A Quest for Happiness

A Quest for Happiness

Receive up to four complimentary nights for participation in culturally transformative experiences on a journey inspired by Bhutan's dedication to the happiness of its people. Travelling between Amankora's five lodges, discover the natural beauty and cultural richness of this last remaining Himalayan Buddhist Kingdom and reap the tangible and intangible rewards of giving back.

 

Stays of five or seven nights receive two complimentary nights, while stays of ten nights or more receive four complimentary nights, alongside a host of exclusive extras detailed below.

All stays include

  • Accommodation in all lodges - Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, Bumthang and Paro
  • Private English-speaking guide, driver, and vehicle for the entire journey
  • One complimentary 60 minute Amankora Holistic Massage per person once during your stay for booking nine nights
  • All special sustainable travel and community experiences
  • All meals and picnics enroute to Amankora lodges
  • House beverages including selection of wines and spirits
  • Activities, hikes and visits as stated in the programme
  • Roundtrip airport transfers, laundry and wifi
  • Mountain passes and long road permits

Start of journey

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Day 1 & 2


 

Begin your journey with a visit to the Buddha Dordenma – one of the world’s largest statues of the Buddha- and a talk on Gross National Happiness, then explore the capital of Thimphu. As you stroll through the city’s markets and visit its museums and temples, you’ll gain insight into typical Bhutanese daily life and culture. On your second day, spend time with the children of Gawaling Happy Home, reading stories and playing games. Positive interaction with visitors goes a long way in helping them to gain confidence and open up to the world around them. Or visit the Draktsho Vocational Training Centre for Special Children and Youth, purchasing their crafts and joining a sign language storytelling session to support their programme.

Dochula Pass - Amankora, Bhutan

Day 3 & 4


 

Journey to Punakha and stop along the way at Dochula Pass for a picnic with 360-degree panoramic views of the snow-laden giant Himalayas. After settling into your suite, visit Chime Lhakhang then take some time to visit the first Retirement Home for Buddhist Monks in Bhutan. Set up by a previous Amankora guest, this landmark facility cares for monks over 60 who retire with no families to return to. Begin the following day with a morning hike up the Khamsum Chorten, before exploring Punakha Dzong. Then perhaps head back to the home and purchase a meal for a monk who will appreciate both the gesture and your company.  

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Day 5 & 6


 

Travel to Gangtey and after a leisurely lunch, visit the magnificent Gangtey Goemba Monastery. Stop by the town’s meditation centre and learn more about the life of hermits, their commitment to spiritual learning and their importance in the life and culture of Bhutan. Learn too, how you can support Heartbeats for Hermits, a programme that offers meals and warm clothing to hermits in need. An early start the next day offers the chance to visit the Bayta Community School in the heart of Phobjika Valley’s nature reserve, which is dedicated to preserving endangered black-necked cranes. Assist in the development of the school’s library, reading room, counselling space, and playground. 

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Day 7 & 8


 

After the scenic transfer to Bumthang and the chance to explore the lodge, visit the Trongsa Dzong, the Watch Tower Museum and Wangdicholing Palace, as well as Shingkhar and Nga Lhakhangs – two temples housing priceless cultural assets. Help the monks to update and digitise their archiving and storage systems, to help preserve irreplaceable masks and scrolls. Day eight will see you embarking on a spiritual exploration of Jakar Valley’s most sacred sites and visiting remote temples such as Dorji Tse Goempa and Lugi Rawa Lhakhang. Help with structural upkeep or assist with English lessons and the donation of robes and educational books to the monks – some as young as ten years old.  

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Day 9 & 10


 

The fertile valley of Bumthang is the breadbasket of Bhutan. Spend time visiting and supporting various farming communities in which weaving, herbal tea cultivation and beekeeping are important cottage industries. Those able can share their marketing, online commerce and visual merchandising expertise, all invaluable to entrepreneurs who include the widowed yathra weavers of Dorjibi Village. The next morning, take your complimentary domestic flight to Paro, and after settling in, visit the National Museum and Paro Dzong.  

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Day 11 & 12


 

Choose between two community assistance programmes or make time to get involved in both. The first works to provide safe, drinking water to all Bhutanese and efficient irrigation systems to all farmers. While water is abundant in Bhutan, the systems are not in place to ensure that everyone has the access they need. The second initiative supports the Drukgyel Central School, and in particular, its ‘Future Farmers’ agriculture programme. On your final day, take a pilgrimage to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, and cap off your journey with a farewell dinner in traditional gho and kira garb. 

From: US$1,900++ per Suite per night based on double occupancy

This offer is valid for new bookings only, is subject to availability, and is not combinable with any other offer unless specified Aman reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time with 48 hours' notice Sustainable Development Fund and other tourism taxes applicable for the complimentary night. Payment and cancellation conditions as per hotel standard terms.

Available dates

30 April 2024 / 1 May - 31 August 2024 / 1 - 31 December 2024 

1 January - 10 March 2025 / 1 May - 31 August 2025 / 1 - 31 December 2025

1 January - 10 March 2026

Bookings available until 31 March 2026

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