Delving deep into the mystical regions of Southeast Asia, Eastern Safaris’ Gangtey Lodge in the Kingdom of Bhutan delivers a genuine and authentic experience in one of the world’s most undiscovered destinations. The remote glaciated Gangtey Valley and the Lodge provides a perfect springboard to Himalayan adventures – with world-class luxury to return to at day’s end.
Travelers can experience the unique adventures of Gangtey Valley with the Gangtey Lodge thrill-seeking 72 hour itinerary, aimed at the intrepid traveler. Whether it’s mountain biking or hiking, spiritual experiences or complete relaxation, Gangtey Lodge has it covered. Itineraries can be tailored to the guests’ personal preference.
With 72 hours in the region here is a suggested itinerary:
DAY 1: On arrival, enjoy a late afternoon mountain bike ride as the sun is setting over Gangtey Valley. The activities officer, Namgay, will lead the ride. Upon return, dine on the outdoor patio enjoying cuisine created by the new chef Adrian Broadhead.
DAY 2: After breakfast, guests will drive to Pele La Pass and begin the 3-4 hour “Longtey Hike” to Gangtey. The hike takes you through a wild rhododendrons forest and offers spectacular views over Gangtey Valley. For lunch, enjoy a carefully curated picnic at a remote meditation hut followed by a traditional game of archery against some of the lodge staff. At the end of the day of adventure and discovery, guests are invited to experience a Bhutanese hot stone bath, a traditional Bhutanese Dotsho, at Gangtey Lodge Bhutan’s new Hot Stone Bath House and a sixty minute massage.
First, the treatment starts with a foot scrub for a gentle exfoliation, followed by a luxurious de-stress massage, using warm aromatic oils. Your muscles are continuously massaged along with gentle stretching, which encourages you to relax and assists in toxin removal from the body. Relieving physical and mental stress transmitted in daily life, this therapy offers renewed energy and encourages repair and renewal to all systems of the body.
The massage will be followed by a Traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath which is meticulously prepared by heating river rocks over an open fire and then sprinkled with local medicinal plants and herbs from the valley. It is believed that the heat from the water, the minerals released from the rock and the local herbs all combine to produce medicinal benefits for joint pains, stomach disorders, arthritis, hypertension and many other minor diseases. Request a glass of champagne to enjoy with your views of the Gangtey Valley below.
DAY 3: Before sunrise, cycle down to the valley floor and watch the Black-necked Cranes wake up from roosting. The Black-necked Cranes of Bhutan are the most mysterious and the last of the 15 species in the world to be discovered. They are endemic to the Tibetan Plateau and migrate to lower altitudes, in autumn and winter (usually from end of October – February / March). Phobjikha Valley is one of the best places for bird-lovers to spot this amazing species with over 10% of the world’s total population gathering there. The Black-necked Crane is revered in Bhutan as a symbol of longevity and the annual migration is a cause for great celebration, as residents mark the passing of another year against the arrival of these famously long-living birds.
Following breakfast, take a morning Gangtey Trail Hike down to Khewa Lhakhang. Visit the black-necked crane center and monastery on the drive back up. The Black-necked Crane center performs invaluable work in ensuring the protection of their roosting areas, educating the locals & tourists of the importance of the cranes to the valley and in providing care & shelter for an injured Black-necked Crane, Karma. In the afternoon, cycle up to Lawela Pass and enjoy the sun setting over the snow-capped Himalayas.
DAY 4: Depart Gangtey Lodge after breakfast for your next adventure.
Package available from: June 21, 2018 to March 31, 2019
About Gangtey Lodge
The multi award winning Gangtey Lodge Bhutan delivers a genuine and authentic experience in one of the world’s most undiscovered destinations. Discretely nestled near a cluster of farm houses, the remote location of Gangtey Valley and the Lodge provide a perfect springboard to Himalayan adventures –with world class luxury to return to at the day’s end. The lodge’s stunning design in the heart of Bhutan allows one to take a step back in time, away from the stresses and materialism of modern day life. The 12 beautifully appointed guest rooms, each with their own cozy fireplace and spacious private bathroom, reflect the rich cultural heritage with warm fabrics and earthen tones. Additionally, all guest rooms command sweeping views of the valley below and of the Gangtey Goenpa, or monastery, just a 5-minute walk away. Heated hand cut stone floors and deep bathtubs next to wood burning stoves complete the sense of luxury and coziness. The stunning main lodge subtly captures the vibrancy of Bhutanese artwork and monastic design, complimented by the murals and carvings created local artists and masons reflecting images and landscapes from the valley. http://www.gangteylodge.com/
