An Aman Escape to Bhutan: Five Incredible Lodges

Fly to Paro and drive to Thimphu, situated in a valley at an altitude of over 7,800ft. Combining tradition and modernity, the country's political and economic capital is now expanding rapidly but it remains a quiet and pleasant town. Dynamic and culturally vibrant with markets and local crafts, it's a must-see in Bhutan. Enjoy a two-night stay at the Amankora Thimphu, nestled above the city, in a forest overlooking a small harmonious river, it is built like a dzong around a large solemn courtyard. Sixteen spacious, elegant and warm rooms open onto the central courtyard or the river. The spa offers a range of Ayurvedic treatments.
Included in your itinerary the private guide will accompany you as you spend the day discovering Thimphu. In Thimphu you'll visit the Chorten Memorial, which was built in memory of the revered third king of Bhutan; the weaving centre, where you will see the traditional weaving process and meet with weaving craftsmen; a factory where the traditional paper is made and finally the VAST gallery. The VAST gallery is an NGO that brings contemporary artists together and showcases young and local talent.

The journey to Gangtey takes about six hours and is spectacular. You will pass Dochula Pass at an altitude of over 10,000ft and topped by peaks of almost 23,000ft. On arrival, visit Gangtey Gompa Monastery, Bhutan's largest Nyingma Monastery. Enjoy a two-night stay at Amankora Gangtey. The lodge, located over 9,800ft above sea level and built on a wooded mound, uses sleek design utilising mostly wood to ensure that it blends into the landscape.
Included in the itinerary: A day to discover the Gangtey Valley. Discover the protection centre for black-necked cranes; these rare birds are migratory visitors to the region. The centre also offers information on the natural and cultural history of the valley. It is an ideal day for discovering the surroundings on foot and by mountain bike for those who are more sporty.

You'll leave Gangtey and head to Bhumthang, about 100 miles (five hours' drive) further east. On the way you'll stop at Trongsa and its beautiful dzong which was built in 1644 for the unification of the kingdom. There you will admire the magnificent paintings, turn the prayer mills, and watch the monks in their red tunics. Next you'll head towards Jakar and follow the Bhumthang Chhu River for a good part of the journey. After that Bumthang is just around the corner. Enjoy a three-night stay at Amankora Bhumthang. It's luxurious without being showy - the rooms are elegant, simple and warm with an immaculate and refined decor. Inside, one of the main rooms houses the fireplace which faces a small sitting area surrounded by square tables. The Royal Palace can be seen from the outdoor terrace.
Included in the itinerary : the day after you arrive, you'll discover Bhumthang with a guide. The tour consists of a small pilgrimage connecting three temples. Jambey Lhakhang, the first temple, is one of the oldest in the country and erected in the seventh century by the King of Tibet. Then you'll visit Kurje Lhakhang and finally Tamshing Lhakhang. You'll go on a lovely one-and-a-half hour walk broken up by avisit to a cheese shop and brewery. The next day you'll leave with your private guide for the beautiful Tang Valley which is home to temples and monasteries. Along the way you'll stop in Membartsho to visit a convent. Then you'll visit the Oygen Chhoeling Palace museum to discover the culture, history and religion of the kingdom.

Next you'll head to Punakha via the Yutong-La pass. A stop at the Trongsa Dzong, the former seat of power of Central and Eastern Bhutan, is a must. Enjoy a two-night stay at Amankora Punakha. Built around an ancient royal palace, a few miles from Punakha, and set amid rice fields and orange trees on the banks of the Pho River, this Aman hotel is incredible charming. The way to get there is also very original and contributes to its charm. Guests go over the river via a hanging bridge lined with prayer flags; a cart awaits on the other side and follows a small path for a few minutes, crossing charming rice fields.
Included in the itinerary: A day to discover Punakha with a private guide. You will visit the Punakha dzong which is the second of Bhutan's dzongs. It was built in 1637 and it served as the seat of government for many years. In the afternoon, you'll pass through the small village of Chimi Lakhang (the Temple of the Divine Madman). Lama Drukpa Kinley, more commonly known as the 'Divine Madman', is one of the most respected saints in the country. The site is also known as the Fertility Temple and many women come here each year.

Drive to Paro via the Dochu Pass. The view of the Himalayan peaks is stunning. Enjoy a two-night stay at Amankora Paro. The suites are beautiful and combine light and dark woods. You will stay in stone houses which evoke the local style. The spa is remarkable and is not easy to forget. Now guests know why Aman found his kingdom in the Land of Happiness.
Included in the itinerary: The Taktsang (Tiger Nest) is one of the most revered places in the Himalayan world. It was founded in the eighth century by Guru Rinpoche Padmasambhava and the story is that Bhutanese people must make a pilgrimage there once in their lives. You will also be going up the 'Tiger's Nest'. The path passes through villages and forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron. Prayer flags fly in the wind and the view from the cliff is exceptional.