Gangtey – Phobjikha Valley
Glacial Valley of Phobjikha
Phobjikha is a wide glacial valley with a central stream meandering through the open grassland and thickets of dwarf bamboo. Farmlands occupy the peripheral slopes where potatoes and turnips are grown. The forests beyond the farms are mostly coniferous. The general vegetation is composed of mainly blue pine, birch, maple and several species of rhododendrons. The Central Valley inhabited by the cranes in winter has mostly dwarf bamboo. The repeated grazing of the bamboos by the local cattle and horses in summer prepares the ground for the wintering cranes. The magnificent Black-necked Cranes heighten the breathtaking scenery of Phobjikha in winter.
Trips that visit Gangtey – Phobjikha Valley
- Bhutan Festival & Sikkim TourDay 11: Gangtey, Phobjikha valley 17 days
- Drukyul Walking Tour BhutanDay 6: Jakar - Trongsa/Gangtey 13 days
- Bhutan Dragon Festival TourDay 6: Gangtey, Phobjikha Valley 12 days
- Highlights of Bhutan TourDay 5: Drive to Gangtey, Phobjikha 10 days
- Gangtey Horse Riding AdventureDay 2: Thimphu to Gangtey 9 days
Near Gangtey – Phobjikha Valley
More to see around Wangdue.
-
Nature & Viewpoints
Black-Necked Crane Information Centre
This center provides insights into black-necked cranes and the valley's ecosystem. Visitors can utilize high-quality spotting scopes and cross-reference their sightings with the Field Guide to Crane Behaviour pamphlet.
-
Sight
Black-necked Crane
‘Thrung Trung Karmo' as this bird is passionately known in Bhutan is the subject of many Bhutanese songs and folklore.
-
Sight
Chukarpo to Thampe Tsho
Approx. 18km, 5-6 hours trek / 400m ascent, 640m descent We continue descend along the bank of the river until we reach a yak pasture at Gala Pang Chhu (4010m).
-
Temples & Monasteries
Gangtey Gompa Monastery
Gangteng Monastery, also known as Gangtey Sangngak Choling, was established in 1613 by the first Gangteng Tulku, Rigdzin Pema Tinley (1564–1642).
