A twelve-suite lodge built as a Bhutanese farmhouse above Phobjikha Valley, awarded two Michelin Keys and looking out over the valley's wintering black-necked cranes.
Location: Whilst Six Senses arrived in Phobjikha Valley more recently, Gangtey Lodge got there first, built by Khin Omar Win and Brett Melzer, the couple behind Balloons over Bagan and Malikha Lodge in Myanmar, working with Bhutanese partner Yeshey Norbu. The lodge sits above the valley floor on the same hillside as Gangtey Goemba, the seventeenth-century monastery, looking down over farmhouses, blue pine forest and the wintering grounds of Bhutan's black-necked cranes.
Rooms: There are twelve Bhutanese Farmhouse Suites, each an identical 46 square metres and sleeping up to three, with a freestanding roll-top bath, a Swiss wood-burning fireplace and underfloor heating built in. Architect Mary Lou Thomson designed the whole property as a single farmhouse rather than a scattered set of villas, and construction took three years to complete.
Amenities: The lounge is built around two stone fireplaces and leather sofas, there's a spa offering Bhutanese hot stone baths, a library, and eight complimentary mountain bikes for exploring the valley. Wi-Fi, laundry and daily boot cleaning are included throughout, and rates typically bundle in meals, drinks and a number of the lodge's own experiences.
Activities: Guests can hike ancient trails through blue pine forest to the valley's crane roosting grounds, cycle to Lawa Pass, or climb for thirty to forty minutes to a meditation cliff at 3,400 metres on the Gangtey 360° hike. There's also morning and evening prayer at Gangtey Shedra, a spiritual cleansing ritual known as Thrusel led by resident monks, archery instruction in Bhutan's national sport, and dinner in a private woodshed lit for the evening.
Sustainability: The lodge's own Green Team plants more than 100 trees a year in local forests, sorts and composts all its waste, and recycles wastewater for its gardens and neighbouring fields. Over 95 percent of staff are Bhutanese, hired locally to help stem the migration away from farming communities that rural Bhutan is otherwise losing people to, and the lodge partners with the Royal Society for Protection of Nature on biodiversity work in Phobjikha Valley itself.
Best places to stay in Bhutan
Bhutan Trip Inspiration
When to visit Bhutan
Find out the best time to visit Bhutan with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
Bhutan experiences a chilly January with temperatures hovering around 4°C. It's the coldest month, and while the landscapes are serene, outdoor activities may be limited.
February
February sees a slight rise in temperature, reaching around 7°C. The weather is still cool, but it's a better time for those who prefer milder conditions compared to January.
March
March marks the onset of spring, with pleasant temperatures of around 10°C. It's an ideal month to visit, offering a balance of comfortable weather and picturesque landscapes.
April
The weather starts to warm up, meaning it's a great time for outdoor activities, with lush greenery enhancing the overall experience.
May
Much like April, the weather is warm and it is a great time for hiking and exploring cultural sites.
June
Temperatures peak in June at around 23-24°C. A great time to visit for outdoor exploration.
July
Monsoon season arrives, meaning it is not a great time for outdoor exploration.
August
Monsoon season prevails, bringing frequent rains. While the landscapes flourish, it might not be the optimal time for extensive outdoor exploration.
September
Monsoon season continues, beautiful scenery but some areas may not be accessible due to heavy rains.
October
October is characterized by crisp weather and clear skies, making it an excellent month for sightseeing and cultural experiences.
November
Cool temperatures continue in November, offering a pleasant environment for exploration. It's another ideal month for visiting Bhutan.
December
December sees a drop in temperature, making it the coldest month after January. While the landscapes maintain their charm, visitors should be prepared for cooler conditions.
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Sophie
Bhutan Expert