Gangtey, Bhutan

This is our go-to option for this area if your budget won’t stretch to the nearby Amankora or Gangtey Lodge. Its location couldn’t be better. Designed in high Bhutanese style, with beautifully painted carved-wood eaves and distempered white walls, the hotel occupies a prime position overlooking the Phobjikha Valley. The rooms look survey a glorious sweep of forest and mountains: you can spend hours gazing at the clouds rolling over the tree tops and ridges, while below in the mashes flocks of black-necked cranes graze in winter. Wood burners are installed in each room to ensure you’ll be cosy, even in the event of a power cut, which occur from time to time in this remote corner of the Himalayas. Meals are served in a traditional dining hall and are sociable affairs. Rather than attempt complicated western dishes, the chefs stick to Bhutanese staples, made with the freshest local ingredients, and the results are delicious – just what you need after a day explore the wonderful Gangtey region.