Both are great options. Although Six Senses may have glossier finishes, and is a newer product/property, Aman's Kerry Hill design is timeless. I feel because Amankora arrived earlier (the first) and secured some of the best pieces of land, some of their properties can not be matched. For example, nothing compares to the vantage point of Amankora Gangtey... sweeping views of the valley that'll give you chills.

Bhutan is a special destination, and if you're on the fence, I'd say take the leap and go with Amankora, this is undoubtedly one of the rare original aman experiences (my favorite of all the amans) that is certainly worth the premium.

Did the Tiger�s Nest today and on day 13 of the Journey. While I can�t speak for what Six Senses offers, here�s my experience with Amankora.

The whole experience has been beyond expectation. Our guide recommended that we leave the lodge at 6 am. He also suggested taking the horses up and having lunch at the hut (which was booked just a few days ago).

We asked about a packed breakfast to take with us but our guide and the wait staff reassured us that we can either dine in or get room service at anytime, even before six. We were given the full breakfast menu at the end of the dinner. I felt bad being so early, so I ordered something simple to be delivered at 5:30 am. And it arrived exactly at 5:30. The tea was still hot when it arrived, covered in the cute teapot glove. This allowed me to sleep in until 5:20 and still be on time meeting my guide at 6 am.

We got to the base around 6:20 and it seems like everything was already arranged so we were on the horses and on our way in no time. Both the guide and driver came along and they hiked alongside with us. If I had known, I would�ve felt guilty with taken the horses and not hiked with them.

Is taking the horses cheating? I think there are two ways to look at this. If your goal is to take a personal challenge to hike all the way up to Tiger�s Nest, then it does seem like a shortcut. If your main goal is to get to, visit, and learn about the temples, then I don�t think it takes away from the experiences at all. As a side note, I do feel a bit guilty about riding the horses though. They seem tired, so that�s something to consider.

The ride up on the horses was about 50 mins. And parts of it were quite steep. I think people say it�s about half way up, it seemed to me almost 2/3 the way up. The rest of the way up to Tiger�s Nest was relatively easy with great views. We were actually the first ones to get inside at 8:30 am as we passed a few people along the way.

It was quite nice to be inside the temples without anyone else. The guide took us to a few of the main chapels. It started getting warm when we finished and the sun was overhead. You started to see more people coming up as we were leaving. I�m not sure if people wanted to sleep in or if getting there by 630 was not an option for them. I�m just glad with our timing as suggested by our guide.

Of note, as the sun came up, you�ll be taking photos against the sun. The photo exposures were much better on our way up. Once the sun is on top of the Tiger�s Nest, you can only see your silhouette. You could wait until the sun is overhead but at that point it will probably be too hot.

We had a leisurely snack break just below the Tiger�s Nest as people were coming up. I noticed that a lot of guests were carrying their own backpacks and water. We didn�t have to carry any. And our guide/driver brought up fresh watermelon juices (which I like) along with other snacks. Quite a luxury.

The way down was much faster and took only about an hour. The hut was not exactly half way point as described earlier. It was basically at the base. When I first saw it, I was truly surprised. I won�t spoiled the surprises, but imagine an Aman lodge at the base of Tiger�s Nest waiting for you. I have photos in my Story in case you are curious. They have hot towels and a welcome drink waiting for you. You light the butter candles then have a 30 min foot massage while they cook lunch for you. The food was overall the best meal of my Journey and you have a perfect view of Tiger�s Nest during the lunch. When you are finished, the car was just outside to take you back to the lodge.

We were back at the lodge by 1 pm. We made sure to save room for the most delicious dessert, the passion fruit one, along some ice tea under the shade covered loungers. A truly memorable and spectacular day.

This was the kind of luxury that I imagine only Amankora could provide.

On day 14 of the Journey.

There’s a culture activity every night in Paro. The first night was calligraphy. The monk would phonetically spell your name. Since we did the name giving ceremony in Bumthang, we had our Bhutanese name written in Dzongkha. The second night was prayer flag making. You get to press your own flag on the inked molds. The third night was calligraphy again.

We did Tiger’s Nest on the first full day here per our guide recommendation so we would have a more relaxed day to recover.

This morning we started with a relatively easy hike on the Trans Bhutan Trail with a great view of the valley. We could see multiple planes take off and land. Then we visited the National Museum. It’s a nice museum but I think the Royal Heritage Museum on the way to Bumthang is much better.

Then our guide took us to a farmhouse for lunch. Apparently there are two farmhouses that Amankora uses. They had to take food safety classes which makes sense for the clientele. The farmhouse is lovely and has a western toilet. Our guide and driver joined us for a really lovely home cooked lunch. The host told us it took her more than 3 hours to prepare the meal. We finished with some homemade ara with cordyceps soaked in, apparently that’s how Bhutanese drinks it. The momos were also unique with spinach filling. You can see the meal in my Story if interested.

Afterward, we visited the oldest temple in Bhutan. There are two, one here and one in Bumthang, both built on the same day. Interestingly, there’s a direct route with steps that take you from the farmhouse to inside the temple.

This is a nice temple, but what’s really special is the garden with flowers in full bloom and incredibly fragrant. Definitely a great place to spend some time and have tea.

There is a set of traditional Bhutanese dress in the room when we got back. There is no instruction so after you put it on, you’ll have to get it adjusted by the staff when you make your way to the library or dining room. It’s a really lovely gesture and to see the staff so excited when we are dressed up for dinner.

Thanks everyone for sharing your (amazing) experiences. I would love your suggestions/feedback on our early October 2025 (I know, so far away!) itinerary. We will be traveling with our by then nearly 13-year old daughter. We are fit and love the outdoors.

For cost reasons we have to keep the number of nights to a minimum and are aiming to spend the first two days at the Six Senses. The Aman propery in Paro looks beautiful but it's double the price and as we will be most acclimatising we have opted for the SS.

After this we have about 5 more nights. Initially I had intended to fly to Bumthang for one night, Gangtey for 2 and Thimphu for 2 but based on the most recent reports (thanks SP03 for your excellent write-ups) that may not be ideal.

I would love your suggestions. We don't mind a fair bit of travel (I know most people here would prefer not to stay at a property for just one night but given our limited time and the unlikelihood of us returning to Bhutan any time soon I'd rather see more).

Thanks for any advice you may have.

Six Senses lodges look quite nice and they have their own journey so I�m not sure if it makes sense to switch up. I don�t know if you get their free guide or driver if your stay is too short. I did see people with their own guides while I was at Amankora so that�s certainly an option but may add to your costs.

Also keep in mind October is peak festival season so there�s a lot going on in Bumthang or along the drive between Bumthang to Gangtey.

Are you not going to do Tiger�s Nest? People usually start at Thimphu and end in Paro to finish Tiger�s Nest for altitude reasons.

Planning a 7 night Amankora journey and would appreciate some guidance.

Aman have proposed the following itinerary, in this order:
2 nights Thimphu
2 nights Punakha
3 nights Paro

Our dates aren't flexible, but we can change the amount of nights we spend at each lodge.

We have the opportunity to attend a festival on the day we'd travel from Punakha to Paro, based on the itinerary above. Would a few hours in the morning before driving to Paro be enough? Or shall we adjust to 3 nights Punakha and 2 nights Paro, to have a full day for the festival?

Punakha is very nice and would suggest a 3rd night there. They have a pool and the river to relax by - where you get to slow down and take in the experience.
If you arrive early to Thimphu, you may want to just stay overnight and leave a bit later for punahka and add a day to Paro to coincide with the festival. Unless you have a reason to stay longer in Thimphu.

Thank you for the reply! Apologies I should have clarified the festival is in Punakha. Would you therefore suggest worth changing to the below?
2 nights Thimphu
3 nights Punakha
2 nights Paro

That looks good. The festivals will be packed, and most people will be spending all day with their families and bring picnic. A few hours should be more than enough. Punakha lodge is really special so definitely spend 3 nights there.

Great move.
If you can add another 2/3 more days ( I know , I know) then probably incld 2 nights in Gangtey … and still 1 night Thimphu ( but extended ) and add to Paro for a more leisurely trip ( esp if you’re going to climb the tigers nest in Paro) and then there’s the departure if early would definitely make 3 days in Paro a better choice.
Do let us know if Amankora maintains its magic. Read somewhere Paro was being renovated.

We attended one of the festivals in Punakha back in 2023 and it was unforgettable - a true slice of life. There were musical performances and the equivalent of clowns and minstrels who had giant wooden phalluses and would playfully bump people on the head with them. Lots of families enjoying picnics and dressed in their very best.

If I recall correctly, the festival is about 90 minutes up a windy hill from Punakha, and we stayed for about 2 hours once there. Like others suggest here in this forum, I will weigh in as well: limit your time in Paro. Two nights is enough - one is the night before you hike to Tiger's Nest, and the other is the night before you depart the country. It's a lovely place but vastly outcharmed by the other lodges of Amankora. Gangtey is amazing and really worth a visit, if even for a night.


Punakha festival

Thank you bearbrick, SP03 and miw2008 for your incredibly helpful responses.

Bearbrick I think you might have convinced me. After looking up the Gangtey lodge and valley online I'm very keen to visit and considering moving things around to increase the duration of the trip.

If we add on Gangtey, would 2 nights at each of the four lodges be too rushed?

I am also conscious our time in Paro might be too short as we will definitely be doing the Tigers Nest hike, however (and correct me if I'm wrong) the other Paro-based activities don�t seem as interesting as those at other lodges.

youll enjoy Gangtey.
still think 1 day ( but unrushed/ leisurely) stay in Thimphu would be enough and add to Punakha or Paro ?
You may change you mind too ( when in Bhutan, during trip ) if you gave them notice and if they are not full.
One thing I do is go at my own pace but do take into account the guide’s tips for practical things like weather … do insist on leisurely drives.
eg not leave too early from a lodge ( unless it’s for flights !) and not arrive in the dark.
do Bumthang next time

I really enjoyed Gangtey. The potato shed dinner and hot stone bath are a must.

But Gangtey is far from Paro keep it mind that it will take most of a day for travel back to Paro.

If you only have 8 nights to visit 4 lodges then I agree you should only do one night in Thimphu.

I also agree with 1 night in Thimphu and think Gantey is definitely worth adding.