Amankora Bumthang

The Choekhor Valley is covered with fields of buckwheat, millet and potato, with apple orchards climbing up the slopes to mix with the deep pine forest. Across the valley lie many of the Kingdom’s most auspicious and highly revered houses of worship and ancient monasteries, many decorated with still vibrant ancient wall paintings and richly adorned altars, all with colourful, mystical histories. The valley is known for its cottage industries which produce the highly sought after Bumthang butter, Gouda and Emmenthal cheese, honey and a variety of intriguing fruit spirits and brandies.

Amankora Bumthang’s neighbouring Wangdichholing Palace was built in 1857 as the Kingdom’s first palace and is now the residence of a small monk body that also shares residence in an adjacent Goemba all overlooking five square chortens (Buddhist reliquary monuments) housing water-driven prayer wheels.

Amankora’s spiritual pilgrimage offers guests both a humbling and enriching experience.

For a safe pilgrimage through the Kingdom, receive a blessing and light Yak-butter lamps in the secluded Wangditse Lhakhang (temple). Take time to reflect in the tranquility of the ancient altar room.

Visit Cheri Goemba, the first monastery established in Bhutan, and absorb the vibrant spiritual energy of the Goemba’s altar room through reflection or meditation.

At the 7th century temple of Kyichu Lhakhang, have a long life blessing and Buddhist name bestowed.

For further insight into Buddhism and the spirituality of the Bhutanese people, visit the National Museum, Paro Dzong and Dumtse Llakhang.