Six Senses Gangtey
Gangtey, Bhutan
At a Glance
Winter home of the endangered black-necked crane and boasts prolific birdlife
Set into the hillside, looking over the endless valley floor and an ever-changing landscape
Boasts one of the world-renowned Six Senses Spas
Minimalist decor and natural materials create a cosy yet elegant retreat
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Best time to Visit
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Average time to visit
In the western, central and eastern Bhutan you will mostly experience cold European-like weather. Winter lasts here from November to March. The Monsoon occurs between June and August when the temperature is normally between 8° and 21°C. October and November are arguably the best months, when the monsoon has passed and the skies are clear. The spring months of March, April and May are best for the flora, but it can be stormy as the monsoon builds up for July-September.
To start planning your holiday to Six Senses Gangtey
Description
Deep in the Phobjikha valley, cloaked in lush forests of bamboo, lies the remote village of Gangtey and the serene, minimalist Six Senses. With breathtaking views of the valley, the small lodge offers a tranquil retreat in breathtaking surrounds.
Strategically set onto the western slopes of the valley and enjoying 180-degree views of the rolling hills, Six Senses Gangtey is a pocket of luxurious simplicity in a remote, isolated region of extraordinary natural beauty. Gangtey and its surrounds lie at 9,843 feet on the western slopes of the Black Mountains, a conservation area and winter home of the endangered black-necked crane. Glacial rivers teem with trout, forests of dwarf bamboo offer thrilling bike trails and the prolific birdlife creates a paradise for ornithologists.
Sympathetically designed to honour its surroundings, the granite and wood structure of the property houses just nine suites and one villa, each boasting indoor and outdoor spaces to maximise guests’ enjoyment of the valley views. Wooden interiors, sleek, minimalist lines and crisp white linens create a tranquil, restorative escape, while floor to ceiling windows draw the eye to the stupendous views over the rolling hills. An ever-changing picture, the sunlight dapples the valley, mists and clouds roll through and the tapestry of greens shifts with every hour, season and weather.While the attraction of Six Senses Gangtey lies outside the stone walls of the property, it also boasts a number of amenities. A film and games room, cosy lounge, all-day dining restaurant and the renowned Six Senses Spa and Wellness Centre cater to the small number of guests.
If you can be dragged away from the spa, the surrounding hills of the Phobjikha Valley offer superb walks, ancient monasteries and a chance to explore the quaint village of Gangtey. Stretching out as far as the eye can see, the valley offers a wealth of hiking trails, nature walks and biking tracks while the 16th-century monastery of Gangtey Goemba watches over the village. Stroll across its ancient ramparts and through the village to appreciate the simplicity of life in this isolated corner of Bhutan, and admire the staggering beauty of the landscape as you walk across the endless valley floor. During the winter, black-necked cranes can be seen at the nearby Crane Centre, from a viewing hide, or even from the lodge itself.
Accommodation
With just eight suites offering 64sq.m of indoor and 11sq.m of outdoor space, and one two-bedroom villa boasting 210sq.m inside and 19sq.m outside, the lodge is small, allowing for more personalised service. Crafted from wood, and with simple white linens and occasional splashes of colour, the rooms are tranquil, elegant and large windows allow the beauty of the landscape to come to the fore.
Facilities
For such a small lodge the property has a number of facilities which create the feel of a home-from-home. A cosy lounge is ideal for curling up in the warmth after a walk through the hills, while the movie and games room will keep guests entertained. Famed for its sumptuous treatments, the Six Senses Spa offers two Swedana areas, ideal for soothing post-hike muscles. The delicious food of the all-day dining restaurant is only rivalled by the spectacular views, while the fire-pit relaxation area is a welcome sight on chillier evenings.
Activities
Surrounded by spellbinding scenery, time spent at Six Senses Gangtey is likely to combine walks through the hills and valleys with a spot of relaxation in the spa, plenty of downtime in the lounge or library, and contemplative moments looking out over the endless valley floor. Famed as the winter home of the black-necked crane, bird watchers will delight in the viewing potential from the nearby Crane Centre and the lodge itself. Wandering through Gangtey is a chance to observe life in this simple Bhutanese village, interact with the villagers and explore the 16th century Goemba.
Experiences
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Black Necked Crane Festival
During the festival, the local communities organize various cultural programs in Phobjikha, including crane dance performance and stalls selling colourful local items and Bhutanese handicrafts.
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Dochu La Pass
At an altitude of 3,100 metres, The Dochula Pass is a high mountain pass known for its 108 distinctive memorial stupas and breathtaking panoramic views over the Himalayas.
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Evening Prayers at a Buddhist Monastery
Evening prayers at a Buddhist Monastery is something you should do at least once on a tour of Bhutan. You will witness monks chanting traditional prayers, helping them prepare for meditation.
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Fly Fishing
Enjoy an excursion into one of the Bhutanese rivers and try your hand at fly-fishing.
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Gangtey 360° Hike
Today you will be driven to Lewa La Pass and have the chance to enjoy a hike in the stunning countryside surrounding Gangtey Valley and at the end rewarded with incredible 360° panoramic views.
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Gangtey Goenpa Monastery
The Gangtey Goenpa monastery, or Gangteng Monastery is the main seat of the Pema Linpa tradition of the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism. Dating from the 17th century, it has superb views and guests usually visit before taking the Gangtey Nature Trail.
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Half Day in Gangtey
Today you will have a relaxing half day with your guide to explore Gangtey visiting some of the highlight sites including Gangtey Goemba and the Crane Centre.
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Longtey Hike
Enjoy this stunning hike - through Rhododendron forests, thick woodland, steeper passes, taking in the views of the valley and ending in the idyllic Kumba Village.
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Phobjika Nature Trail
Take a day walk around the Phobjikha valley, an ideal hike to see the black-neck cranes from November to late March, or simply to experience the villages and farms along the way. See the Crane Information centre at the end.
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Potato Shed Candlelight Dinner
Enjoy a traditional Bhutanese dinner amidst flickering candles and bhukhari in the middle of shed on a local potato farm.
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Punakha Drubchen Festival
Held annually on February in Punakha, local militias dress up as Bhutanese warriors in this festival to re-enact the famous battle between Bhutan and Tibet.
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Spa Bath in Potato Shed
Visit a Bhutanese farmer in his traditional shed and enjoy a Bhutanese bath heated from fire-roasted stones, all while you indulge with a bowl of chips harvested from potatoes in the same field of Tokha village.
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Tea with a local family
Visiting a local home in Bhutan is an exceptionally interesting experience given the lovely hospitable nature of its people. Try traditional butter tea, or even some locally made rice wine 'Ara'.
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The Gangtey 360°Hike
Today you will have the chance to enjoy a hike in the stunning countryside surrounding Gangtey Valley and at the end rewarded with incredible 360° panoramic views.
Location & directions
Gangtey, Bhutan
Set in five acres of land outside the village of Gangtey, Six Senses Gantey nestles on the hillside of the Black Mountains.
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