Phobjikha Valley

About Phobjikha Valley

  • Phobjikha is a vast U-shaped glacial valley with a central stream meandering through the open grass land. Phobjikha is one of the most prestigious places in Bhutan. Falling under Wangdue Phodrang District. It is approximately 135km from the capital Thimphu and takes more than five hours by car.

  • Phobjikha is also known as the valley of the cranes as it is a popular destination for the unique creature the ‘Black Necked Crane’ which has been listed by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) as an endangered species. The good news is that over the years, there has been steady rise in their numbers. The cranes are not a permanent resident of Phobjikha though as they migrate from Tibet during cold winters. There are annual festivals dedicated to this elegant creature. On arrival in the Phobjikha valley in the last week of October, the Black Necked Cranes circle the Gangtey Monastery three times and also repeat the process while returning to Tibet. The cranes are believed to bring prosperity and harmony in the local community.

  • Phobjikha can also be known as Gangtey which is named after the Gangtey Monastery that is seventeen centuries old. The valley is one of the most popular tourist destination in the Country and it has been declared a protected area which is managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN). Most of the residences there, practice agriculture and the district also started exploring ecotourism whereby home stay programs have started.

  • Activities like the hike along the valley, visiting the Gangtey monastery, checking out the crane centre and exploring a typical Bhutanese home stays are some of the activities that can be pursued at Phobjikha Valley.

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