Trip details

The Amankora Resort in Thimphu has suites containing king size bed, reading chair and window banquette. This provides views across a landscaped courtyard, or of the stream and pine forest. The suite’s interior features wood paneling and chocolate brown walls. A stay at the Amankora Resort in Thimphu provides an authentic experience of the town. At the resort is a spa offering treatments using local herbs. Bhutan’s 9-hole golf course is located in the heart of Thimphu, tee times can be arranged by Amankora. As Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu is home to many attractions and activities, including the National Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum and the bustling Changlingmethang Market. Nearby, one can visit Pangri Zampa, two 16th century buildings that now house a monastic astrologer training school. At the head of the valley, a walk across one of the bridges leads to Cheri Goemba where the kingdom’s first monk community was based.

Bhutan’s capital city is packed to the hilt with history, which you can get acquainted with on visits to the Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum, National Library and the centuries-old Tashichho Dzong, which was built without using a single nail. Get to know Thimphu from a local perspective as you browse shops selling handmade paper and traditional arrows, and even watch some of the country’s finest bowmen perfecting their aim. As is the case with most of Bhutan’s towns, there are dozens of beautiful temples to marvel at and witness sacred Buddhist traditions, and on hikes into the surrounding countryside, you can visit the famous 51-metre-tall Buddha Dordenma.

Peeking out from a cluster of Bhutan's quintessential blue pines, Amankora overlooks a valley where endangered black-neck cranes raise their wings to the sun. One of very few lodges in its corner of Gangtey, the lodge has an intimate feel made stronger by the staff's attention to detail - from personalised gifts at turn-down, surprise picnics on hikes and hot towels waiting when you return. You don't have to miss a minute of the view as you dine on the lawn (binocs in hand) or walk past forests of bamboo or yaks grazing in lush fields.

Beneath the gaze of the soaring Black Mountains, Gangtey is a sublimely quaint valley where you can simply soak up the views, witness the traditional morning alms-giving and visit the revered Gangtey Monastery, which is an integral part of one of the oldest Tibetan schools of Buddhism. Then again, you might prefer to explore the area on scenic walks - and there are plenty! Between November and February, make the trek to Phobjikha Valley, which welcomes black-necked cranes that are said to signal peace and good harvests.

Ensconced by the rugged (and oft snow-capped) Himalayas, life in Bhutan plays out in its collection of alpine valleys. Nestled in the aptly named Bumthang, which translates to mean 'beautiful field', the Amankora Lodge takes every advantage of its tranquil neighbourhood. With blissfully few actual neighbours, the lodge's gaze lands on lush forested hills and the ornate Wangdichholing Palace. Beginning with a greeting of warm towels laced in lemongrass, your stay at Amankora is testament to the country's policy of Gross National Happiness. Steeped in ancient tradition and folklore, a visit to Bumthang includes cliffside monasteries and the fascinating Burning Lake where legends abound.

Hidden deep in Bhutan’s central valleys, Bumthang is perfectly placed to hike, hike and hike some more. Pick a direction and explore trails amongst idyllic fields of golden wheat, cypress forests and red rice paddies, finding your way to beautiful, hilltop monasteries, mysterious lakes and viewpoints that will have you whipping out the camera.

There are some places that invoke a sense of magic as soon as you arrive and Amankora Punakha Lodge is one of them. From the moment you set foot on the suspension bridge, bedecked with prayer flags - which must be crossed to reach the lodge - you know you're somewhere special. The converted farmhouse sits within an idyllic valley, a favourite of Bhutanese royal family, and the very spot in which the majority of the country's fruit and veg are grown. Expect a peaceful Bhutanese way of life (surrounded by orange orchards and rice terraces, no less), lazy days and a spot of hiking - but without sacrificing any creature comforts, of course.

Ensconced by forested mountains, Punakha is as picturesque as they come. You can make the most of this setting on hikes, mountain bike rides and rafting expeditions down one of its beautiful rivers. Punakha also boasts one of the most auspicious dzongs (forts) in the country, which cuts a striking figure with its golden peaks. Depending on the time of year, a colourful and vibrant Tsechu (Mask Dance Festival) might be taking place.

Part of the Amankora Resorts of Bhutan, the Paro Lodge’s suites feature a combined lounge and bedroom that is furnished with a king size bed and reading chair. In one corner is the traditional bukhari - a wood-burning stove. Opening from the bedroom is the spacious bathroom which is dominated by a large terrazzo bath flanked on one side by twin vanities and hanging space, and on the other by a separate shower and lavatory. Like at all other Amankora Resorts, a spa can be found at the Paro lodge offering signature treatments. Tutoring in the art of archery with traditional bamboo bows are also on offer at the Paro lodge. For more adventure, a 2-day trek through the Paro Valley to the Jili Dzong can be arranged during a stay at the Amankaro Resort in Paro.

Paro is most famous for the opportunity to make the breathtaking hike to the Taktsang Dzong, one of the most sacred in Bhutan - and perched on the very edge of the cliffside. However, this is just one of many trails to explore in the surrounding valleys and their many temples. Back in central Paro, pick up handmade souvenirs at the market and enjoy a taste of the local cuisine.