Is 13 days the right length for this full circuit?

It is the minimum for doing five valleys without feeling rushed. Both Amankora and Six Senses recommend 13 nights across their five lodges as their signature full journey.

What is Bumthang and why does it matter?

Bumthang is a group of four valleys in central Bhutan and the heartland of Himalayan Buddhism. Some of Bhutan's oldest temples are here, including Jambay Lhakhang (7th century) and Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche is said to have left a body imprint in stone. It is further east and requires a longer drive or a domestic flight.

Can we do a domestic flight to Bumthang?

Yes. Bathpalathang Airport serves Bumthang with Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines from Paro. Availability is limited and subject to weather, but it removes the 5-hour drive from Phobjikha.

Is the Amankora 5-lodge journey all-inclusive?

Yes. Amankora's multi-lodge journeys include all meals, in-house beverages including wine and spirits, daily excursions with a guide, driver and vehicle, and all internal lodge transfers. The SDF and international flights are additional.

What fitness level do I need for this itinerary?

Moderate fitness is sufficient. Tiger's Nest is the most demanding hike — everything else can be calibrated to walking pace and comfort level. The altitude across most of Bhutan sits between 2,200 and 3,000 metres.

Can this be combined with India?

Very naturally. Bhutan integrates well with Rajasthan, Sikkim, Darjeeling, or a northeast India circuit. We regularly design two or three-country journeys for clients travelling from the UK, US, Singapore and Australia.

The Kingdom Unfolded: 13 Days Through Bhutan's Heart

Bhutan's full western and central circuit — Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha and Bumthang. Thirteen days moving slowly through the kingdom's most sacred valleys, with enough time at each lodge to genuinely settle in. Amankora's and Six Senses' full five-lodge journeys were designed for exactly this duration.

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HIGHLIGHTS

Trip Highlights

Tiger's Nest at first light, approaching before the valley mist lifts and the trail empties.

Punakha Dzong at dawn from the riverside — the most beautiful building in the kingdom.

The Phobjikha Valley in crane season — hundreds of endangered black-necked cranes on the wetland floor.

Bumthang Valley and its ancient temples — the spiritual heartland of Himalayan Buddhism.

The drive between Phobjikha and Bumthang through mountain passes and terraced farmland.

Unforgettable Travel Itinerary

Day 1-2

Paro

Arrive Paro. Settle in. Day 2: Tiger's Nest hike in the morning, returning via Kyichu Lhakhang. Afternoon: Paro town and riverside at leisure.

Day 3

Thimphu

Drive to Thimphu. Buddha Dordenma, Tashichho Dzong, National Textile Academy. Walk the clock tower square at dusk.

Day 4

Thimphu to Punakha via Dochu La

Cross the Dochu La pass (3,050 metres) on a clear morning with 108 memorial chortens and Himalayan peaks visible to the north. Arrive Punakha Valley.

Day 5

Punakha

Punakha Dzong at the river confluence. Walk across the old cantilever bridge. Afternoon: Chimi Lhakhang across the paddy fields, then the riverside walk in evening light.

Day 6-7

Phobjikha Valley

Two nights in the Phobjikha Valley. Gangtey Monastery, valley floor walk, crane viewing in season. One evening at the monastery for evening prayers if timing allows.

Day 8-10

Bumthang Valley

Drive east from Phobjikha through mountain passes to Bumthang — Bhutan's sacred heartland. Three nights. Visit Jambay Lhakhang (7th century), Kurjey Lhakhang (where Guru Rinpoche left a body imprint in stone), Jakar Dzong and Tamshing Lhakhang. Walking trails through the valley and the Burning Lake, where Pema Lingpa is said to have found hidden Buddhist treasures.

Day 11-12

Return to Paro

Return from Bumthang to Paro — a long day's drive through central Bhutan's landscapes, or by Druk Air domestic flight if available. Final night and morning in Paro: National Museum, Drugyel Dzong ruins, and if weather is clear, the view of Jomolhari (7,326 metres) from the valley floor.

Day 13

Departure

Morning departure from Paro International Airport. The flight out through the mountain valley is as dramatic as the arrival.

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