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Stunningly unspoiled and bursting with rugged high-altitude natural beauty, Bhutan and Nepal offer some of the most spectacular vantages in the world. Here are six hotels that take in some of the best vistas in the Himalayas.
Jaw-dropping views are par for the course at the Como Uma Punkha, an intimate luxury lodge (11 rooms), with light and airy decor accented by wood-burning stoves and hand-painted murals. However, the most incredible feature of this lodge is the view.
The Como Uma Punakha is perfectly perched on a hillside to allow all rooms to have dramatic views of the valley below. It overlooks lush green paddy fields, rolling forested mountains, and the surging Mo Chhu River. In many ways, it has the best views of any luxury lodge in Bhutan. And for additional pampering of the senses, there’s a spa on-site.
Como Uma Punakha, Botokha Kabesa Punakha, Punakha, Bhutan | (+975) 2 584688
Gangtey Lodge was lovingly designed and inspired by Bhutanese farmhouses. The result is a traditional atmosphere with all the trappings of a luxury boutique retreat in 12 suites. With gorgeous local fabrics, exposed wooden beams, and brickwork, Gangtey effortlessly blends sumptuous cutting-edge design with a local homely Bhutanese feel.
All accommodation has an incredible view into the Gangtey Valley below—a protected reserve for black-necked cranes—and some overlook nearby Gangtey Monastery. One of the best places to take in the scenery is on the gorgeous, expansive terrace that opens onto the valley. Cuddle up under a blanket with a cup of warm tea and watch the pillowy clouds roll over the forested mountains that surround you. With a view like this, you certainly won’t be wondering what the WiFi password is.
Gangtey Lodge, Just under the Monastery, Phobjikha, Gangtey Valley, Bhutan | (+975) 2 340943
Sleek and stylish, Taj Tashi strikes the perfect balance between traditional Bhutanese style and modern sophistication. This ornately decorated, gold-hued hotel is the perfect place for exploring Bhutan’s capital city while taking is a panorama of the vicinity.
Nestled in the Thimpu valley, Taj Tashi has incredible views of the charming city from its 66 rooms, alongside the banks of the Thimphu river. Brightly painted, elaborately-decorated facades, carved architectural woodwork, and some of Bhutan’s most spectacular religious buildings are all within sight. In the evenings, take in the surrounding forested beauty, inhaling the fresh evergreen scent that breezes through the air and snuggle up to the warming fire pit in cosy luxury.
Taj Tashi, Samtem Lam, Chubachu, Thimpu, Bhutan | (+975) 2 336699
No view is a bad one at Amankora. This stunning property was built to blend in with its surrounds and is engulfed seamlessly by the forest. Staying here you’ll feel at one with nature, while still having all the comforts of a luxury hotel. For ultimate relaxation, head to the glass-walled yoga suite. Your downward-facing dog has never come with views like this before.
At Amankora, the views are truly unbelievable, you can take in 17th-century Drukgyel Dzong (fortress) ruins, the 7,300-metre-high, snow-capped Jhomolhari peak and beyond.
Amankora, Paro, Thimphu Punakha, Gangtey Bumthang, Bhutan | (+975) 2 331333
This collection of four lodges are set about a half day’s walk apart from each other. The low-impact trek allows you to really take in the amazing landscape of the region and local villages that are strung along the mountainside. Ker and Downey Lodges also arrange excursions and outdoor activities in the vicinity of all lodges.
Ker and Downey Lodges, Machhapuchhre Tourist Rd, Dhampus 33700, Nepal | (+977) 1 4435686 / (+977) 1 4435645
A tranquil base from which to enjoy breath-taking Nepalese scenery, Tiger Mountain Lodge sits in an incredible position overlooking the Annapurna range and the Pokhara Valley. Accommodation is surrounded by gardens of fruit trees, shrubs, and bamboo, creating a lush hillside oasis. The panoramic views of three Himalayan peaks can be seen from the rooms’ private verandas. For another serene view, head to the infinity pool, where you’ll feel as if you’re swimming on the edge of the world. This is the type of place where your daily worries just melt away.
Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge, Kandani Danda Pokhara-Lekhnath 26, Kaski 33700, Nepal | (+977) 1 4720580
Scott Dunn is a luxury tour operator specialising in tailor-made holidays. We build your holiday around what you want, not our preferences, and we take the time to understand what you enjoy so we can create the perfect holiday for you.
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