Amankora
Spare Eastern-contemporary meets traditional Bhutanese rammed-earth architecture. Wood-framed lattice windows, soaring beams, shallow pitched roofs. Intentionally minimalist but not uncomfortable — wood-burning stoves, terrazzo tubs, palatial beds. No TVs anywhere, by design.
Book visa processing well in advance — it takes 2-3 weeks and costs $40 USD per application plus a $65/day government royalty fee
Why It Matters
One of the very few ways to travel Bhutan in genuine luxury, with a dedicated team that handles visas, permits, flights and every cultural excursion. Aman has been operating here for over 20 years. Rates begin at $1,700 USD per night. The circuit structure — moving lodge to lodge across the kingdom — is genuinely unlike anything else in the Aman portfolio.
Amankora isn't one hotel — it's five lodges strung across the central and western valleys of Bhutan, the last Buddhist Kingdom in the Himalayas. Each lodge sits in its own world: pine forests in Paro, a dzong-style fortress above Thimphu, a 300-year-old farmhouse in Punakha, open farmland in Gangtey, and a position beside the Royal Wandichholing Palace in Bumthang. The whole point is to move between them, guided by your own dedicated English-speaking guide and driver throughout.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Bumthang Lodge Suite
One of 16 suites at Bumthang Lodge, situated adjacent to the Royal Wandichholing Palace. Bumthang is Bhutan's spiritual heartland — ancient temples, cottage industries, monasteries and festivals. The lodge spa overlooks the exquisite Wangdicholing Palace.
Gangtey Lodge Suite
One of 8 secluded suites at Gangtey Lodge, overlooking the 16th-century Gangtey Goemba monastery and rural farmlands. The Phobjikha Valley spreads below — famous for wintering Black-Necked Cranes. The traditional Hot Stone Bath here happens in a candle-lit stone hut on a hillside a 10-minute walk from the lodge.
Paro Lodge Suite
52 square metres of open-plan space inside a pine forest at 2,250m. King-size bed, wood-burning stove (a bukhari), terrazzo-clad bathtub and banquette window seats looking out over the trees. Views of snow-covered Jhomolhari mountain on clear days. Warm wood-panelled walls, traditional Bhutanese architectural details — low-key but thoroughly comfortable.
King · 52 sqmPunakha Lodge Suite
One of just 8 suites inside a 300-year-old farmhouse near Punakha Dzong. Rice paddy views below, ornate traditional Bhutanese carved woodwork outside. The most intimate of the five lodges. Note: closed for refreshment May 15 – September 15, 2026.
Thimphu Lodge Suite
One of 16 suites at the Thimphu Lodge, built in the style of a traditional dzong fortress in the Motithang area above the capital. Forest surrounds on all sides, but close enough to explore Thimphu's markets and museums during the day.
The Property
Eat & Drink
5 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Bhutan's national sport, available at all five lodges. Traditional hunting bows and modern versions on offer. The team will give instructions or challenge you to a competition.
A monk-led session in Bhutanese calligraphy at Paro Lodge — one of the 13 traditional arts promoted as central to Bhutanese cultural identity since the 17th century.
Evening performances of Bhutanese folk tales, myths, music, song and dance at Thimphu, Punakha and Bumthang lodges.
A local monk helps guests print traditional prayer flags using wooden printing blocks at the Paro Lodge.
A private monk-led ceremony at Sey Lhakhang monastery in Bumthang. Guests receive a traditional Bhutanese name — a rare and deeply personal experience.
A morning monk-led herb-burning ritual at the lodge stupa in Gangtey. Designed to remove bad spirits and invite good fortune — a traditional daily Bhutanese practice.
Participate in the lighting of 108 butter lamps at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples (7th century). Also available at select temples across all five valleys.
Exchange traditional white scarves, light butter lamps to dispel darkness, and receive a holy water blessing performed by monks in the temple at Paro.
The Phobjikha Valley below Gangtey Lodge is one of the only wintering grounds for the rare Black-Necked Crane in Bhutan. Best season: late October to early March.
After a morning market excursion, return to the lodge kitchen and prepare signature Bhutanese dishes with the head chef.
Guided visits to Paro's local markets with insight into Bhutanese daily life and agriculture. Stalls laden with traditional yeast, honey, banana flower, dried cheese and more.
Bhutan's only golf course — a nine-hole course in Thimphu at 7,700 feet (2,350m) above sea level, with the Thimphu Dzong as backdrop. Tee times arranged by the lodge.
Each lodge provides direct access to scenic hiking and biking routes across the valley. Routes range from short forest walks to full-day treks.
A gentle float down the Mo Chhu River or the faster Pho Chu. Choose kayaking or rafting for an alternative view of Bhutan's landscape.
A four-hour return hike to the iconic 7th-century Taktsang monastery, which clings to the mountainside 900 metres above the Paro valley floor. One of the most famous sites in all of Buddhism. Post-hike recovery lunch at Amankora's Log Cabin at the base is included on most journey packages.
Help purchase ingredients, assist with meal preparation, then participate in serving a meal to one of 270 monks residing at the Gangtey Goemba monastic school.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Private multi-use meeting room at Paro Lodge, suitable for small group events or private functions.
All meals at all Amankora Dining Rooms plus picnics between lodges are included in standard journey packages.
Every guest is assigned a dedicated English-speaking guide and driver who stays with them for the entire Bhutan journey.
Amankora's reservations team handles Bhutan visa applications and touring permits on behalf of guests, typically starting via Bangkok.
Inspired by Turkish and Roman tradition. Double treatment room, relaxation area, cold plunge, outdoor pool, hot bath and steam room.
Full spa facility at Paro Lodge with five treatment rooms, Himalayan Hot Stone Bath, sauna, steam room.
Each lodge has a dedicated yoga and movement studio. Complimentary morning breathwork and yoga classes daily, suitable for all abilities.
Private spa experience in a Canadian Hemlock structure along the river. Outdoor terrace, cold plunge, warm pool, loungers. 60 or 90-minute private sessions.
Movement studio at each lodge. Minimum age 13 for use.
BUILD YOUR AMANKORA PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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