Gangtey Lodge is pleased to announce its September 2022 reopening as the mystical Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan welcomes back international travellers. The multi-award-winning lodge offers the perfect blend of luxury, nature, culture, and spiritual enlightenment through its regenerative and sustainable practices. Gangtey Lodge boasts 12 beautifully designed suites with sweeping views of the Phobjikha Valley, where luxury and adventure connect guests with the culture and community of Bhutan. Bhutan is the perfect escape from fast-paced city life because of its stunning landscapes, ancient Monasteries, spicy food, colourful festivals, and authenticity. The Land of the Thunder Dragon is a life-changing experience with exhilarating activities and genuine cultural immersion in a beautiful untamed wilderness.
After an almost three-year closure, the country is poised to open with a focus on a sustainability model of high-value, low-volume tourism. New efforts are aimed to keep the country carbon negative and a green destination for tourists while protecting its people, culture, values, and environment. Starting September 23, 2022, the standard minimum daily spend of $250 per person per day will be replaced by a new daily Sustainable Development Fee of $200, which will go towards activities that promote carbon-neutral tourism and build a more sustainable tourism sector. Beyond protecting the country’s natural environment, the SDF will be directed towards activities that preserve Bhutan’s historic and living cultural heritage, including architecture and traditional values. These include well-managed community-led projects that promote the sharing of authentic experiences and
education of Bhutan’s traditions and culture. The SDF will also develop tourism activities that help local communities thrive economically. All these significant efforts require investment which the SDF will financially support.
“COVID-19 has allowed us to rethink how the sector can be best structured and operated so that it not only benefits Bhutan economically but socially as well while keeping carbon footprints low. In the long run, our goal is to create high-value experiences for visitors and well-paying and professional jobs for our citizens,” shares Dr Tandi Dorji, Foreign Minister of Bhutan and Chairperson of the Tourism Council of Bhutan.
Additionally, the former mandate to book with designated operators has been removed. Starting this fall, travellers can book directly with hotels, while the government still requires an assigned guide. There will be no quarantine after the 23rd of September. Currently, 97% of the eligible Bhutanese community has been vaccinated. Festivals for 2022 will be back on the calendar and include Gangtey Tshechu from October 7-9 and Black Neck Craned Festival on November 11.
As one of the few independent boutique lodges in Bhutan, Gangtey Lodge remains truly committed to its mission to empower and create opportunities for the local community through training and employment and respecting the environment.
Khin Omar Win, owner of Gantey Lodge, shares, “After two and a half years of closure, we are thrilled to re-open. Our Gangtey Lodge Family are excited to be back together again and is ready to celebrate the return to travel with our guests. We can not wait to share the new well-being experiences that we have developed, to immerse guests into our beautiful valley’s nature, culture and traditions.”
In 2023, Gangtey Lodge will celebrate its 10th anniversary and are eager to share its new guest experiences with travellers, including friends, families and honeymooners.
EXPLORE WITH FRIENDS
Reaching Gangtey Lodge is half the fun as you travel up and over beautiful forested Himalayan valleys. Upon arrival to their suites, guests receive a welcome Relaxing Massage and in-suite Relaxing Bath to help rejuvenate and prepare them for the adventures ahead. For guests wanting an active way to explore the Valley, they can enjoy a beautiful hike through mountain forests or try a mountain bike and follow the numerous trails that start right on the property. For the most energetic, climbing to the top of the pass will certainly test your fitness, and there will be an exhilarating cruise back to the lodge downhill.
FAMILY FUN
Opportunities to play, learn, and grow together in this unique Kingdom will leave a deep and lasting impact on the entire family for years to come. Families who show a particular interest in community initiatives and education may enjoy visiting local schools. Whether learning how to track and identify different birds and trees with the changing seasons or applying Buddhist philosophy principles to daily life, visiting Bhutan is a unique experience far removed from the demands and distractions of urban life. Children’s eyes are opened to a completely different world and perspectives and filled with experiences they could never have at home. The exciting ‘Learn About The Forest’ Course is a customized, fun-filled program that opens a new world to young explorers. It includes teaching mountain and forest survival techniques through competitions and nature quizzes. It allows children to be hands-on by helping plant trees directly impact the local environment.
ROMANTIC HONEYMOON EXPERIENCES
The romance and adventure of a Bhutanese Journey are one-of-a-kind experiences, whether indulging in pure relaxation or more active pursuits in this pristine environment. Couples arriving at Gangtey Lodge will be greeted with a Welcome Relaxing Massage before being led to their Farmhouse Suite. Couples can soak in a herbal bath next to the fireplace to rejuvenate after a long journey. In honour of the honeymoon celebration, guests are invited to have a private Thrussell and Moenlam Blessing and Prayer Ceremony, performed by one of the Masters from the Monks University, for the purification of negative forces and protection against future obstacles. After this deeply spiritual experience, a special welcome dinner awaits before retiring for a special turndown experience in your suite.
Rates begin at $600 per person per night. For reservations, please contact res@gangteylodge.com or visit www.gangteylodge.com/reservations.
Edited by: Matthew Thomas
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