Gangtey Valley Travel Guide

Exploring the Beauty and Culture of the Gangtey Valley: A Travel Guide

Gangtey Valley, also known as Phobjikha Valley, is a beautiful and peaceful valley located in the Wangdue Phodrang district of Bhutan. The valley is known for its stunning scenery and rich cultural heritage, making it a popular destination for travelers.

Located at an altitude of 3,000 meters above sea level, Gangtey Valley is situated in the Black Mountains and is home to the rare and endangered black-necked cranes. These majestic birds migrate to the valley every winter, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers.

The valley is also home to the Gangtey Monastery, which is one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Bhutan. The monastery is a significant cultural and spiritual center for the Bhutanese people, and it offers a peaceful and serene environment for visitors to explore and learn about Bhutan's rich Buddhist heritage.

In addition to the natural beauty and cultural attractions, Gangtey Valley also offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. These include hiking, birdwatching, and horseback riding. There are also several festivals held in the valley throughout the year, including the Black-Necked Crane Festival, which celebrates the arrival of the black-necked cranes in the valley.

Overall, Gangtey Valley is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of Bhutan. With its stunning scenery, rich cultural heritage, and array of outdoor activities, the valley offers something for everyone.

Speak to someone
who's been there

Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Gangtey Valley specialists

+91-9873003099

MAKE AN ENQUIRY

Best Places To Visit In Gangtey Valley

From historical cities to natural wonders, come see the best of Gangtey Valley.

Gangtey Valley

Gangte (Phobhajhika Valley) is a paradise for those who love to spend time in the lap of Mother Nature. The tourist destination in Bhutan is home to Gangteng Gompa which offers a serene bird's eye view of the valley. Apart from this, there are several trekking routes that allow the adventure lover to explore the valley at its best. Gangte Gomba is situated on top of a hill which provides a spectacular view of the entire Phobjikha Valley. It is a very important site belonging to Saint Pema Lingpa, the reincarnation of Guru Rinpoche, who introduced Buddhism to the country and uncovered its treasures. It has one of the largest halls in Bhutan. It is said that the Black Cranes go round the monastery three times upon arrival and three times when they leave.

Black Necked Crane Information Centre

Many travelers visit Phobjikha Valley (Gangte) during winters to see an indigenous Himalayan species, the black-necked stork. These beautiful storks make their way to Bhutan from the Tibetan plateau every year for the purpose of settling down. Run by the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN), the Black-Necked Crane Information Center is a must-see attraction when visiting the Phobjikha Valley. Ornithologists or anyone with a keen interest in birds may find this place the most suitable.

Khewang Lhakhang

Located on the eastern side of the Phobjikha Valley, the 15th-century Khewang Lhakhang is said to have been built by Tibetan sculptors in the Tibetan style. Inside there are 3 statues of Buddhas of the past, present and future. On the third day of the ninth month of the lunar calendar, this monastery has its own festival in which the locals themselves dance. Khewang Lhakhang is a Vajrayana monastery with three Buddha statues; past, present and future. There are many myths and magic associated with the place of construction of the lankans.

Kumbhu Lhakhang

Situated in the village of Kumbu, 2 kilometers northeast of Gangtey Monastery, is the majestic Kumbu Lhakhang. Lhakhang was founded in the 17th century under Jhabdrung Tsenden Dawa. In memory of Lama Tsenaden Dawa, the ritual of 'Kumbu Tsham Cho' is held every 8th month of the Bhutanese calendar. The two-storey structure is the perfect example of Bhutanese architecture. The ground floor houses the altar hall which is decorated with traditional paintings. On the upper level is the main temple where visitors will find three Buddha statues from the past, present and future.

Nelang Dechenling

Nyelung Dechenling Temple is one of the eight residences of Nyingma Jogchen Master Longchen Rabjam (Longchenpa) and is located near the Amankora Gangtey Resort. The monk can indulge in historical tales and fascinating relics and also bless the visitor with a religious painting called a thangka that has the handprints of Master Longchen. Nearby is an old cypress tree which is said to have emerged from its stick. Another chapel nearby is dedicated to Jogchen protector Rahula. It is said that the water of a spring near this place is a cure for mental illness and disease.