1 Mar 2025 By May Ng

Bespoke Amankora Journeys in Bhutan with Bhutan Airlines’ New Direct Route from Hong Kong

Amankora, Bhutan’s first resort, warmly welcomes travellers from Hong Kong as Bhutan Airlines (Tashi Air Pvt. Ltd.) announces Hong Kong as the third destination in its 2025 fixed departure flight programme. This new route connects Hong Kong and Bhutan directly without any layovers, enhancing the travel experience and allowing guests to explore Amankora’s bespoke journeys across its five lodges, immersing themselves in the natural splendour and cultural heritage of the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan.

Commenced on 27th January 2025, Bhutan Airlines now operates 16 fixed departure flights between Hong Kong and Bhutan, strategically timed to cater to Hong Kong travellers during peak holiday periods. The new route showcases Bhutan Airlines’ continued commitment to providing exceptional travel options for exploring one of Asia’s unique destinations while experiencing impeccable stays at Amankora’s five intimate lodges (Paro, Punakha, Gangtey, Bumthang and Thimphu) located throughout central and western Bhutan.

Amankora Journeys

Amankora presents guests with a profound ‘kora’– a circular journey – across its five lodges. TheAmankora Journey spans from 3 to 16 nights, allowing for tailored experiences at one or a combination of these lodges for a multi-destination itinerary that encompasses exceptional gastronomy, indulgent wellness experiences, cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural adventures.

The three-night journey, A Tiger’s Odyssey introduces Bhutan through blending cultural immersion with the allure of its natural landscapes, providing exclusive accommodations at Amankora Paro. Guests can explore traditional farmsteads transformed into welcoming cafes, art galleries, artist studios, and boutiques, as well as partake in the Paro Cultural Tour, which includes a visit to the 15th-century Jangtsa Dumtasg Lhakhang.

The Ultimate Amankora Journey encompasses all five lodges, drawing deeply on Aman’s understanding of Bhutanese culture. This journey unveils the Kingdom’s splendor, heritage and people. Guests begin their cultural odyssey at Amankora Thimphu, exploring vibrant heritage sites, serene monastery hikes to the verdant valleys of Punakha, culminating in a visit to the iconic Taktsang Goemba before bidding farewell to Bhutan.

Culinary Journeys Across the Lodges

Discover Bhutan’s colourful history and diverse traditions through culinary expeditions at all five Amankora lodges. Utilising locally sourced ingredients, guests can enjoy exquisite dining experience tailored for intimate evenings or group festivities. Exclusive dining arrangements can be made both within and outside the lodges, such as the enchanting Forest and Fortress Dinner at Amankora Paro, held beneath a starlit sky with views of the historic Drukgyel Dzong. Guests can indulge in Amankora’s signature cocktails and canapés before savouring a traditional Bhutanese feast. Adjacent to the lodge, guests can relish a personalised BBQ lunch or dinner, curated by the Chef, amidst the serene ambiance of pine trees in Punakha or by the fire pit area in Bumthang while soaking in the breathtaking mountain vistas.

Healing Traditions and Wellness

Amankora’s lodges provide a unique connection to Bhutan’s spiritual and cultural heritage. In 2025, all lodges introduce Sound Bath Sessions, a therapeutic experience where healing instruments and calming music combine to create an immersive soundscape, fostering deep relaxation and emotional equilibrium.Morning Yoga sessions are also available at each lodge with classes suitable for all skill levels, featuring guided breathing exercises and a series of asanas.

At Amankora Thimphu, guests can experience signature therapies from Dr. Dorji Gyeltshen, a local practitioner of traditional Bhutanese medicine. His Thousand Gold Treatment combines acupuncture and holistic approaches to harmonize the five elements and align the chakras. These therapies not only promote well-being but also pay homage to Bhutan’s ancient healing traditions.

Bhutan’s Spiritual Heritage at Amankora

As the sole-surviving Buddhist Kingdom, Bhutan offers rich heritage through monastery excursions and expertly guided hikes to ancient temples, notably the revered Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Each day at Amankora fosters appreciation for the spiritual and tranquil, with each lodge serving as a getaway to spiritual marvels like Punakha Dzong, Gangtey Goemba, Pangri Zampa, and Cheri Goemba.

Acquiring mindfulness and meditation skills is a fundamental gateway to understanding Buddhist principles. Guests can engage in a private and personalised meditation session in Paro with a local Lama – a revered Buddhist spiritual guide – to purify the mind, spirit, and soul through the ceremonial sprinkling of holy water from a Bumpa. At Amankora Bumthang, the Lama will conduct a Name-Giving Ceremony,  bestowing a Bhutanese name in the secluded altar room at Sey Lhakhang, showcasing the cultural emphasis on individual equality.

Renowned as one of the most storied destinations globally, Bhutan offers an extraordinary destination rich in natural splendour and cultural depth shrouded in mystique. With Bhutan Airilnes’ new route enhancing connectivity between Bhutan and Hong Kong, Amankora stands as the ideal entry point for travellers seeking rejuvenation and exploration in this remarkable Kingdom.