Steep slopes covered in pine trees lead down into the secluded valley of Gangtey where you'll find endangered black-neck cranes in their numbers and a tiny village at its centre. With a view of it all, Gangtey Lodge is perched on a private ridge, its own luxury version of a mountain hut. On arrival, you're presented with a white scarf to symbolise respect and care, accompanied by a rendition of the national song and followed by a neck massage - the tone for your stay is more than set. Think hot stone baths and hiking to reach glorious panoramic views and you're on the right track.
With robust red columns, dry-stone walls and large murals of the landscape, the joint lounge and dining room feels rather traditional. Locally-grown ingredients are used to whip up three-course dinners including specialties like the yak burger with local Gouda. Although there's no official bar, the wrap-around verandah serves wine and tea along with lovely views of the valley. Enjoy a soak in the Bhutanese hot stone bath or indulge in the menu of treatments from the comfort of your suite.
Dotted across the grounds, the 12 suites have a soft and unfussy design. The king-size bed is decked out in muted colours with pops of red and heated pads are added at turn-down. The living area has a large corner couch facing the deep bathtub. A separate bathroom has a walk-in shower and wardrobe. In winter, the sleek fireplace bathes the room in warmth and the black slate floor is heated too. You might miss having a balcony but there are plenty of other spots to enjoy the view.
There are a multitude of ways to enjoy the landscape including cycling into the valley or braving the challenging route to Lawa Pass. Head out on a solo walk or a guided Gangtey 360° hike, which leads you through dense forest and flower-laden fields to reach heights of 11,100 feet. There are myriad temples to visit where you can share in a butter lamp lighting ceremony, take a tour of the monastery and receive a personal blessing. Join the staff in an afternoon of archery or see how injured birds are cared for at the Black-necked Crane Centre.
Bathtime is quite the occasion at Gangtey Lodge. Next to wide windows and views to dream about, enjoy a soak in a medley of Himalayan salts and essential oils!
Partake in one of the lodge's destination meals, choosing between breakfast with a Buddhist tulku (teacher) or a BBQ dinner at the Khewa Lhakhang temple.
With a home in one of Bhutan's most isolated valleys, the road to Gangtey is not the fastest or the easiest - but it has improved in leaps and bounds since first being built.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
Gangtey Lodge can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Bhutan trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Bhutan trips featuring Gangtey Lodge or get advice and suggestions from one of our Bhutan specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Gangtey Lodge start from around $370, or US$370, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
A tranquil, Himalayan-framed valley, famous for black-necked cranes and unparalleled walking trails.
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