PHOBJIKHA VALLEY - THE LAND OF BLACK-NECKED CRANES

The Picturesque and peaceful valley is bowl-shaped in central Bhutan under Wangdue Phodrang district, and this valley has a wide range of hiking trails. It offers breathtaking views of vast expanses of green fields. The Phobjikha or Gangtey valley situated at an elevation of 3000m (9,800ft) above the sea level. This breathtaking valley has around 4500 inhabitants. The Phobjikha valley is one of the most beautiful destinations of Bhutan.

Phobjikha valley is situated in one of the most beautiful valleys of Bhutan. The valleys are also the winter home of the globally endangered Black Necked Cranes. The birds migrate from October to February, and you see them during this time of the year. The arrival of the cranes signals the end of the harvesting season in Phobjikha. In the summer the Black Necked Cranes fly to Tibet.



Gangtey valley is part of nature and wildlife preserves for the conversation of the ecosystem. To converse the ecosystem and to raise awareness of both locals and travellers, Gangtey valley held an annual crane festival every year on 11th November.

Phobjikha valley houses quite a lot of hiking and trekking trails with the most beautiful views of the landscape apart from cultural trips to temples and monasteries. Phobjikha valley is a paradise for trekkers and bird watchers as well as a perfect place if you are a nature photography enthusiast. There are also traditional villages one could visit and observe the Bhutanese rural lifestyle.

The weather feels cold throughout the year, where the summer season is pleasant and the winter season is cold and dry in Phobjikha valley. The best time to visit Gangtey valley during summer before monsoon season and from October to December as this is the perfect time to encounter the Black Necked Crane.

In terms of the sightseeing place, there is not much to see in Phobjikha. The valley is beautiful and scenic with unspoiled nature which makes it worth to visit Gangtey. The places you can visit here are the impressive ancient Buddhist monasteries (Gangtey Monastery), Black Necked Crane Information Centre, Gangtey nature trails, Khewang Lhakhang, Kuesang Chholing Shedra, and Nyelung Dechenling. Folowwing are best places to explore in Phobjhika Valley.

BLACK-NECKED CRANE INFORMATION CENTRE

Black-Necked Crane Information Centre shows a very informative documentary about the migratory cranes and the various steps Bhutan government & people are taking to preserve the endangered species. Phobjikha Valley is habitat to the highest number of cranes although Black Necked cranes fly to other places of Bhutan like Bumdeling, Khotokha, Lhuentse and Bumthang. During crane season time, you can use the Information center's high power telescope and spotting scopes to catch the best view of the cranes from the lens.

GANGTEY (HILLTOP) MONASTERY OR GANGTEY GOEMBA

It located atop a hill overlooking the fertile valley, and it was erect in the 17th century. The legendary treasure finder Pema Lingpa had a vision that a Goemba named Gangtey would be erect here at Gangtey. Following the prophecy, they built Monastery of the Nyingmapa temple. As per local people of Gangtey, there is this beautiful crane tradition. The crane circumambulates around the Gangtey temple thrice when they fly to Phobjikha valley. Every year the annual Black Necked Crane festival is held at the courtyard of Gangtey Goemba. This Gangtey Goemba consists of butter lamp house, guesthouse, monk’s hostel, central Goemba, and meditation centre.

GANGTEY NATURE TRAILS

Gangtey Nature trail will take around 1.5 hours to complete the hike. It lies at the elevation of 2900m above the sea level, and the entire hiking trail is approximately 4km. It is the most beautiful and shortest of the nature trail. The spectacular fertile valley surrounded by enthralling landscape. The hiking trail starts from the Mani (stupa) to the north of the Gangtey Goemba and ends at the Khewa Lhakhang. Several hiking trails take you through the small bamboo plants and the pine forest which provides a spectacular view of the Phobjikha valley. This Gangtey Nature Trail is famous among all for a day hike.

DOTSHO (TRADITIONAL HOT STONE BATH)

The traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath is practiced as pain healer soak in the country from olden days. It is the perfect way to relax and wind down after a long day of sightseeing, and it considered for numerous health benefits. Bhutanese admitted that the local herbs all combine to produce medicinal benefits for joint pains, hypertension, stomach disorders and arthritis. River stone is heated then put in the wooden tubs which are made of pine and oak tree and then medicinal herbs added to the water. If you want to experience this traditional form of stone bathing, you can inform you beforehand for the arrangement.

BIRD WATCHING IN PHOBJIKHA

Bhutan is home to many species of birds, and the Black-Necked Cranes can spot in Phobjikha valley from October to March. The most variety of bird's species in the country is around the wetlands and marshes of the beautiful Phobjikha valley and other parts of central, eastern and southern Bhutan. The wetlands areas are perfect for resting and feeding spots for birds like cranes, storks, herons, kingfishers, indigenous species of fish-eagles and ducks. You can spot the Satyr Trogons, Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Short-billed Minivet, Laughing Thrush, and Yellow-rumped Honey guides in Phobjikha valley. The birds that are native of Bhutan be seen all year round in their habitats.

EXPERIENCE STAY IN BHUTANESE FARM STAY

The Bhutanese people are welcoming and will give you a warm smile as soon as they see you. It is always an opportunity to experience a typical village life in Bhutan. The traditional Bhutanese houses are very colourful, decorative and follow the same architectural pattern. Most traditional houses built with stones and mud without any nails. The ground floor used as a shelter for cattle during the olden day, but now it is used as a store purpose. It was a move to improve a household’s hygiene and sanitation.

In Phobjikha walk for a while across the paddy fields, and you will find villages. You will get to witness houses with Bhutanese architecture and usually walls painted with Phallus. Earlier only hoteliers were benefiting from tourist visiting the locality of Phobjikha but today options of homestays are available as accommodation. The experience and feelings of staying on farm stay are different from other forms of accommodation. The best thing about homestay is tourist can also eat with the host family, and learn more about the local culture from the host family.

KHEWANG LHAKHANG

The Khewa Lhakhang situated on the eastern side of Phobjikha, opposite direction to Crane Information Centre. The Khewang temple built in the 15th century in the middle of the wetland. It houses the three main statues of the past, present and future Buddha’s (Dusum Sangay). Even the temple houses little monks who are into Buddhism studies. Every year Khewang Lhakhang festival is held here.

EXPERIENCE ARCHERY WITH LOCAL PEOPLE

Archery is the most popular sport in Bhutan, and it is the national sport of Bhutan. The Archery tournaments are magnificent with shooters and their high-tech carbon fiber compound bows. It seems almost impossible for anyone to hit the target that is so small and a far away more than 100 meters is precisely inspiring.

In Bhutan, people play archery during social events and occasions. Archery game is unique and different from other games. The archery targets are placed more than 100 meters with archers going back and forth between two targets. You can join a local archery tournament or witness archery at the archery playground.

OPEN AIR CAMPSITE AT PHOBJIKHA

The best season for camping is in spring, autumn and winter, and Phobjikha gives you the best spot for camping. The camping gives you the feeling of being closer to nature. In Phobjikha valley, you are not allowed to pitch the tent on the protected area but always check with villagers to find the right place for the campsite. The camping is the best way to get outdoors with friends and families. It will add charm if you could make a bonfire and enjoy with some glass of wine watching the beautiful sky.

PICNIC WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Gangtey valley is the best spot for a family picnic. The people from Thimphu with pack lunch use to visit Phobjikha valley with friends and family. Khewa Lhakhang area is the best spot to eat out lunch. The best part of the picnic is to enjoy a breath-taking view of the Phobjikha valley.

KUMBHU LHAKHANG

Kumbhu Lhakhang was built in the 17th century by a Tibetan Lama Tshenden Dawa. From Gangtey village it is about an hour walk to Kumbhu Lhakhang. The hike up to the hill of Kumbhu Lhakhang is relatively easy. There is a statue of the Medicine Buddha (Sangay Menla) on the main floor. The Bhutanese people have a faith that when they suffer from an illness, they pray to the Sangay Menla (Medicine Buddha). To commemorate the death of Lama Tsenden Dawa who has built the Kumbhu Lhakhang a special ritual performs known as Kumbhu Tsham choe.

RESTAURANT IN PHOBJIKHA

Thimphu is the capital city has more option for restaurants, and once you cross beyond these places; there are limited choices for dining outside. The choices are very limited in Phobjikha even though Indian cuisine, continental and Bhutanese cuisines are available as only a small fraction of the tourist visits here. The restaurants are small but a few restaurants available for good dining.

Good dining options in Phobjikha are mostly available in 3 – 5 stars hotels. It is always advisable to call the restaurant to check food options before walk-in if you wish to place a la carte order. Your meal order might take more time as limited people should manage everything. Here are some of the best restaurants in Phobjikha such as Hotel Kuenphen Norbuding, Wangchuk Lodge, Gakiling Guesthouse, Dewachen Hotel and Spa and My home resort.

NYELUNG DECHENLING

Nyelung Dechenling situated near Amankora Gangtey resort. Nyelung temple houses religious picture (Thangka) which contains the handprint of Master Longchen. The temple has a friendly monk who takes the visitors around Nyelung Dechenling and narrates ancient tales with great enthusiasm. Nearby Nyelung Dechenling there is an old cypress tree which beliefs to have emerged out of Longchenpa’s walking stick. The water near this area is said to be holy water and believed to cure the disease.

WANGMO HAND-WOVEN CARPET FACTORY (PHOBJIKHA)

This Wangmo Hand-Woven factory is a carpet factory situated below the Yue Loki Guesthouse in Phobjikha. It was set by local women (Dorji Wangmo) in 1992 that produces hand-woven carpet with different patterns and designs. Wangmo Hand-woven carpet factory employs only female weavers to empower women. The owner of the factory even trains young girls in carpet making, and the carpet is sale to the visitors at a reasonable price.

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