BEAUTIFULLY WILD
The Gangtey Valley, also known as the Phobjikha Valley, sits in one of Bhutan’s most picturesque regions. Overlooked by the magnificent Gangtey Monastery, each year the valley is visited by flocks of the rare black-necked crane.
Backed by the western slopes of the Black Mountains, the unusually flat and wide Gangtey Valley is spectacularly scenic. It’s a popular area for trekking, with routes that will take you on unforgettable journeys through traditional villages and past breath-taking panoramas.
As well as natural splendours the region is rich in wildlife. On the borders of Gangtey you’ll find the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park – the third largest national park in the country. Over 400 different types of bird have been recorded here, in addition to intriguing species like including Himalayan black bears, leopards, golden langur, sambar and red foxes.
But the animal the valley is best known for are the endangered black-necked cranes that migrate here each winter from the high plains of Tibet. Thanks to these beautiful visiting birds, the valley is now protected as an official conservation area.
The valley’s centrepiece and namesake is the majestic Gangtey Gompa, a 450-year-old monastery perched at the top of a small hill. Each year when the rare black-necked cranes migrate to the valley they circle the monastery three times. We recommend timing your visit during the annual Black Crane Festival, a spectacular occasion which celebrates the arrival of this endangered bird.
Speak to our Bhutan specialists about making Gangtey a part of your luxury, tailor-made trip.
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