Amankora Bhutan 2026: All 5 Lodges in Detail | Prices & Journey Concept
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Amankora – the "peaceful pilgrimage" – has set the standard for luxury tourism in Bhutan since 2004. The name combines the Sanskrit word "aman" (peace) with the Dzongkha term "kora" (pilgrimage circuit) and aptly describes the unique concept: Five intimate lodges guide you like a spiritual pilgrimage through the most beautiful valleys of the Himalayan kingdom. With only 72 suites spread across five locations, Amankora offers a level of exclusivity and privacy unmatched in Bhutan.
Amankora at a Glance
The Unique Journey Concept
Amankora is more than just a hotel chain – it's a thoughtfully designed travel concept. Instead of staying in a single resort, you journey like on a pilgrimage from lodge to lodge through different valleys of Bhutan. Each stop offers its own atmosphere and experiential world, while the incomparable Aman service remains consistently excellent throughout. This continuity amid change is what makes the Amankora experience so extraordinary.
The Typical Amankora Route
A classic Amankora journey begins in Paro after arrival at the airport and leads via Thimphu and Punakha to the remote Gangtey Valley and on to Bumthang, the spiritual heart of Bhutan. The return journey is via Paro, leaving plenty of time to visit the legendary Tiger's Nest Monastery.
| Duration | Lodges | Route |
|---|---|---|
| 7 Nights (Minimum) | 4 Lodges | Paro → Thimphu → Punakha → Paro |
| 10 Nights (Recommended) | All 5 Lodges | Paro → Thimphu → Punakha → Gangtey → Bumthang → Paro |
| 14 Nights (Odyssey) | All 5 Lodges + Depth | Extended stays at each lodge, more time for activities |
The Five Lodges in Detail
Each Amankora lodge has its own character, shaped by its surroundings and regional characteristics. What they all share is the combination of contemporary Aman design with traditional Bhutanese architecture.
Amankora Paro
| Suites | 24 Suites – largest lodge in the collection |
| Location | Amidst dense pine forests above Paro Valley |
| Elevation | approx. 2,250 m |
| Highlights | Two-story spa, glass-walled yoga studio, proximity to Tiger's Nest |
| Ideal for | Arrival/departure, Tiger's Nest hike, rest after travel |
Amankora Paro is for most guests the first and last contact with the Amankora world. The 24 suites are nestled in an aromatic pine forest with views of the historic Paro Valley. The two-story spa offers traditional hot stone baths and a yoga studio with floor-to-ceiling glass fronts. From here, you can reach the legendary Tiger's Nest Monastery within minutes.
Amankora Thimphu
| Suites | 16 Suites |
| Location | Upper Motithang area, forested yet close to city |
| Elevation | approx. 2,400 m |
| Highlights | Dzong-style architecture, proximity to capital attractions |
| Ideal for | Cultural exploration of the capital, shopping, Buddha Dordenma |
The Thimphu lodge combines the best of two worlds: the tranquility of a forest retreat with proximity to Bhutan's vibrant capital. The architecture is reminiscent of a traditional Dzong fortress and offers an impressive contrast to the modern interior design. From here, you explore Buddha Dordenma, Tashichho Dzong and the lively markets of the city without traffic lights.
Amankora Punakha
| Suites | 12 Suites |
| Location | Accessible via suspension bridge, tropical forests and fruit orchards |
| Elevation | approx. 1,300 m – warmest climate of all lodges |
| Highlights | Only lodge with pool, most spectacular location, romantic atmosphere |
| Ideal for | Couples, nature lovers, Punakha Dzong, river rafting |
Punakha is considered by many to be the most beautiful of the five lodges. Access via a traditional suspension bridge heightens the feeling of entering another world. The lodge sits in the subtropical warmth of Punakha Valley, surrounded by rice fields, fruit orchards and tropical forests. Here you'll also find the only pool in the entire Amankora collection – an important criterion for many luxury travelers.
Amankora Gangtey
| Suites | 8 Suites – most intimate lodge in the collection |
| Location | Forested hilltop in the seldom-visited Phobjikha Valley |
| Elevation | approx. 3,000 m |
| Highlights | View of Gangtey Goemba (16th century), black-necked cranes (Oct–Feb) |
| Ideal for | Nature observation, spirituality, seclusion, cranes |
With only eight suites, Amankora Gangtey is the most intimate lodge in the collection. It overlooks the vast Phobjikha Valley – one of Bhutan's glacial valleys rarely visited by tourists. The view of the 16th-century Gangtey Goemba Monastery is mesmerizing. From October to February, you can observe rare black-necked cranes here, which fly in from Tibet to overwinter.
Amankora Bumthang
| Suites | 16 Suites |
| Location | Near Wandichholing Palace in Jakar, Chokhor Valley |
| Elevation | approx. 2,800 m |
| Highlights | Access to sacred temples, 108 butter lamps ceremony in Jambay Lhakhang |
| Ideal for | Spiritual travelers, culture enthusiasts, local crafts |
Bumthang is considered the spiritual heart of Bhutan, and the Amankora lodge provides the perfect base for exploring this sacred region. The four valleys of Bumthang – Chokhor, Tang, Ura and Chumey – harbor the country's oldest temples and monasteries. An unforgettable experience is the 108 butter lamps ceremony in Jambay Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples. Here you'll also sample local honey and cheese from Red Panda Brewery.
Suite Amenities & Design
The Amankora suites embody a design philosophy of elegant simplicity. Traditional Bhutanese elements like bukhari wood stoves and hand-woven textiles meet contemporary Aman style. All suites are at least 52 square meters and offer first-class comfort.
| Amenities | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | From 52 sqm, all suites generously laid out |
| Bed | King-size bed with high-quality linens |
| Heating | Traditional bukhari wood stove – romantic atmosphere |
| Bathroom | Terrazzo-lined bathtubs, separate shower |
| Seating Area | Window seats with panoramic views of valleys and mountains |
| Connectivity | WiFi at all lodges, international outlets |
| Minibar | Replenished daily, local and international selection |
Culinary & Spa
Culinary Experience
The cuisine at all five lodges combines Bhutanese traditions with Western and Indian influences. Local ingredients like yak meat, the famous Bumthang Valley honey and vegetables from surrounding gardens play a central role. Dishes are adapted to each location – in Punakha, for example, subtropical fruits dominate, while in Bumthang local buckwheat takes center stage. Special dietary requirements are of course accommodated.
Spa & Wellness
Each Amankora lodge features a cedar-scented spa specializing in Himalayan plant and herbal therapies. The holistic treatments use local ingredients like homemade yogurt, Bumthang honey and regional oranges. The traditional hot stone baths are a must – hot river stones are submerged in wooden tubs with herbal infusions, creating a wonderfully relaxing experience.
| Treatment | Description |
|---|---|
| Hot Stone Bath | Traditional Bhutanese bath with hot river stones and herbs |
| Himalayan Massages | Ayurvedic-inspired massages with local oils |
| Holistic Facials | With yogurt, honey and regional ingredients |
| Yoga Sessions | Daily yoga and meditation classes, especially in Paro with glass-walled studio |
Prices & Packages 2026
Amankora operates with a largely inclusive pricing model. Overnight rates include full board, private guides, drivers and most activities. Additionally, Bhutan's government fees apply, which are billed separately.
Quest for Happiness Package
The "Quest for Happiness" is Amankora's signature experience and offers the best value for money: you pay for 5 nights and receive 7. When extending to 10 nights, you experience all five lodges and save substantially compared to individual bookings.
| Lodge | Nights | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Thimphu | 1 Night | Buddha Dordenma, Tashichho Dzong, Markets |
| Punakha | 2 Nights | Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lhakhang, Pool, Rafting |
| Gangtey | 2 Nights | Phobjikha Valley, Gangtey Goemba, Cranes (seasonal) |
| Bumthang | 3 Nights | Jambay Lhakhang, 108 butter lamps ceremony, local crafts |
| Paro | 2 Nights | Tiger's Nest, Paro Dzong, National Museum, rest before departure |
Price Structure 2026
| Period | Price per Person/Night (Double) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| High Season (Sept–Nov, March–April) | approx. 1,318 USD (8th/9th night) | Most popular travel time, book early |
| Low Season | On request, slightly lower | December–February, May–August |
| Holiday Surcharges | +360 USD/Adult (Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve) | Children 6–11: +180 USD |
What's Included in the Price?
Included:
- Accommodation at all booked lodges
- Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Private English-speaking guide
- Private driver with vehicle
- Transfers between lodges
- Excursions and activities
- Basic spa usage
- Laundry service
Not Included:
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF): 100 USD/night until Aug. 2027
- Visa: 40 USD one-time
- Tourism Development Fund: 10 USD
- International flights
- Alcoholic beverages
- Premium spa treatments
- Tips for guide and driver
A detailed breakdown of all costs for a Bhutan trip can be found on our Costs & Budget page.
Complete cost overview for Bhutan
Amankora vs. Six Senses
Amankora and Six Senses are the two leading luxury providers in Bhutan – both with five lodges distributed across the country. While Amankora has been the pioneer since 2004, Six Senses brought fresh momentum in 2018 with larger spa areas and more pools. The choice depends on your personal priorities.
| Criterion | Amankora | Six Senses |
|---|---|---|
| Opening | 2004 – Pioneer | 2018 – Newer |
| Total Suites | 72 Suites | 82 Suites |
| Pools | Only in Punakha (1) | Multiple lodges with pools |
| Spa Size | Compact, authentic | Larger, modern |
| Philosophy | Spiritual pilgrimage, tradition | Wellness & sustainability |
| Design | Bhutanese tradition + Aman style | Modern, contemporary |
| Price Category | Comparable | Comparable |
| Ideal for | Traditionalists, spiritually inclined | Wellness-focused, pool lovers |
A detailed overview of Six Senses Bhutan can be found on our separate page.
Booking & Practical Tips
Booking Recommendations
| Travel Time | Recommended Lead Time | Note |
|---|---|---|
| High Season (March–May, Sept–Nov) | 6+ Months | Especially for festival dates |
| Low Season | 3–4 Months | More availability, possibly better rates |
| Festival Dates (Paro, Thimphu Tshechu) | 9–12 Months | Extremely high demand |
Booking Channels
Amankora can be booked directly through the official website aman.com or through authorized travel agencies. When booking through a specialized Bhutan tour operator, you benefit from local expertise and personal assistance before and during your trip.
The Amankora Service On-Site
- Airport Pickup: Personal welcome by the Amankora team at Paro Airport
- Private Guide: English-speaking guide for your entire journey
- Private Driver: Dedicated vehicle for all transfers and excursions
- Pre-Travel Planning: Email contact before arrival to coordinate activities and difficulty level
- Flexibility: Program adjustments based on weather and wishes on-site
Frequently Asked Questions
How many nights should I book at Amankora?
We recommend at least 10 nights to experience all five lodges. The minimum is 7 nights for 4 lodges. With the "Quest for Happiness" Package, you pay for only 5 nights when booking 7 – a substantial added value that makes the longer booking worthwhile.
Which Amankora lodge is the most beautiful?
That's a matter of taste, but many guests rave about Amankora Punakha for its spectacular location, tropical climate and the collection's only pool. For the spiritually inclined, Bumthang is a highlight, while Gangtey offers the most intimate atmosphere. Each lodge has its own charm – that's the appeal of the journey concept.
Does Amankora Bhutan have a pool?
Yes, but only one lodge: Amankora Punakha has a pool. The other four lodges do not have pools. If a pool is important to you, plan a longer stay in Punakha or alternatively consider Six Senses Bhutan, which offers pools at several lodges.
How much does an Amankora trip cost in 2026?
Budget approximately 15,000 USD per person for 10 nights (double occupancy), including full board, guide and driver. Add government fees (SDF 100 USD/night = 1,000 USD) plus visa (40 USD) and international flights. A 10-night trip for two people typically runs 35,000–40,000 USD total.
Is Amankora or Six Senses better?
Both are first-class – it depends on your priorities. Amankora is the pioneer (since 2004) with stronger focus on Bhutanese tradition and spiritual experiences. Six Senses (2018) excels with larger spas, more pools and contemporary design. Service and quality are comparably excellent at both.
Can I stay at only one Amankora lodge?
No, the Amankora concept requires traveling through at least 4 lodges (7-night minimum stay). You cannot book a single lodge for a short stay. If you only want to visit one region of Bhutan, other luxury hotels like Como Uma in Paro are alternatives.
When is the best time for an Amankora trip?
The best travel times are March to May (rhododendron blooms, Paro Tshechu) and September to November (clearest visibility, pleasant temperatures). For cranes in Gangtey: October to February. Winter (December–February) offers fewer tourists but colder temperatures. Monsoon season (June–August) is not recommended.
Matching Routes for Your Amankora Trip
The Amankora experience can be optimally combined with one of our luxury routes. Here you'll find suitable travel inspiration:
Luxury & Wellness Route
Premium route with stays at Bhutan's best hotels, spa experiences and exclusive activities.
Six Senses Bhutan
The alternative to Amankora: 5 modern lodges with wellness focus and larger spa areas.
Yoga & Meditation
Spiritual experiences in Bhutan: Retreats, meditation centers and monastery stays.
Plan Your Amankora Journey
We advise you personally on the optimal route and book your exclusive Amankora experience in Bhutan.