A vast U-shaped glacial valley, Gangtey Valley also known as Phobhjikha Valley is one of the most beautiful tourist spots in Bhutan. Best known for its marshlands in Bhutan, Gangtey boasts of scenic splendour and cultural uniqueness letting the tourists explore the best of the tourist destination. Not just for nature and cultural enthusiasts but Gangtey has even a lot to offer to the wildlife lovers. The valley is rich in faunal biodiversity and has around 13 globally threatened species apart from the black-necked cranes that arrive every year during the winter season from the Tibetan Plateau. The tranquil vibe of the valley lures every tourist letting them spend a peaceful holiday away from the hullabaloo of mundane lives.
The serene Bhutanese valley boasts of its own important religious site named Gangtey Goempa or Gangteng Monastery, perched at a small hill that gives an exceptional view of the valley. Tourists can even visit the Black Necked Crane Information Centre to witness the cranes and indulge in other exciting things to do. For those with the zeal of a little adventure, Gangtey proves to be a wonderful destination in Bhutan offering a number of trekking trails across the valley to explore. Amongst all, the Gangtey Nature Trail happens to be the most popular which starts from the Mani stone wall to the north of the Gangtey Goempa and ends in Khewa Lhakhang. Besides, there are other points of interest in and around Gangtey like Kumbu Lhakhang and Damchen Lhakhang.
Coming to the festivals of Gangtey, the Black-Necked Cranes Festival held every year in the month of November celebrates the arrival of black-necked cranes from the Tibetan Plateau in late October. The festival is held in the courtyards of the Gangten Goempa. In addition to this, the annual Tshechu is yet another festival held in the Gangtey Monastery with the traditional mask dances being the star attraction. A trip to Gangtey in Bhutan will give the best travel experience but would turn out to be even more exciting when visiting during any of these festivals, letting one explore the best of this tourism destination.
