Amankora

       Imagine a kingdom where happiness is paramount, where culture and tradition remain intact, where Buddhism has predominated since the 7th century, forging an harmonious union with the natural environment. This kingdom is Bhutan, the “Land of the Thunder Dragon”, landlocked in the mystical and medicinal Himalayas, inspiritingly unscathed by globalisation. The ‘peaceful pilgrimage' of Amankora offers stays at five lodges, nestled strategically through the pristine landscape, delivering a path of enlightenment to penetrate a lifetime.

The Resort

The richness of life is found in the still simplicity surrounding the remarkably unscathed geophysical and biological existence in Bhutan today. Due to a sincere Buddhist belief, adhered to since the 7th century, the co-existence of nature and nurture has resulted in a unique eco-system and a thriving mosaic of different peoples all linked by a common belief system that regards all life forms as sacred. This prevailing ethos washes the staggeringly beautiful undulating valleys, plains, deep gorges, and mountainous landscape with a force of supreme greatness; that of genuine harmony and environmental compatibility.

To this astonishing effect, Amankora has created a series of lodges, all creatively unique and sympathetically balanced to their environment, in order to discover and comprehend the extraordinary wonders above and beneath this treasured land. The lodges are created to provide a circular pilgrimage in Bhutan’s breathtakingly spectacular central and western valleys.

Most journeys start at Amankora Paro or Amankora Thimphu. The lodge in Paro is nestled among glistening conifers in a 24-suite pine forest retreat. Amankora Thimphu, raised up in a blue-pine forest of the Motithang area, sits close to the capital’s intriguing sights and traditional shops.

• Amankora Punakha is set in sparkling verdancy east of the Dochu La Pass and just north of the resplendent Punakha Dzong.
• Amankora Gangtey, set in the remote wilderness of the Phobjikha valley, proffers magical views across the bird-strewn gorge and to the empowering Gangtey Goemba, a 16th century monastery.
• Amankora Bumthang rests adjacent to First and Second King’s palace, Wangdichholing, within the town of Jakar in the Choekhor valley, a valley sprinkled with an exotic mix of sloping pine forests, apple orchards, and restful fields of farm produce.

Spiritual

Amankora’s spiritual pilgrimage offers guests both a humbling and enriching experience. For a safe pilgrimage through the Kingdom, receive a blessing and light Yak-butter lamps in the secluded Wangditse Lhakhang (temple). Take time to reflect in the tranquility of the ancient altar room. Visit Cheri Goemba, the first monastery established in Bhutan, and absorb the vibrant spiritual energy of the Goemba’s altar room through reflection or meditation. At the 7th century temple of Kyichu Lhakhang, have a long life blessing and Buddhist name bestowed

Discovery a Kingdom

• Paro: At an elevation of 2,250m (7,382ft), Paro Valley is the entry point for most journeys through the Kingdom. From Amankora Paro, a return hike to Tiger’s Nest is four hours in duration. Just on the outskirts of Paro town lie the twin temples of 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang.
• Punakha: At an elevation of 1,300m (4,265ft), Punakha is one of the lowest lying valleys in the Kingdom. Closer to the lodge, a beautiful morning hike takes one to the regal Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten which dominates the upper Punakha Valley with views across the Mo Chhu and up towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond.
• Thimphu: A two-hour drive from Paro, Thimphu lies in a steep valley at an altitude of 2,350m (7,709ft). Thimphu’s main street provides an opportunity to shop for Himalayan jewellery and Bhutanese handicrafts and textiles.
• Gangtey: A stay in the Phobjikha Valley with an elevation of 3,000m (9,842ft) always begins with a causal stroll through the quaint Gangtey village, before visiting the ancient altars and ramparts of the massive Gangtey Goemba.
• Bumthang: The Choekhor Valley at 2,580m (8,464ft) is covered with fields of buckwheat, millet and potato, with apple orchards climbing up the slopes to mix with the deep pine forest. Across the valley lie many of the Kingdom’s most auspicious and highly revered houses of worship and ancient monasteries. Amankora Bumthang’s neighbouring Wangdichholing Palace was built in 1857 as the Kingdom’s first palace and is now the residence of a small monk body that also shares residence in an adjacent Goemba all overlooking five square chortens (Buddhist reliquary monuments) housing water-driven prayer wheels.

Trekking in Bhutan is unlike anywhere else in the Himalayas. Whether taking an easy flat stroll or an arduous hike, guests will experience crystal clear air and views that defy description. All parties are accompanied by a trained guide, a cook, an assistant, and at least one horseman. Trekkers rarely have to carry more than a daypack as horses and yaks carry all provisions and most of the guest’s belongings. When hikers reach camp, they will find a dining tent packed with delicious tea and food. Those who are not acclimatised or suffer altitude sickness are advised not to trek. Trekking permits are required for all parties. Treks include, but are not limited to the following:

• Adventure Trek from Paro Valley to Jili Dzong: Beginning at Amankora Paro, guests take a two day hike from Paro valley to Jili Dzong.
• Druk Path Trek: The Druk Path Trek takes the guest on a five day trek that culminates in a trip to the mountain of Phume la.
• Bumdra Trek: In the Bumdra Trek, guests will spend two days traversing the area around the Bumdra Temple.
• Gangtey Trek: From Amankora Gangtey, guests undergo the journey known as the Gangtey Trek lasting three days.
• Bumthang Owl Trek: From Amankora Bumthang, guests can experience the Bumthang Owl Trek.

Location

Occupying the high mountain valleys between China to the north and India to the south, Bhutan has long been a mystery to the West. The Kingdom has maintained its traditional Mahayana Buddhist way of life for centuries and the rugged, unspoiled, mountainous terrain has nurtured numerous ethnic groups within its remote, protective folds. These distinct cultural and linguistic traditions continue to this day, uninfluenced by the outside world. Amankora Paro is a 30-minute drive from Paro airport and complimentary arrival and departure transfers are included in the guest programme.

Amankora

Paro, Thimphu

Punakha, Gangtey

Bumthang, Kingdom of Bhutan.

Suites

• Amankora Paro: Six dwellings with four suites each, 24 suites in total.
• Amankora Thimphu: Two dwellings house a total of 16 suites.
• Amankora Punakha: Eight suites, located in three rammed-earth dwellings.
• Amankora Gangtey: The eight suites are identical to those of Amankora Thimphu.
• Amankora Bumthang: Accessed through an impressive stone-clad hallway, 16 guest suites are situated in four separate dwellings.