Amankora, Gangtey — Hotel in Jangchen Koomboo

Amankora’s lodge in Gangtey was our second stop on our week-long visit to Bhutan. The property is only 8 rooms, so while the quality of service and personalization is strong at every lodge, they truly reached new heights in Gangtey!||The drive to the lodge from Punakha was comfortable, despite the winding roads. We had a fantastic driver in Kencho, and the vehicle Amankora offered us was extremely well-equipped — think large leather seats, blankets, pillows, footrests, snacks, water, amenity kits and surprisingly useful wifi. We arrived to the lodge after a couple of hours and, after a minute-long walk through a pine forest, were greeted with welcome ginger tea, sweets and hot towels.||The lodge itself has a large multipurpose space where there is a dining room and bar, extended lounge seating (couches, armchairs and daybeds) separated by a wood-burning fireplace and various books and artifacts on the periphery, doubling the space as a library. Next door is a building that houses the 8 rooms on the property, as well as a yoga studio and massage room. Both of the buildings look out on a view of a hillside monastery and the Gangtey valley. There is plenty of seating for outdoor dining as well, and a small archery field and farm next door. The rooms are similar to the other lodges, with high ceilings and windows framing the valley views, two sinks, large bathtub, rain shower, water closet and storage space. There was welcome fruit and snacks that were replenished throughout our stay and plenty of filtered water as well.||The meals we had at the lodge were excellent and surprisingly varied. We had a range of local staples and reinterpretations of Bhutanese dishes (Ema Datshi, pork momos, butter tea, chai, yak chili, trout, bhutanese porridge, yak ravioli) along with Western dishes (spicy chicken sandwich, french toast, eggs benedict and frozen chocolate mousse). The cocktail list was extensive, and tea or cocktails were always presented with small bites to nibble on.||On our final night we did the “Potato Shed dinner,” which I would highly recommend for anyone visiting the lodge. We had a full Bhutanese menu, followed by a series of special desserts for the birthday we were celebrating. There was a roaring fire outside of the potato shed, and the interior had been decorated with about 100 candles as well as a wood-burning stove, blankets and hot water bottles for warmth. We received amazing service from two people and were accompanied by the dulcet tones from a Drangyen (Bhutanese lute) throughout the dinner. About 10 folks came in at the end of the meal to sing happy birthday and present a series of gifts to the person we were celebrating. The staff made us feel incredibly special.||In terms of activities, we visited a local monastery, a community school and hiked through various towns, hillsides and along the valley floor until we reached a center for the migrating Black-Necked Cranes. The community school activity is worth delving depper into as typically you need extensive lead time to coordinate school visits in Bhutan, but the principal of this school forged a special relationship with the Amankora Gangtey lodge as a result of some of the philanthropy of past visiting guests. ||On property, we spent a lot of time doing archery and Khuru (large outdoor throwing darts — thrown like a football), and also got a back-of-house tour by the awesome lodge manager, Karma. The latter really puts into perspective how spoiled guests are. There is an organic farm, lodging for your drivers and guides so that they are available at a moment’s notice, and no fewer than a dozen people working at any given time (keep in mind there were only five guests staying the first night). The lodge has a max capacity of around 16 guests but almost 50 people work at Amankora Gangtey!||Service levels continued to be really high. You can tell a massive amount of thought has been put into everything without you needing to ask. For example, after a long hike, we sat down in the Black-Necked Crane Education Center, and our driver, Kencho, had brought hot tea and a variety of snacks for after the hike (he also, followed ahead of our path in our van such that we had multiple points when we could end or extend our hike based on our fitness levels and preferences). There was never a moment I sat down in the lodge (including one time at 5am due to jetlag) where I wasn’t greeted and offered tea and a menu within a couple of minutes. The entire team was incredibly flexible with our requests and shifting schedules. It rained one afternoon so we decided to stay in the lodge for the afternoon and they were very attentive with tending the fireplace, offering food and beverages and making sure we were comfortable while we tried to get some work done.||Amankora Gangtey is another lodge that I think is unskippable if you decide to travel through Bhutan with Amankora. The warm service, views and quality of the food, beverage and activity offerings was excellent — made even more impressive given there were only 8 rooms, making you feel like you have the property to yourself...

The smallest of the Amankora lodges(only 8 rooms), our stay here was special. We have come to realise that each and every lodge is located in a special place and the entrance is always understated and unobtrusive. Don’t expect glam or ostentatious luxury - everything about Amankora is subtle and spoken in hushed tones vs shouting out loud. Where better to experience this than in Bhutan where time literally slows down. Our arrival at the Gangtey lodge was perfectly timed as we climbed a set of stairs and a meandering path that was carpeted with the finest pine needles that felt springy on the feet and the sun had just come out streaming through the leaves of the trees. Warmly greeted by our host Sangay - we were shown around the lodge and made to feel welcome and at home. The rooms are on 2 floors and all look out into the Punakha Valley and it was breathtaking. There are several outdoor tables that are set up to maximise the appreciation of the views and we ended up having most of our meals here when the weather was fine. We experienced wonderful yoga sessions as well as relaxing sound baths in the mornings followed by a sumptuous breakfast before the start of our day. We came in this season specifically to see the black necked cranes which migrate here each November. It was early in the season and we only saw the 1st couple of cranes but it was such a treat! Treks can be designed to be a little more challenging here to take advantage of the wonderful views. A picnic was arranged after our trek around the lake and it was just so special with a flowing stream beside us, thick luscious grass and views to die for. Our meals here were also excellent - the lodges communicate the likes of guests and when we arrived at Gangtey, the kitchen and staff already knew our preferences! The rooms here are a replica of Thimpu and despite travelling the long distances, there was a sense of familiarity and we knew where everything was. Housekeeping is just amazing and our muddy/sandy shoes were cleaned daily and our laundry done and nicely ironed/folded each day (all included in our full board stay). Along the way we met other guests and often bumped into them at various lodges and it was nice to meet familiar faces. A happy convivial family like atmosphere was present and everyone seemed very chilled and relaxed (mobile phone usage seemed to be kept at a minimal and although WiFi was present, sometimes reception was not the best).A special experience was the hot stone bath - taken in a shed with doors that open out to the outdoors in the middle of the fields once again with views that are just magnificent. A highlight was being able to attend the festivals at the monastery enjoying the dances & performances - such a treat! Despite being the smallest lodge, our stay here was most memorable and staff members go the extra mile. Really amazing team and one oustanding staff member was a lady Sangay Wangmo who remembered all our preferences and ensured we were well looked after & it was her smiles and cheerful disposition that won us over. An asset to the Amankora...

We spent 11 days traveling across Bhutan and staying at all of the Aman properties in Bhutan. Hands down our favorite was the lodge in Gangtey! The host Choney exudes the Aman care and concern that define the Aman experience. He could not be more charming or accommodating and he was always looking for ways to enhance our stay.||The real gems of our trip were our guide Sangay Dosha A and driver Kencho. They planned an amazing adventure and each day was better than the last. The care and concern that they put into planning and executing each day was exceptional. They really made the whole trip for us and if you go to Bhutan you should see if they are available.||Because the Aman properties include laundry service each day, you really do not need to bring much. We could fit everything for two weeks in a carry on rolling bag. Even though it was winter we could hike with layers--long underwear under pants and a tshirt under a fleece sweatshirt. A good winter jacket, scarf and hat are also useful.||The most important thing is that you hydrate as you acclimate to the altitude. The Aman also helps by filling your bathtub at night to keep the room humidity up. Our guide also carried multiple bottles of water during our hikes so we could stay hydrated.||In Gangtey a huge highlight was getting to cook and serve dinner for the local monks at the temple. There were only about 30 monks there but it was a heartwarming and memorable experience. The Aman takes care of everything and if you go during the high season book beforehand since we heard this is a very popular activity.||We also booked the potato shed dinner which was beautiful and delicious. You need to walk down a muddy and uneven path to the shed but you are rewarded with a warm fire and musical performance that starts the evening perfectly. It is also nice to know that by participating in the dinner you are helping a local former. ||The same path for the potato shed is used for the hot stone bath which is therapeutic and relaxing. Great views, but cold getting in and out. I think that we set the record for the highest number of hot stones added at about 9 stones! Other guests said that it was very hot and you just need to take your time getting out.||Overall we loved Bhutan, the people, the temples and the food. The staff does their utmost to make your stay unforgettable and you feel like you have gained a family in Bhutan. Highly recommend travel now as we saw many hotels being built and we loved the quiet and calm of the low winter season. Don't miss Gangtey, it is worth the...