Perhaps best saved for the final day, guests can follow the hike and personalized tour with a barbecue lunch and a well-deserved spa treatment. The lodge’s spa overlooks the forest and herb garden, and features a glass-walled sauna, serene treatment rooms with hot stone baths, and a tranquil yoga and meditation room.
Cultural Sojourn
A six-night Cultural Sojourn revealing the Kingdom’s western valleys, this journey uncovers the beating heart of Bhutan with stays at Amankora Thimphu, Punakha and Paro. These valleys are breathtakingly unspoilt, with magnificent natural scenery providing the backdrop to an exhilarating dive into a rich cultural heritage, home as they are to almost half of the population.
Discover Bhutan’s colourful history and wealth of traditions while exploring the capital Thimphu with its textile museum, weaving centre, paper factory and astrology school. Don’t miss Tashichho Dzong at dusk or the hike to Cheri Goemba, a stunning temple and monastery where the Kingdom’s first monastic body was established.
Over the Dochula Pass in Punakha, visit the intriguing Chimi Lhakhang Fertility Temple and stroll through the adjacent village with its fascinating folk art. Dedicate the next day to hiking to Khamsun Chorten with its awe-inspiring views, and to exploring the sacred halls and courtyards of Punakha Dzong.
After crossing the longest chain link suspension bridge in the world, try your hand at archery, Bhutan’s national sport. The final two days in Paro are spent exploring the town and countryside and climbing to the lofty Tiger’s Nest.
Return to the Kingdom
This five-night adventure is designed for those who’ve visited in the past and are eager to experience more of the Kingdom’s serenity beyond its western and central valleys. Beginning with a homecoming Thrisel Blessing and a rediscovery of Drukgyel Dzong at Amankora Paro, the journey continues on day two with a flight to Amankora Bumthang, the easternmost of Aman’s five lodges.
From here, explore the eastern valleys of Trongsa, the birthplace of the royal Wangchuck dynasty; Tang, home to the Burning Lake and Ogyen Choling Palace Museum; and Chhume, where Bhutan’s current queen was born. Ruled by the power of the Raven Crown, this region is truly beguiling. On returning to Paro for your final night, discover the mysterious second Tiger’s Nest with its hidden treasure and Statue of Longevity in the tranquil setting of Dzongdrakha. Many more journeys will be needed before Bhutan has revealed all her secrets.
Five Unique Lodges
When Aman became the first hospitality brand invited to set up roots in the Kingdom in 2004, it pioneered a new concept – for Bhutan and the entire travel industry. Instead of building a hotel, Aman created a journey enabling a seamless unveiling of this remarkable destination.
Amankora guests are guided through the Kingdom’s rugged Himalayan landscapes on foot, by car and by air with every need met, pausing at Amankora’s sensitively-designed lodges on their own personal kora – an odyssey of the spirit enlightened.
Sheltered within a blue-pine forest of glistening conifers, 24-suite Amankora Paro lies beneath the ruins of the 17th-century Drukyel Dzong (fortress-monastery), a 30-minute drive from Bhutan’s international airport. As with each Amankora lodge, it offers elegant dining and living rooms with panoramic views, an intimate spa, and expansive outdoor areas for relaxing in the sun or beneath the stars. Overlooking snow-capped Jhomolhari, each suite features its own bukhari, a wood-burning stove.
