Gangtey Monastery, Gangtey of Bhutan
Gangtey is a beautiful and serene valley located in central Bhutan. It is also known as the Phobjikha Valley which is surrounded by towering mountains and verdant forests. One of the highlights for Gangtey tour is that each winter the endangered black-necked cranes will migrate to the valley from the Tibetan Plateau. Gangtey is the first chioce for tourists who come to experience the valley's natural beauty, culture, and tradition.
In Gangtey, you can spend 2 or 3 days exploring its places of interest like Gangtey Monastery (one of the oldest and largest Nyingma monasteries in Bhutan), Black Necked Crane Information Centre (the endangered black-necked cranes that migrate to the valley every winter from the Tibetan Plateau), and Gangtey Nature Trail (take visitors through the beautiful countryside and provide stunning views of the Himalayas).
Gangtey Monastery (Gangtey Goemba, Gangtey Gonpa) was first built in 1613 by Pema Thinley, the grandson, and re-embodiment of Pema Lingpa (the reincarnation of Guru Rinpoche, 1450-1521). It is a beautiful temple architecture that stands on the hilltop and is a great spot to view the picturesque Phobjikha Valley. It is said that the Black-necked cranes circle the monastery three times when they arrive and three times when they leave. Each year on Nov. 11, the Black-necked Crane Festival with local songs, dramas, and masked dances is held at the courtyard of Gangtey Goemba to celebrate the arrival of the endangered bird migrating from the Tibetan Plateau.
Gangtey Monastery, Gangtey of Bhutan
In Black Necked Crane Information Centre, you can enter the observation room and use the telescope and spotting scopes to watch the Black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis). Every year (Oct. to Feb.), over 300 cranes migrate from Tibet to Bhutan for their winter months in Phobjikha Valley. As an indigenous Himalayan species, the black-necked cranes are the holy bird in the eyes of local people as it is a symbol of longevity. It was helpful for the center to protect and conserve the Black-necked crane and its species since 2003. It is a nice place to know more about the cranes and study their behavior.
Black Necked Crane Information Centre, Gangtey of Bhutan
Gangtey Nature Trail (4km, 1.5-2hours) start from Gangtey Monastery(3030m) and ends in Khewang Lhakhang(2850m). It is the most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. You can immerse yourselves in the beauty of the Phobjikha Valley(2840m) with farmhouses, dense pine forests, rhododendron forests, and bamboo plants on foot. This trail is suitable for all levels of hikers.One of the main attractions of the Gangtey Nature Trail is the opportunity to see the endangered black-necked cranes that migrate to the valley every winter from the Tibetan Plateau. These majestic birds are a symbol of good luck and prosperity in Bhutan, and they are protected by law in the country.
Gangtey Nature Trail, Gangtey of Bhutan
The Gangtey Tshechu is a three-day festival that usually takes place in the month of November. It is a vibrant and colorful festival that takes place annually in the Gangtey Monastery in the Phobjikha Valley of Bhutan. This festival is celebrated to honor the teachings of Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, and it is a significant event for the local community.During the festival, monks from the Gangtey Monastery and other nearby monasteries perform traditional dances and mask dances known as cham. These dances are performed to ward off evil spirits and to bring good luck and prosperity to the community.The festival also features other cultural activities, including traditional Bhutanese music, food, and crafts. You can sample the local cuisine and purchase traditional Bhutanese handicrafts, such as textiles, pottery, and jewelry.
Gangtey Tshechu, Gangtey of Bhutan
Gangtey is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Bhutan. Its breathtaking natural beauty, rich culture and tradition, and opportunities for trekking and authentic experiences make it a popular destination for tourists from around the world. Sure, besides Gangtey Monastery, Black Necked Crane Information Centre, and Gangtey Nature Trail, there is more for you to visit around Gangtey.
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