Amankora
Getting there
Amankora's five lodges are spread out over Bhutan, from rustic Paro near the airport to nearby capital Thimphu, and more remote retreats east at Punakha, Gangtey and Bumthang.
- Planes Fly in on Bhutan's national carrier Druk Air (www.drukair.com.bt) from regional gateways including Bangkok (3.25 hours), Delhi (2.75 hours) and Kathmandu (1 hour). Bangkok flights usually leave early in the morning, so you may need to stay over in the Thai capital the night before. Bhutan's only airport is beside the small town of Paro in the Paro Valley. From there, it's about a 30-minute drive to Amankora Paro lodge, a handy base for kicking off your stay (the hotel offers free guest transfers, and can also arrange flights and visas for your trip to Bhutan).
- Automobiles To manage the rough and ready roads in Bhutan you'll need a driver – fortunately included with a car in your daily tourist tariff. Amankora can arrange private guides, drivers and long road permits for journeying between its five lodges. From Paro Airport, it's a 30-minute drive west to Amankora Paro lodge or a two-hour drive east to the lodge at Thimphu; from there it's 2.5 hours on to Punakha; then 2.5 hours further to Gangtey; and from Gangtey, it's a five-hour drive to Bumthang, the most far-flung retreat. Punakha is the lowest altitude stay, if you'd like to acclimatise before heading to higher abodes, such as Gangtey.
Amankora Administrative Office Near Kuenga Chhoeling Palace, Upper Motithang PO Box 831, Bhutan, x
