Discover the Tiny Kingdom of Bhutan
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Venture high in the eastern Himalayas to one of the last untouched bastions of ancient civilisation, Bhutan. A place where mountain legends, quiet spirituality and dramatic snow-capped vistas await at every turn. Step inside mountaintop monasteries and experience the wonders of Buddhist spirituality. Trek through emerald valleys surrounded by soaring peaks and glacial rivers. And explore the rich culture of the local community, unchanged for centuries. Welcome to the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
This is an Abercrombie & Kent private journey and can be tailor-made to fit with your travel dates and built around your desires.
Highlights
- Hike to the breathtaking Tiger's Nest Monastery
- Explore museums, chortens and markets in Bhutan’s pretty capital, Thimphu
- Visit the Shrine of the Divine Madman in Punakha
- Cross the spectacular Dochu La Pass offering a panoramic view of Himalaya mountains
- Light 108 butter candles in one of the country’s oldest temples
- Meet local families and Buddhist monks for an insight into their ancient culture
- Earn 1 Qantas Point* per $1 spent on this itinerary!
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Paro – Thimphu
Tashi Delek and welcome to the beautiful Kingdom of Bhutan. Receive VIP assistance on arrival in Paro and continue overland to Thimphu via Simtokha Dzong, an atmospheric Buddhist fort and the gateway to Thimphu Valley. Drop your bags in your luxury hotel and enjoy the beautiful sights of Bhutan’s tiny and pretty capital, the third highest in the world at a base altitude of 2248 metres. Later visit the Memorial Chorten, a large Tibetan-style Buddhist monastery designed to be the most visible religious structure in Thimphu.
Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Taj Tashi (Luxury Room)
Day 2
Thimphu
Step inside an exquisite monastery to watch monks as they chant their daily prayers. Receive blessings from a monk and experience the wonders of Bhutan’s spirituality lighting 108 butter lamps, a ceremony believed to awaken your spirit and focus your mind.
Delve into the country’s past at the National Library with its small collection of precious texts, the Folk Heritage Museum which provides a glimpse into Bhutanese lifestyle and the National Institute of Traditional Medicine showcasing traditional systems of healing. Continue to the National Textile Museums and the Handicrafts Emporium to admire the art of weaving that has been carefully preserved for centuries in Bhutan. Finally, visit the Tashichho Dzong, an impressive monastery built without a single drawing or a single nail. This evening you may choose to attend a talk by a well-respected local person about Bhutan’s History, Politics and society to get an orientation on Bhutan or take your seat for a Bhutanese dinner with traditional dancing (additional charges).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Taj Tashi (Luxury Room)
Day 3
Thimphu – Punakha
Time to bid farewell to the capital and journey east over the spectacular Dochu La Pass (3140m). Breathe in the most enchanting views of Bhutan and the Himalaya mountains before continuing into the green vales of Punakha, an ancient capital. Stretch your legs with a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of the Divine Madman, Bhutan’s most unorthodox saint. See the stunning 17th century Punakha Dzong, also known as ‘the palace of great happiness or bliss’ and the second largest dzong in Bhutan.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Amankora, Punakha (Suite Room)
Day 4
Punakha
Take a hike through pine forests to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, set on a beautiful ridge above the Punakha valley. This fine example of Bhutanese architecture and artistic traditions was built by the four queens of Bhutan. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a rafting trip at Pho Chhu (additional charge).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Amankora, Punakha (Suite Room)
Day 5
Punakha – Paro
Bid farewell to the green valley of Punakha for the overland trip to Paro. Begin with the impressive Paro Dzong, perhaps the finest in Bhutan. Cross a wooden bridge over the river and discover why it’s known as the ‘fortress on a heap of jewels’. Continue to an ancient watchtower above the Paro Dzong which now houses the National Museum. Marvel at the architecture of this unusual round building, which is in the shape of a conch shell and discover treasure filled rooms of art, bronze statues and painting from different regions of the country. Later, enjoy Bhutanese hospitality when you are welcomed into a colourful farm house. Sip tea with the locals and get a glimpse into their lives. Take part in the cherished ritual of hanging prayer flags to send Buddhist blessing through the winds at Kyichu Lhakhang. Built in the seventh century to subdue a demoness who prevented the spread of Buddhism it is one of Bhutan’s oldest religious sites.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: COMO Uma Paro (Valley View Room)
Day 6
Paro
Rise early for an unforgettable hike to Taktsang Monastery (The Tiger’s Nest). Clinging to sheer granite cliffs high above the valley floor, this seemingly impregnable fortress is truly magnificent. Spend the day among the monks at this sacred pilgrimage site, where the great tantric mystic Guru Rinpoche is believed to have flown on the back of the tiger to bring the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan. This evening, try your skills at Bhutan’s national sport on the resort’s archery field or take a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath for the perfect end to your day’s adventures.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: COMO Uma Paro (Valley View Room)
Day 7
Paro – Haa Valley – Paro
Head along the inspiring route to Chele La Pass (3810m) and take in spectacular views of the sacred Jhomolhari and Jitchu Drake mountains. Continue over the pass into the Haa Valley, also known as “Hidden-Land Rice Valley”. Perhaps the most picturesque area in Bhutan, this valley is home to minority villages with traditional animist beliefs. Learn to cook traditional Bhutanese food from the executive chef. Using traditional utensils like the sume, designed to churn butter, and a tshome, similar to a mortar and pestle uncover the secrets to fermented yak cheese and chili dish known as ema datshi, a yak milk yogurt called dau, Bhutanese buckwheat noodles and momo yak dumplings.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: COMO Uma Paro (Valley View Room)
Day 8
Depart Paro
Farewell this enchanting kingdom and transfer privately to the airport for your onward journey.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Departures & Rates
Twin Share Per Person: From $10,675
Solo Traveller: From $15,995
Please ask one of our Travel Specialists to package flights and save on your complete luxury holiday.
Important Terms
- Terms & Conditions apply.
*Rates are subject to availability and seasonality and may change without notice. Rates are based on two adults sharing. For solo travellers or single person occupancy rates or further information on terms and conditions, please contact our Travel Specialists at time of booking.
Accommodation
Taj Tashi
Nestled in the heart of the stunningly picturesque Thimphu Valley, you find the magnificent Taj Tashi. Here, dzong architecture and modern luxury blend to create a unique hotel experience that reflects its spellbinding surrounds. Hand-drawn Buddhist murals and breathtaking views surprise at every turn. And the friendliest staff are on hand to ensure your every need is taken care of.
There are 66 elegant guestrooms and suites providing the perfect sanctuary to relax and refresh during your stay. Each of the hotel’s four restaurants are themed to provide a unique glimpse into a different element of Bhutan’s vibrant Mahayana Buddhist culture. Meet new friends over drinks in Ara bar and savour Bhutan’s fiery cuisine at Chig-Ja-Gye. Sample the distinctive ‘salted butter tea’ in the tea lounge and devour delectable European and Bhutanese dishes at the all-day restaurant, The Thongsel.
Taj Tashi is perfectly situated for you to explore the kingdom’s spectacular monasteries, scenic mountain passes and pristine wilderness. After a day filled with adventures, The Jiva Spa offers more ways to relax – don’t leave without trying the Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath.
Amankora
Cross a suspension bridge over the Mo Chhu River to find luxury and serenity in Amankora, Punakha. One of Aman’s five locations in the wonderful Kingdom of Bhutan (with sister resorts in Paro, Thimphu, Gangtey and Bumthang), the lodge marries the luxury and convenience of well-appointed private residences with an unparalleled window into the unique culture and impossibly spectacular Himalayan surroundings.
Designed by Kerry Hill, the Australian-born resort architect, the Amankora Punakha Lodge itself is a piece of art. The signature Amankora suites feature spacious and airy bedrooms and living rooms with king size beds, window seats and traditional wood burners, while every en suite bathroom has a large free-standing bathtub.
The restaurant is inside a beautiful traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, built some decades ago by a former Je Khenpo (chief abbot of Bhutan). Here, you can choose from an array of Bhutanese, Western and Indian dishes, which showcase local ingredients, whether yak meat, fresh honey or seasonal vegetables. Or perhaps indulge in an intimate dining experience within your room or another stunning setting.
COMO Uma Paro
COMO Uma Paro is an intimate luxury resort hidden away in a delightful and serene forest in the Paro Valley, within easy distance of the tiny kingdom’s great cultural landmarks.
Blending local artisanship with COMO’s contemporary style, the resort invites you to become immersed in the richly textured culture of Bhutan while enjoying the comforts of a COMO resort. Nine private cottage-sized villas are scattered throughout the resort, each built from handcrafted Bhutanese stone, timber and tiling. In addition, there are 20 excellently appointed rooms in the large main building.
The resort boasts the exceptional COMO Shambhala Retreat (including two traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath rooms, a gym and pool), as well as yoga sessions and an archery field showcasing Bhutan’s national sport.
After a day’s adventures, the menu at the yurt-shaped Bukhari restaurant won’t disappoint with its full and delectable Indian menu, in addition to local Bhutanese cuisine. It’s little wonder Bhutan’s royal family regularly make this their Paro restaurant of choice. Much of their fresh produce comes from their own organic kitchen garden, which they maintain in partnership with local farmers from the Paro Valley. There’s also the elegant Uma Bar for all-day dining that incorporates healthy COMO Shambhala cuisine designed to maximise energy and wellbeing.
