8-Day Amankora Journey for Christmas & New Year
Christmas is not a traditional Bhutanese holiday — Bhutan is a Vajrayana Buddhist kingdom, and December 25th has no religious significance here. We tell you this upfront because we’d rather you book this trip understanding exactly what you’re getting: not a Bhutanese Christmas tradition, but genuinely the best season of the year to be in Bhutan, staying at the country’s most celebrated luxury lodges, with festive touches arranged specifically for international guests layered over a backdrop of real Bhutanese winter culture — the Druk Wangyel Tshechu at Dochula Pass, National Day celebrations in Thimphu, and the clearest mountain skies anywhere in the Bhutanese calendar.
Celebrate the Festive Season in Luxury in Bhutan — Honestly Explained
Let’s be direct about what this trip actually is. Bhutan is a devoutly Vajrayana Buddhist kingdom, and Christmas has no place in its religious or cultural calendar. If you’re looking for a country with deep Christmas traditions of its own, Bhutan isn’t that destination — and we’d rather tell you this clearly than dress up a generic luxury trip with borrowed festive language.
What this trip genuinely offers is something different and, for many travellers, better: December is one of the finest months of the year to actually be in Bhutan. The monsoon has long passed, rainfall is minimal, and the skies are reliably clear — giving the sharpest, most far-reaching Himalayan views of the entire Bhutanese calendar. Daytime temperatures in Paro and Thimphu typically sit around 9–13°C, cold but entirely manageable with proper layering, while Punakha stays noticeably milder, often 15°C or higher during the day. Crowds thin out considerably compared to the spring and autumn peak seasons, meaning the dzongs, monasteries, and Amankora’s own lodges feel genuinely quiet and private.
Layered onto this genuine seasonal advantage are two real Bhutanese cultural events that happen to fall in this window: the Druk Wangyel Tshechu, held every December 13th at Dochula Pass and performed uniquely by members of the Royal Bhutan Army rather than monks or laypeople, commemorating Bhutan’s victory over insurgents in 2003; and National Day on December 17th, commemorating the 1907 coronation of Bhutan’s first king, celebrated with ceremony in Thimphu’s central square. Neither of these has anything to do with Christmas — but both happen to fall within this trip’s window, and both are genuine, living Bhutanese traditions rather than anything staged for tourists.
“We could have sold you a fake ‘Bhutanese Christmas.’ Instead, we’re selling you the real reason December in Bhutan is extraordinary — and being honest that the tinsel is for you, not for them.”
What we add specifically for guests travelling over this period — because we know many of you want it — are festive dinners at your Amankora lodges, a New Year’s Eve celebration, and seasonal touches in the dining and decor. These are genuine, well-executed hospitality additions. We simply won’t pretend they are ancient Bhutanese custom.
❄️ Winter offers genuine value, not just clear skies
Amankora and other luxury properties often run winter discounts and special packages during this lower-demand season — ask us about current offers when you enquire.
Tour at a Glance
Everything you need to know about this Bhutan birding holiday at a glance.
🗓️ Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights
📍 Destinations
Paro → Thimphu → Punakha
🏨 Accommodation
Amankora — 3 Lodges
❄️ Typical Conditions
9–13°C Day · Below Freezing Night
🚐 Transport
Private Vehicle
🎭 Real Local Event
3–4 Star Hotels
👥 Group Size
1–6 Guests
💰 Starting Price
From USD $12,900
What's Authentically Bhutanese, and What's Arranged for International Guests
We think you deserve to know the difference, so you can decide what actually matters to you about this trip.
🎭 Genuinely Bhutanese — Happens Regardless of Your Visit
Druk Wangyel Tshechu — December 13th at Dochula Pass, performed by the Royal Bhutan Army, commemorating a 2003 military victory
National Day — December 17th in Thimphu, commemorating the 1907 coronation of Bhutan’s first king
Clear, dry winter skies — a genuine seasonal feature, not arranged for tourism
Winter farming pause — Bhutanese farmers have completed harvest and have more time for community gatherings, making village visits genuinely richer this season
The traditional dotsho hot stone bath — an authentic centuries-old Bhutanese wellness ritual, available year-round but especially appreciated after a cold winter day
🎄 Arranged Specifically for International Guests
These are genuine, well-executed hospitality touches — we simply want to be clear they are not Bhutanese tradition:
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day festive dinners at your Amankora lodge
New Year’s Eve celebration dinner and toast
Seasonal decor in lodge common areas
Any mention of “Christmas markets,” carols, or similar — these do not exist in Bhutanese culture and would only be staged additions
What the Weather Is Actually Like in December
Honest, accurate temperature data by destination, so you can pack correctly and know what to expect.
| Destination | Daytime High | Nighttime Low | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paro | 9–13°C | -2 to 2°C | Cold, dry, occasional light snow at higher elevations |
| Thimphu | 9–13°C | -3 to 0°C | Coldest of the three; clear, sunny days |
| Punakha | 15–20°C | 4–7°C | Noticeably milder; subtropical lower altitude |
Snowfall in the Paro and Thimphu valleys themselves is occasional rather than reliable — most snow accumulates at higher elevations like Dochula Pass and Bumthang. Many traditional Bhutanese buildings do not have central heating, relying instead on wood stoves or electric heaters, so warm layers for evenings are essential even though your Amankora suites are properly heated.
Why Winter Is Genuinely One of the Best Times to Visit Bhutan
Setting the festive framing aside entirely, here is why December and early January stand on their own merits as a season to visit.
01
The Clearest Mountain Views of the Year
With the monsoon long over and minimal rainfall, December offers some of the sharpest, most far-reaching Himalayan views available at any point in the Bhutanese calendar — exceptional for photography.
02
Genuinely Fewer Crowds Than Spring or Autumn
December sits outside Bhutan's two peak tourist seasons. Dzongs, monasteries, and even the Tiger's Nest trail feel noticeably quieter than during the March–May or September–November rush.
03
Two Genuine Cultural Events Fall in This Window
The Druk Wangyel Tshechu and National Day are both real, living Bhutanese traditions that happen to coincide with this travel period — a genuine bonus, not a manufactured one.
04
Often Better Value on Luxury Accommodation
As a lower-demand season compared to spring and autumn, winter frequently brings discounted rates and special packages even at top properties like Amankora.
05
Punakha Stays Genuinely Warm
While Paro and Thimphu are properly cold, the Punakha Valley's lower elevation keeps daytime temperatures comfortably mild — a pleasant contrast within the same short trip.
06
A Quieter, More Reflective Atmosphere
With farming work paused for the season and fewer visitors overall, winter villages and monasteries have a genuinely unhurried, contemplative quality that many guests describe as the most peaceful version of Bhutan they've experienced.
What Makes Our Amankora Winter Journey Different
We built this trip to be genuinely excellent on its own terms, not just a generic luxury package with a seasonal label attached.
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Complete Honesty About What's Bhutanese and What Isn't
We tell you plainly which elements of this trip are genuine local tradition and which are added specifically for guests — because we think that distinction matters and most operators skip it entirely.
🏨
Three Amankora Lodges, Properly Sequenced
Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha lodges, each with its own character, sequenced to give you genuine variety rather than three interchangeable luxury stays.
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Genuine Local Events Built Into the Schedule
If your dates align, we schedule your itinerary specifically to attend the Druk Wangyel Tshechu at Dochula Pass and Thimphu's National Day celebrations — real Bhutanese events, not arranged performances.
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An Authentic Dotsho After Cold Days
The traditional hot stone bath — genuinely Bhutanese, rooted in gSo-ba Rig-pa medicine — is perfectly timed for recovery after a cold day of sightseeing.
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Built Around the Season's Best Photography Light
Clear winter skies make this an excellent season for landscape photography — we schedule key viewpoints, including Dochula Pass, around the best light conditions.
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Full Support Before, During & After
Visa, SDF, all bookings — handled entirely. We remain available throughout your trip and after you return home.
8-Day Amankora Christmas & New Year Itinerary
Every lodge, every genuine local event, every honestly-described addition — described in full.
DAY 1
Arrival Day · Paro · Amankora Paro Check-In
📍 Paro International Airport · Transfer to Amankora Paro · Settling In
Your journey begins with the descent into Paro — at 2,235 metres, the views in December are typically exceptional given the season’s clear skies. Your guide meets you with a traditional khadar welcome before the short transfer to Amankora Paro, set among pine forest near the valley floor.
The remainder of the day is unscheduled, allowing time to settle in and adjust to the cold, clear winter air before the days ahead.
Paro International Airport arrival
Amankora Paro check-in
Clear winter skies
DAY 2
Tiger’s Nest Day · Clear Winter Skies
📍Hiking to Paro Taktsang — Tiger's Nest Monastery, Quiet Winter Trail
Tiger’s Nest in December is, by several accounts, even more atmospheric than at other times of year — the cold, dry air typically delivers exceptional visibility, and the trail itself is notably quieter than during peak season. The hike still requires the same care: roughly 9 kilometres round-trip with 620 metres of elevation gain, taking 4 to 6 hours. Be prepared for icy patches on shaded sections of the trail in early morning, and dress in proper warm layers.
⛩️ Genuinely Different in Winter
Visitors who hike Tiger’s Nest in December consistently describe the trail as more atmospheric — sometimes shrouded in light mist or frost, with the monastery itself catching low winter light beautifully. It is a real, distinct experience from the spring or autumn version of the same hike, not simply a colder copy of it.
Tiger’s Nest hike winter conditions
Clear December visibility
Quiet winter trail
DAY 3
Paro → Thimphu · Amankora Thimphu · Festive Dinner
📍Drive to Thimphu · Amankora Thimphu Check-In · Christmas Eve or Festive Dinner (Date-Dependent)
The drive to Thimphu (around 1.5 hours) follows the Paro Chhu and Wang Chhu river valleys, with the dry winter air typically giving excellent visibility along the route. Amankora Thimphu, often called the “Palace in the Sky” by guests, sits within easy reach of the capital’s centre.
🎄 If Your Dates Include December 24th — A Genuine Festive Dinner, Honestly Described
For guests travelling over Christmas itself, your lodge arranges a special dinner with seasonal touches — this is a hospitality addition for international guests, not a Bhutanese tradition, and we describe it as exactly that. The cooking remains rooted in Bhutanese and international cuisine; the seasonal decor and festive framing are simply added warmth for guests who would otherwise be away from home celebrations.
Drive to Thimphu
Amankora Thimphu check-in
Festive dinner (date-dependent)
DAY 4
Thimphu · Tashichho Dzong · Possible National Day Alignment
📍Tashichho Dzong · Buddha Dordenma · National Memorial Chorten · National Day (Dec 17, if Dates Align)
A full day exploring Thimphu’s major sites in genuinely quiet winter conditions. Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the Royal Government and throne room of His Majesty the King, is visited at a relaxed pace. The Buddha Dordenma statue offers exceptional Himalayan visibility on a clear December day.
🎖️ A Real Bhutanese Celebration — National Day, December 17th
If your travel dates include December 17th, Thimphu’s central square hosts National Day, commemorating the 1907 coronation of Bhutan’s first king. This is a genuine national celebration — military and police processions, royal ceremony, and traditional performance — and one of the most authentic large-scale events available to witness on any Bhutan trip. We schedule your itinerary to include this if your dates allow.
Tashichho Dzong
Buddha Dordenma
National Memorial Chorten
DAY 5
Thimphu → Punakha · Druk Wangyel Tshechu · Amankora Punakha
📍Dochula Pass — Druk Wangyel Tshechu (Dec 13, if Dates Align) · Punakha Arrival · Warmer Air
The drive to Punakha passes through Dochula Pass at 3,100 metres — and if your dates include December 13th, this is the site of the genuinely unique Druk Wangyel Tshechu.
🎭 Druk Wangyel Tshechu — A Festival Unlike Any Other in Bhutan
This is the only Tshechu in Bhutan performed not by monks or laypeople, but by serving members of the Royal Bhutan Army. Established to commemorate Bhutan’s 2003 military operation against insurgent camps, the festival features masked dances performed in full military dress, against the backdrop of the 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens and, on a clear December day, exceptional Himalayan views. This is genuinely unusual even by Bhutanese standards — a modern festival built around national security and stability rather than centuries-old Buddhist iconography.
The descent into Punakha brings noticeably warmer air — often a 10–15°C jump in daytime temperature — before checking into Amankora Punakha, the only lodge in the Amankora collection with a swimming pool.
Dochula Pass 3,100m
Druk Wangyel Tshechu Dec 13
DAY 6
Punakha · Dzong Visit · New Year’s Eve (if Dates Align)
📍Punakha Dzong · Mild Winter Warmth · New Year's Eve Celebration (Date-Dependent)
A relaxed day exploring the magnificent 1637 Punakha Dzong in the valley’s comparatively mild winter warmth — often 15–20°C in the day, a genuine contrast to the cold of Paro and Thimphu. The Bazam suspension bridge and the dzong’s riverside setting are especially striking with the clear winter light.
🥂 If Your Dates Include December 31st — New Year’s Eve, Honestly Described
For guests staying over New Year, your lodge arranges a celebration dinner and a midnight toast. As with the Christmas dinner, we describe this plainly: this is a hospitality addition for international guests marking the calendar new year, not a traditional Bhutanese celebration. (Bhutan’s own Losar, the Tibetan-Bhutanese lunar New Year, falls on a different date determined by the lunar calendar and is a separate, genuinely traditional celebration we can discuss for a different trip.)
The drive back to Paro retraces familiar ground, now seen differently after five days. At the airport, a final khadar farewell closes the retreat in the same gesture that opened it. As your aircraft lifts from the valley, the forested ridges of Bhutan fall away below — protected, by law, to remain exactly as they are.
Punakha Dzong 1637
Mild winter Punakha warmth
DAY 7
THIMPHU · CAPITAL EXPLORATION · MEMORIALS · CRAFTS · RETURN TO PARO
📍Thimphu Capital Highlights · Traditional Arts · Scenic Return to Paro
A comfortable journey from Punakha back toward Paro, with time to experience Bhutan’s charming capital city. Unlike many capitals around the world, Thimphu balances government institutions, monasteries, artisan workshops, and daily Bhutanese life without traffic lights or overwhelming urban development.
Visit the city’s cultural landmarks, browse traditional handicrafts, observe contemporary Bhutanese life, and enjoy panoramic views before continuing westward to the peaceful Paro Valley.
The drive back to Paro retraces familiar ground, now seen differently after five days. At the airport, a final khadar farewell closes the retreat in the same gesture that opened it. As your aircraft lifts from the valley, the forested ridges of Bhutan fall away below — protected, by law, to remain exactly as they are.
Thimphu city walk and local life
Traditional Arts & Crafts exploration
DAY 8
DEPARTURE · PARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
📍Farewell Bhutan · Departure from the Kingdom of Happiness
After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey. Depending on flight schedules and weather conditions, enjoy final views of Bhutan’s mountains, valleys, and monasteries before departure.
We hope your time in Bhutan has provided not only beautiful memories but also a deeper appreciation of the country’s unique culture, traditions, and philosophy of happiness.
Paro Airport Transfer
Departure Day
This itinerary covers 8 days from Paro arrival through your final night in Punakha. Departure typically requires a return drive to Paro the following morning, which we are happy to discuss as part of your booking — many guests extend to 9 days to avoid a rushed final-morning departure drive.
Why Book With Us?
We specialize in luxury Bhutan experiences, offering exclusive stays, personalized service, and seamless planning—perfect for a stress-free festive holiday.
What’s Included
What's Included & Excluded
Complete transparency — exactly what your winter journey covers.
✓ Included in This Tour
- 7 nights across Amankora’s Paro, Thimphu and Punakha lodges
- Private vehicle with experienced driver throughout
- Personal English-speaking guide for the entire trip
- Tiger’s Nest hike with guide, including horses on request
- Itinerary scheduling around Druk Wangyel Tshechu and National Day if your dates align
- Traditional dotsho hot stone bath session
- All meals as included in your Amankora rate
- Government Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
- One-time non-refundable Bhutan visa processing fee
- All monument, dzong and temple entry fees
✕ Not Included
- International flights to/from Paro International Airport
- Festive dinner supplements at some properties (we confirm exact inclusions per lodge)
- Spa treatments beyond the included dotsho session
- Travel and medical insurance (strongly recommended)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses — laundry, phone calls, shopping
- Tips and gratuities for guide and driver (appreciated, entirely your choice)
- Unforeseen costs from flight cancellations or weather disruption
This Journey Is Made for You If —
📸 You Want the Clearest Himalayan Views of the Year
If photography or simply seeing the mountains at their sharpest matters to you, December genuinely delivers the best conditions of the Bhutanese calendar.
🤫 You Want Bhutan Without the Peak-Season Crowds
Winter is genuinely quieter than spring or autumn — a real advantage, not a consolation prize.
🎭 You're Drawn to Genuinely Unusual Cultural Events
The Druk Wangyel Tshechu's military mask dances are unlike anything else in Bhutan's festival calendar — a genuinely rare experience.
💑 You Want to Be Away From Home Over the Holidays, Somewhere Memorable
If spending Christmas or New Year somewhere extraordinary matters more to you than spending it somewhere traditionally festive, this trip delivers exactly that.
🏨 You Want Amankora Specifically
This itinerary moves through three of Amankora's five Bhutan lodges, giving genuine variety across the collection.
✅ You Value Honesty Over Manufactured Tradition
If you'd rather know clearly what's authentically Bhutanese and what's added for your comfort, this is built on exactly that principle.
Why Book Your Amankora Winter Journey With Kingdom of Happiness Tours?
We specialise in luxury Bhutan experiences, offering honest planning and genuinely personalised service — including telling you plainly what’s tradition and what’s added for your comfort.
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Complete Honesty About Christmas in Bhutan
We will never claim Bhutan has Christmas traditions of its own — we tell you exactly what's genuine and what's arranged for guests.
🛡️
Completely Private, Always
Every journey we run is private for your specific party — 1 to 6 guests.
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Genuine Festival Scheduling
We confirm Druk Wangyel Tshechu and National Day dates each year and build your itinerary around them if they align with your travel window.
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Genuinely Researched Content
Every temperature, date, and festival fact on this page is accurate and verifiable — we believe a winter trip should be sold with the same honesty as any other.
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Amankora Specialist Knowledge
We know each Amankora lodge's character and can advise honestly on which combination suits your priorities.
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Full Support Before, During & After
Visa, SDF, all bookings — handled entirely, with support throughout your trip and after you return.
Book Your 8-Day Amankora Christmas & New Year Journey
Complete the form below and our team will confirm current Amankora availability, exact festival dates for your travel window, and send you full pricing within 24 hours.
Amankora suites over this period book out well in advance — we recommend enquiring as early as possible, ideally 3+ months ahead.
USD $12,900
📞 +975 16107830
💬 WhatsApp: +975 16107830
✉ hello@kingdomofhappinesstours.com
Journey Highlights
- Three Amankora lodges across Bhutan
- Clearest Himalayan skies of the year
- Druk Wangyel Tshechu (Dec 13, genuine event)
- National Day (Dec 17, genuine event)
- Tiger’s Nest hike in quiet winter conditions
- Honest, transparent festive additions
❄️ Pack for Real Winter
Daytime 9–13°C in Paro/Thimphu, nights below freezing. Punakha is noticeably milder. Layer accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Honest, complete answers — including the question we think matters most.
No — and we want to be completely upfront about this. Bhutan is a Vajrayana Buddhist kingdom, and Christmas has no place in its religious or cultural calendar. What this trip offers instead is genuinely excellent: December’s clear, dry skies give the best Himalayan visibility of the year, two real Bhutanese events (the Druk Wangyel Tshechu on December 13th and National Day on December 17th) fall within this window, and your Amankora lodges arrange festive dinners specifically for international guests. We describe these additions honestly as hospitality touches, not Bhutanese tradition.
It is a unique festival held every December 13th at Dochula Pass, distinguished by being the only Tshechu in Bhutan performed by serving members of the Royal Bhutan Army rather than monks or laypeople. It commemorates a 2003 Bhutanese military operation against insurgent camps in the south of the country, and features masked dances performed in full military dress against the backdrop of the 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens. It is a genuinely modern addition to Bhutan’s festival calendar and a fascinating contrast to the centuries-old religious Tshechus held elsewhere in the country.
Amankora is a collection of five luxury lodges across Bhutan — in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, and Bumthang — operated by the Aman hospitality group. It was Bhutan’s first international luxury lodge brand, opening in 2004, and remains one of the most celebrated luxury accommodation options in the Himalayas, known for understated rustic-traditional design and an emphasis on privacy and service.
In Paro and Thimphu, expect daytime highs of roughly 9–13°C with nighttime lows often dropping to -2°C or below, particularly later in December. Punakha is noticeably milder, with daytime temperatures often reaching 15–20°C. Snowfall in the valleys themselves is occasional rather than guaranteed — higher elevations like Dochula Pass and Bumthang see snow more reliably. Pack proper layers, and know that your Amankora suites are well-heated even though many traditional Bhutanese buildings rely on wood stoves.
Yes, genuinely. December offers the clearest mountain views of the Bhutanese year, significantly fewer crowds than spring or autumn peak season, and often better value on luxury accommodation. The Tiger’s Nest hike, the Punakha Dzong, and other major sites all remain fully accessible in winter. The main consideration is simply dressing properly for the cold, particularly in Paro and Thimphu.
Begin Your Amankora Winter Journey
Six days. Three Amankora lodges. The clearest Himalayan skies of the year. A genuine military mask-dance festival unlike anything else in Bhutan. We won’t pretend Bhutan has Christmas traditions — but we will give you a winter journey that doesn’t need to borrow anyone else’s.
“Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross National Product.” — His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, Fourth King of Bhutan