Amankora Gangtey — eight suites on the forested ridge above the Phobjikha valley.

The setting — high glacial valley

The lodge sits at approximately 3,000 metres on the forested eastern ridge of the Phobjikha valley. The view from the lodge: the broad glacial valley floor below, the Gangtey Monastery on the opposite ridge, the surrounding forested ridges of Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park's buffer zone. The valley silence is the lodge's principal atmospheric quality. Phobjikha is famously quiet — the absence of overhead electric lines (buried underground to protect the crane flight paths), the small population, the high altitude all combine to produce a register of stillness rare in the country and rarer still elsewhere.

Suites and the bukhari heating

The eight suites follow the principal Aman pattern — king bed, sitting area, private terrace with valley view, bathroom with the traditional Bhutanese hot-stone bath. The highest-altitude Amankora lodge benefits from substantial heating in the winter months; each suite has a bukhari (the traditional Bhutanese wood-burning stove). All suites face the valley; crane viewing is possible directly from the suite terraces in season.

Common questions

Is the lodge called Gangtey or Phobjikha?

Both names refer to the same area. Phobjikha is the valley name; Gangtey is the monastery and the village name. They are used interchangeably.

When are the cranes present?

Approximately late October to mid-February — the black-necked cranes winter in the valley from the Tibetan plateau. The 11 November Crane Festival at Gangtey Monastery marks the peak of the season.

Is the valley too cold in winter?

Cold but the lodge is well-heated. Most visitors find the high-altitude winter clarity (clear skies, sharp light, cranes in flight) the principal reason to visit. The November-February window is the peak of the Phobjikha register.

Does the lodge close in monsoon?

No. Unlike Paro and Punakha, Gangtey operates year-round.