Imagine a kingdom where the gross national happiness is paramount, with cultural values and traditions still intact and where Buddhism has predominated since the 7th Century.
It regards all forms of sentient life as sacred creating an harmonious union with its natural environment, culminating in a uniquely thriving bio-diversity. This is Bhutan, the "Land of the Thunder Dragon", a spiritual haven landlocked in the mystical and medicinal Himalayas, inspiritingly unscathed by globalisation.
The richness of life is found in the still simplicity surrounding the remarkably untainted geophysical and biological existence in Bhutan today. Due to a sincere Buddhist belief, adhered to since the 7th Century, the co-existence of nature and nurture has resulted in a unique ecosystem and a thriving mosaic of different peoples all linked by a common belief system that regards all life forms as sacred. This prevailing ethos washes the staggeringly beautiful undulating verdurous valleys, plains, deep gorges, and mountainous landscape with a force of supreme greatness; that of genuine harmony and environmental compatibility.
In the Land of the Thunder Dragon, described as the last remaining Shangri-La, Amankora has designed a pilgrimage of self-awakening with the opportunity to stay at five unique lodges, from Paro to Bumthang and back to Paro, balanced with integrity to their environment. This circular journey, yields a mesmerising physical beauty while uncovering a unique spirituality and is designed to remove the logistical detail in order to free up the mind, encompassing stays in lodges that afford a comfort and rich warmth dedicated to peace and remarkably simple pleasures.
Amankora Paro is only 30 minutes from the airport and, approaching the lodge while inhaling the sweet scent of pine, triggers the beginning of an extraordinary journey of deep discovery.
Amankora Punakha, east of the Dochu La Pass, is accessed via a suspension bridge above the Mo Chhu (mother river) while fragrant pines and deciduous trees, displaying a spectacular array of ambers and reds in the autumn, surround the lodge.
Amankora Gangtey is splendidly isolated with staggering views across a misty valley near the charming village of Gangtey, set on a forested hill, surrounded by an overwhelming preserve of endangered birdlife, such as the elegant black necked crane from Tibet.
Amankora Thimpu is a 16-suite haven secluded within a forest of enchanting blue-pines in the upper throngs of the Motithang area on the other side of the Thimpu valley. Close to the capital's fascinating sights and colourful shops, it remains peacefully quiet though offers easy access into Thimpu.
Amankora Bumthang, Aman's latest addition to the pilgrimage is set exquisitely in fruit orchards in Wangdichholing.
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