If you plan this journey with us, you will experience Bhutan’s valleys, culture, and quiet luxury exactly as intended. Start your Amankora Bhutan journey by requesting a personalised quote today.
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I still remember the quiet moment when I first stepped inside Amankora Paro in October 2022. The pine trees felt close. The air felt cold and clean. A small fire warmed the room. It was simple. It was calm. It set the tone for my whole Amankora Bhutan journey.
I travelled across all five valleys on that first trip. I planned many Amankora journeys for guests after that. Each valley felt different. Each lodge carried the same warm style. The circuit made the journey feel slow and peaceful. It felt like the country guided me gently.
This guide will help you plan your own Amankora Bhutan itinerary. I will walk you through the circuits, the sample journeys, and the real Amankora price for 2026. I will also share how we design these luxury Bhutan journeys for travellers who want comfort and culture in equal measure.
Let me take you into the next part of the Luxury Bhutan Tour.
Luxury Bhutan Journeys
Why Amankora Bhutan?
I want to share why the Amankora Bhutan journey stands out to me. I felt a calm flow in every valley. I liked how each lodge carried the same gentle style. I also noticed that the team remained consistent throughout the entire circuit. It made the journey feel connected and peaceful.
Amankora follows a simple circuit model. The journey moves through Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, and Bumthang. Each valley offers a different pace. Each lodge keeps the same design and service. This makes the whole Bhutan Aman journey feel smooth. It also removes the stress of changing hotels.
I enjoyed the slow travel style. I felt no rush between the valleys. The forest retreats added quiet moments. The rooms stayed warm and simple. The staff kept the service calm and steady. I liked the privacy around each lodge. I also liked the private guides. They helped me understand each monastery and each village.
One moment stayed with me. Every staff member called me by my name. It happened in every valley. It felt personal without feeling forced. I felt seen. I felt cared for. That small detail changed the journey for me. It made each lodge feel like a familiar place, even when it was new.
This lodge-to-lodge format creates an easy rhythm. The food stays consistent. The service stays personal. The cultural access feels curated. I felt held from the first lodge to the last. That is why Amankora Bhutan feels special to me.
Explore How Everest Luxury Holidays Curates an Amankora Journey
Amankora Circuit Bhutan Overview (All Five Lodges)
Let me walk you through the five valleys that define every Amankora journey. Each lodge has its own personality, yet the experience feels seamless. Travelling the Amankora circuit is more than sightseeing. It helps living in Bhutan at a gentle pace.
Paro Lodge
Paro sits amid pine forests and terraced fields, with the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery clinging to the cliffside. Most travellers rush up the trail, but I went at dawn with a private guide. The valley below was empty, mist rolling over farms, prayer flags fluttering in silence. Staying here, I noticed how the lodge blends modern comfort with local woodwork and Bhutanese fabrics.
Thimphu Lodge
Thimphu, the cultural and political capital, is often seen as just a stopover. I explored dzongs, the National Memorial Chorten, and artisan workshops. Few notice the hidden courtyards where local painters practice traditional thangka art. At the lodge, every morning, staff bring fresh local breakfast ingredients. The attention to detail from hand-carved wood panels to curated books on Bhutanese history made me feel connected to the culture, not just observing it.
Punakha Lodge
Punakha lies between the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, its dzong reflecting on the water like a painting. I walked across the suspension bridge at sunrise, the river rushing below, monks chanting in the distance. Beyond the famous dzong, I explored quiet villages where farmers welcome guests to their fields. The lodge itself opens onto rice paddies, with bamboo details and candle-lit courtyards. Most travellers never see this depth; they rush from photo to photo.
Gangtey Lodge
Gangtey sits in the broad Phobjikha Valley, a winter sanctuary for black-necked cranes. I rose before dawn and walked the valley paths with a local naturalist. Seeing the cranes land in silence was unforgettable. Villagers waved from small wooden houses, rice fields stretching to distant hills. The lodge mirrors its surroundings, simple luxury with stone fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the valley. Few travellers experience this tranquillity—they stick to main roads.
Bumthang Lodge
Bumthang is Bhutan’s spiritual heartland, dotted with centuries-old temples and small farming communities. I loved cycling the quiet roads, stopping to chat with locals, weaving baskets or tending their golden fields. Each temple offered a private blessing when arranged through the lodge guides. Here, the lodge felt like home with deep wood tones, Bhutanese rugs, and warm fires. Travellers often see only the main temples; I saw the hidden corners that make the valley sacred.
Amankora Bhutan Journeys’ Itinerary Options (Sample Circuits You Can Follow)
Every Amankora Bhutan journey feels unique. Time, interests, and season change the pace and experiences. Here are three sample circuits to help you plan. Each itinerary follows lodge-to-lodge travel, combining culture, nature, and subtle luxury.
Classic 7-Night Amankora Bhutan Itinerary (Most Popular)
Essence: Combines iconic sites, valleys, and quiet lodge experiences.
What You See:
- Tiger’s Nest in Paro at the journey’s end. More memorable after exploring the valleys.
- Punakha’s orange groves and rivers, Gangtey’s Phobjikha Valley and cranes.
- Thimphu’s artisan workshops and dzongs for a cultural start.
Uniqueness: Lodge-to-lodge flow allows slow travel, private cultural access, and immersive experiences.
Suitability: Ideal for travellers wanting a complete Amankora circuit, balancing activity, culture, and quiet luxury.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – Thimphu
Arrive in Paro. Drive to Thimphu (~1 hour). Settle into the lodge. Explore dzongs and artisan workshops. Evening tea at the lodge. I like only one night here to enjoy the city without slowing the journey.
Day 2 – Punakha
Drive via Dochu La Pass (~3 hours). Stop at scenic viewpoints. Evening stroll along the river. Optional white-water rafting.
Day 3 – Punakha
Explore orange groves, local farms, and villages. Private cultural interactions with farmers. I loved the quiet pace of this valley.
Day 4 – Gangtey
Drive to Phobjikha Valley (~3 hours). Lodge overlooks the valley. Evening walk along quiet trails.
Day 5 – Gangtey
Full day. Black-necked crane sightings. Gentle hikes. Farm visits. Morning tea with locals felt special.
Day 6 – Paro
Drive to Paro (~5 hours). Optional village stop. Evening settles at the lodge, prepare for Tiger’s Nest.
Day 7 – Paro
Morning hike to Tiger’s Nest. Afternoon Paro Dzong visit. Farewell dinner at the lodge.
Short 5-Night Amankora Bhutan Itinerary (Fast Circuit)
Essence: Highlights Bhutan’s must-see sites in a condensed format.
What You See:
- Key valleys: Thimphu, Punakha and Paro, with the Tiger’s Nest visit.
- Optional Punakha rafting and farm experiences.
Uniqueness: Perfect for limited-time travellers who still want curated luxury and personalised insights.
Suitability: Suited for business travellers, short stays, or first-time visitors seeking high-impact experiences without rushing.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – Thimphu
Arrive in Paro. Drive to Thimphu (~1 hour). Short city walk, dzongs, artisan studios. Evening lodge tea.
Day 2 – Punakha
Drive via Dochu La Pass (~3 hours). Explore Punakha farms and optional white-water rafting.
Day 3 – Punakha
Walk through orange groves, riverbanks, and villages. Evening at the lodge.
Day 4 – Paro
Drive to Paro (~5 hours). Short village stop en route. Evening settles into the lodge.
Day 5 – Paro
Morning Tiger’s Nest hike. Afternoon Paro Dzong visit. Farewell tea at the lodge.
Family-Friendly 9-Night Amankora Bhutan Itinerary (Slow Journey)
Essence: Designed for families to experience Bhutan at a gentle pace, with activities for children and adults.
What You See:
- Valley immersion: Gangtey crane spotting, Punakha river walks, Bumthang heritage temples.
- Family-friendly experiences: craft workshops, cooking demos, village games, and short hikes.
Uniqueness: Combines educational cultural experiences with relaxed lodge stays. Families enjoy Bhutan beyond tourist snapshots, with safety and comfort in mind.
Suitability: Ideal for families, multi-generational groups, or travellers seeking leisurely exploration with hands-on cultural engagement.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – Thimphu
Arrive in Paro. Drive to Thimphu (~1 hour). Settle in. Short city walk. Kids explore the lodge courtyard.
Day 2 – Punakha
Drive via Dochu La Pass. Explore Punakha farms. Optional white-water rafting. Evening river walk.
Day 3 – Punakha
Orange groves, village walks, farm visits. Family cooking demo is optional.
Day 4 – Gangtey
Drive to Phobjikha Valley (~3 hours). Lodge overlooks the valley. Evening stroll.
Day 5 – Gangtey
Full day. Crane spotting, optional gentle hikes, monastery visits, and farm visits. Morning tea with locals. Kids enjoy village games.
Day 6 – Bumthang
Drive to Bumthang. Explore temples and farm valleys. Evening quiet walk.
Day 7 – Bumthang
Full day. Visit heritage temples, craft workshops, and villages. Short, gentle hike optional.
Day 8 – Paro
Drive/fly to Paro. Optional cultural stop at the monasteries. Evening farewell dinner.
Day 9 – Paro
Morning hike to Tiger’s Nest. Afternoon Paro Dzong visit. Try hands-on prayer flag printing with a local artisan.
Amankora Bhutan Cost & Real Price Ranges 2026 (Private vs Group-Joining)
Many travellers ask about the Amankora Bhutan cost and the difference between private and group-joining journeys.
Understanding the price helps plan your 2026 journey accurately.
On my last stay, what I appreciated most was the consistent lodge comfort and personalised service, making every dollar worth it.
2026 Price Comparison: Private vs Group-Joining for Amankora Bhuta
| Journey Type | Price per Person per night (USD) | Price per Person per night (GBP) | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Journey | $1200 to $1500 | £910 to £1150 | Lodge nights, all meals, private guides, private transfers, Bhutan visa, internal flights if needed, Bhutan SDF, and cultural experiences - in Twin Sharing Suites |
| Group-Joining | $850 to $1200 | £645 to £910 | Lodge nights, meals, group guide, shared transfers, Bhutan visa, internal flights if needed, Bhutan SDF, and scheduled cultural activities - in Twin Sharing Suites |
I always tell guests that the true value is in the circuit experience, lodge consistency, and cultural immersion. Even when comparing private and group options, the quality and access remain exceptional.
Why Book Your Amankora Bhutan Journey With ELH
When you choose ELH, your Amankora Bhutan journey is planned with precision, comfort, and insider access.
I have organised many Amankora journeys, and I’ve seen how much difference personalised planning and local knowledge make. Every guest experiences Bhutan deeply, without stress or compromise.
Private Host in Bhutan
Our team personally accompanies your journey. We coordinate lodges, guides, and experiences. I ensure every detail runs smoothly.
Cultural Access
Guests enjoy exclusive opportunities, like monk-led prayers or private farmhouse meals when permitted. These moments reveal Bhutan’s culture beyond the usual tourist experience.
Helicopter Options
We can arrange Paro–Punakha heli transfers or aerial sightseeing. It saves time and offers breathtaking Himalayan perspectives.
Planning Support
From flights and visa assistance to activity scheduling, we handle every logistical detail. I personally oversee itineraries to ensure smooth, unforgettable travel.
FAQs About the Amankora Bhutan Journey
Skim the major FAQs related to Amankora in Bhutan here:
How much does Amankora Bhutan cost in 2026?
The cost of Amankora ranges anywhere from USD 1700- USD 3000 per suite per night or GBP 1290 - GBP 2300 per suite per night for all-inclusive journeys. This includes lodge nights, meals, private guides, transfers, Bhutan visa, Bhutan SDF, and internal flights if needed. Prices vary slightly depending on valley combinations and season.
Is the Amankora circuit good for first-time travellers?
Yes. The lodge-to-lodge circuit is easy to follow with private guides ensuring smooth navigation. First-time travellers can access Bhutan’s culture, landscapes, and key sites comfortably.
How many valleys can I visit in one trip of the Amankora Journey in Bhutan?
Guests typically visit 3–5 valleys depending on itinerary length. Classic 7-night journeys cover Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, and Paro, while longer family trips include Bumthang.
When is the best time for an Amankora Bhutan itinerary?
Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) provide clear skies, pleasant weather, and ideal trekking conditions. Valley scenery is particularly vibrant during these seasons.
Can families stay in all Amankora lodges?
Yes. All lodges accommodate families with child-friendly rooms and gentle activities. Families can enjoy farm visits, craft workshops, and short walks safely in each valley.
What makes Amankora different from other Bhutan lodges?
The circuit model, consistent Aman-level service, quiet valley locations, and curated cultural access set Amankora apart. Each lodge provides comfort while connecting guests to Bhutan’s culture.
Is the Amankora journey customisable?
Yes. Valley order, pacing, activities, and heli transfers can all be tailored. Guests can choose experiences that fit their time, interests, and preferred travel style.
Request Your Amankora Bhutan Quote
If you plan this journey with us, you will experience Bhutan’s valleys, culture, and quiet luxury exactly as intended. Start your Amankora Bhutan journey by requesting a personalised quote today.
Request Your Quote Here →
