Bhutan’s serene peaks embrace luxury, culture, and nature—Amankora’s lodges offer deep immersion, slow travel, and unforgettable Himalayan harmony
Nestled in the robust embrace of the Himalayas, Bhutan is a land of breath-taking landscapes and rich culture. My journey through the luxurious Amankora lodges reveals the heart of this mystical kingdom. As the plane banked, my heart raced at the sight out my window—Mount Everest, serene and grand, reigned supreme against a canvas of clouds. ‘Hello, how are you?’ I imagined greeting the mountain, but my daydream was cut short by an excited neighbour screaming, “Take a Picture!” I chuckled, as everyone around her scrambled for their phones. At 35,000 feet, we were almost eye-toeye with the regal peaks, the mountains felt like old friends welcoming me home.
Just when I thought it couldn’t get better, the Druk Air Plane dipped closer, unveiling the majesty of Kangchenjunga, the second-highest mountain in the world, bathed in golden sunlight. And then we began our descent into Paro, a landing crafted for thrill seekers, sliding through sheer mountain ranges, the world outside transforming from snow-capped giants to lush green slopes before our eyes.
WHISPERS OF THE DRAGONS
Arriving in Bhutan is a journey unto itself. As I stepped off the plane, I took a moment to savour the crisp air, tinged with the scent of pine and adventure. The Kingdom of Bhutan, often referred to as the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon,’ felt magical already. My anticipation soared as I made my way to Amankora, part of Aman Resort’s luxurious collection of properties that promise to unveil the beauty of this kingdom through an authentically indulgent experience. Each lodge is a gateway—a passage into the culture, traditions, and breath-taking landscapes of a realm less traversed.
Amankora is more than a collection of lodges; it’s a philosophy of slow travel and deep immersion. Whether lounging in a spacious guest room with a plush king-sized bed and views of towering trees or dining on locally sourced delicacies, every moment feels deliberate. I found joy in the simplicity of existence here, enhanced by the modern comfort of Bhutaneseinspired architecture. Each lodge, from Paro’s tranquil pine forest setting to Thimphu’s historical charm, weaves its own enchanting narrative, inviting guests to explore without distractions—there are no televisions, just the soothing crackle of wood-burning stoves to lull you to sleep.
The allure of Amankora lies not just within its walls, but also in its curated experiences. Imagine hiking the Trans Bhutan Trail, which winds through breathtaking terrains, while your luggage is whisked away to your next lodge. I embraced the wilderness—each step a testament to Bhutan’s raw beauty, each vista a stolen breath. Hiking led to meaningful encounters: watching monks in serene meditation, indulging in archery (Bhutan’s national sport), and even sharing laughter over a traditional meal with a local family in a cosy farmhouse. These moments were rich, reminding me that travel is as much about connection as it is about escape.
SERENITY IN THE HIMALAYAS
At Amankora Paro, the proximity to the renowned Tiger’s Nest Monastery turned my spirit for adventure into reality. A day’s trek brought us to the cliffside jewel, offering panoramic views that danced around my mind long after my footsteps faded. I yearned for the spiritual experience of guided meditation with a monk, diving deep into the serene teachings that transcend the ordinary hustle of everyday life. The spa treatments in the evening were another form of regeneration—especially the annual Bhutanese herbal hot stone bath, which embraced my body like the Earth herself, nourishing my soul in ways I didn’t know I longed for.
The beauty of Bhutan isn’t merely its landscapes; it’s the philosophy of Gross National Happiness. Here, happiness is a way of life— an ideology that seeks balance between material and non-material values in a world of chaos. Amankora embodies this spirit beautifully, allowing guests to savour the authentic essence of Bhutan without compromising on luxury. As my time in the Dragon Kingdom wound down, I felt a bittersweet longing— the timeless charm of Bhutan had wrapped around my heart like a cherished blanket.
My flight back to Delhi was in Druk Air’s Business Class, a plush cocoon where I raised a toast to the wonders I’d witnessed. With each sip of that crisp sparkling cocktail, the peaks unfolded behind me, wrapping everything I knew into a memory I would carry home. My journey to Bhutan, wrapped in nuances of culture, landscape, and unparalleled luxury, wasn’t an escape; it became my education. I left the Kingdom fulfilled, knowing I had ventured where the heart beats louder, where peace and indulgence hold hands, and where every moment carved itself into my soul. Amankora was my home, and Bhutan, my never-ending story.
Akanksha Dean is a zealous enthusiast of the nomadic way of life. She is the first and only Indian to have trained at 3 Michelin star Osteria Francescana (In the Best of The Best List) and is an independent food & travel writer, a chef and a catalyst.