Nine Nights Uma & Amankora Adventure

Day 1: Arrival
Altitude: 2250m / 7382 ft.
Overnight: Como Uma Paro

Enjoy one of the world’s most spectacular descents as your flight arrives into Paro amidst breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks.

On arrival, you will be greeted by your local BIS guide, who will remain with you throughout your journey through Bhutan. Your itinerary will remain as flexible as possible and you will be able to discuss your day to day program with your guide at any time.

After settling into your hotel, the day in Paro offers many options to explore the culture, religion and beautiful forests. Our first stop, the National Museum, which rests above Paro Dzong, is also known as Ta Dzong (watchtower) and was built in 1649 to protect the Paro Dzong.

The Paro Dzong’s full name is Paro Ringpung Dzong, which means ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’ and was constructed in 1644 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. Now the Dzong houses both the monastic body and district government offices. From the Dzong, a leisurely walk back into town crosses the scenic Nyamai Zampa (Bridge), a unique model of Bhutan’s traditional cantilever bridges.

Day 2: Paro
Altitude: 2250m / 7382 ft.
Overnight: Como Uma Paro
Lunch: Como Uma Paro

After a good night rest and breakfast, we will begin our day with the visit to some more town temples, Tshongdue Lhakhang and Drukchholing Lhakhang, with its fascinating altar and paintings. The wall paintings and unique design of Dungtse Lhakhang, plus a visit to the revered Kyichu Lhakhang, which pins down the left foot of a treacherous Ogress.

After lunch, we drive further up the valley to Drugyel Dzong. A visit to Drukgyel Dzong is a wonderful way to spend a late afternoon/early evening. A short walk from the road takes you to this historically significant structure where you can stroll around and gain insight into the history of the Kingdom. Before the sun sets, sit down by the big prayer wheel below the Dzong, and relax whilst admiring the rural scenery and changing sky.

Drukgyel Dzong was built in 1649 to celebrate a decisive victory over Tibetan forces and to curtail further invasions.

Day 3: Journey to Punakha
Distance: 143kms / 88 miles
Drive: 4.5 hours approx.
Altitude: 1300m / 4265ft
Overnight: Como Uma Punakha
Lunch: Dochula Café/Picnic

Today we will drive to Punakha, en-route we will visit Dochula pass and before Dochula pass we will visit the first established fortress in the Kingdom, Simtokha Dzong. The Dzong built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is located just 5kms from Thimphu City.

Your journey continues on to Dochula Pass, which offers a 360-degree of beautiful panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range, especially on clear winter days. After arriving at Como Uma Punakha, you will have the afternoon at leisure.

Day 4: White River Rafting and Khamsum Chorten Hike
Altitude: 1300m / 4265ft
Overnight: Como Uma Punakha
Lunch: Amankora Punakha

Spend a morning on the water and discover a whole new angle of Bhutan. If you are new to rafting and looking for an enjoyable and easy scenic float down the river and along the stunning Punakha Dzong, we recommend the Mo Chu (Female River). The Pho Chu (Male River) on the other hand is for the more adventurous, who wish to tackle some of the Kingdom’s whitewater, while enjoying the pristine forests and farmland on either side of the river. Rafting offers a more leisurely adventure with a private raft for your group or if you wish to go solo, kayaking offers as much of a challenge as it does thrill.

After lunch, we do the pleasant hike to Khamsum Chorten. The hike takes you through rice paddies and up the twirling trail to Khamsum Chorten and the beautiful view of the valley below.
Khumsum Chorten stands majestically on the hill above the Punakha Valley, while admiring the gorgeous traditions and architecture of the Kingdom.

Day 5: Chimi Lhakhang, Nunnery and Punakha Dzong
Overnight: Como Uma Punakha
Lunch: Como Uma Picnic lunch

Your morning drive will take you to the stunning temple, Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang, perched on a ridge amid pine trees and overlooking the valleys of Toebesa, Punakha and Wangduephodrang. The Lhakhang comprises a double storied temple, a chorten resembling Nepal’s Boudhanath stupa and a higher learning and meditation centre for nuns. The gleaming temple houses a 14-foot main bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara, the biggest in the country.

Chimi Lhakhang built in 1499 is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kinley, also known as ‘the Divine Madman’ or the ‘Mad Saint”. He is also the saint who advocated the use of phallus symbols as paintings on walls and carved wooden phalluses on housetops. (Optional: Drive/Walk).

The majestic Punakha Dzong, also known as ‘the palace of great happiness or bliss’ is the second largest Dzong in Bhutan and was constructed on the 8th day and 8th month of the Fire Ox Year in 1673. After a visit to the Dzong, explore the longest suspension Bridge in Bhutan. The bridge is built over the Pho Chhu River and serves as the main thoroughfare between Punakha town and the surrounding villages. Enjoy the drive back to the hotel while admiring the meandering river and mountains that skirt the upper valley.

Day 6: Journey to Gangtey (Valley of Black-Necked Cranes)
Distance: 78 kms / 48.4 miles
Drive Time: 3 hour approx.
Altitude: 3000m / 9800 ft.
Overnight: Amankora Gangtey
Lunch: Amankora Gangtey

After breakfast, we make our way to the beautiful Gangtey Valley. After checking in to the hotel, we will walk to the Gangtey Goemba, a 16th-century monastery situated attractively at the hilltop at the edge of Gangtey Village. After strolling back thru the village, we will start our descent along the valley floor by following the Gangtey Nature Trail, an easy pleasurable walk giving you a nice feel for the Phobjikha Valley. The approximate 2 hour walk takes you downhill through flower meadows to Semchubara Village and ending on the Tabeding football ground where your driver waits for you. If you wish you can visit the Black Necked Crane Information Centre on your way back to the hotel.
Enjoy hot stone bath and Potato Shed dinner in the evening.

Day 7: Longtey Hike
Duration: 30 minute drive to the starting point, 3 – 5 hour walk back towards the Lodge.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Overnight: Amankora Gangtey
Lunch: Picnic / Amankora Gangtey

If you are looking for a picturesque hike through some of the most beautiful parts of Gangtey, this is the one! The starting point is Longtey Village on the East-West Highway, where a gradual ascending path will lead through bush bamboo towards a small cluster of village houses. There are beautifully colored rhododendron forests on both sides of the valley during spring months, and in the winter months, yaks graze in the area.

The path continues straight through the village and upwards until you reach the start of an enchanting old-growth rhododendron forest. For the next two hours or so, you might feel like you are in the set of The Lord of The Rings with tall old trees, which appear to be living creatures, surrounding you. The last part through the trail is slightly steeper uphill until you reach the pass, which offers impressive views of the Gangtey Goemba, the Shedra, the lodge and the rest of the valley. This is a nice place for lunch before you continue on the path as it slopes down the valley towards the idyllic Kumbu Village. It is possible to get picked up from here or you may continue down to the Shedra or all the way down to the lodge.

Day 8: Journey back to Paro
Distance: 184kms / 114 miles
Drive: 6 hour approx.
Altitude: 2250m / 7382 ft.
Overnight: Amankora Paro
Lunch: Amankora Thimphu

You will make an early start from Gangtey and do sightseeing in Thimphu city.

Below are the options you can select a few as per your interest:
Tashichho Dzong means the ‘Fortress of Glorious Religion’ named by Zhabdrung in 1641. The fortress serves as the office of the King, Ministers and various government organizations.

Changangkha Lhakhang, the popular temple is visited every day by many Bhutanese parents in particular to obtain an auspicious name for their newborn or blessing for their young children from the protector deity Thamdrin.

Pangri Zampa is the school of traditional astrology in Thimphu founded in the 16th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This institute releases the Bhutanese calendar every year and also decides dates for important national events of the Kingdom.

Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang is said to represent the celestial abode of the Guru. The privately owned chapel was built in the 1900s by Dasho Aku Tongmi, the musician who composed Bhutan’s National Anthem. The Lhakhang offers an excellent view of the surrounding area.

Traditional Paper Making factory was also known as Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory. In Bhutan paper is mainly made from the bark of the Daphne bush. You can see the entire process, from soaking to drying and it takes three days to produce one sheet of paper.

National Textile Museum was inaugurated in 2001 by her Majesty Gyalum (Queen Mother) Sangay Choden Wangchuck. With the aim to preserve and promote this living art, the Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan was instituted in May 2005 as a non-government, nonprofit organization. It showcases some of the best royal dresses and crowns with a brief introduction about Bhutan’s Kings and the Kingdom’s amazing, intricate textiles.

Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Center is a privately owned centre at the south end of Thimphu, Bhutan’s finest fabrics are produced in a simple one-story workshop. They have a selection of hand-woven textiles, cloth and ready-made garments for sale.

In addition to the above optional visits, other possibilities include visits to lovely little galleries of Bhutanese traditional or modern art and textiles, boutiques for Himalayan artifacts, auspicious worship houses, the Thimphu Zoo, home to Bhutan’s National animal, the Takin.

Day 9: Hike to Tiger’s Nest
Hiking duration: 4.5 hours
Overnight: Amankora Paro
Lunch: Farmhouse

After breakfast, hike to the magnificent Tiger’s Nest or Taktsang Goempa, one of Bhutan’s most revered monuments. The Goempa literally hangs off the face of a cliff 900m above the valley floor. The legend states that Guru Rinpoche flew into Bhutan on a mythical tigress and meditated in a cave, over which the current Goempa is built, before bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. The hike offers spectacular views of the Goempa and the valley below. Horses or mules can be arranged on request to help lighten the journey.

Day 10: International Departure

This morning you bid farewell to Bhutan.

WE HOPE TO WELCOME YOU BACK SOON TO THE LAND OF THE THUNDER DRAGON!

TASHI DELEK- May all good things come to you!