logo
logo
logo

Amankora Gangtey – Serenity in Bhutan’s Hidden Valley

Amankora Gangtey in central Bhutan lies in an awe-inspiring wide open glacial valley; the dark green floor stretches into wilderness, the end of which is covered with low mountain hugging clouds. The air is crisp and light, we are at 2,900m, but it is as fresh and sweet as drinking spring water. Once beyond the reach of roads and electricity, there is still peace here. The locals call it the Phobjikha Valley. For me it is the end of the world.

Hidden behind a forest, Amankora Gangtey is a different world. It is warm, comfortable and there is electricity. Cocooned behind huge glass windows, it is difficult to relate to the outside world of simplicity. The room is heated by a traditional wood burning stove they call ‘bukhari’. Find comfort in the terrazzo-clad bath before your evening at the bar, which is stocked with local and foreign beverages.  

During the day, we take a hike up the hills with our guide, sometimes searching for the black-neck cranes. But it seems we are tool early to see the cranes. Between October and March, black-necked cranes migrate from the Tibetan Plateau to Bhutan, mostly to Phobjikha, the Himalayan Kingdom’s largest wetland area. 
 


Stay Amankora Gangtey has only eight suites featuring an open-plan bedroom and lounge, with a king-size bed, a reading chair and a window banquette. A traditional bukhari is positioned between the bedroom and the bathroom. The suite’s interior features wood panelling and chocolate brown walls. The spacious bathroom opens from the bedroom and provides twin vanities, separate shower and toilet, hanging space and a terrazzo-clad bath with twin vanities and views across the valley. 


ChildCare Children are welcome to stay at Amankora Gangtey but there are no specific facilities available. Although some of the trekking may only be suitable for older children, there is much to do in the surrounds. The local flora, fauna, handicraft centres and villages form interesting excursions.


Dine Restaurant ingredients are organic and locally sourced. Dining in Amankora Gangtey is on demand. In most cases you have a suggested menu but the chef discusses with you what you like and the cuisine is tailored to your liking. There are no fixed timings. You can eat when you like and where you like. 


Relax The spa at Amankora Gangtey, offers treatments with a focus on relieving tensions from the drive by concentrating on joint flexibility and re-hydration through herbs and hot oil. Not only warming, a hot oil massage also includes Himalayan herbs targeted at relieving joint stiffness.


Experience The Phobjikha Valley is part of the Black Mountains National Park and one of Bhutan’s most important wildlife sanctuaries. It is home to about 350 endangered black-necked cranes which arrive here from the Tibetan plateau during winters. The best time to see the cranes is between November and March. Nature walks and treks at Amankora Gangtey, are offered throughout the Phobjikha valley. Other activities include archery, fishing, golf and white-water rafting.
 


 
icon
Best time to go

Mar-May, Sep-Nov

icon
Average High

17°C

icon
Nearest Airport

PBH

icon
Timezone

GMT+ 6

icon
Currency

Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN)

Location Amankora Gangtey is located in the Phobjikha Valley, a glacial valley that has been virtually untouched by modern civilisation.


Getting There Flights to Bhutan are either from Bangkok or New Delhi. Bangkok is the best place to connect if you are coming from North America, Australia or Asia. Delhi is the best place to connect if you are coming from Europe, Middle East or UK. Flights from Delhi fly via Kathmandu. We will arrange your flight tickets and visa clearance details. All flights arrive at Paro from where it takes about 1-hour drive to Thimphu. 


When to go Winter in Bhutan lasts from November to March. The spring months of March, April and May, are best for treks, flora and the many birds of Bhutan. The Monsoon occurs between June and August. The two-month window between October and November are arguably the best months with clear skies and chilly nights. It is also a good time for trekking into the Himalayas, sitting around a camp fire and seeing the high Himalayas in the morning and evening golden light. 
 

Hotel Group

Aman

Destination

Western, Bhutan

Hotel Type

Wellness Retreat

Location Type

Remote
ASBH152_1_4.jpg
ASBH152_2_4.jpg
ASBH152_3_4.jpg
ASBH152_4_4.jpg
ASBH152_5_4.jpg
ASBH152_6_4.jpg
ASBH152_7_4.jpg
ASBH152_8_4.jpg
ASBH152_1_4.jpg
ASBH152_2_4.jpg
ASBH152_3_4.jpg
ASBH152_4_4.jpg
ASBH152_5_4.jpg
ASBH152_6_4.jpg
ASBH152_7_4.jpg
ASBH152_8_4.jpg

Similar Hotels

newsletter image

ASIAN GEOGRAPHICAL NEWSLETTER

Please enter email address.

Privacy Policy.

Please check this box if you want to proceed.

What Others Say

Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said us recently.

what other says

A FAMILY FROM PETERSFIELD (WEST SUSSEX)

“I would like to thank Asian Geographical Expeditions staff for organising a perfect holiday for my family to Dubai, Sri Lanka and the Maldives…”

Maldives, Sri Lanka, UAE
what other says

A HONEYMOON COUPLE FROM DERBY

“We are grateful for the exceptional planning and care taken by Asian Geographical Expeditions to ensure our holiday was perfect.”

Maldives, Sri Lanka
what other says

A COUPLE FROM SHEFFIELD – WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

“… organised by Asian Geographical Expeditions following a recommendation from a close friend. He wasn’t wrong! Asian Geographical Expeditions immediately showed us their professionalism, care and attention to our wishes.”

what other says

A COUPLE FROM KENT

“Thank you for suggesting the helicopter ride to Everest Base Camp and breakfast with a view of Mt Everest—a truly spectacular moment.”

Bhutan, Nepal
what other says

A COUPLE FROM ESSEX

“The history and cultural specialists also deserve a mention for the way they illuminated the heritage of the places we visited, as does the Buddhist scholar with his apparently boundless knowledge.”

Bhutan, Nepal, Thailand
what other says

A SMALL GROUP FROM SURREY

“We were very impressed to learn that its CEO had led some amazing first-ever expeditions … Clearly, he’s still an ace at organising expeditions.”

Bhutan, Nepal, Tibet
what other says

A COUPLE FROM LEICESTER

“Tibet was a revelation … it surely was a blessing to travel back to the region after 50 years … Thank you, Asian Geographical Expeditions, for making this possible.”

Bhutan, India, Nepal, Tibet
what other says

A FAMILY GROUP FROM SOMERSET

"Everything went smoothly, and we want to thank our friendly guides and driver who shared their personal stories and the rich histories of their countries. That is the AGE difference."

Maldives, Sri Lanka
what other says

A FAMILY FROM KINGSTON UPON HULL

"A heartfelt thank you to all the staff at Asian Geographical Expeditions who made this super trip possible."

Maldives, Sri Lanka, UAE
what other says

A HONEYMOON COUPLE FROM CARDIFF

"… we had a stress-free trip, ‘hands-free’, enabling us to enjoy the sights and rich cultures of Dubai and Oman ."

Oman, UAE
what other says

A COUPLE FROM TYNESIDE

"The meticulous care, support and guidance provided by Asian Geographical Expeditions made the trip extra-special."

UAE
what other says

FRIENDS FROM LONDON

"The itinerary was as we expected... the Asian Geographical Expeditions did a fantastic job, going the extra mile to ensure we had the best holiday ever.”

Uzbekistan
what other says

A COUPLE FROM BRISTOL

"The attention to detail shone through every aspect of our journey … we gained a deep understanding of a region that remains enigmatic to many. Thanks for a remarkable travel experience!"

Azerbaijan, Georgia
what other says

A COUPLE FROM SHEFFIELD

"I am deeply grateful to the entire team at Asian Geographical Expeditions for their dedication and hard work in crafting such a memorable holiday."

Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia
what other says

A FAMILY FROM BRADFORD

"The guides were exceptional—they clearly loved sharing their knowledge and insights into the local culture and history."

Armenia, Georgia
what other says

GROUP OF FRIENDS FROM OXFORDSHIRE

"We were really impressed with the immaculate organisation ... The Asian Geographical Expeditions team kept in communication during the tour, ensuring that each of our members was comfortable."

Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
what other says

A COUPLE FROM BUXTON

"The detailed itinerary and thoughtful pre-trip information removed all stress from our travels, which went off without a hitch, allowing us to dive deep into the stunning landscapes and rich cultures of Central Asia."

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan
what other says

TWO COUPLES FROM GLASGOW

"The hospitality was truly remarkable... we are immensely grateful to the team for their efforts and look forward to our next adventure with Asian Geographical Expeditions."

what other says

TWO COUPLES FROM HERTFORDSHIRE

"Every detail of our trip was superbly executed... (and) the exceptional attentiveness of the guides added a feeling of luxury and comfort that was much appreciated."

Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan
what other says

A COUPLE FROM PETERBOROUGH

"The guides were not only knowledgeable but also truly passionate about sharing their rich cultural histories, which added a personal touch that was deeply appreciated."

Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia
what other says

A COUPLE FROM BIRMINGHAM

"Every aspect of the trip, from guides to accommodation and the well-planned itinerary ... was seamlessly orchestrated. We will always recommend Asian Geographical Expeditions for anyone looking to explore Central Asia in unparalleled depth and comfort."

Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
icon
icon