The higher elevations are perfect for sheep and woolen textiles.


  1. Bullet  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.

< web link >


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.

< web link >


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