We are thrilled to announce the addition of an incredible new ballooning journey to our extraordinary collection of natural, cultural and active experiences in Bhutan. Taking flight from September 2013, the world’s highest hot-air balloon ride reveals the Phobjikha Valley’s mystical wilderness wonderland in a brand new way. Combine this with a stay at the soon to open Gangtey Goenpa Lodge. Stunning and intimate, it’s a luxe 12 room sanctuary of stone floors, exposed brick walls, dark wooden beams, intricate designs and uninterrupted valley views.

The rugged Black Mountains and the mystical Phobjikha Valley are a stunning five hour drive from Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu. Enjoy the climb over mountain passes and pass by radiant green rice fields, azure rivers and whitewashed farmhouses until you reach the pristine glacial alpine valley that is home to the rare black-necked cranes that take up winter residence here. This area is also home to the 450-year-old Gangtey Monastery. Occupying a beautiful hilltop position, this intimate and serene monastery houses a cavernous prayer hall decorated with beautifully ornate paintings.

Hot-air balloon rides take flight for a short period of time each year when the black-necked cranes are in their summer residence away from the valley. Explore the valley in a way that has never been done in Bhutan before, as you drift over mountain rivers, alpine wetlands, ancient dzongs (fortresses) and pine forests.

Combine this epic experience with a stay at the brand new Gangtey Goenpa Lodge. After a three year journey it will open its doors in June 2013. Situated high above the imposing 450-year-old Gangtey Monastery or ‘Goenpa’, the lodge is inspired architecturally by the unique Bhutanese farmhouses located in the valley and will offer 12 beautifully furnished guestrooms with intricate designs that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan. With interiors by Mary Lou Thomson, who designed Aman Sveti Stefan in Montenegro, the lodge is all natural with stone floors, rich fabrics, fireplaces, exposed brick walls, dark wooden beams and floor to ceiling glass windows that offer uninterrupted views of the alpine valley below.

For more information about our incredible Bhutan journey, visit our Bhutan page. Contact us about including this epic ballooning journey, or a stay at Gangtey Goenpa Lodge, as part of your Seven Skies Bhutan experience. As always, we would love to hear from you!