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LEVISTAY SIGNATURE • BHUTAN 5-VALLEY CIRCUIT
Amankora
Pioneering Aman’s 5-lodge circular pilgrimage across the Kingdom of Bhutan—where minimalist rammed-earth sanctuaries, private monastic blessings, traditional herbal hot-stone baths, and seamless transfers across Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, and Bumthang define South Asia’s ultimate Himalayan circuit.
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THE STORY OF THE CIRCUIT
Aman's Pioneering Circular Pilgrimage Across the Last Shangri-La
Derived from Aman (Sanskrit for “peace”) and Kora (Dzongkha for “circular pilgrimage”), Amankora was unveiled in 2004 as the first foreign hotel brand permitted to operate in the Kingdom of Bhutan. Spanning five distinct lodges across the central and western valleys—Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, and Bumthang—Amankora established a revolutionary lodge-circuit model that allows guests to travel seamlessly across the country while enjoying a unified 5-star sanctuary experience.
Designed by renowned Australian architect Kerry Hill, the structural language across all five lodges pays homage to traditional Bhutanese fortress architecture (Dzongs). Massive whitewashed or natural rammed-earth walls, sloping stone roofs, dark wood-paneled interiors, and soaring glass windows create quiet, meditative spaces that frame the surrounding pine forests, rice terraces, and mountain passes.
Accommodations across the five lodges total 72 identical suites (24 in Paro, 16 in Thimphu, 11 in Punakha, 8 in Gangtey, and 13 in Bumthang). Each suite features wood-paneled walls, terrazzo floorboards, a central king bed, a traditional wood-burning bukhari stove, a reading daybed facing floor-to-ceiling windows, and a freestanding soaking tub set against stone backdrops.
Gastronomy across Amankora is an all-inclusive culinary celebration of regional Himalayan ingredients and international fine dining. Menus feature organic red rice, yak milk cheese, wild river trout, and mountain mushrooms harvested daily from valley farms, paired with private dining setups set inside apple orchards, river sandbars, or candlelit monastic courtyards.
Days on an Amankora pilgrimage are curated around physical wellness and deep cultural access. Guests embark on private hikes to iconic sanctuaries like Paro’s Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang), attend private prayer chant sessions with senior Buddhist monks, cycle along valley riverbeds, and unwind with traditional Dotsho hot-stone baths infused with wild Artemisia leaves.
WHY LEVISTAY RECOMMENDS THIS
Amankora remains the gold standard of luxury travel in Bhutan. We recommend it as a non-negotiable stay for cultural connoisseurs, design purists, and spiritual seekers wanting seamless, private 5-valley access with Aman's legendary discreet service.
THE LODGE COLLECTION
Five Rammed-Earth Sanctuaries Across Bhutan's Sacred Valleys
Spanning western and central Bhutan, Amankora’s five distinct lodges offer a seamless journey through varying altitudes, landscapes, and cultural heritage. Guests can design a customized 7 to 14-night circular pilgrimage (kora) staying in identical minimalist suites while discovering the unique soul of each valley.
Amankora Paro
Balakha Village, Paro Valley · 2,250m Elevation
PINE FOREST & TIGER'S NEST GATEWAY
A rammed-earth sanctuary hidden in a dense blue pine forest near ancient dzong ruins and Mount Jhomolhari.
Key Highlights:
- Setting: Tucked inside a blue pine forest in Balakha Village, framed by the ruins of 17th-century Drugyel Dzong.
- Highlight: Direct trail access for private early-morning treks to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang).
- Best For: First-time Bhutan visitors, hikers, and guests seeking an serene forest arrival in Bhutan.
Amankora Thimphu
Motithang, Thimphu Valley · 2,350m Elevation
CAPITAL MONASTIC SANCTUARY
Designed in the style of a traditional Bhutanese dzong fortress near the capital’s sacred sites and pine ridges.
Key Highlights:
- Setting: Perched on a forested hill in the upper Motithang residential area near the capital's royal landmarks.
- Highlight: Soaring whitewashed stone walls and courtyards leading to private monastic blessing ceremonies.
- Best For: Travelers wanting seamless access to capital city culture, art ateliers, and astrology centers.
Amankora Punakha
Mo Chhu Valley, Punakha · 1,300m Elevation
SUBTROPICAL RIVER RESIDENCE
Reached via a suspension bridge over the Mo Chhu River, centered around a historic chief abbot’s farmhouse.
Key Highlights:
- Setting: Located in a lush, warm subtropical valley surrounded by terraced rice fields and orange groves.
- Highlight: Centered around a traditional 3-story farmhouse built by a former Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan).
- Best For: Guests seeking warmer climates, riverfront relaxation, and private Punakha Dzong excursions.
Amankora Gangtey
Phobjikha Valley, Gangtey · 3,000m Elevation
HIGH-ALTITUDE WETLAND SANCTUARY
Perched on a forested knoll overlooking the 16th-century Gangtey Goempa monastery and crane habitats.
Key Highlights:
- Setting: Set high on a ridge overlooking the vast, treeless glacial floor of the protected Phobjikha Valley.
- Highlight: Uninterrupted vistas of wintering endangered black-necked cranes from floor-to-ceiling glass dining rooms.
- Best For: Nature enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and travelers seeking high-altitude tranquility.
Amankora Bumthang
Choekhor Valley, Bumthang · 2,700m Elevation
SACRED ORCHARD RETREAT
Nestled inside an apple orchard adjacent to Wangdichhoeling Palace in Bhutan’s spiritual heartland.
Key Highlights:
- Setting: Located in Choekhor Valley directly adjacent to the historic 19th-century royal palace grounds.
- Highlight: Surrounded by fruit orchards and steps away from Bhutan's oldest, most sacred monasteries and temples.
- Best For: Deep spiritual seekers, temple explorers, and guests taking full 10 to 14-day country-wide circuits.
PERSONALIZED RESERVATIONS
Plan Your Stay at
Amankora, Bhutan
Because designing an Amankora pilgrimage involves mapping your 7 to 14-night valley sequence across Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, and Bumthang, arranging private road transfers or internal helicopter charters, securing Bhutanese visa clearances, and tailoring private monastic blessings, every detail is managed personally by our curators. Connect with our team to arrange your stay.
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Borders
Amankora is a defining Signature stay within our Beyond Borders portfolio. Explore our full collection spanning Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the Maldives.
BESPOKE JOURNEYS
Travel Beyond a Single Stay
Many of our guests combine multiple destinations into one seamless journey. Whether you’re planning a Beyond Border circuit or travelling further across India, we’ll personally design an itinerary that brings together exceptional stays, private transfers and memorable experiences—tailored entirely around you.