Amankora Exclusive: Luxurious Bhutan

Discover the King's Memorial Chorten, which is continuously circled by people murmuring mantras and spinning prayer wheels. Explore Tashichhoe dzong (fortress of the glorious religion), the administrative center for government and religion. Browse the various government-run handicrafts emporium and local craft shops showcasing Bhutan's fine traditional arts, including handwoven textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, jewelry, ceramics, slate and wood carvings. Explore Zorig Chusum (the Painting School), Thanka Art School and the Institution of Traditional Medicine. Visit the National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts and modern academic books on Himalayan culture and religion. You can also visit a handmade paper factory, the Mini Zoo, and Thimphu's weekend market. Enjoy scenic treks and nature walks with views of the famous Himalayan range.

Escape to the great 17th century Wangduephodrang Dzongkhag (monastery) of Gangtey, which is revealed on the slopes of the fabulous mountains surrounding the town of Wangdue Phodrang. From the center, you can trek to Phobjikha Valley, where you will find Gangtey Goenpa perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor. This is one of Bhutan’s most beautiful spots and it’s surrounded by a large village inhabited by the families of 140 gomchens (priests) who care for the monastery. Home to the main seat of the famous saint who founded the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, this is the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. Breathe in the stunning scenery of Black Mountain National Park.

Take a tranquil, beautiful hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world. Dominating upper Punakha Valley, the chorten affords commanding views of Mo Chhu and the mountainous peaks of Gasa. Visit Punakha Dzong, strategically built at the confluence of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the dzong has been fully restored by the present king. In the afternoon, visit Chimi Lakhang, situated on a hillock and dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley (the Divine Madman). Also known as the temple of fertility, barren couples wishing to have children pray here as it is believed they are usually blessed with a child soon after. Walk across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning field. Visit Limbukha, famous for Bhutan’s infamous medicinal red rice.

Throw yourself into the city's cultural gems! Begin at Rinpung Dzong, a 17th century Buddhist monastery and fortress built by Tibetan Buddhist lama Ngawang Namgyal. Visit the National Museum, housed in a former watchtower over several floors and brimming with Bhutanese relics, and the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, and enjoy scenic valley treks that boast views of Mount Chomolhari and Kyichu Lhakhang, a 7th century sacred shrine. Discover the spectacular cliffside Taktshang Lhakhang Monastery, otherwise known as Tiger’s Nest, where it is believed Guru Rinpoche arrived on the back of a tigress. Stay in Paro more than three nights and you can also visit Kila Goemba, home of Buddhist nuns, Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple), Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple) and Rig Sum Goenpa (three giant hills) in Haa Valley.

Bumthang, the general name for four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura – is home to several prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries. Visit Budhhist temples and monasteries like Tamshing Lhakhang temple, boasting some of the oldest historical Budhhist wall paintings. 'Jambey Lhaqhang' is a 7th century temple, whilst 'Kurje Lhakhang' is one of the holiest places in Bhutan. Visit the fortress of 'Jakar Dzong', the region's administrative nerve center; and Lhodrakh Kharchhu Monastery, a part of an extensive effort to preserve and revitalize Tibetan culture that houses almost four hundred monks. You can explore the local market too!

Throw yourself into the city's cultural gems! Begin at Rinpung Dzong, a 17th century Buddhist monastery and fortress built by Tibetan Buddhist lama Ngawang Namgyal. Visit the National Museum, housed in a former watchtower over several floors and brimming with Bhutanese relics, and the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, and enjoy scenic valley treks that boast views of Mount Chomolhari and Kyichu Lhakhang, a 7th century sacred shrine. Discover the spectacular cliffside Taktshang Lhakhang Monastery, otherwise known as Tiger’s Nest, where it is believed Guru Rinpoche arrived on the back of a tigress. Stay in Paro more than three nights and you can also visit Kila Goemba, home of Buddhist nuns, Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple), Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple) and Rig Sum Goenpa (three giant hills) in Haa Valley.