Amankora Paro is the embodiment of Bhutan’s spiritual and wellness essence, discovers Travel+Leisure India & South Asia on a trip to the Himalayan kingdom.
Stepping off the plane at Paro Airport, I was once again struck by the beauty of Bhutan. The majestic Himalayan mountains formed a breathtaking backdrop to the runway, and the airport, designed in traditional Bhutanese style, provided a warm and fitting welcome. Needless to say, it set the mood for the rest of my journey, which was to be further enriched by a stay at Amankora Paro, a luxury retreat that embodies the serene charm of Bhutan. We made a quick pit stop in the town of Paro, characterised by colourful buildings, quaint shops, and locals dressed in gho and kira, the traditional attire of the country. In no time, I was making my way to the stores to shop for kira, and other souvenirs.
Rekindle your soul at Amankora, Paro
The air was crisp, filled with the scent of pine, when we alighted at Amankora Paro. Tucked in a dense forest, Amankora Paro boasts 24 secluded suites, each carefully designed to blend rustic charm with modern aesthetics. During my stay, a particularly gentle murmur of a brook that flows around the lodge also caught my attention.
Amankora is not just a single destination but an experience that spans across Bhutan. The Amankora Bhutan collection includes five lodges strategically located in the valleys of Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, and Bumthang, and boasts the signature Aman hospitality.I began my exploration of Bhutan with Amankora’s senior guide, Nawang. Our first stop was the National Museum of Bhutan, which once served as a watchtower. Established in 1968, the museum is a testament to Bhutanese history, art, and culture. Next, we headed to Rinpung Dzong, also known as Paro Dzong. This 11th-century architectural marvel serves a dual purpose as a monastery and fortress of the Drukpa Lineage. To taste the flavours of Bhutan, we visited a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, where we were treated to a sumptuous feast of local dishes like ema datshi (a dish made from hot chilli peppers and cheese), red rice, buckwheat noodles, pumpkin soup, mix cabbage, and beef in Bhutanese style. I washed down these with ara, a traditional Bhutanese drink.
Beyond The Resort
Our next destination was Kyichu Lhakhang Temple, a 7th-century Buddhist temple that holds immense spiritual significance. The temple visit led to a few moments of quiet reflection. Back at the hotel, an elderly local from a neighbouring village guided us in making our own prayer flags. As I witnessed the images of Green, Yellow, and White Tara—the female counterparts to bodhisattvas, come to life, I couldn’t help but feel a deep connection to Bhutan’s profound spiritual legacy.
During my previous visit to Bhutan, I regretted not having the opportunity to explore the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Therefore, on this trip, I was determined to trek to the famous Buddhist site, also known as Paro Taktsang.We set out early in the morning; when I first laid eyes on the monastery, perched dramatically on the edge of a cliff, from our starting point, my excitement soared. The ascent to the initial point posed a daunting challenge, and I would have given up if our guide Nawang and my fellow trekkers hadn’t become my cheerleaders.
The final ascent to the monastery felt easy. The view of the monastery and its surroundings from the top, the prayers that I silently offered, and an enlightening conversation with a senior monk will remain etched in my memory forever. Back at Aman Spa Paro, a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath awaited—a fitting way to soothe the muscles and reflect on the day’s adventures. In this therapeutic practice, one immerses in a wooden tub filled with heated river stones infused with aromatic herbs. Later, Amankora Paro treated us to a unique dining experience under the star-studded Bhutan sky.
When it was time to bid farewell to the ‘land of the thunder dragon’, a monk at Amankora Paro performed a little puja and bestowed his blessings for a harmonious departure and wished for a safe and prosperous journey ahead. It was a poignant moment that perfectly summarised the spiritual essence of Bhutan.
Getting There
Drukair operates flights from Delhi to Paro International Airport, Bhutan’s only international airport. The property is about 17 km from the airport.
Tariff
Doubles from 2,12,241 INR
Related: 4 Reasons Why Bhutan Is The Ideal Winter Getaway
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
— Where is Amankora?
Amankora is a series of five lodges spread across the central and western valleys of Bhutan.
— What does ‘Amankora’ mean?
Amankora is a combination of ‘aman’, which means peace in Sanskrit, and ‘kora’ which eans circular pilgrimade in Dzongkha, the Bhutanese language.
— Who is the founder of Amankora?
Adrian Zecha is the founder of Amankora.
— How many rooms does Amankora have?
Amankora has 76 lodges across five lodges.
Written By
Pallavi Phukan
Social Media HeadA social media addict and K-drama fanatic, Pallavi Phukan can often be found endlessly scrolling on Instagram for the next travel destination. When not racking her brains for a clickbait caption, you can catch this digital strategy expert dreaming of a beach vacation with her toddler daughter for company.
