Bhutan Thimphu | Amankora, Thimphu: A Secluded Escape 🇧🇹

1. Bhutan’s Amankora is made up of five lodges, stretching east from Paro to Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, and Bumthang. 🏔️ Each is situated in a separate valley, integrating luxury with Bhutan’s rugged scenery—ideal for a trip without backtracking. 2. For trips of 7 nights or fewer, the first three lodges are sufficient. ✈️ For 8 nights or more, include all five! From Bumthang, a short domestic flight takes you back to Paro; without it, you’ll face an 8+ hour road journey. 3. My 7-night itinerary fit in four lodges, with some backtracking. 📝 An early 7 AM arrival and 4:30 PM departure on the final day gave extra time, making the rush manageable—though it’s not a setup most would enjoy. 4. Day one: Traveling from Paro to Thimphu felt like Shangri-La 20 years ago—charming but basic. 😅 Then Amankora Thimphu came into sight: a hillside refuge surrounded by coniferous forests, timeless despite being nearly 20 years old. Inside, it was a world apart from the town below. 5. However, this lodge felt the “least Aman-like” compared to the others, which had more ambiance. 😐 Perks included sessions with a fortune-teller and meetings with a respected lama—unique and memorable experiences. Unfortunately, the food here was my least favorite. 6. Amankora Thimphu is more than just a place to stay; it’s a gateway to Bhutan’s way of life, mixing seclusion with cultural elements. For luxury amid Himalayan peace, it’s a good start—even if the next lodges are more impressive. 🌙 #Bhutan #Amankora #LuxuryTravel #BhutanLodges #AmanResorts #TravelBhutan #ThimphuEscapes