Nestled in the Himalayas between India, Nepal, and Tibet is Bhutan, also known as "Land of the Thunder Dragon." The country preserves its independence, culture, and Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Key destinations highlighted include the capital city of Paro, known for landmarks like Kyichu Lhakhang Temple and Taktsang Monastery ("Tiger's Nest"); Thimphu, home to historic sites; Punakha, location of the impressive Punakha Dzong; Tongsa, site of the massive Trongsa Dzong; and Bhumtang Valley, a sacred area. Several high-end hotels are profiled, including the Amankora brand with locations in Paro
2. Nestled in the Himalayas, at the borders with Tibet, Nepal & India, Bhutan, “Druk Yul”
or “Land of the Thunder Dragon” as the Bhutanese call it, will be welcoming you!
For long it remained out of reach to Travellers and thus has been able to preserve its
independence and its culture.
Traditions constantly mingled with religion give the rhythm of the daily life.
Today, it is one of the last bastions of Tibetan Buddhism.
Discover Bhutan
4. The small capital of Bhutan - PARO
Kyichu Lhakhang Temple, built in the
seventh century.
This is one of the 108 temples built by Tibetan
King Songtsen Gampo. This temple marks the
introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.
Taktsang Monastery, the most famous of
Bhutanese monasteries.
It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here
on the back of a tigress and meditated at
this monastery hence it is called “Tiger’s
Nest”.
5. Destination Thimphu
Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in
Bhutan, built in 1627.
It is now the School of Buddhist
Studies.
Trashichhodzong, the beautiful
medieval fortress/monastery which
houses most of the Government's
office and King's Throne room It is
also the summer residence of Je
Khenpo, the Chief Abbot.
6. Destination Punakha
The impressive Punakha Dzong,
home to the remains of Bhutan’s first
ruler, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel,
and the winter residence of the
monastic order’s leader and his
entourage of monks.
Enjoy a dramatic drive over the high
mountain pass of Dochu La and on to
the Phobjikha Valley passing through
dense forests and oak, rhododendron
tress.
8. Bhumtang
Bhumtang Valley, renowned
for its orange groves.
Bhumtang Valley, one of the
most sacred in Bhutan, is home
to countless legends. Guru
Rimpoche meditated there in
the eighth century. It is in this
valley that are burned all the
kings of Bhutan.
9. Hotels in Bhutan
• Le groupe Amankora – Paro, Thimphu,
Punakha, Gangtey, Bumthang.
• Taj Tashi Timphu
• Uma Paro
• Hotel Zhiwa Ling
10. Amankora
Amankora has five nature-linked
lodges nestled along a path of edifying
momentum uncovering the richness
of a pristine cultural and biogenetic
evolution, deeply entrenched in the
spectacular Himalayan Kingdom of
Bhutan.
11. Amankora Paro
Thirty minutes from Paro’s international airport, the lodge contrasts rustic with
contemporary design, featuring natural rammed-earth walls and a gentle sloping
roof.
The Spa which includes a sauna, steam room, five treatment rooms with hot
stone baths, changing rooms and a glass-walled yoga suite.
There are six dwellings with four suites each, two on the ground floor and two on
the upper floor so 24 Suites.
12. Amankora Thimphu
The lodge incorporates tall, white-washed stone buildings accessed
through an enclosed entrance court.
The Spa includes three treatment rooms, a steam room and changing
areas.
Two dwellings house a total of 16 suites
13. Amankora Punakha
Accessed by crossing a suspension bridge over the Mo Chhu, the lodge is centred
by a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse built by a former Je Kempo (Chief Abbot of
Bhutan).
The Spa with two treatment rooms, a steam room, changing areas and a
yoga/meditation room.
Eight suites, located in three rammed-earth dwellings, are situated in an orange
orchard with views across the rice fields and up the Punakha Valley.
14. Amankora Gangtey
Floor-to-ceiling windows in the combined Living
and Dining Room offer beautiful views over the
expansive Phobjikha Valley. Spa facilities include
two treatment rooms and changing areas. The eight
suites are identical to those of Amankora Thimphu,
offering an open plan bedroom and bathing area.
15.
16. Amankora Bumthang
Overlooking established orchards and nestled near the grounds of one of Bhutan's
royal palaces
The Spa is composed of three treatment rooms, a steam room and changing areas.
Accessed through an impressive stone-clad hallway, 16 guest suites are situated in
four separate dwellings, each containing two suites on the ground floor and two on
the upper floor.
17. Taj Tashi Timphu
Set in the heart of the Thimphu Valley, the Taj Tashi, is a gateway to a land steeped
in mythology and magic. The mountain kingdom of Bhutan remains one of the old
world’s last few strongholds, as yet unspoilt by civilization. Adorned with classical
hand-drawn Buddhist murals, its 66 elegant guestrooms afford guests striking
highlights of the region’s art and colour.
18. • Accomodation
66 Rooms and Suites:
48 Deluxe Rooms
4 Deluxe Rooms avec balcon privé
5 Luxury Rooms
3 Deluxe Suites
2 Duplexe Suites
4 Luxury Suites
• Facilities and Services
SPA, fitness Centre, Restaurants and Bars, Swimming Pool.
19. Uma Paro
Uma Paro offers exceptional style in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan.
Reflecting an understated philosophy of quiet comfort in a unique, culture-rich
location, this inland retreat is also dedicated to activity and adventure.
Our rooms and suites are located in glades planted with azaleas, maximising views
of forest, mountains and the Paro Valley. Materials include handcrafted stone, wood
and tiles. The main building, formerly a Bhutanese nobleman’s home, forms the
hotel’s heart.
20. • Accomodation
29 Rooms
Superior Rooms
Deluxe Rooms
COMO Suites
One Bedroom Villas
COMO Villa
• Facilities and Services
Fitness Centre, Currency Exchange, Gift Shop, Beauty Salon, Outdoor Pool,
Massage Centre, SPA.
21. Hotel Zhiwa Ling
The 45-room Zhiwa Ling hotel combines the sensibilities of a fine Bhutanese guesthouse
with the best of 21st Century technology.
Set on 10 acres, Zhiwa Ling has many amenities available to guests.
Five years in the making, Zhiwa Ling is a tribute to the ornate architectural arts of Bhutan.
Every part of the hotel is handmade, from the massive hand-carved wooden beams to the
seemingly endless designs of the colorful, hand-painted ceilings and walls.
Honoring the spiritual heritage of this ancient Buddhist kingdom, a temple has been built
into the second floor of the hotel, made with 450-year-old timbers from the famous Gangtey
Monastery, the crowning glory of this new cultural landmark.
22. • Accomodation
45 Suites
Junior Suites
One-bedroom Suites
Royal Raven Suite
• Facilities and Services
Fitness Centre, Currency Exchange, Gift Shop, Beauty Salon, Outdoor Pool,
Massage Centre, SPA.