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In the remote Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan — a land defined by ancient monasteries, dramatic valleys, snow-capped peaks, and a deep Buddhist spiritual tradition — Amankora offers one of the world’s most extraordinary travel experiences. Unlike a single resort, Amankora is a collection of five luxury lodges spread across Bhutan’s most beautiful regions, allowing travellers to move between valleys on a seamless, immersive journey known as the “Amankora circuit.”

Named from the Sanskrit-derived “Aman” (peace) and “kora” (circular pilgrimage), Amankora captures the essence of both tranquility and exploration, blending Aman’s signature minimalism with Bhutan’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Each lodge offers seclusion, natural beauty, warm Bhutanese hospitality, and a deep connection to the philosophies that define the Kingdom of Happiness.

Bhutan: The Setting

Bhutan is one of the world’s most unique destinations — a country that prioritises Gross National Happiness, environmental protection, and cultural preservation over mass tourism. It remains deeply rooted in Buddhism, reflected in its dzongs (fortress-monasteries), prayer flags, sacred sites, and everyday life.

Amankora’s lodges are positioned within Bhutan’s most scenic and historically significant valleys, creating a journey that captures the nation’s heart, spirit, and landscapes.

The Five Amankora Lodges

Each lodge is designed with natural materials, soft tones, and a refined, meditative aesthetic. Though connected by design, each reflects the distinct soul of its valley.

1. Amankora Paro Lodge

Setting: Pine forest, views of snow-capped peaks
Highlight: Gateway to Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Paro Lodge sits in a tranquil pine forest, just minutes from one of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks — the cliff-side Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery.
The lodge follows a stone-and-timber design, with warm interiors, intimate fireplaces, and tall windows framing the valley.

Experiences:

• Hike to Tiger’s Nest
• Explore Paro Dzong and National Museum
• Traditional hot-stone baths
• Forest walks and riverside picnics

Paro is often guests’ first or last stop, offering a powerful introduction to Bhutan’s spiritual heritage.

2. Amankora Thimphu Lodge

Setting: Forested hillside above the capital
Highlight: Bhutanese culture, museums, and city markets

Thimphu Lodge, located in the capital city, combines urban cultural immersion with Aman’s serene minimalism. It feels like a mountain retreat yet sits close to monasteries, museums, artisan studios, and lively weekend markets.

Experiences:

• Buddha Dordenma statue
• Textile Museum and Folk Heritage Museum
• Visit to paper-making workshops
• Blessings at local temples
• Archery demonstrations

Thimphu connects modern Bhutanese life with deep-rooted traditions.

3. Amankora Punakha Lodge

Setting: Subtropical valley next to a river and rice paddies
Highlight: Restored traditional farmhouse

One of the most picturesque lodges, Punakha is centred around a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse that once belonged to the Queen Mother. Surrounded by rice terraces, mandarin orchards, and the Mo Chhu River, this lodge embodies warmth and rural charm.

Experiences:

• Punakha Dzong (Bhutan’s most stunning fortress)
• River rafting
• Mountain biking through fields
• Temple of the Divine Madman
• Picnic lunches by the river

Punakha is soothing, lush, and especially beautiful during rice-growing season.

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4. Amankora Gangtey Lodge

Setting: Phobjikha Valley (glacial valley and wildlife sanctuary)
Highlight: Black-necked crane conservation area

Gangtey Lodge overlooks the Phobjikha Valley, a sweeping bowl-shaped glacial valley filled with alpine meadows and traditional farmhouses. This region is also home to the rare black-necked crane, which migrates from Tibet in winter.

Experiences:

• Crane observation (seasonal)
• Monastery visits
• Valley hikes and nature walks
• Meditation sessions
• Village experiences

Gangtey is quiet, spiritual, and deeply connected to Bhutan’s natural rhythms.

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5. Amankora Bumthang Lodge

Setting: Cultural heartland, near sacred temples
Highlight: Proximity to Bhutan’s oldest monasteries

Bumthang, often considered Bhutan’s most sacred valley, is home to ancient temples and countless stories of saints and kings. The lodge is built near forested hills and fast-flowing rivers, creating a retreat ideal for cultural immersion.

Experiences:

• Jakar Dzong
• Kurjey Lhakhang
• Tamshing Monastery
• Traditional weaving centres
• Scenic monastery-hopping hikes

This valley provides the deepest insight into Bhutan’s religious heritage.

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‍Accommodation

Across all lodges, the rooms follow Aman’s signature design:

• Wood-panelled interiors
• Warm fireplaces
• King beds with mountain views
• Spacious bathrooms with freestanding tubs
• Large window seats and calm natural tones

The atmosphere mirrors Bhutan’s peaceful ethos — elegant, uncluttered, and rooted in natural materials.

Dining and Culinary Philosophy

Amankora’s culinary approach celebrates Bhutanese tradition while offering international options. Ingredients are fresh, local, and often organic.

Bhutanese dishes include:

• Ema datshi (chillies with cheese)
• Red rice
• Buckwheat pancakes
• River-fresh trout
• Yak dishes (seasonal)

Private dining experiences — in forests, riverbanks, courtyards, or rooms — are a highlight. Herbal teas, mountain honey, and locally sourced produce define the lodge menus.

Wellness and Spirituality

Wellness at Amankora is deeply influenced by Buddhist philosophy and Himalayan healing traditions.

The Spa Offerings

• Himalayan hot-stone baths
• Bhutanese oil massages
• Traditional herbal therapies
• Forest bathing
• Yoga and meditation

Monks are often invited for private prayers or blessings, offering guests a genuine connection to Bhutan’s spiritual heart.

Experiences and Activities

Amankora is uniquely positioned to offer some of Bhutan’s most memorable experiences:

Cultural Experiences:

• Monastery visits with private guides
• Audience with monks or lamas
• Traditional Bhutanese festivals (Tshechus)
• Archery with locals
• Weaving and crafts demonstrations

Adventure & Nature:

• Hikes through forests, rice fields, and mountain trails
• Scenic valley drives
• Birdwatching in wildlife sanctuaries
• River rafting and cycling in Punakha

Seasonal Highlights:

• Black-necked crane migration (Gangtey)
• Snowy Himalayan landscapes in winter
• Spring rhododendron bloom

Amankora’s carefully curated itineraries allow guests to experience Bhutan’s landscapes, culture, spirituality, and hospitality in depth.

Sustainability and Community Engagement

In a country that is carbon-negative and deeply protective of its environment, Amankora aligns strongly with Bhutan’s values:

• Supports local farmers and artisans
• Uses natural materials in construction
• Employs Bhutanese staff and guides
• Helps fund cultural preservation projects
• Promotes low-impact tourism

Aman works closely with the government to ensure tourism supports Bhutan’s heritage rather than overwhelms it.

• Five lodges that create a seamless journey across Bhutan
• Rich cultural, spiritual, and natural immersion
• Personalized itineraries with private guides
• Deeply peaceful, minimalist design
• Warm, genuine hospitality rooted in Bhutanese tradition
• Access to sacred temples, monasteries, and UNESCO sites
• Ideal mix of adventure, spirituality, luxury, and nature

Ideal Guests

Amankora is perfect for:

• Cultural travelers
• Spiritual or wellness-focused guests
• Couples seeking meaningful experiences
• Nature and hiking lovers
• Families wanting immersive learning
• Luxury travellers looking for once-in-a-lifetime journeys

It is best suited for guests who appreciate quiet, culture-rich travel over nightlife or commercial tourism.

Conclusion

Amankora is more than a collection of lodges — it is a spiritual and cultural pilgrimage through one of the world’s last untouched Himalayan kingdoms. From misty valleys and ancient monasteries to pine forests, rivers, and sacred temples, the journey offers profound tranquillity and insight into Bhutan’s unique way of life.

With its thoughtful design, deep cultural access, warm Bhutanese hospitality, and unparalleled natural settings, Amankora – Bhutan stands among the world’s most meaningful luxury travel experiences — a true sanctuary for reflection, discovery, and peace.

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