • Tea with monks or local artisans

The highlight of any Bhutan journey:

  • Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery – Perched dramatically on a cliff 900 meters above the Paro Valley, this sacred site is where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 8th century. The hike unfolds through pine forests, fluttering prayer flags, and viewpoints that inspire awe and humility.

Return to Aman for a well-earned rest.

  • National Museum (Ta Dzong) – Insight into Bhutan’s art, history, and cosmology.
  • Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) – A masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture.
  • Kyichu Lhakhang – One of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples.
  • Evening Souvenir Shopping – Curated handicrafts and meaningful keepsakes.

Farewell Dinner at Aman, celebrating a journey of beauty, stillness, and transformation.

Transfer to Paro International Airport.
As your guide and driver bid you farewell:

“May the blessings of the Himalayas travel with you, and may the peace you found in Bhutan remain in your heart wherever life takes you.”

Tashi Delek.

Frequently asked questions

There are 19 languages spoken in Bhutan, but the national language is Dzongkha. English is used throughout Bhutan’s education system, so it is widely used and understood.

Bhutan is a year-round destination. There are four seasons: summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), winter (December to February) and spring (March to May). But because of the range of altitudes in the country, and the influence of the north Indian monsoons, the climate is incredibly varied.

In the south, the humid, subtropical climate is fairly consistent year-round, with temperatures between 15oC and 30oC. Central Bhutan, with its temperate forests, has a more seasonal climate, with warm summers and cool, dry winters. The northern regions are much colder during winter. Because of the high altitude, mountain peaks are snowy year-round and the lower reaches remain cool in summer.

In summer, the Indian monsoon season runs from late June or July to late September, mostly affecting the southern regions. Most farming activities take place in the summer, when crops thrive in verdant landscapes.

Autumn, from late September or early October to late November, follows the rainy season. It is characterised by bright, sunny days and some early snowfall at higher elevations. It’s the season of feasts and festivals as farmers reap the fruits of their work.

From late November until March, the crisp, clear and sunny winter sets in, with frost throughout much of the country and snowfall common above elevations of 3,000 metres. The winter northeast monsoon brings gale-force winds at the highest altitudes through high mountain passes, giving Bhutan the name Drukyul, which means Land of the Thunder Dragon in Dzongkha (Bhutan’s national language).

Bhutan’s generally dry spring starts in early March and lasts until mid-April. It is a botanist’s delight, with nature in full bloom. Summer weather commences in mid-April with occasional showers and continues to late June.

Visitors of all nationalities, except those from India, require a visa before entering Bhutan. For all visitors, except those from Bangladesh and the Maldives, this visa must be applied for and approved in advance of travel. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives also require a visa, but this can be applied for and approved either in advance of travel or upon arrival in Bhutan.

Visitors from India are able to apply for a permit but are required to hold an Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card. For Indian nationals under the age of 18, a passport or a birth certificate can be used to enter and they must be accompanied by a legal guardian.

Nationals from Switzerland and Thailand holding diplomatic or government-official passports are eligible for a visa at their port of entry.

No, there are no restricted nationalities in Bhutan.

The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s development. Since the kingdom first opened its doors in 1974, guests have played a critical role in our country’s growth.

The SDF is collected by the national exchequer and funds are allocated to various projects that create long-term, sustainable opportunities for the Bhutanese people, through free healthcare, education and training, upskilling the tourism and hospitality industry, improved infrastructure, environmental preservation and conservation, cultural preservation programmes and initiatives that support local businesses and economies. The SDF is also a vital means of maintaining the exceptional forest cover and carbon-neutrality for which our small nation is world-renowned and globally critical. The SDF also helps us to ensure that we can continue to offer guests tranquillity and an intimate experience.

The SDF is USD 100 per night for adults from all countries except for India. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay USD 50 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.

The SDF for Indian nationals (showing a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card) is Nu. 1,200 (or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees) per person, per night. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay Nu./INR 600 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.

You may bring cash equivalent to US$10,000 into the country.

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Member Since 2025

Information Contact

Email

visitbhutan23@gmail.com | Info@experiencebhutan.com | info@experiencebhutan.com.bt | khetnath@experiencebhutan.com

Website

experiencebhutan.com

Phone

+975 17619485 | +975 17464584

Fax

+975 2 328961 | +975 2 335398

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