What to do in Gangtey

Discover Gangtey Goemba Gangtey Goemba is perched on a forested hill overlooking the green expanse of the whole Phobjikha Valley. In 1613, the grandson and reincarnation of Pema Lingpa, Pema Thinley founded the Nyingma temple here, which has grown into today’s Gangtey Goemba. It serves as the seat of the ninth reincarnation of the body of the Terton (treasure discoverer) Pema Lingpa.

Gangtey Nature Trail The Gangtey Valley, also known as the Phobjikha Valley, is a glacial valley in mystical Bhutan. Walk along the Gangtey Nature Trail, quite popular amongst the visitors to the valley. Crossing streams and rhododendron gardens you cross Sumchubara village, afterwards you enter the Pine covered forest, which opens at a canopy that affords fabulous views of the valley. Further down, the trail passes the village of Khewang and later you will cross the Nake Chu where you will be picked up by your car. Head along a sloping pathway that takes you through towering bushes of jade-hued bamboo. At the end of the bamboo enclave lies a small group of village houses, built in the distinct Bhutanese style featuring elevated platforms, carved timber windowpanes and wood-lined arched roofs.During the spring months, the woodlands on either side of the Valley look particularly stunning, cloaked in crimson, violet and candy-floss coloured rhododendrons. In the winter months, the Valley is blanketed in pearly white snow, on which caramel-horned yaks graze. As you move upwards, you will pass ancient rhododendron forests and soaring trees whispering the ancient secrets of this mystical region. Stop for a Bhutanese-inspired lunch with magnificent views of the Valley and the sacred monasteries below. Head down to the tranquil village of Kumbu, where you can choose to end your walk, or carry on to the deep valley floor and the Shedra, a renowned and mystical place of teaching. You may even be lucky enough to spot some Himalayan Black bear, Red Panda or Tibetan fox, as many of our guests have experienced.

The Black-necked Crane Information Centre The rare black-necked crane is highly honoured in the Himalaya region. These majestic birds migrate from Tibet to Bhutan in late autumn each year, predicting the end of harvesting season and the onset of farmer relocations to the warmer, lower valley. Known as Thrung Thrung Keh Narp, literally translating to thin, tall and black necked, over 300 of these avian wonders soar to the warmer Phobjikha Valley in the winter months, looping over the Gangtey Goenpa Monastery three full times, both when they arrive and when they leave. Bhutanese folklore attributes this mystifying and perplexing behaviour to the birds paying reverence to the three sacred jewels of Buddhism, as well as asking for protection throughout their stay. Traditional stories tell the tale of a pair of cranes that choose to stay behind each year, offering themselves to the Valley for their thanks and wellbeing. The Royal Society for Protection of Nature manages The Crane Centre, which displays material on the cranes and their environment, as well as guiding conservation awareness operations on this threatened bird. A great time to visit Gangtey, the hilltop village, is in the winter months, especially November, when the Black-necked Crane Festival occurs in the courtyard of Gangtey Goenpa, with local songs, dramas and masked dances celebrating the endangered bird in fine Bhutanese fashion. crane information centre gangtey bhuta2

The Longtey Hike After an early breakfast, guests embark on the Longtey Hike. It is a 30 minute drive from Phobjikha to the starting point in Longtey village on the East-West highway. Start by walking downwards following the path to the right of the road. The path will lead through bush bamboo towards a small cluster of village houses. There are beautifully coloured rhododendron forests on both sides of the valley, and in the winter months, yaks graze in the area. Continue straight through the village upwards until you reach the start of mystifying old-growth rhododendron forest. The last part through the forest is slightly steeper uphill until you reach the pass with impressive views of the Gangtey Goemba, the Shedra, the lodge and the rest of the valley down below. Before you continue on the path as it slopes down the valley towards the idyllic Kumbu village. It is possible to get picked up from here, or you may continue down to the Shedra or all the way down to the valley. Difficulty Level: Moderate Walking time: 4 hr Attraction: Longtey village & Kumbu village

Tshewang ceremony and breakfast Experience the profound nature of the Bhutanese people in Gangtey’s most renowned hermitage on a morning tour to the 17th century Gangtey Goenpa Monastery, offering guests a spiritual experience amid crimson clad monks. The Monastery is situated in the Black Mountain region on a jade-hued woodland hill with spectacular views of the entire Phobjikha Valley below. Fine Bhutanese architecture features lower whitewashed walls, intricately carved wooden accents interlaced with ruby tones that dominate the upper and middle façade and a flat layered timber roof with rainbow fringes leading up to a gold embossed dome, shining under the Bhutanese sun. Built on the hilltop by Gyalse Rigdzin Pema Thinley, the progeny and reincarnation of treasure finder Pema Lingpa, the Goenpa is an important monastery of the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism. Partake in a Tshewang prayer ceremony, alongside monks, lamas and teachers of the dharma, wishing for personal empowerment and a fulfilling healthy life. The ceremony ends with the lighting of pale butter candles and a personal blessing from the Tulku, a reincarnated master, followed by a private tour of the holy shrine. Enjoy a Bhutanese inspired breakfast within the Monastery complex, overlooking the lush Valley below.