Amankora
A PILGRIMAGE TO HAPPINESS
Bhutan is hallowed ground in a pristine environment. Amankora, comprising 5 lodges in its central and western valleys, is a sanctuary designed to make the most of it. Aman means ‘peace’, and kora means ‘circular pilgrimage’, reflecting the idea of a complete circuit—the ideal experience of one of the happiest countries in the world.
EXPERIENCES TO BE DISCOVERED
ITINERARY
Upon arrival at Thimphu Lodge, settle in before exploring the Textile Museum, the Weaving Centre, the Buddha Dordenma and the National Memorial Chorten. Depending on your arrival time, you may also have time to visit the Institute for Traditional Medicine, The School of the 13 Arts and Crafts, Folk Heritage Museum and Simply Bhutan.
Stay at Amankora Thimphu Lodge.
After a hearty breakfast, journey to Paro and upon reaching the lodge, hike up to the Drukgyel Dzong Fortress. Post lunch, start your explorations of the valley with the 7th- century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the first Buddhist temples built in the country.
Stay at Amankora Paro Lodge.
Bid farewell to Bhutan, Paro International Airport (PBH) is a short 30-minute drive from Paro lodge.
Begin the journey with a visit to the Buddha Dordenma, one of the world’s largest statues of the Buddha, and a talk on Gross National Happiness, before exploring the capital of Thimphu. Stroll through the market and visit museums and temples, gaining insight into the Bhutanese way of life.
Stay at Amankora Thimphu Lodge.
Journey to Punakha and stop at Dochula Pass for a picnic with 360-degree panoramic views of the Himalayas. After settling in, visit Chime Lhakhang then spend some time at the first Retirement Home for Buddhist Monks in Bhutan. Created by an Amankora guest, the facility cares for monks who retire with no families to return to.
Stay at Amankora Punakha Lodge.
Begin the following day with a morning hike up the Khamsum Chorten, before exploring Punakha Dzong. Head back to the home and purchase a meal for a monk who will appreciate the gesture and the company.
Stay at Amankora Punakha Lodge.
Travel to Gangtey and after a leisurely lunch. Visit the magnificent Gangtey Goemba Monastery and the town’s meditation centre to learn about the life of hermits, their commitment to spiritual learning and importance in Bhutanese culture. Learn how you can support a community programme that offers meals and clothing to those in need.
Stay at Amankora Gangtey Lodge.
An early start on day six offers the chance to visit the Bayta Community School in Phobjika Valley’s nature reserve, dedicated to preserving endangered, Black-necked cranes. Assist in the development of the school’s library, reading room, counselling space and playground.
Stay at Amankora Gangtey Lodge.
Journey to Paro in the morning, and after settling in, visit the National Museum and Paro Dzong.
Stay at Amankora Paro Lodge.
On your final day, take a pilgrimage to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, and end the journey with a farewell dinner in traditional gho or kira attire.
Stay at Amankora Paro Lodge.
Bid farewell to Bhutan, Paro International Airport (PBH) is a short 30-minute drive from Paro lodge.
A SELECTION OF ACCOMMODATIONS
FACILITIES
- Check-in: 2p.m
- Check-out: 12p.m
- Complimentary WiFi
- Complimentary airport transfers to/from Paro Lodge/Thimphu Lodge
- Complimentary parking
- 76 rooms
- Butler service
- Hair dryer
- Air-conditioning
- Business centre
- Babysitting services
- Currency exchange
- House safe
- Room service
- Turndown service
- Wakeup calls
- Laundry service
- Wedding services
- Bhutanese, Western and Indian
- Bhutanese ngaja and suja teas
- Potato shed dinner at Gangtey Lodge
- Barbecue under the stars
- Traditional Bhutanese cooking lessons
- Herbal healing
- Hot-stone baths
- Movement and meditation
- Flag and forest therapy
- Aman Advanced Facial
- Bicycle rental
- Horseback riding
- Flight reservations and visa processing assistance
- Personalised itinerary planning
- All meals (breakfast and 3-course lunch and dinner)
- Picnics en route to other Amankora Lodges
- In-house beverages including house wines and spirits
- Children are welcome
- Designated outdoor smoking spaces available
- Pets not allowed
RATES
- From MYR 19,972 per person on twin share basis
- From MYR 26,229 per person on twin share basis
- From MYR 9,484 per room per night
- 3 nights Paro and 1 night Thimphu lodge
- All meals at Amankora Dining Room
- In House beverages including house wines and spirits
- Wi-fi & Laundry
- Private transfers & sightseeing as mentioned in the itinerary
- A Forest and Fortress BBQ Dinner at Paro
- A 60 minutes Amankora Holistic Massage per person once during the stay
- Private Airport transfers to/ from Paro Airport to Amankora Paro
- Yoga by in-house yoga buddies
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Daily Excursions with English speaking guide, vehicle & driver including monument passes and road permit processing
- A choice of Amankora Paro, Thimphu, Gangtey & Punakha lodges
- 2 complimentary room nights for booking 7 nights (Stay for 7 nights, Pay for 5 nights)
- All meals at Amankora Dining Room
- A Forest and Fortress BBQ Dinner at Paro
- In House beverages including house wines and spirits
- A 60 minutes Amankora Holistic Massage per person once during the stay (min 7 Nights)
- Private transfers & sightseeing as mentioned in the itinerary
- Wi-fi & Laundry
- Private Airport transfers to/ from Paro Airport to Amankora Paro/ Amankora Thimphu Or Bumthang Airport to Amankora Bumthang
- Activities, hikes and visits as stated in the programme
- Daily Excursions with English speaking guide, vehicle & driver including monument passes and road permit processing
- International Airfare, airport taxes, fuel surcharge, hotel porterage
- 20% tax and service charges
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD100 per adult per night or USD50 per child (6-12 years) per day
- Sustainable Tourism Fund (STF) of USD10 per person, one time
- Visa fee of USD40 per person, one time
