The Amankora Journey

The royal government of Bhutan is based in the Thimphu Valley, which also has a monastic astrological school. Take a revitalizing stroll over one of the nation's oldest cantilever bridges to Cheri Goemba, the location of the kingdom's first monastic settlement.

Climb 3,000 meters across mountain passes with views of the Himalayas to Amankora Gangtey in the Phobjikha Valley. Take a time-traveling stroll through Gangtey Village and pay a visit to the impressive Gangtey Goemba located at the head of the valley. Later, join Amankora's Gangtey Lodge for a Tsa-Tsa making session where you will be crafting little terra cotta stupas.

When it's appropriate, witness the magnificent, threatened black-necked cranes at their resting places. When the Gangtey Tulku is in residence, one can arrange for a personal blessing and explore the valley's vaned landscape on foot or by mountain bike. On your journey back to the lodge, take in the rational sport of archery in Bhutan.

A short drive to the Punakha valley follows the Dang River as it meanders through woods of oak and bamboo. See the temple honoring the protector deity of the Queen Mother at Talo Village, and then climb to an old monastery close to Amankora Punakha in the afternoon.

Stroll beside the Mo River, passing through tiers of rice fields, and arrive to a Chorten erected by Queen Mather. Before touring the magnificent Punakha dzong and the Chimi fertility temple, which dates back to the 15th century, have a picnic on the banks of the River Punak, close to the royal family's winter residences.

Wind to Amankora Paro, which is encircled by pines, through the Wang and Paro river valleys. After seeing some of the oldest and most revered religious structures in the valley and some surrounding ruins, attend an astrological class, lecture, or flag printing demonstration in the evening.

Discover items at the National Museum that date back to 4000 BCE. An early morning climb leads up a sheer cliff face to Tiger's Nest, one of Bhutan's most sacred locations. Leave the Paro airport the following morning.

Depart from Paro airport this morning