The Trongsa Yangkhil Lodge: Striking valley views across the historic Trongsa Dzong

The panoramic views from this lodge—of Trongsa Dzong, Bhutan's most majestic fortress, its guardtower Taa Dzong, and the forested mountain ridges rising above them—have made a stay here worthwhile for many of our past guests. Built into a terraced hillside facing this scene, Yangkhil offers unobstructed views from its indoor and outdoor dining areas.

Yangkhil's well-spaced grounds —featuring colorful Bhutanese motifs such as a wall of brightly painted mani wheels and other traditional art and designs —evoke a relaxed feeling of peace and serenity. The property features lush gardens, a recessed pond fed by a waterfall with a small wooden bridge, a large roofed prayer wheel such as the kind one sees outside Himalayan temples and monasteries, flagstone paths with traditional fencing along the edges, and abundant primary-colored prayer flags fluttering overhead.

The rooms are clean and comfortable for a quick stop overnight, combining Bhutanese architecture with modern fixtures and hot running water. All the rooms have comfortable wardrobes, dressing tables, wood floors, and bathrooms with tall mirrors and bathtubs with showers attached. Suites also feature indoor sitting areas, private balconies, and minibars. The restaurant serves Indian, Bhutanese, and Continental food, and has large windows for gazing out over the valley to the immense, lushly forested gorge and the historic Trongsa Dzong; the outdoor dining terrace has heating lamps for dining in cooler weather. Yangkhil also has a bar, a serviceable yoga room, convenience store, small business center, and free-wifi, albeit not always reliable, throughout the property.