Originally Posted by
Trufflepiglette
We are planning a trip to Bhutan in August and always had Amankora in mind for this trip. However upon enquiring with Amankora we found out that Amankora Paro will be undergo some renovations and will be closed from May to August this year. Amankora is offering for us to stay at their Thimpu, Gangtey and Punakha Lodges then return to stay at Thimpu Lodge in place of Paro for the last leg of the trip. Paro excursions including the Tiger’s Nest hike will be done as day trips from Thimphu, driving back to Thimpu (1 hour drive) each time instead of staying in Paro area.
I’m on the fence whether we should take that option or should we go with the newer Six Senses instead. I know the Aman experience is legendary but with Amankora Paro being closed and having read some comments about their rooms in being too dark etc would the experience still be worth it? Or should we try Six Senses instead?
The quoted cost is comparable with SS only a tad cheaper.
Can’t you do both? Stay at the Six Senses Paro for the last leg and do the rest in Amankora? Our guides pointed out the SS Paro on a hike. It’s quite high on the mountain and seems like it would have a great view.
After you’ve stayed at the other 3 lodges, you may be bored with the Amakora layout and want to try something new.
I do think the room is a bit dark. It’s in a valley so there isn’t as much sun coming into the room vs the other lodges.
The drive to Thimphu isn’t terrible. We arrived early in the morning and since there was a Paro festival, we decided to stay there for the morning before going to Thimphu. The other consideration is that you would want to be at Tigers Nest early. I think we got there at 6 am. We had the temple to ourselves when we got up. If you had to drive in from Thimphu, you may have to get up earlier.