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Gangtey

Quiet and soothing, Gangtey is a town of peaceful monasteries and flourishing wildlife. Nestled in a glacial valley at the center of the nation, Gangtey overlooks a landscape of potato fields, alpine meadows, and even rare, black-necked cranes. Local culinary specialties include yaksha momo, or Tibetan-style dumplings stuffed with yak meat and fresh potatoes, as well as a variety of spicy casseroles and stews, heavily influenced by the surrounding areas of Nepal, Tibet, and India.

Must-see sights include Gangtey Monastery, perched atop a hill that overlooks the entire valley, and the Black-Necked Crane Center, a conservation program seeking to preserve the breeding grounds and habitat of the endangered creature.

EXPERIENCES

Bhutanese Cooking Class

Discover the intricacies of Bhutanese cuisine in a cooking class as you prepare kakur hentsey jaju (pumpkin soup), yaksha momo (yak dumplings), laphu marp hogay (traditional carrot salad), and emadatse (chili and cheese curry).

Black-Necked Crane Center

Visit the Black-Necked Crane Center and see the reclusive species’ nesting and breeding grounds. The black-necked cranes are a rare animal revered in Bhutanese culture and folklore. Each time the cranes enter and leave Gangtey, they are often spotted circling the air three times before taking off; locals believe that this is the cranes’ way of demonstrating gratitude for the food and shelter received during their stay in Bhutan.

Cranes typically visit Gangtey from November to March of each year.

Gangtey Monastery

Stroll through the quaint village of Gangtey and visit the imposing Gangtey Monastery, which offers a commanding view of the entire valley. Built in 1613, the monastery is home to 100-odd monks, and features one of the largest prayer halls in all of Bhutan.

Lawala Pass

Embark on a half-day hike to the top of the 10,500 foot (3,200 meter) high Lawala Pass, a truly spiritual experience. On a clear day, climbers can see the outlines of snowcapped peaks in the distance.

Monk Debate

Subject to availability, attend a debate session at the Gangtey Shedra, the local monastic college. Here, upwards of 150 resident monks, ranging in age from approximately 15 to 40, congregate in the evening to discuss the various topics of their studies. These debates, an integral part of the monks’ education, are conducted in the national language of Dzongkha, which can be difficult to understand at times even for some native Bhutanese. However, you can still witness the passion behind each monk’s advocacy of his point of view, which creates a lively and fascinating atmosphere, and your guide will translate so you can get the gist of the debates.

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BHUTAN Regions

MAJOR AREAS

PREFERRED HOTEL

Amankora Gangtey

Amankora Gangtey is in the remote Phobjikha Valley, with awe-inspiring views of a gorge and the 16th century Gangtey Goemba monastery. Each of Amankora's eight suites is fitted with a bukhari, a wood-burning stove, and wood paneling. The dining room and living room are combined and have views of the Phobjikha Valley out of floor-to-ceiling windows. There is no Internet, business center, fitness center or pool at Amankora Gangtey, but hot stone baths and a spa with two treatment rooms are available. The resort is approximately a 4-hour drive from the airport in Paro.

PREFERRED HOTEL

Six Senses Gangtey

Gangtey is widely known as the home of the picturesque Gangtey Monastery, with its elaborate gate and breathtaking valley views. The stunning Phobjikha Valley is also nearby, and the land is great for birdwatchers. Therefore, Six Senses' highly anticipated hotel in Gangtey includes a unique birdwatching bridge. Throughout the winter rare black-necked cranes can be viewed from the lodge, the nearby Crane Center, or the viewing hide located near the birds' nesting and feeding grounds. Aside from birding, the hotel's true focus is comfort and relaxation. Décor is dominated by uncluttered lines with a natural palate. Weathered timber floors and accented walls have been introduced, and comfy armchairs with footstools invite guests to unwind after long days spent exploring. The structure's exterior is fashioned from local stones and timber-framed windows. The property offers eight suites, one two-bedroom villa, an arrival deck, library, movie and gaming room, all-day dining restaurant, fire pit relaxation area, and a Spa and Wellness Center with two Swedana areas. One of the five locations under the umbrella of Six Senses Bhutan, tourists can move along to Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, or Bumthang knowing that the comforts of the Six Senses brand name await their arrival.

Gangtey Lodge Bhutan

Gangtey Lodge Bhutan offers unique and luxurious farmhouse experience in the Gangtey Valley. The Lodge draws upon the inspiration of the unique and beautiful Bhutanese rural architecture down to the very last detail. Designed by Mary Lou Thomson, who has worked on some of the world's most prestigious resort projects, the interiors and furnishings showcase aspects of the vibrant local culture. All 12 Farmhouse Suites command sweeping views of the valley below and of the Gang tey Goenpa, or monastery just a 10 minute walk away. Heated hand cut stone floors, deep bathtubs overlooking the valley and wood burning stoves, or "Bhukaris", complete the sense of luxury and coziness. Facilities and amenities include a full service restaurant, in-suite massage treatments, complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the lodge, complimentary afternoon tea service, and complimentary use of mountain bikes.

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