Getting Bhutan
GANGTEY & PHOBJIKHA VALLEY
Gangtey Valley is one of the most beautiful regions in Bhutan, known for its wide, open landscape surrounded by mountains. Unlike most enclosed valleys in the country, it offers a rare sense of vastness and space after a steep climb through dense forests.
At its heart lies Phobjikha Valley, the winter home of endangered black-necked cranes. The area features the Nakay Chhu and Gay Chhu rivers and is rich in natural beauty, legends, and biodiversity near the Black Mountain National Park.
Places of interest in and around Gangtey
1.Gangtey Goenpa (Gangtey Monastery)
Gangtey Goenpa is the largest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan, located on a hill overlooking Phobjikha Valley at 2,800m. It was founded by Gyalse Pema Thinley, grandson of Pema Lingpa, and offers stunning views of the surrounding valley and its natural beauty.
Established in 1613, the monastery follows the teachings of Pema Lingpa. It was later expanded by the second Gangtey Tulku, Tenzin Legpa Dondrup, who rebuilt it in dzong style. The monastery remains an important spiritual center surrounded by a village of Gomchen families.
2. Gangtey Nature Trail
The Gangtey Nature Trail is a scenic 5.5 km walk through Phobjikha Valley. It passes forests, meadows, chortens, and villages, ending near a community school. The easy two-hour hike offers beautiful views of the valley, Gangtey Goenpa, and local rural life.
3. Kilkorthang Trail
Kilkorthang Trail is a short village hike across Phobjikha Valley. It passes Kilkorthang village, a wooden bridge, and stream delta formations before reaching Damchoe Lhakhang. The one-hour walk offers a peaceful experience of local villages, farmland, and natural scenery.
4. Lhongtey to Gangtey Goenpa Hike
This challenging 9 km hike begins near Pele La and passes villages, bamboo forests, and Gyeche La Pass. It offers stunning views of Phobjikha Valley and Gangtey Goenpa. The trail descends through forests and meditation sites, showcasing rich biodiversity and black-necked crane habitats.
5. Tabeding to Tangjey Lhakhang Hike
This moderate 11 km hike explores villages, farms, and temples in Phobjikha Valley. Starting from Tabeding, it passes Kilkhorthang and Tangjey village, ending at a peaceful temple. The route features scenic landscapes, rivers, and traditional rural Bhutanese life with agricultural fields.