A Cultural & Spiritual Journey Through Bhutan

Our adventure in Bhutan—also known as “The Land of the Thunder Dragon” or “Druk Yul”—began by arriving by Drukair at Paro’s international airport via Bangkok. The flight itself was an adventure, offering a clear view of Mt. Everest under blue skies during our flight. The approach to the airport was exhilarating, as the airbus nimbly banked and turned through the valleys while calming Bhutanese music played throughout the cabin. A thrilling final descent and we arrived in Paro. The true adventure on the ground was about to unfold as the terminal alone felt of another time, place, and pace of life. Our guide, Pema, and driver, Sonam, graciously met us upon arrival in the traditional national dress—men wear a gho and women wear a kira—that is worn daily in Bhutan. We were already getting a sense of the profoundly unique experience that lay ahead of us.

Prayer flags

Traditional dance

During the next nine days in Bhutan, we would be immersed in pristine nature, idyllic landscapes, and authentic cultural experiences curated by Aman. Amankora combines the Sanskrit word aman (peace) with the Bhutanese kora (circular journey). Our journey began in Thimpu (the capital) then proceeded to Gangtey, Punakha, and Paro, as we explored the country through four of Aman’s five lodges throughout Bhutan. Longer stays can be planned to include Bumthang Lodge as well.

Amankora, Thimphu

Amankora, Gangtey Lodge

Aman’s design aesthetic leans on cultural authenticity. The lodges were both traditional and modern, complementing the landscape with use of local building details throughout. Dining was exceptional, always offering traditional dishes and international offerings in thoughtfully designed interiors. Outdoor fires were set after dinner to linger and stargaze. Aman's incomparable standard of hospitality combined with Bhutanese grace and openness made every interaction memorable.

Dining at Amankora

Punakha Dzong

Isolated from the outside world for centuries, The Kingdom of Bhutan sought to intentionally preserve its culture and protect its natural environment from the modern world. While slowly opening to tourism, the Buddhist Kingdom prioritizes a policy of Gross National Happiness (GNH) rather than GNP to quantify the quality of life in Bhutan. This philosophy alone illustrates the unique mindset and optimism you will experience as a guest in this most hospitable destination.

Bhutanese temple mandala

All in all, our journey through Bhutan gave deep insight into Buddhism, deep knowledge of the incredibly unique Bhutanese culture, a profound respect for nature, and a sense of peace and balance that I still hold onto today.

Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang)

After Bhutan, we added stopovers in Bangkok and Siem Reap, Cambodia. Both were amazing add-ons to explore Southeast Asia.

Highlights from Bhutan

• Epic sunrise hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) felt mystical as the clouds drifted in and out, revealing and then concealing the cliff-clinging monastery

• Watching an impressive archery competition among a group of friends in Thimpu—a happy hour of sorts with beer, dancing, and extreme distance archery towards one another

• Seemingly mythical animals that are real—the takin appears to be half goat, half cow, and is the national animal of Bhutan, appearing in folklore and myth

• Dogs we met on our hike to Tiger’s Nest—they faithfully followed along the trail with us and back down

• Dogs we befriended at Gangtey Lodge—one became the namesake for our future puppy at home, Tashi

• Prayer flags on every mountain ridge, carrying the prayers in the wind over the land

• Spinning prayer wheels at temples through the country, sending blessings

• Conservation and sustainability are inherent in the culture—not a modern-day afterthought, but a genuine part of daily life and traditions

• Colorful, vibrant inner sanctums of temples that only live in your memories, as photos are not permitted and make it all the more special

• Yak butter lamps and candles burning in the temples, creating a glow and reverent atmosphere

• Exploring produce at local markets—asparagus that was triple the size we are used to at home, and bitter melon and traditional betel nut being chewed by vendors

• Visiting a remote village to see the construction of a traditional rammed-earth house. Villagers standing in the formwork, dancing and singing hypnotic songs, compacting the earth for the main walls—an incredible sense of community

• Being welcomed into a traditional Bhutanese home with our guide during a hike, sampling tea and cookies

• Suja, traditional yak butter tea on a cool morning before hiking

• Phallic imagery and references in temples, evoking fertility, good luck, and “The Divine Madman”

• Cool, brisk weather of the Himalayan mountains in the north, contrasted with the subtropical vegetation and climate in the south, with verdant green rice paddies and tropical flora

Highlights from Amankora

• Impeccably designed modern rooms inspired by Bhutanese design

• Each lodge is unique and offers a different experience and design aesthetic

• The hotel staff welcomes you as family, with true Bhutanese hospitality combined with Aman’s sophistication and style

• Amazing Indian set meals for dinner at Amankora lodges

• Spicy Bhutanese dishes, such as ema datshi with hot chili peppers and cheese, Bhutanese red rice, and local Red Panda, a Hefeweizen-style beer

• Fireside after dinner with melodic, traditional guitar music of Bhutan

• Stargazing at the Amankora lodges with clear mountain skies

• Thoughtful and restorative spa treatments at Amankora lodges, incorporating local herbs and traditions

• Soak after your hike to Tiger’s Nest in a traditional Himalayan hot stone bath treatment at the Amankora Paro spa—a traditional therapeutic bath with heated river stones, spring-fed mineral water, and herbs in an outdoor spa bath suite

• Visiting local bars and doing karaoke with our guides Pema and Sonam from Amankora on our last night in Paro to end our adventures together!

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Bhutan page.