Amankora Bumthang Lodge

Amankora Bumthang Lodge is located adjacent to the Wangdichholing Palace on the outskirts of Jakar town in the lovely Choekhor Valley. Like some of its sister Amankora properties, externally, Amankora Bumthang resembles a contemporary Bhutanese dzong with its dry-stone walls, paved courtyards and whitewashed buildings built of packed earth. Within the lodge, the interior décor is minimalist chic and makes extensive use of exposed wood. Facilities at Amankora Bumthang include a library, comfortable living room, dining room and a restful spa with three treatment rooms and a steam room.

An attractive courtyard offers an appealing opportunity to dine outside in the shade of fruit trees. While this luxurious lodge lacks the amazing views or sense of remoteness of some of the other Amankora lodges, it is the most comfortable place to stay in eastern Bhutan by a considerable distance. Guest accommodation at Amankora Bumthang is in 16 spacious wood-panelled suites situated in four separate buildings, each containing two suites on the ground floor and two on the upper floor.

The open-plan suites have king-sized beds, a traditional wood-burning Bukhari stove, a terrazzo-clad bath, a shower, twin vanities, and a daybed overlooking the courtyard, a nearby palace and monastery. All meals and laundry are included in the room tariff, as are house beverages (a supplement applies for premium drinks), which means that while the upfront cost is higher at Amankora, billable extras will likely be minimal. Jakar’s archery ground is a short walk from Amankora Bumthang Lodge and is often the focus of intense rivalry as local teams compete in Bhutan’s national sport.