Amankora
- BHUTAN
- Feb 1, 2021
- 8 min read
Updated: Oct 15
The first resort in Bhutan and with five lodges across its central and western valleys, Amankora has been a part of this legendary Buddhist Kingdom for 17 years. Dedicated to providing an unparalleled experience of this pristine, year-round destination – one of the happiest places in the world – Amankora’s five lodges are each a sanctuary designed to complement its uniquely beautiful setting.
Located in Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha, Gangtey, and Bumthang, it offers travellers unprecedented access to the world's last surviving Buddhist kingdom. Amankora allow guests to create a tailormade tour of their own, visiting all or a selection of the lodges, with a driver and guide provided for the duration of their stay.
The architectural design of each lodge is different but retains Bhutan's famous, distinctive Dzong architectural style. The rooms amongst the 5 lodges are configured similarly as much as possible, allowing travellers to retain the sense of returning to the same abode every night to relax and thereby, reduce the sense of unfamiliarity.
Best Time To Visit Bhutan
Bhutan is truly a sanctuary for all seasons—each one weaving its own unique narrative. In the spring and summer, the Himalayas burst into life with wildflowers and vibrant wildlife, while autumn drapes the valleys in golden hues. Winter reveals crisp blue skies, peaceful days, and endless starry nights. Thanks to the country’s varied altitudes and ever-shifting landscapes, visitors can explore everything from mist-laden valleys to snow-capped mountain peaks, each offering a fresh perspective and a new adventure.
Accommodation / Lodges
Across the five lodges, Amankora's 76 suites fuse contemporary design with rustic materials to create a sleek yet convivial atmosphere. Open-plan bedrooms and living rooms have kingsize beds, window seats and traditional bukhari wood burners. Ensuite bathrooms, clad in terrazzo, centre on a large freestanding bathtub.
Click here to jump to Amankora's 5 lodges across Bhutan:
Amankora Paro Lodge
At an elevation of 2,250 metres (7,382 feet), Amankora Paro makes a beguiling start or an atmospheric end to an Amankora journey with its close proximity to the airport. Nestled in the serene Paro Valley, the lodge is just a 20-minute drive from Paro International Airport, making arrival and departure refreshingly seamless for weary travellers. The address—Paro 12001, Bhutan—places you moments from Bhutan’s iconic sites, yet quietly removed within a tranquil pine forest.
Whether you’re stepping off a Druk Air flight or preparing for your onward journey, the convenient location allows you to settle in swiftly and begin soaking up the pristine mountain air and legendary Bhutanese hospitality.
Hidden in thick pine the 24-suites are scattered in six forest cottages with walls clad in wood and black steel panelling, contrast rustic elements with contemporary design.
Amenities include king-size beds, traditional wood-burning stoves, and banquette window-seats, while bathrooms featured terrazzo-clad bathtubs, twin vanities, a separate shower and toilet.
Recommended for: Its proximity to the airport, majestic views from the Dining Room extending to the snow-covered Jhomolhari and visiting the iconic 7th century monastery, the Tiger's Nest
Amankora Thimphu Lodge
Amankora Thimphu is set in the upper reaches of the Motithang area that is within reach of the capital’s shops and sights, yet remaining as a secluded retreat from which to explore both all the city has to offer and the wild Himalayan landscape.
There are 16 suites in Thimphu, and each lodge include amenities such king-size beds, traditional wood-burning stoves and banquette window-seats, while bathrooms feature terrazzo-clad bathtubs, twin vanities, a separate shower and toilet.
The beautiful courtyard and Dining Room provides an unobstructed view of the nearby creek and pine forest.
Recommended for: Those seeking to explore both the wilderness and the hustle and bustle of the City.
Amankora Gangtey Lodge
Located in the little-visited Phobjikha Valley near the village of Gangtey that has the least tourist traffic, the eight-Suite Amankora Gangtey is set on a forested knoll with scenic views of the valley floor and the 16th-century Gangtey Goemba monastery.
The Dining Room features large family-style dining tables and floor-to ceiling windows that faces majestic views.
Suite interiors are identical to those of Amankora Thimphu, the open-concept bedroom and bath area allows you to take in the majestic view of the Gangtey Valley right from the comfort of your lodge.
Amenities include king-size beds, traditional wood-burning stoves and banquette window-seats, while bathrooms feature terrazzo-clad bathtubs, twin vanities, a separate shower and toilet.
Amankora Gantey is also part of the Black Mountains National Park wildlife reserve, where the valley is home each winter to a flock of 300 endangered black-neck cranes. Take in the beautiful scenery and sight surrounding the lodge – pine forests littered around the valleys, Apple Orchids and farms.
Recommended for: Plethora of treks you can take in the Gangtey Valley, Black-Necked Crane Visitors' Centre & wildlife viewing
Amankora Punakha Lodge
Up north and located in a subtropical valley that produces most of the nation’s vegetables, there is Amankoa’s Punakha, surrounded by rice fields and fruit plantations, and the area where the Bhutanese royals spend their winter.
Reached by crossing a suspension bridge over the Mo Chhu River covered in prayer flags, Punakha Lodge incorporates a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse built by a former Je Khenpo (chief abbot of Bhutan).
Amankora Punakha Lodge also features an infinity pool that provides beautiful views over the rice terraces, and a serene outdoor dining terrace that offer views of the valley and rice fields.
Eight of the suites are identical in design to those of Amankora Paro, with views across an orange orchard and rice terraces.
Amankora Punakha features an addition four more Mo Chhu Suites that are situated in a new building, and two feature separate spacious living areas. The suites can be combined to offer 2 two-bedroom units.
All accommodations at Amankora Punakha Lodge offer king-size beds, traditional wood-burning stoves and banquette window-seats, while bathrooms feature terrazzo-clad bathtubs, twin vanities and a separate shower and toilet.
Guests visiting Amankora Punakha can also visit the the beautiful 17th-century Punakha Dzong, and the 15th-century ‘fertility temple’ Chime Lhakhang.
Recommended for: Viewing of the 17th-century Punakha Dzong, infinity pool with views over rice terraces
Amankora Bumthang Lodge
Located in the oldest and most sacred part of Bhutan, with rich historical and spiritual legacy, Bumthang, directly translating as ‘beautiful field’, is home to 29 temples and monasteries, including the ancient Jambay Lhakhang, and is a treasure-trove of Bhutan’s art and painting traditions.
The 16 Suite rests adjacent to the Wandichholing Palace, within the town of Jakar in the Choekhor Valley. Amenities include king-size beds, traditional wood-burning stoves and banquette window-seats, while bathrooms feature terrazzo-clad bathtubs, twin vanities, a separate shower and toilet.
From here, guests can embark on a multitude of cultural and spiritual experiences, including the unforgettable experience of the 108 butter lamp offering at Taktsang Monastery.
Recommended for: Cultural and spiritual experiences such as visits to monasteries, astrology readings and evening prayers with the monks
Dining
An array of Bhutanese, Western and Indian dishes are served across all five Amankora Lodges, using local ingredients such as yak meat and fresh honey from the Bumthang Valley. Private dining can be arranged both inside and outside the Lodges, whether for an intimate dinner or group celebration.
Guests can also take part in a cooking lesson and learn about traditional Bhutanese cuisine. Taking in the natural landscape surrounding the Mo Chhu River, one of our experienced chefs will guide you through a selection of traditional dishes, all to be enjoyed after the class
Spa and Wellness
The serenity of the mountain landscape makes Bhutan the ideal destination to refresh and rejuvenate body and mind, with Himalayan plant- and herb-based therapies and traditional wellbeing rituals available in Amankora’s five cedar-scented spas. Indulge in signature spa treatment, or take a break from your hectic lifestyle with meditation and yoga programmes.
Experiences
Designed to offer a multi-destination itinerary, the Amankora's lodges offer travellers the opportunity to experience the Kingdom of Bhutan's remarkable landscape and rich cultural heritage with activities such as temple visits, nature hike, cultural immersion programs, all beneath soaring Himalayan peaks.
Amankora Journeys
14 Nights Journey
This ultimate adventure covers all five Amankora lodges, revealing Bhutan’s natural
landscapes, iconic sites and local culture. With a complimentary night on Aman, explore the
capital of Thimphu, practice archery by the Mo Chhu River, marvel at the Gangtey Goemba
monastery, hike through forests, savour Bumthang Valley views and end with an unforgettable
visit to Paro’s Tiger’s Nest.
Your journey includes:
• All in-house meals at each Amankora lodge
• Picnics en route to other lodges
• In-house beverages, including house wines and spirits
• Private transfers to/from Paro Airport to Paro/Thimphu Lodge or Bumthang Airport to
Bumthang Lodge
• One 60-minute Amankora Holistic Massage per person at Bumthang Lodge
• Complimentary one-way domestic flight between Bumthang and Paro (economy)
• Forest and Stream Dinner at Thimphu
• Private Potato Shed Dinner at Gangtey Lodge
• Traditional Bhutanese Farmhouse lunch at Punakha Lodge
• Daily excursions with English-speaking guide, driver and vehicle
• All touring permits and monument access passes, as outlined in the standard itinerary
• Flight reservations and visa processing assistance
• Laundry service
Five or Six Nights Journey
Discover Bhutan’s spiritual and cultural heart with a transformative five-to-six-night journey
through the western valleys at Amankora’s Thimphu, Paro and Punakha lodges. Immerse
yourself in the rich history by exploring the capital city’s urban landmarks, hiking to the revered
Tiger’s Nest monastery and discovering Punakha’s majestic fortresses and temples
Your journey includes:
• Accommodation at Thimphu, Punakha and Paro Lodges
• All in-house meals at each Amankora lodge
• Picnics en route to other lodges
• In-house beverages, including house wines and spirits
• Private airport transfers to/from Paro Airport to Paro/Thimphu Lodges
• Daily excursions with English-speaking guide, driver and vehicle
• All touring permits and monument access passes, as outlined in the standard itinerary
• Ground handling and concierge services, including flight reservations and visa assistance
• Traditional archery or darts at any lodge
• Signature Tiger’s Nest day trip in Paro
• One 60-minute Amankora Holistic Massage per person at Thimphu Lodge
• Stamp-making at Thimphu’s National Post Office
• Traditional farmhouse lunch in Punakha Lodge
• Laundry service
Your journey of six nights also includes:
• Khamsum picnic breakfast in Punakha
• 108 butter lamp lighting in Thimphu or Paro
• Thimphu Forest and Stream Dinner
Three or Four Nights Journey
This three-to-four-night journey offers an experience of the Kingdom’s most famous cultural
and natural attractions. Arrive at Thimphu Lodge for an overnight stay with the opportunity to
visit the capital’s iconic sites before venturing on to Paro Valley, where you can visit the 17thcentury Drukyel Dzong and Kyichi Lhakhang temple, savour authentic farm-to-table dining
and hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
Your journey includes:
• Accommodation at Paro/Thimphu Lodges
• All in-house meals at each Amankora lodge
• Picnics en route to other lodges
• In-house beverages, including house wines and spirits
• Private airport transfers to/from Paro Airport to Paro/Thimphu Lodges
• Daily excursions with English-speaking guide, driver and vehicle
• All touring permits and monument access passes, as outlined in the standard itinerary
• Ground handling and concierge services, including flight reservations and visa assistance
• Traditional archery or darts at any lodge
• Signature Tiger’s Nest trip
• One 60-minute Amankora Holistic Massage per person at Paro Lodge
• One Forest & Fortress Barbecue Lunch at Paro Lodge
• Laundry service
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