Call: +91 7384718607
Call: +91 7384718607
Bhutan’s beautiful landscape is made of sub-alpine Himalayan Mountains, valleys, meadows, rivers, and sub-tropical plains.
Landlocked in the Eastern Himalayas, most of the population of Bhutan is centralized in valleys and lowlands. There are a total of 21 valleys in Bhutan, namely, Bumdeling Valley and Lhuentse Valley in Lhuntse District; Bumdeling Valley, Gayltsa Valley, Jakar Valley, Tang Valley, and Ura Valley in Bumthang District; Chungdu Valley and Haa Valley in Haa District; Paro Valley, in Paro District; Thimphu Valley, in Thimphu District; Choekhor Valley; Gangtey Valley; Mongar Valley; Punakha Valley; Phobjikha Valley, Shingkhar Valley; Shingkhar Valley; Trongsa Valley; and Zhemgang Valley.
The central valleys are cut off from East Bhutan by the Donga Range and the western valleys are connected to the east by the Black Mountains in central Bhutan.
Few of the settlements in these valleys remain isolated from the main cities of Bhutan due to lack of transportation. This has resulted in the existence of distinct cultural and linguistic groups, who also have their own local protector deities.
Phobjikha Valley
Phobjikha Valley is surrounded by mountains and lush greenery. The place is known for its beautiful landscapes and passes. Phobjikha Valley offers beautiful landscapes ideal for walking and hiking. You can take a day’s hike and enjoy the beauty of the woods and valley.
Also known as Gangteng Valley, Phobjikha Valley is a huge U-shaped glacial valley. Most of the valleys in Bhutan are carved into the mountains by rivers, which are fed by glacial melt and monsoon rains.
The people of Phobjikha Valley follow a semi-nomadic way of life. Favourite pastimes of Phobjikha Valley people are archery and dart throwing.
Phobjikha Valley in Bhutan
Come down and celebrate with Phobjikha Valley locals
Every year, black-necked cranes, an endangered bird species, migrate to Phobjikha Valley in the winters. This has earned Phobjikha Valley the name “Valley of black-necked cranes.” Birders or anyone interested about this bird can visit the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre in Phobjikha Valley. The center also has an injured black-necked crane, which you can observe at close range.
Did you know that every year a 9-day festival is held in Phobjikha Valley to celebrate the arrival of the black-necked cranes to the valley? This festival is celebrated at Gangtey Goenpa in Phobjikha Valley. Another religious festival held at Gangte Goemba is Tsechu. This is one of the few festivals where you can witness cham(religious dances) and the hanging of a thondrol (large religious painting).
Places to see in and around Phobjikha Valley
Gangtey Monastery (4 hrs from Phobjikha Valley)
Bhutan is sprinkled with Buddhist sites such as monasteries and lhakhangs. A famous monastery located near Phobjikha Valley is Gangtey Monastery. It is also one of the largest monasteries in western Bhutan. Come down in September to watch a traditional mask dance. Gangtey Monastery is 4 hrs away from Phobjikha Valley.
Entrance to Gangtey Monastery in Bhutan
Kumbhu Lhakhang (2 hrs from Phobjikha Valley)
Kumbhu Lhakhang is dedicated to a deity of the ancient Bon religion Sipey Gyalpo. This lhakhang is also a meditation center. Kumbhu Lhakhang is said to have been built by Tibetan sculptors, which is evident in the temple design. It takes 2 hours to reach Kumbhu Lhakhang from Phobjikha Valley.
Khewang Lhakhang (Phobjikha Valley)
Khewang Lhakhang is the oldest Lhakhang in Phobjikha Valley dating back to the 15th century. It is located on the east side of Phobjikha Valley.
Khewang Lhakhang in Phobjikha Valley - Bhutan
Nyelung Drachaling (Phobjikha Valley)
Nyelung Drachaling is a 14th Century Buddhist temple in Phobjikha Valley. The temple age-old relics such as thangka painting whose back bears the handprints of Longchenpa printed in his own nose blood, a golden statue made in Longchenpa's own image, a fossilised horse's tooth, and an iron skillet made by Pema Lingpa, with his thumbprints in it.
Damcho Lhakhang (Phobjikha Valley)
This Buddhist temple is situated on the west side of Phobjikha Valley and dates back to the 14th century. The road to this Lhakhang goes past Yusa Village.
Jomolhari (98 km from Phobjikha Valley)
Jomolhari is known for the Jomolhari trek. This challenging trek starts from Paro and takes trekkers through enchanting views. The trek spans between 7-15 days on average. It is located 98 km from Phobjikha Valley.
Mt. Jhomolhari in Bhutan
Gangtey Nature Trails and Hikes (Phobjikha Valley)
Phobjikha Valley is the perfect destination for hiking and birdwatching. A good option is a 90-min trail that starts from north of Gangtey Goemba to Khewang Lhakhang.
Black-Necked Crane Information Centre (Phobjikha Valley)
You can learn about the fascinating black-necked cranes at the information centre of the Royal So¬ciety for Protection of Nature (RSPN). The centre has telescopes as well as a library.
Kuezang Chholing Shedra (Phobjikha Valley)
This educational institution provides education to around 300 Buddhist monks. Visitors are not allowed during the day when classes are taking place but upon advance request, you may gain entry. The college is located in the north of Gangtey Goemba in Phobjikha Valley.
Wangmo Hand-Woven Carpet Factory (Phobjikha Valley)
Wangmo Hand-Woven Carpet Factory was set up to empower local young women by training them in carpet making. For sale are beautifully weaved carpets at reasonable prices that you can take back as a keepsake from this valley.
Additional information on Phobjikha Valley
Stay in Phobjikha Valley
If you want to stay in this pristine valley, there are several types of accommodation ranging from hotels and resorts to camps and lodges. For a truly unique local experience pick a homestay from the 20 that are around Phobjikha Valley.
Beautiful Phobjikha Valley in Bhutan
How to get to Phobjikha Valley
Buses ply from Thimphu to Phobjikha Valley twice a week. There is also a direct bus from Wangdue to Phobjikha Valley, which takes 4 hours. Travelling to Phobjikha Valley by cab is the best option. They are available from Thimphu and Wangdue.
Souvenirs to pick up from Phobjikha Valley
At Wangmo Hand-Woven Carpet Factory are beautifully weaved carpets made by the local women of Phobjikha Valley. These can make a wonderful addition to your home or someone else’s.
Best time to visit Phobjikha Valley
The best time to visit Phobjikha Valley is between October and March.
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