AMANKORADeriving its name from two words, 'aman' meaning 'peace' in Sanskrit and 'kora' meaing 'circular pilgrimage' in Dzongkha, the Bhutanese language, Amankora is a series of lodges sited throughout Bhutan's principal western and central valleys. Each valley and lodge has its own character, setting and experience.
Guests may either visit one of the lodges or, to best experience all that Bhutan has to offer, Amanresorts can plan a tailor-made journey, including one or more of the Amankora lodges located in Paro, Punakha, Gangtey or Thimphu.
AMANKORA PARO
Near Balakha Village, 30 minutes from Paro town and the airport, Amankora Paro is located approximately 2,250m above sea level. The views take in 17th century Drukyel Dzong and stretch to 7,300m high, snow-capped Jhomolhari and beyond. There are six blocks with four suites each, two on the ground floor and two on the upper floor. The 24 suites are similar in design featuring natural rammed-earth walls, gently sloping roofs and wood-panelled interiors with a king-size bed, a traditional bukhari (wood-burning stove) and a large terrazzo-clad bath.
Steps rise to a large stone terrace that leads to the lodge's Living Room that is furnished with banquettes and lounging chairs. Adjacent is the Library and a small Boutique and beneath is the Dining Room which opens on an external terrace overlooking a small stream. A track leads to a stone and timber terrace that contains a central fireplace that is surrounded by two lounging areas. On two levels, the Spa contains an arrival area, changing rooms, sauna and steam rooms and a glass-walled yoga suite. Steps lead to the lower level which includes one double treatment room and four single rooms, each fitted with a shower and unique outdoor stone bath.
AMANKORA THIMPHU
Thimphu , Bhutan 's capital city, is a two-hour drive from Amankora Paro or one and a half hours directly from Paro's international airport. At an altitude of 2,350m, Thimphu lies in a steep valley surrounded by richly forested mountains dotted with ancient monasteries and lhakhangs (temples). The town is built up from the Thimphu Chhu and is centred around the quaint Clock Tower and its surrounding lanes of shops, vegetable and meat markets, and assorted local restaurants. Up the valley lies the impressive Tashichoe Dzong and the Kingdom's only official golf course, a rolling nine holes set against the back drop of chortens (Buddhist receptacles for offerings), colourfully painted government agencies and the surrounding mountains.
Sited in a pine forest in the upper reaches of the Motithang area of the Thimphu Valley, Amankora Thimphu (opening December 2005) is a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the Kingdom's booming capital. Dzong-like architecture incorporates high stone, white-washed buildings accessed through an enclosed arrival court. Stairs lead from this entry point to a dramatic combined Living and Dining room with soaring ceilings and wood panelled walls. Adjacent is a flagstone outdoor dining deck with views over the nearby stream and blue pine forest. Stairs lead down to the Spa that is appointed with three treatment rooms, steam and sauna rooms and changing areas.
Two accommodation blocks house a total of 16 suites, featuring a combined living and bedroom that includes a king-size bed, a reading chair and a window banquette providing views across a landscaped courtyard or directly onto the nearby stream and pine forest. Room interiors feature combined wood panel and chocolate brown walls. The traditional bukhari is positioned between the bedroom and the bathroom. The spacious bathroom opens from the bedroom and provides a terrazzo-clad bath that enjoys a view through a vertical slot window. A shower, toilet and twin vanities and hanging space complete the bathroom. The suites are individually heated during the cold winter months.
AMANKORA PUNAKHA
Situated a short drive north of the grand Punakha Dzong and Puntsho Pelri Palace (summer residence of His Majesty The King), Amankora Punakha is accessed via a suspension bridge over the river Mo Chhu.
A short drive or walk takes guests to the lodge compound which is centred around a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse built as a residence by Her Majesty the Queen Mother to oversee the surrounding rice fields and fruit plantations. This grand structure, with its vegetable dye wall paintings, is now the combined common guest areas of the lodge with the Dining Room situated on the ground floor and the upper floors offering intimate relaxation areas and a traditional altar room for prayers or meditation. The courtyard of the farmhouse is arranged for outdoor dining and relaxing in Punakha's temperate climate. Adjacent to the courtyard is the Tea Pavilion which was once the kitchen of the summer palace. Beyond this is a newly built two-storey Spa building housing a yoga/meditation room which provides open views of the surrounding paddy fields and on its lower level encompasses two private treatment rooms, a steam room and changing area.
Eight suites, located in three rammed-earth buildings, are situated in an orange orchard with views across the rice fields and back up the Punakha Valley. The suites are identical to the design of the suites at Amankora, Paro, featuring wood panelled interiors, a traditional bukhari, king-size bed, terrazzo-clad bath, shower and vanities, and day bed. Suites are individually heated during the cooler winter months and air-conditioned in the summer months.
AMANKORA GANGTEY
Travelling easterly from Punakha, the road passes through the village of Wangdue Phodrang and climbs past deep ravines with dizzying drops to the little visited, picturesque valley of Phobjikha, home to the quaint rural settlement of Gangtey. At an elevation of 3,000 metres on the western slopes of the Black Mountains, Phobjikha is one of Bhutan's few glacial valleys. A designated conservation area, it is winter home of the endangered black-necked crane. The quaint village is dominated by the 16th century Gangtey Goemba, which includes a school, meditation facilities and quarters for monks, and is home to the mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa, one of the region's historically important Buddhist treasure discoverers.
Positioned on a forested knoll close to the valley floor is Amankora Gangtey. A winding track leads guests through the forest and descends to the lodge that enjoys sweeping views of the stunning valley landscape and fields of dwarf bamboo and potato crops. The lodge accommodations and guest areas are encompassed in one rammed-earth building. The combined Living and Dining Room is appointed with cosy chairs and sofas and family style dining tables, providing views through floor to ceiling windows of the valley and surrounding mountains. Two massage treatment rooms and changing areas, and an intimate yoga/meditation room are provided on the lodge's ground floor.
The eight suites are identical to those of Amankora Thimphu, offering an open plan bedroom and bathing area. The aesthetics combine wood panelling and chocolate brown walls, the traditional bukhari, terrazzo-clad bath, shower and vanity, and day bed offering views across the valley. Suites are individually heated during the cold winter months.
EXPERIENCE
Bhutan ’s way of life has remained unchanged for centuries. Cliff-edge dzongs with fluttering prayer flags are the site of daily rituals in much the same manner as they were centuries ago. The deeply revered King Jigme Singye Wangchuk, who ascended the throne in 1972, is the driving force behind the strict preservation of the Kingdom’s rich heritage and its steady growth to prosperity.
With a rich geography spanning sub-tropical plains, densely wooded Alpine valleys and sheer windswept slopes above the snowline, Bhutan offers an immense diversity of flora and fauna. There are an estimated 770 varieties of birds and more than 50 species of rhododendron alone. The country is home to the elusive snow leopard, golden langur, blue sheep, tiger, water buffalo, yak and elephant.
THE PARO VALLEY
The Paro Valley, where Amankora Paro is located, is believed to be one of the first valleys to have embraced Buddhism in the Eastern Himalayas. Two 7th century temples bear witness to that historic introduction – Kyichu Lhakhang and Taktsang Goemba. Kyichu, located a few kilometres north of the Paro-Drukyel road, is one of 108 temples built by King Songtsen Gampo in 659AD. It is a sacred pilgrimage site. Taktshang (or “Tiger’s Nest”), a revered monastery built at a height of 2,950m on a sheer cliff face, is widely visible from the valley floor while travelling to Amankora. From Amankora, a return hike to Tiger's Nest is four hours in duration. While the hike up is challenging, horses, mules and donkeys are usually on hand to ease the journey.
In an excursion to the town of Paro itself, the National Musuem displays an intriguing collection of artefacts that illustrate the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. A short stroll away is the dominating Paro Dzong, a prime example of Bhutanese architecture. From the dzong, a leisurely walk back into town crosses over one of Bhutan's traditional cantilevered bridges and continues on to the 1525AD town temple with its altar and wall paintings.
Drukyel Dzong (“Victorious Drukpa”), just above Amankora, is named after the 1644 Bhutanese triumph over Tibetan invaders. The dzong was built in 1649 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel to commemorate the victory. The building is sited at the spot where the trail from Tibet, via Tremo La, enters the Paro Valley. Once the northern invasions ceased, this became a major trade route between Bhutan and Tibet. The dzong was used as an administrative centre until 1951, when a fire caused by a butter lamp destroyed it. A full restoration is planned over the next few years.
Paro Valley is also the starting point for many of Bhutan's treks from the short four-day Druk Path crossing the mountains between Paro and Thimphu, to the challenging 21-42 day Snowman's Trek that is often considered the world's most difficult. Amankora arranges treks of all types that cater to all ability levels, from short hour-long valley floor walks to more strenuous full-day hikes over mountain trails where trekkers can sight wild mountain goats, langur monkeys and the occasional leopard. Overnight treks can also be organised.
THE THIMPHU VALLEY
At an altitude of 2,350m, Bhutan's capital city of Thimphu lies in a steep valley surrounded by richly forested mountains dotted with ancient monasteries and lhakhangs (temples). The town is built up from the Thimphu Chhu and is centred around the quaint Clock Tower and its surrounding lanes of shops, vegetable and meat markets, and assorted local restaurants. Up the valley lies the Thimphu's impressive Tashichoe Dzong and the Kingdom's only official golf course, a rolling nine holes set against the back drop of chortens (Buddhist receptacles for offerings), colourfully painted government agencies and the surrounding mountains.
The only world capital without traffic lights, Thimphu is home to many attractions. The National Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum and National Library, where Bhutanese craftsmen continue to pursue the traditional art of xylography, carving new wood blocks to print old manuscripts, all offer an insight into Bhutan's culture. Thimphu's Philatelic Centre reveals some of the world's most innovatively designed stamps. Farther up the the valley the Tashichoe Dzong houses the seat of government and the office of His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Nearby, one can visit Pangri Zampa Temple, two 16th century buildings that now house a monastic astrologer training school. At the head of the valley, a walk across a traditional cantilevered covered bridge leads to Cheri Goemba where the Kingdom's first monk coummunity was based. Closer to town, Thimphu's main street provides the opportunity to browse for Himalayan jewellery and Bhutanese handicrafts and textiles.
THE PUNAKHA VALLEY
One of the highlights of Punakha is a visit to the impressive Punakha Dzong. Straddling the confluence of the Mother (Mo) and Father (Pho) Rivers like an ancient ship stranded by the tide, the Dzong was built by the founder of the kingdom of Druk Yul - Land of the Thunder Dragon - Ngawang Namgyel. He was also responsible for the construction of the Dzongs of Paro, Simtokha and Trongsa among many others.
The Punakha Dzong's first courtyard functions as the administrative headquarters of the Punakha district. Twenty-one temples are contained within the area of the Dzong's third courtyard, the largest of which is the monks' hundred-pillared Kunre or Great Assembly Hall. Ngawang Namgyel's body is preserved in the Machey Lhakhang (sacred embalmed body temple) within this section of the Dzong.
Beyond the central presence of the Dzong, a visit to Chimi Lhakhang is a must to take in the history of the worship house and its ritual phalluses. The Chimi Lhakhang is dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley who in the late 15th century used humour, songs and outrageous behaviour to dramatise his teachings.
Closer to the Amankora lodge, a beautiful morning hike takes one to the regal Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten, which was built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world. The Chorten dominates the upper Punakha Valley with commanding views across the Mo Chhu and up towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond. High above the Punakha Valley also lies the secret village of Talo. This lofty village is a quiet respite from the valley floor to explore and perhaps enjoy a picnic.
THE PHOBJIKHA VALLEY
East of Punakha, the road passes through the colourful village of Wangdue Phodrang and climbs past deep ravines with dizzying drops to the little visited, picturesque valley of Phobjikha, home to the quaint rural settlement of Gangtey. At an elevation of 3,000 metres on the western slopes of the Black Mountains, Phobjikha is one of Bhutan's few glacial valleys. A designated conservation area, it is winter home of the endangered black-necked crane. The quaint village is dominanted by the 16th century Gangtey Goemba, which includes a school, meditation facilities and quarters for monks, and is home to the mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa, one of the region's historically important Buddhist treasure discoverers.
A stay in the Phobjikha Valley begins with a stroll through the Gangtey village before visiting the ancient altars and ramparts of the massive Goemba. Numerous nature walks and treks are offered by the seemingly endless expanse of valley, some winding through miniature forests of dwarf bamboo and across a trout filled brook. Throughout the winter, the reclusive black-necked cranes can be viewed from the nearby Crane centre or a viewing hide situated near their main nesting and feeding.