If you’ve ever pictured a world where the relentless buzz of the city slowly fades into the soft sounds of wind whistling through ancient pines, then you’ll have arrived in Amankora, a luxury experience that is part of the Aman Group. For many, swapping pinging notifications, endless traffic, and crowded schedules for a soul-stirring getaway often feels impossible, but this hidden pilgrimage to happiness that’s nestled in the kingdom of Bhutan offers you exactly that.
Formed by the Sanskrit word Aman, which means “peace” and the Bhutanese word (or more accurately Dzongkha) kora for “circular pilgrimage”, Amankora is home to five distinct lodges that are tucked away in the kingdom’s central and western valleys. But rather than being known as a collection of hotels, Amankora presents its space as a singular, continuous sanctuary where your path to joy is paved with cedarwood, the lingering aroma of pine needles, and a profound luxury of silence.
Settling into your journey with Amankora
Having opened its doors to international tourism just half a century ago, visiting the kingdom of Bhutan does come with a set of its own complications. This includes engaging a guide who will take you through sacred sights and sites within this small nation – requirements of which Amankora carefully plans ahead to ensure your journey remains unforgettably unique.
Beyond the logistics, the true beauty of your Amankora experience lies in its continuity from one home to another. Whether it’s discovering the upper reaches of the Thimphu Lodge or settling into the warmth of the Punakha Lodge, you’ll find suites that share a minimalist, wood-clad soul, each mirroring Bhutan’s monastic heritage. The open-plan bedroom and living area house Aman’s signature king-sized beds, while the banquette window seat is perfect for watching the mist move in as you start the day.
Interestingly, what you won’t find in any accommodation is a television or a mini-bar. Devoid of these amenities by design, it’s a gentle reminder from Amankora that the outdoors is why you’ve travelled to the kingdom of Bhutan. Right by your doorstep, you’ll also find that each lodge is positioned to frame everything from the 16th-century Gangtey Goemba monastery to 7,000-meter peaks, offering a refreshing perception that’s unheard of in any other corner of the world.
Welcome to your pilgrimage to happiness in the kingdom of Bhutan
As you explore further into the kora, you’ll quickly notice how the rhythm of the days is punctuated by rituals that nourish rather than exhaust. Whether it’s spending a morning learning the art of prayer flag printing in Paro or trying your hand at traditional archery, no two days are similar, as there’s always something to discover. Stepping in as a gateway to a different facet of Bhutanese life, each lodge offers experiences that are unique from one another.
For example, the pilgrimage at Punakha takes you across a fluttering suspension bridge that spans the Mo Chhu River. A lodge that’s tucked within orange orchards and rice terraces awaits your journey at the very end, offering a lush experience in comparison to the stillness of the Gangtey Lodge. Lucky visitors in the winter months will also be rewarded with the rare sighting of the endangered black-necked cranes, turning this unlikely adventure into a once-in-a-lifetime memory.
The continuity of the kora extends directly to the table, where dining experiences often feel like a grand tour of Bhutan’s flavours. Offering menus that shift with the valleys, you could be tucking into a farmhouse lunch under the vaulted ceilings of the dining rooms on one day and sampling local delicacies out in the crisp mountain air the next. Enjoying the gentle heat of Ema Datshi (chilli cheese) is a must for adventurous visitors, while the comforting ritual of sipping on suja (butter tea) creates a holistic experience that warms you from within.
Himalayan healing is deeply rooted as the wellness philosophy at a host of Amankora’s spas, restoring your senses with slow rituals that you could take home after. More than just a traditional treatment, you’ll find yourself joining morning yoga sessions while overlooking the Thimphu Valley or enjoying the stillness of a meditation session led by a visiting monk. Not to be missed is the Amankora Holistic Massage at the Paro Lodge, turning tightly knotted shoulders into a breath of relief within the mountains.
Looking to set out on your pilgrimage to happiness? Let T’ROKA refine your journey as we’ll handle every intricate detail, so you can simply inhabit the stillness. From waking up to your first sunrise to enjoying a farewell dinner in a traditional gho or kira attire, your journey to Bhutanese happiness is set to be as effortless as it is unforgettable with T’ROKA.