BHUTAN - Tigers nest guides
BHUTAN - Uma Paro

Uma Paro is an intimate, 29-room resort with some of the most exclusive private villas in Bhutan, perfectly located in the Paro Valley near to cultural landmarks.

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BHUTAN - King's Birthday Celebrations Punakha

The King’s Birthday is a national holiday in Bhutan and it is customary to dress in traditional clothing. The Bhutanese partake in parades and festivities including eating emadatse and drinking home-distilled spirits.

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BHUTAN -  Archery

Archery is the national sport of the Kingdom of Bhutan, often played at religious and cultural festivals, and is a hugely popular pursuit for locals and tourists alike. Most afternoons you can see groups of men competing with each other, aiming at impossibly small targets about 120 metres away. Rivals taunt and tease each other mercilessly to make them lose their concentration; when they hit the target they sing and dance. A heart-warming and often hilarious spectacle!

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BHUTAN - tigers nest monastary

Don't miss the dramatic cliff-hike up to the sacred Tiger’s Nest monastery – a remarkable liff hanging spectacle and well worth the 2 and a half hour hike.

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BHUTAN - Uma Punakha terrace drinks

Settle down to zesty cocktails on the terrace of Uma Punakha, overlooking the lush valleys and rivers of this fertile region of Bhutan.

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Bhutan Banner

Take a traditional Bhutanese breakfast including butter tea overlooking the forested Paro Valley at Como's Uma Paro.

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BHUTAN - traditional clothing and mask

All Bhutanese are required to wear national dress everyday but at festivals, locals can be more creative with carved masks and unusual costumes that depict scenes from their rich cultural history.

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BHUTAN - Uma Paro Buildings

You know you are in good hands when your hotel is part of the superb Como chain. Uma Paro is no exception with contemporary design contrasting with the natural environment of the Paro Valley. 

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BHUTAN -Uma Paro Bedrooms

Bedrooms at Uma Paro are sparkling clean and stylish, in keeping with re-knowned Como ethic.  Expect spacious terraces, Bhutanese fabrics and a butler on-call 24 hours a day.

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BHUTAN - Uma Paro Bath tub

Sink into a deep, stone bath tub whilst admiring the pine forest view of the dramatic Paro Valley at Uma Paro.

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BHUTAN - Traditional dancer

Watch a traditional masked dancer at the annual Paro Tsechu, one of the most spectacular and deeply symbolic Buddhist festivals celebrated in Bhutan.

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BHUTAN - Tiger painting

Admire this fresco of a fierce tiger at the Paro Dzong – a huge fortress and monastery in Rinpung.

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BHUTAN - Thimphu Taj Tashi terrace

After a hard day trekking around the cultural sights of Bhutan relax on the terrace in the stylish surroundings of the five-star Taj Tashi in Thimpu.

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BHUTAN - Thimphu Taj Tashi

Take in the view of the misty mountains that rise above the Thimpu valley at the luxurious Taj Tashi hotel.

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BHUTAN - Punakha Dzong

The detail and intricacy of Bhutan's traditional architecture is mind-blowing. Take time to explore the temples and courtyards of this ochre-hued palace.

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BHUTAN - Punakha Dzong 2

Your first glimpse of the Punakha dzong is breath-taking. The fortress style architecture of this important Buddhist monastery is the best of its kind in Bhutan.

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BHUTAN - Paro - Tiger's Nest Monastery in Spring

If you visit The Tiger’s Nest Monastery in spring you’ll be blessed with blue skies, a temperate climate and mountains covered in blooming rhododendrons.

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BHUTAN - Mural

Be captivated by Bhutan's famous hand-drawn Buddhist murals which adorn the walls of temples and local homes. 

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BHUTAN - Monk procession Rinpung

A frequent but treasured site for visitors to Bhutan: a line of monks pad past dressed in vibrant red robes.

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BHUTAN - Gangtey Living Room View

Take in these epic views of the Phobjika Valley from Amankora Gangtey, Aman’s small-but-perfectly-formed luxury hotel.

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BHUTAN - Forest treks

Follow this track through the pine forests of the Paro Valley and breathe in the fresh Bhutan air on a trek accompanied by your guides.

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BHUTAN - Festival  scene

Watch a religious dance take place, called a cham, in the courtyard of a Buddhist monastery during the annual Paro Teschu festival. Monks perform festival dances and act out dramas as a form of meditation to personify their deity. Masked and dressed in elaborate silk brocade costumes, dancers demonstrate the triumph of good over evil and the power of compassion.

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BHUTAN - Excellent guides

Let your guide shed light on the ornate murals that cover the inner walls of the Punakha Dzong.

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BHUTAN - Dochula stupa

Here are just a few of the 108 stupas arranged around this viewpoint of the Dochula Stupa, at over 3000 metres above sea level. On a clear day, marvel at the snow-capped Himalayas in the distance.

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BHUTAN - Como Punakha terrace view

Enjoy fresh local produce and authentic Bhutanese food such as red rice and wholesome meat stews on the terrace of sumptuous and stylish Uma Punakha.

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BHUTAN - Colourful truck in winter

This typically colourful truck makes the passage through Bhutan's high roads on a crisp winter's day.

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BHUTAN - Bumthang fertility wall

Open your mind to some of Bhutan’s more unusual murals. Phallic symbols, mostly seen painted on walls of homes, represent fertility.

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BHUTAN - Butter lamps

You’ll find rows of butter lamps a common sight in religious places and monasteries in Bhutan. Monks light a butter lamp every day to help focus the mind.

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BHUTAN - Bumthang from Trongsa view

The beautiful town of Trongsa occupies the central region of Bhutan. Here you’ll find valleys covered in forests and a yellow-roofed dzongs perched on the edge of the mountain.

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BHUTAN - Bumthang Courtyard Bonfire Day

Relish in the space and tranquillity of the Amankora Bumthang's bonfire courtyard, surrounded by pine-clad mountains.

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BHUTAN - Bumthang Suite at night

Amankora’s lodges are scattered throughout the rural Bhutan kingdom. Here at Amankora Bumthang, the lodge occupies a unique location in the grounds of a Royal Palace.

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BHUTAN - Amankora Punakha views

The view from Amankora Punakha is seriously restful. Enjoy vistas of wooden valleys, the Mo Chuu River and lush paddy fields.

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BHUTAN - Breakfast in the Amankora Punakha Courtyard

Enjoy a traditional Bhutanese breakfast in the courtyard of Amankora Punakha and make the most of the pristine views backed by snow-capped peaks.

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BHUTAN - Amankora Thimphu Living & Dining

Amankora Thimpu’s living quarters are as cosy as they are luxurious with soaring ceilings, wood panelled floors and traditional log burners.

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BHUTAN - Amankora Paro bonfire

Enjoy an al fresco fire to keep you cosy in the early evenings while you admire the pristine Himalayan scenery at the stylish Amankora Paro.

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BHUTAN - Amankora Paro traditional Bhutanese dancing

Experience some of Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage with a cham, a traditional masked dance, at Amankora Paro.

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BHUTAN - Amankora Gangtey Snow

Winter at Amankora Gangtey often provides a beautiful blanket of snow over the ridges and knolls of the surrounding valleys.

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BHUTAN - Amankora Gangtey Dining Room

Enjoy traditional stews and authentic cuisine in the wood-panelled dining room of the Amankora Gangtey, which overlooks the stunning valley landscape.

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Client Testimonials

I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India

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