Gangtey is located at an altitude of 2900 m, falls under the district of Wangduephodrang and lies on the periphery of the Black Mountain National Park. One of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan, Gangtey is also known as Phobjika Valley (which is an expansive U-shaped glacial valley). This valley is designated as a conservation area, which is surrounded by the Black Mountains and plays a host to black-necked crane in winter. These migratory birds migrate to this place from neighboring Tibet. The black-necked cranes are so popular in the area that locals use to throw a festival every year on 12th November, which is marked as their arrival. Thousands of tourists & visitors are attracted to visit Phobjika Valley for witnessing these cranes.
Apart from the black-necked cranes, The Gangtey or Phobjika Valley is famous for its resident monastery- the Gangteng Monastery. This Monastery was built in 1613 and recently renovated in 2008 to be marked as one of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world. This attraction tops the list for visitors and tourists on a Pilgrimage Tour to Bhutan. Gangteng Monastery is an impressive building that sits at the head of Phobjika Valley, which is inhabited by visiting minks in the summer months.
It is also widely found that in this valley most visitors love to take leisurely walks and small treks through the village to explore serene nature. The Phobjika Valley’s varied and undulating terrain proves to be suitable for enjoying exciting activities.
SOME OF THE TOP ATTRACTIONS ARE :
GANGTEY GOEMPA
Gangteng Gompa is a historic monastery in the Black Mountain region of Bhutan. Built in the early 17th century, the monastery was established by Gyalse Rigdzin Pema Thinley, the grandson of the canonized Bhutanese “treasure revealer,” Pema Lingpa. Today, Gangteng Gompa is the largest Nyingmapa monastery in Western Bhutan.
BLACK NECKED CRANE INFORMATION CENTRE
The center showcases interesting facts about the blacked necked cranes in form of videos, brochures and diagrammatic presentations. When in Phobjikha, tourists can make use of this unique opportunity to learn more about the cranes and study their behavior.
