8 days
Daily Tour
Unlimited
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An Immersive Himalayan Journey of Culture, Nature & Quiet Elegance
Thimphu – Punakha – Paro | 8 Days / 7 Nights
Luxury Lodges
Thimphu (2 nights): Amankora Thimphu
Punakha (2 nights): andBeyond Punakha River Lodge
Paro (3 nights): Amankora Paro
Gateway to Bhutan’s Living Culture
Arrive at Paro International Airport, one of the world’s most spectacular Himalayan landings. After a warm VIP welcome by your private guide and chauffeur, begin a scenic drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s gentle capital city.
En route stop:
Tachog Lhakhang & Iron Bridge – A sacred temple founded by the legendary Tibetan saint Thangtong Gyalpo, known for building iron suspension bridges across the Himalayas. The traditional bridge here symbolizes Bhutan’s harmony between ancient engineering and spiritual purpose.
Afternoon in Thimphu:
Visit the majestic Buddha Dordenma, one of the world’s largest seated Buddha statues. Overlooking the entire Thimphu Valley, it radiates serenity and offers breathtaking panoramic views — a powerful introduction to Bhutanese spirituality.
Check in to Amankora Thimphu, discreetly set in a pine-clad hillside above the valley.
Evening at leisure with a refined Bhutanese-inspired dinner.
Overnight: Amankora Thimphu
Morning:
National Memorial Chorten – A deeply spiritual monument where locals gather daily to pray and circumambulate. This is the beating heart of Bhutanese devotion and mindfulness.
Tashichho Dzong – An architectural masterpiece housing the throne room, monastic body, and government offices. Its grand courtyards and riverside setting reflect Bhutan’s seamless blend of governance and spirituality.
Afternoon:
Motithang Takin Preserve – Home to the takin, Bhutan’s unique national animal, steeped in myth and folklore.
Textile Museum or Simply Bhutan – Gain insight into Bhutan’s living traditions, from royal textiles to rural life, presented with authenticity and elegance.
Return to Amankora for relaxation. Optional private hot-stone bath or spa treatment in the evening.
Overnight: Amankora Thimphu
From Alpine Forests to Subtropical Valleys
Depart Thimphu and ascend to the stunning Dochula Pass (3,100 m).
Dochula 108 Chortens – Built in honor of peace and stability, these stupas stand against a backdrop of the Eastern Himalayas. On clear days, sweeping snow-capped peaks appear like a divine curtain.
Descend into the warm, fertile Punakha Valley, once the ancient capital of Bhutan.
Check in to the exquisite andBeyond Punakha River Lodge, nestled along the banks of the Mo Chhu River, surrounded by rice fields and forested hills.
Afternoon at leisure: enjoy riverside tranquility, infinity pool views, or a bespoke spa experience.
Overnight: andBeyond Punakha River Lodge
Morning:
Punakha Dzong (Palace of Great Happiness) – One of Bhutan’s most beautiful fortresses, dramatically located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Rich in royal history, this dzong hosts sacred ceremonies and embodies Bhutan’s spiritual soul.
Walk across the Punakha Suspension Bridge, offering panoramic views of the valley and village life below.
Afternoon:
Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a beautifully ornate stupa built to ward off negative forces. The gentle uphill walk rewards you with sweeping views of the Punakha Valley — serene, expansive, and deeply uplifting.
Evening back at the lodge with a curated dining experience under the stars.
Overnight: andBeyond Punakha River Lodge
Journey Through Bhutan’s Heartland
Drive back west toward Paro, retracing the mountain roads and changing landscapes.
Arrive in Paro Valley, cradle of Bhutanese civilization and home to sacred temples and fertile farmlands.
Check in to Amankora Paro, set amid blue pine forests and open meadows — a sanctuary of stillness and refined simplicity.
Evening at leisure to unwind, reflect, and enjoy Aman’s understated luxury.
Overnight: Amankora Paro
Morning:
Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery) – Bhutan’s most iconic and sacred site, dramatically perched on a cliff 900 meters above the valley floor. The guided hike is both a spiritual and scenic journey, culminating in breathtaking views and a profound sense of achievement.
Afternoon:
Kyichu Lhakhang – One of the oldest temples in Bhutan, dating back to the 7th century, believed to pin down a demoness and bring peace to the land.
Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, an imposing fortress monastery that exemplifies Bhutanese architecture and historical significance.
Return to Amankora for a deeply restorative evening.
Overnight: Amankora Paro
Morning:
National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong) – Housed in a former watchtower, this museum offers a refined overview of Bhutanese art, history, and spiritual heritage.
Gentle exploration of Paro town, browsing artisan shops and local cafés.
Afternoon:
Leisure time at Amankora Paro — enjoy a spa ritual, nature walk, or simply absorb the silence of the valley.
Evening:
Farewell Bhutan Dinner, celebrating a journey of mindful luxury, cultural depth, and Himalayan beauty.
Overnight: Amankora Paro
Transfer to Paro international Airport for your flight back home. Your guide & driver assist with your baggage, bid you farewell and wish you safe journey back home.
“As you depart Bhutan, may the calm of these mountains, the warmth of its people, and the wisdom of its traditions travel with you—long after the journey ends.” TASHI DELEK!
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.
Member Since 2025
