Gangtey Lodge Recognized in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Award as #15 Resort in Asia
The 12-suite luxury resort in Bhutan’s Phobjikha Valley earns top honors from global travelers
Phobjikha Valley, Bhutan (October 6, 2026): Condé Nast Traveler today announced the results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards, recognizing Gangtey Lodge as the #15 Resort in Asia. Perched high above Bhutan’s remote and extraordinary Phobjikha Valley, Gangtey Lodge offers more than a stay in one of the Kingdom’s most beautiful landscapes. It offers an invitation to slow down, reconnect and experience a way of life shaped by Bhutan’s enduring values of spirituality, community and harmony with nature.
Set within a protected conservation area and winter home to the endangered black-necked cranes, the lodge is deeply rooted in its surroundings. Here, the rhythm of daily life is measured not by the pace of the outside world, but by the seasons, the mountains and centuries-old traditions. At Gangtey Lodge, Bhutan’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness comes to life through experiences designed to encourage presence, reflection and a deeper connection to place.
Drawing architectural inspiration from traditional Bhutanese Farmhouses, Gangtey Lodge features 12 sumptuous Suites honoring the Kingdom's heritage with its interpretation of classic rural architecture. Each suite frames sweeping views of the valley floor and the nearby 17th-century Gangtey Monastery. Bhutan naturally moves at a slower pace, where its quiet valleys encourage travelers to disconnect, slow down, and live fully in the present moment.
“To be recognized among the top resorts in Asia by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler touches every heart on our team,” said Khin Omar Win, Co-Founder of Gangtey Lodge. “Our hope has always been to offer a profound connection to Bhutan and the quiet of Phobjikha Valley. We are so grateful to our guests, whose reverence for our culture and landscapes turns every stay into a spiritual journey.”
The lodge offers immersive opportunities to connect with local traditions, from private morning or evening prayer sessions with monks to personalized spiritual blessing ceremonies. Guests can unwind in traditional dotsho (hot stone) baths warmed by river stones and infused with wild medicinal leaves, or savor authentic farm-to-table dining crafted with ingredients foraged from surrounding forests Travelers can also venture out on mountain bikes, immerse themselves in pine-fringed nature trails or hike through the protected valley.
With a season of transformative experiences unfolding in the Kingdom, there are many compelling reasons to visit Gangtey Lodge:
Return of the Black-Necked Cranes: Every fall, the Phobjikha Valley transforms as hundreds of endangered, sacred black-necked cranes migrate from the Tibetan Plateau. Guests at Gangrey Lodge enjoy access to their winter nesting grounds and can join in celebrating the annual Black-Necked Crane Festival at Gangtey Goenpa on November 11, 2026.
Ananda in the Himalayas Residency: Gangtey Lodge is expanding its longstanding approach to holistic wellbeing with the announcement of Inner Reset with Yoga, a seven-day residency in a rare collaboration with Ananda in the Himalayas, one of the world’s most renowned wellness destinations. From November 26 through December 2, 2026, the immersive week invites guests to deepen their understanding of balance, mindfulness and connection through yoga, meditation and Himalayan wellness traditions, with a focus on deep restoration, inner clarity and conscious living.
Condé Nast Traveler received more than 798,867 survey responses from readers across the United States rating their travel experiences across the globe to offer a comprehensive look at the places they eagerly anticipate revisiting. The Readers' Choice Awards, with its unparalleled legacy as the travel industry's longest-running and most prestigious accolades from our readers, remains the ultimate symbol and acknowledgment of excellence within the travel sector. The full list of winners can be found here.
The 2026 Readers' Choice Awards are published on Condé Nast Traveler's website at cntraveler.com/rca and celebrated in the November issue.
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About Gangtey Lodge:
The multi-award-winning Gangtey Lodge is set high above the Phobjikha (Gangtey) Valley in the Kingdom of Bhutan with sweeping views over the 17th-century monastery and valley floor. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and awarded two Michelin Keys for 2026, the Bhutanese farmhouse-inspired lodge boasts 12 beautifully designed suites while offering every comfort and luxury in one of the most remote places in the world. Through unique adventures, guests will discover a spiritual presence and peace of mind, while experiencing the country’s rich and fascinating history and culture. Gangtey Lodge embraces Bhutan’s concept of Gross National Happiness by pursuing a harmonious balance between respecting nature and promoting cultural preservation and sustainable development.
