Gangtey Palace in Paro, built in the late 1800s, was home to the Penlops or governors of the region. Later, it was fortified to halt any Tibetan invasion from the North. In the early 20th-century, it was used by the king as his residence. In recent past, the Royal Grandmother resided here and other royalties include the first Prime Minister of India, Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru. Today, the hotel allows travellers to experience the authentic Bhutanese lifestyle and its medieval history.
An ancient palace may have been transformed into a luxury hotel but it still retains most of its original features. The air inside the Gangtey Palace is still silent, clean and respectful, as if inside a temple. On every part of its corridors, entrance halls and rooms are placed ancient Bhutanese antiquities that arouse fascination and fantasies of Bhutanese arts and crafts. The spacious entrance hall and large corridors now provide areas for relaxation and casual chat over Bhutanese tea.
In the Paro town, things move a little faster with rapid development taking place across the country. But it is still serene and tranquil in the minds of the local inhabitants who move around with prayer wheels in hand. For those looking for Nirvana can take a solitary two-hour trek to Taktshang Monastery, also called Tiger’s Nest. Built on a cliff-face where Guru Rinpoche, eighth century Buddhist tantric master meditated when he brought Buddhism to Bhutan.
Amenities
Banquet FacilitiesBar/PubGardenMeeting/Conference FacilitiesRestaurantSpa/SaunaWi-Fi AvailableYoga Classes/Instruction On SiteStay Gangtey Palace in Paro is a Premier Resort with 19 rooms. Most of these rooms offer panoramic views of the beautiful valley. Its washroom is decked with all modern amenities including floor tiles, showers and bathtubs. This Palace experience can only be compared to that of Bhutanese nobility, who in the past lived without the use of a television set. But the stories and folklores of the traditional paintings on the walls are entertainment enough.
ChildCare Children are welcome to stay at the Gangtey Palace 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.
Dine There is house restaurant at the Gangtey Palace serving local and international cuisine.
Relax There is no swimming pool or spa at the Gangtey Palace, but hot stone bath can be arranged. This is a great way to relax after a day sightseeing in the Paro valley.
Experience You may like to explore the Paro market near Gangtey Palace. There you will find fascinating souvenirs in the traditional Bhutanese handicraft shops. Foodies can try local dumplings or noodle soup and taste local Bhutanese dishes. Walking around, don’t be surprised to see many houses remodelled to accommodate foreign travellers looking to experience traditional Bhutanese lifestyle. Homestays are now common and have become part of a Bhutanese culture.
Location Gangtey Palace, set in the stunning Paro Valley, overlooks Paro, one of the main cultural centres of Bhutan and is surrounded by gorgeous natural beauty.
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 25-minute transfer by road to Gangtey Palace.
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.
Destination
Western, BhutanFeatured
Discover sides of Asia you never knew existed, revealed by people who know every facet.
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June 01 - 1, June 01, 2025
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June 01 - 1, June 01, 2025
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