Aman for all seasons
Amankora Thimphu
Thimpu, Bhutan
At a Glance
Located away from the hustle and bustle of Bhutan’s capital, Amankora Thimphu is set in the tranquil higher regions of the Motithang surrounded by lush forests and streams. It’s the perfect place to start you journey around this magical country
With all those valleys to climb treat yourself to the glorious Aman spa where the steam room will help prepare for tomorrow’s adventure. Maybe even treat yourself to some of the spa products.
Although Bhutan not know for its food, Aman is. Here you will find a menu which travels from Western fare to Thai, and if you can dine alfresco is the weather is right and enjoy the view, especially at night when the sky comes alive with stars.
The 16 suite lodge seeps into the landscape with the use of whitewashed walls and teak wood. The rooms are perfectly simple and have lots of room to relax, you could spend hours in the bath with the views of the forest.Throw yourself into the local cultural by learning how to play archery. Be warned they take this very seriously and can even shoot the arrow as far as six full sized football pitches
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
In the western, central and eastern Bhutan you will mostly experience cold European-like weather. Winter lasts here from November to March. The Monsoon occurs between June and August when the temperature is normally between 8° and 21°C. October and November are arguably the best months, when the monsoon has passed and the skies are clear. The spring months of March, April and May are best for the flora, but it can be stormy as the monsoon builds up for July-September.
Insider's View
The Folk Museum in Thimphu is well worth a visit.
After a day sightseeing enjoy a relaxing bath with your wood burning warming the room, the views out into the forests are very mesmerizing and create a real sense of calm.
If you are feeling up to it, be sure to ask to try the local rice wine 'Ara'. It's actually quite tasty and has one hell of a kick!
Call us on 020 3993 8476 to start planning your holiday to Amankora Thimphu or take a look at our itineraries to Bhutan
Description
Amankora Thimphu, which is part of the Aman collection in Bhutan is the perfect base to either wander through the streets and markets of the nation’s capital or start to explore the dramatic landscape of the happiest country in the world.
Sited in a pine forest in the upper reaches of the Thimphu Valley, Amankora Thimphu is a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the Kingdom’s capital. Dzong-like architecture incorporates high stone, white-washed buildings accessed through an enclosed arrival court. Stairs lead from this entry point to a dramatic combined living and dining room with soaring ceilings and wood panelled walls. Adjacent is a flagstone outdoor dining deck with views over the nearby stream and blue pine forest. Stairs lead down to the Spa that is appointed with three treatment rooms and a steam room.
Two accommodation blocks house a total of 16 suites, featuring a combined living and bedroom that includes a king-size bed, a reading chair and a window banquette providing views across a landscaped courtyard or directly onto the nearby stream and pine forest. Room interiors feature combined wood panel and chocolate brown walls. The traditional bukhari is positioned between the bedroom and the bathroom. The spacious bathroom opens from the bedroom and provides a terrazzo-clad bath that enjoys a view through a vertical slot window.
Accommodation
Two dwellings house a total of 16 suites that provide views across a landscaped courtyard or directly onto the nearby stream and pine forest. Room interiors feature wood panel and chocolate brown walls. Each room features a king-size bed, bukhari and a terrazzo-clad bath. The suites are individually heated during cold winter months.
Childcare
Children are welcome to come and stay at Amankora Thimphu. However, there are no specific facilities available for them.
Services
Book seven nights in Amankora properties throughout Bhutan and receive a complimentary car, driver and guide and one spa wellness treatment per journey.
Facilities
Set in the upper reaches of the Motithang area, this sixteen suite lodge lies in close proximity to the many attractions of the capital city of Thimphu. The living and dining rooms feature soaring ceilings and an outdoor dining deck with views of the surrounding forest. The menu features both Western and Thai cuisines. There is a spacious library houses a collection of books on Bhutan and a boutique specializes in a fine collection of Bhutanese textiles, Himalayan art and jewellery.
Activities
Activities include shopping and sightseeing in Bhutan’s capital and trekking into the region's wilderness. Thimphu is home to many attractions including the National Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum and the bustling Changlingmethang Market. It also houses the seat of government and the office of His Majesty, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, in the majestic Tashichoe Dzong. Other activities include archery, fishing, golf, white-water rafting.
Reviews
Daniel Smith (Staff)
The Amankora Thimphu is located just outside of the capital city and retains the same style of rooms and public areas as the other Amankora Hotels in Bhutan.
Experiences
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Afternoon Tour of Thimphu
Enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing around Thimphu. This tour includes a visit to Tamchog Lhakhang, the beautiful National Memorial Chorten, the golden Buddha Dodernma before taking in the views and enjoying the local farmers' market.
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Apple Plucking
Apple plucking season starts from July to August in the region of Paro and Thimphu.
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Cultural Tour of Thimphu
Spend the afternoon visiting some of Thimphu's cultural artistic sights. Your guide will take you to the impressive Zorig Chusum, Weaving centre, Folk Heritage Museum & Jungshi Paper factory. All play an important role in understanding Bhutanese culture.
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Day in Thimphu
You can easily fill an afternoon or day exploring Thimphu. It is worth visiting the Tashiccho Dzong, where essentially Bhutan is governed from. Also of interest is the Simtokha Dzong, Memorial Chorten, Changagkka Temple & Folk Museum.
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Dochu La Pass
At an altitude of 3,100 metres, The Dochula Pass is a high mountain pass known for its 108 distinctive memorial stupas and breathtaking panoramic views over the Himalayas.
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Dressing up in traditional Bhutanese dress
Anyone who works in Bhutan must wear traditional national dress, and you can have the chance to dress up for a few hours to see how it feels. The Bhutanese absolute love visitors doing it!
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Drukgyel Dzong
The Drukgyal Dzong is located further up the Paro Valley from the Tiger's Nest Monastery and was built in 1649 by Tenzin Drukdra to celebrate victory over an invading army from Tibet.
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Evening Prayers at a Buddhist Monastery
Evening prayers at a Buddhist Monastery is something you should do at least once on a tour of Bhutan. You will witness monks chanting traditional prayers, helping them prepare for meditation.
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Fly Fishing
Enjoy an excursion into one of the Bhutanese rivers and try your hand at fly-fishing.
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Kyichu Lhakhang
The Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, dating from the 7th century and constructed by the Tibetan Emperor Songtsan Gampo.
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Meet a Monk Your Own Age
Your children can have the opportunity to meet a monk their own age. 10% of Bhutan's population are monks and they can hear stories of getting up each day before first-light for prayers and their daily routines.
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Morning Hike to Cheri and Tango Goempa
Enjoy a hike through the beautiful and beguiling Bhutanese countryside. Visit the Cheri and Tango Goemba, two beautiful monasteries in the hills between which lies the Thimphu Chu River.
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Potato Shed Candlelight Dinner
Enjoy a traditional Bhutanese dinner amidst flickering candles and bhukhari in the middle of shed on a local potato farm.
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Punakha Drubchen Festival
Held annually on February in Punakha, local militias dress up as Bhutanese warriors in this festival to re-enact the famous battle between Bhutan and Tibet.
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Spa Bath in Potato Shed
Visit a Bhutanese farmer in his traditional shed and enjoy a Bhutanese bath heated from fire-roasted stones, all while you indulge with a bowl of chips harvested from potatoes in the same field of Tokha village.
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Tea with a local family
Visiting a local home in Bhutan is an exceptionally interesting experience given the lovely hospitable nature of its people. Try traditional butter tea, or even some locally made rice wine 'Ara'.
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Tea with a Local Family - Paro
Visiting a local home in Bhutan is an exceptionally interesting experience given the lovely hospitable nature of its people. Try traditional butter tea, or even some locally made rice wine 'Ara'.
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Tea with a Local Family - Thimpu
Visiting a local home in Bhutan is an exceptionally interesting experience given the lovely hospitable nature of its people. Try traditional butter tea, or even some locally made rice wine 'Ara'.
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Thimphu Weekend Market
You shouldn’t miss the weekend market in Thimphu. People from nearby valleys arrive on Thursday afternoon and stay to sell their goods – vegetables, other foodstuffs and handicrafts – until Sunday evening.
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Try your hand at Archery
Archery is the national sport of Bhutan and can be seen played throughout the Kingdom. Traditional bows are made from bamboo and witnessing an archery competition is an absolute highlight. We can easily arrange for you to have a go should you wish.
Holiday Ideas
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Bhutan in Style: Aman Hotels
Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey & Paro
from £10600 pp inc flights & transfers for 9 nights
- Stay in Bhutan's most luxurious hotels with your own private driver/guide at your disposal on a tailored private itinerary
- Choose from a wide choice of experiences, from the more active trekking, to cultural experiences or simply just enjoying the views
- All meals and house beverages, including house wines and spirits are included at Amankora hotels.
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Bhutan in Ultimate Luxury
Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey & Paro
from £5800 pp inc flights & transfers for 7 nights
- Indulge in the legendary AMAN hospitality with a private driver and guide at your disposal
- Special experiences with 108 butter lamps ceremony, blessing from a head priest and spa bath in potato shed with candlelight dinner
- Scenic helicopter ride overlooking rolling valleys, winding rivers and soaring Himalayan peaks
Location & directions
Thimpu, Bhutan
Amankora Thimphu is a peaceful retreat located on a ridge overlooking Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city.
How to get there
11-hour 30-minute international flight (via Delhi) to Paro Airport. Amankora Thimphu is a 2-hour drive from the airport.
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