The higher elevations are perfect for sheep and woolen textiles.
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Bumthang is quite a different feel than western Bhutan. With its higher elevations the rice fields are replaced by potatoes and barley. The dwellings have more stone and less rammed earth work. The weather is more extreme and less temperate than Punakha.
Bumthang
Wangdichholing Palace
Established after 1907 when the feudal wars had abated, this Dzong comprises little defensive features. Now used as a monastery school it once housed the third king.
Walled entryway
Apartment window detail
Shakor detail
Wangdichholing Palace
Chortens
Reportedly Aman was able to resume the lodge construction once restoring the five water chortens
Prayer wheel bell
Exterior window offereings
Water wheel wallk
Amankora Lodge
The minimalism continued to this last-built lodge located smack on the door step of the Wangdichholding Palace - the cause of its construction delay for two years.
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The common areas were located in a block perpendicular to the standard room block running parallel to the river and Palace.
Guest room block to the left, lounge in the center connects to the dining room on the right. Remove the single long table and it could double as a one lane bowling alley. The lounge was so bar and cold the echo made talk difficult.
Bunker-like room block
Guest rooms face the palace
A walking chamber one ventures down to arrive at the guest room.
A short flight up with a 1960’s American motel-like feeling.
Wangdichholding Lodge (BTCL)
BTCL’s newest project speaks volumes of their (lacking) grasp of the modern traveler’s exceptions.
< web link >
Rooms with no view
Dining room with cold tile floors
Gongkhar Guest House, Jakar
Charming staff, wooden rooms and delicious meals.
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Warm wood-filled rooms
Sitting room in the new suites
Warm dining room
Space plan for the Wangdichholing. River runs along the right.
The Aman is located in the upper left hand corner.
Slide Show
