Luxury Aman Kora Journeys

As you soar into Bhutan, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of some of the world’s highest peaks, including Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Jomolhari, Jichu Drakey, and Tserim Gang. Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative who will drive you to Thimphu.

En route, you’ll stop to visit the beautiful Tachhogang Temple, with a short walk across a 14th-century suspension bridge.

Upon arriving in Thimphu, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the town, wandering through the local markets and shops, and soaking up the sights and sounds of this unique and enchanting country. Overnight stay at the luxury Aman Resort.

Altitude: 2300m, Drive: 1h20, Distance: 50km

Your day of sightseeing begins with a visit to the impressive Buddha Dordenma, a massive statue overlooking the Thimphu Valley. Following this, you'll visit the Memorial Chorten, built in memory of Bhutan’s 3rd King, offering a glimpse into Bhutanese spirituality.

Next, you'll explore the school of 13 Traditional Arts and Crafts, where students learn skills unique to Bhutan. From there, you'll continue to the Folk Heritage Museum, which provides insight into the traditional Bhutanese way of life, and the Textile Museum, showcasing the country’s rich textile heritage.

In the afternoon, experience the vibrant weekend market, where locals gather to sell fresh vegetables and other goods. Then, head to the Changlimithang Archery Ground to witness an archery match, the national sport of Bhutan.

As the day winds down, take a leisurely one-hour hike to Wangditse Lhakhang, a serene temple that offers stunning views of the Thimphu Valley amidst beautiful natural surroundings. Overnight stay at the luxury Aman Resort.

Altitude: 2300m, Drive: 40min, Distance: 10km

As you depart from Thimphu, stop at Dochula Pass, situated at 3,150 meters, adorned with 108 Druk Wangyal stupas. On clear days, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas.

As you descend from the pass along the winding road, you'll notice a significant change in vegetation. Upon reaching the lower elevations of Punakha and Wangdue, the landscape transforms into an exotic paradise, dominated by cacti, banana plants, poinsettias, and other semi-tropical flora.

The drive will take you through the small town of Wangdue, where you’ll stop to visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, originally built in 1638, tragically destroyed by fire in 2012, and reconstructed in 2022. After exploring the Dzong, continue your journey towards Phobjikha, with a stop at Nobding Village along the way.

As you approach Pelela Pass (3,420 meters), you’ll catch your first glimpse of the Black Mountain ranges, which historically marked the border between eastern and western Bhutan. Just before reaching the pass, take a right turn towards the valley, renowned for its rare and famous Black-Necked Cranes. Overnight stay at the luxury Aman Resort.

Altitude: 2900m, Drive: 5hrs, Distance: 160km

Your first stop of the day will be the charming village of Gangtey, situated at an altitude of 3,000 meters. This quaint village is home to a small community believed to be descendants of around 50 gomchens, or lay monks, who settled here many years ago.

From Gangtey, continue to the Gangtey Gompa, a magnificent monastery perched on a hill overlooking the valley. The Gangtey Gompa is a significant religious site in Bhutan, with a rich history dating back to the 17th century.

After exploring the Gangtey Gompa, embark on a hike through the glacial valley of Phobjikha, located at an altitude of 2,900 meters (10,440 feet). The Phobjikha Valley is a natural wonder, renowned for its breathtaking beauty and tranquil surroundings. It is also home to the rare Black-necked Cranes, which migrate to this valley during the winter months.

In the evening, visit Kilkhorthang village and explore some of the farmhouses to gain insight into the local way of life. Overnight stay at the luxury Aman Resort.

Altitude: 2900m, Drive: 20min

From Phobjikha, you'll descend into the fertile valley of Punakha. In Lobesa, take a short hike through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang Temple. Built in the 15th century, this temple is known as the Fertility Temple, where couples who are unable to conceive come to seek blessings for a child.

Continue your drive to Punakha and visit the Punakha Dzong, beautifully situated between the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. After exploring the Dzong, take a walk to Changyul and cross Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge.

Next, head further north and walk through the rice fields to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Temple, which dominates the Punakha Valley. Overnight stay at the luxury Aman Resort.

Altitude: 1200m, Drive: 2hrs, Distance: 80km

As you retrace your journey back to Paro through scenic landscapes dotted with colorful prayer 

You will stop and visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in Bhutan. It houses about 60 monks. 

Continue your drive to Paro and visit the National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong. Originally built in the 17th century as a watchtower to guard Paro Rinpung Dzong below, the Ta Dzong now displays a collection of rare stamps and other artifacts.

Next, visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, constructed in the 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. Today, it serves as the district headquarters, housing both the administrative offices and a monastic body of about 200 monks. After your visit, hike down to the bridge and drive into town for some leisure time to explore the area. Overnight stay at the luxury Aman Resort.

Altitude: 2300m, Drive: 3hrs, Distance: 140km

After breakfast, drive for 10 minutes to the starting point for hiking to Takshang Monastery, famously known as the "Tiger's Nest." This site, visited and sanctified by Guru Rimpoche, is one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations in the Himalayas, attracting many great Buddhist masters over the years. The monastic complex is perched on a rocky cliff that towers 800 meters above the valley, standing at an elevation of 2950 meters above sea level.

While returning, make a stop at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Overnight stay at the luxury Aman Resort.

Altitude: 3150m, Drive: 20min, Distance: 7km

Drive to the airport for departure.