Gangtey Goenpa Lodge, Gangtey [Bhutan]
The Gangtey Goenpa lodge is a new lodge built from stone and wood to a design inspired by traditional Bhutanese farmhouses. Designed by Mary Lou Thomson, who has worked on some of the world's most prestigious design projects, Gangtey Goenpa Lodge features rich local fabrics, plush sofas, dark wooden beams, earthen fireplaces and an incredible floor-to-ceiling window in the Gangtey valley.
Gangtey Goenpa Lodge has 12 rooms. Each of the rooms has amazing views over the valley below and the nearby Gangtey Monastery. The floors are made of hand-cut stone, and are heated and the rooms offer free-standing bathtubs, many with a view. Each of the room come with informal lounge and dining space with wall to ceiling views of the valley below. Local artists and masons have worked extensively to blend this sense of comfort with the artwork and carvings that can be found the local area. The beautifully appointed guestrooms, each with their own cozy fireplace reflect the rich cultural heritage with warm fabrics and earthen tones.
The hotel has a big communal dining table in the main living area, where meals are served ranging from Western, Bhutanese and Asian dishes. From the restaurant there are spectacular views of the beautiful Gangtey Valley. Two impressive fireplaces encased in local stone keep the area nice and cosy.
Gangtey is popular for its 17th-century Gangtey Monastery and the famous Black-necked Crane from the end of October to March. During other months, when the birds aren't in residence, the lodge operates the first hot-air balloon flights in Bhutan offering fantastic views of the Nakay Chhu and Gay Chhu (rivers said to represent a snake and a boar), pine forests, farms, dzongs and Phobjikha village from the air.
The day treks from Gangtey into the Phojikha Valley are quite exceptional. The lodge has a number of mountain bikes to explore the local area.
Address : Wangdue Phodrang, BHUTAN
