Tucked high in the Eastern Himalayas, this mystical kingdom is a place where Gross National Happiness takes precedence over GDP, where ancient monasteries cling to cliff faces, and where the crisp mountain air carries the scent of pine, prayer flags, and purpose. It is a destination for those who seek more than a holiday - it’s for the soul searchers, the nature lovers, the spiritual seekers, and the sophisticated travellers who desire luxury with meaning.
Bhutan is a rare jewel in today’s world. It’s a country where modern life blends harmoniously with age-old traditions. Picture yourself walking through valleys of golden rice fields, sitting in silent temples listening to monks chant, or witnessing a Tshechu (festival) where locals in vibrant attire perform ancient dances to honour spiritual deities. Bhutan doesn’t just welcome you - it transforms you. When it comes to exploring Bhutan in unparalleled comfort and style, nothing compares to Amankora - a collection of five elegant lodges that weave through the central and western valleys of the kingdom. This is not just a stay; it’s a seamless, curated journey designed to honour Bhutan’s traditions while cocooning guests in Aman’s signature serenity.
The Allure of Amankora Lodges
More than just a series of lodges, Amankora is a curated pilgrimage through Bhutan’s most enchanting regions—Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, and Bumthang. Each lodge has been thoughtfully placed to reflect the spirit of its surroundings, offering Aman’s signature understated luxury amidst Bhutan’s wild landscapes and ancient spirituality.
Here’s a closer look at each of the five lodges that form the Amankora circuit:
Amankora Paro Lodge - Gateway to Bhutan’s Spiritual Icon
Nestled deep in a pine forest, just 30 minutes from Bhutan’s only international airport, Amankora Paro is your serene introduction to the kingdom. Designed in Aman’s signature minimalism with natural wood, subtle lighting, and bukhari stoves, each suite offers floor-to-ceiling views of the forested mountains.
After a long flight, this is where you exhale. Enjoy a Himalayan herbal oil massage in the Aman Spa, savour Bhutanese cuisine by candlelight, or indulge in a traditional hot stone bath - an age-old Bhutanese remedy that soothes both body and spirit. Your journey has begun.
Signature Experiences:
- Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery: A bucket-list pilgrimage to Bhutan’s most iconic site, perched dramatically on a cliff.
- Traditional Hot Stone Bath: Soak in a private wooden bath infused with Himalayan herbs and river stones heated in fire.
- Private Paro Valley Walks: Guided strolls through ruined dzongs, farmhouses, and prayer-flag-lined ridges.
- Aman Spa Rituals: Indulge in Bhutanese healing treatments with forest views, steam rooms, and holistic therapies.
Explore Amankora Paro
Amankora Thimphu Lodge - A Tranquil Retreat in the Capital
Perched on a forested hillside above Bhutan’s capital, Amankora Thimphu blends rustic seclusion with access to the kingdom’s cultural and political hub. With just 16 suites, it’s a refined hideaway where you can explore vibrant city life by day and return to fire-lit tranquillity by night.
This is where you explore Bhutan’s artistic and political heart. Wander through weekend markets, visit the majestic Buddha Dordenma, and enjoy private encounters with local artisans, from paper-makers to thangka painters. Then return to the lodge for a fireside cocktail or a reading from Bhutanese mythology in the lounge.
Signature Experiences:
- Visit Buddha Dordenma: Witness one of the world’s largest seated Buddha statues, offering panoramic valley views.
- Explore Local Markets & Textile Museums: Discover Bhutanese handicrafts, traditional weaves, and contemporary art studios.
- Archery at Changlimithang: Try your hand at Bhutan’s beloved national sport in an authentic setting.
- Private Astrology Reading: Gain insight into Bhutanese cosmology with a consultation from a local lama or astrologer.
Book Amankora Thimphu
Amankora Punakha Lodge - Romance in the Rice Fields
Accessed by a suspension bridge over the Mo Chhu River, Amankora Punakha is a restored traditional farmhouse set among fertile rice paddies and orchards. Its subtropical climate and lush surroundings make it a year-round sanctuary of warmth and wellness.
The eight suites open onto gardens or courtyards and are surrounded by blooming jacarandas in spring. Spend your days exploring Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most magnificent fortresses, take a riverside picnic, or try white-water rafting through the valley. It’s equal parts adventure and repose.
Signature Experiences
- Visit Punakha Dzong: Explore the “Palace of Great Happiness,” a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture set at the river confluence.
- Rafting & Riverside Picnics: Gentle rafting excursions with gourmet picnics amidst riverside scenery.
- Farm-to-Table Bhutanese Cuisine: Enjoy traditional dishes prepared with organic ingredients from the lodge's own gardens.
- Spiritual Walks to Chimi Lhakhang: Visit the temple of the Divine Madman, known for fertility blessings and folklore.
Explore Amankora Punakha
Amankora Gangtey Lodge - The Sanctuary in the Glacial Valley
Gangtey is Bhutan at its most cinematic. Overlooking the ethereal Phobjikha Valley, Amankora Gangtey offers expansive views of misty meadows and rolling mountains. This is your lodge for reflection. Wake to the sound of bells from nearby Gangtey
Monastery, hike to remote villages through ancient rhododendron forests, or simply sit in stillness and watch clouds drift across the valley floor. It’s meditative, magical, and deeply moving.
The lodge is an intimate eight-suite retreat located near the 16th-century Gangtey Monastery - a peaceful base for nature lovers and seekers of stillness.
Signature Experiences:
- Black-Necked Crane Viewing (Nov–Feb): Witness the sacred migratory birds in one of Bhutan’s most important conservation areas.
- Guided Valley Walks: Trek through hidden hamlets, pine forests, and ancient trails.
- Butter Lamp Offering at Gangtey Goemba: Partake in a sacred ritual and receive blessings from resident monks.
- In-Lodge Massage & Spa with Valley Views: Unwind in a treatment suite with glass walls that frame the glacial valley.
Discover Amankora Gangtey
Amankora Bumthang Lodge - Bhutan’s Spiritual Heartland
Bumthang is often referred to as the soul of Bhutan, home to some of the country’s oldest and most sacred temples. Set in the spiritual heart of Bhutan, surrounded by 29 ancient temples and monasteries, Amankora Bumthang offers the most immersive cultural and spiritual experience in the lodge circuit. The design reflects Bhutanese heritage with a contemporary twist - perfectly blending old and new.
Here, you’re immersed in ancient spirituality. Visit the Kurje Lhakhang, believed to house the imprint of Guru Rinpoche’s body, or take part in candle-lighting rituals at 7th-century monasteries. After a day of spiritual exploration, return to the lodge for a Bhutanese whiskey by the fire, and let centuries of myth and legend settle into your dreams.
Signature Experiences:
- Explore Kurje Lhakhang & Jambay Lhakhang: Visit sacred temples tied to Guru Rinpoche’s legend.
- Chakhar Lhakhang Pilgrimage Walk: A guided spiritual trail through the valley’s oldest religious sites.
- Cultural Evenings with Monks: Enjoy music, butter tea, and conversations on Bhutanese philosophy.
- Apple Orchard & Farm Walks: Discover Bumthang’s fertile terrain and taste fresh local produce from the surrounding valleys.
Explore Amankora Bumthang
The Best Time to Visit Bhutan
The ideal time to visit Bhutan is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Spring brings alpine blooms and vibrant festivals, while autumn offers crystal-clear views and golden valleys. Winter (December to February) is quieter and perfect for solitude seekers, especially at Gangtey and Paro, while summer (June to August) has its own lush monsoon charm.
A Journey That Lingers Long After You Leave
Travelling to Bhutan with Amankora isn’t just about the destination - it’s about rediscovering the art of being present. In a world obsessed with speed, Bhutan slows you down. With every whispering pine, ancient prayer, and sunrise over the Himalayas, you’ll feel yourself returning to what truly matters.
This is luxury for the mind, body, and soul.
This is Bhutan, the Aman way.
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