Gangtey, Bhutan: travel guide
The gateway to Phobjikha Valley and its wintering black-necked cranes
Gateway to the glacial Phobjikha Valley, winter home of the endangered black-necked cranes and site of the 17th-century Gangtey Goenpa monastery.
About Gangtey
Gangtey is the village and monastery at the head of the glacial Phobjikha Valley, a broad, bowl-shaped valley of pasture and pine in central Bhutan. It feels spacious after the narrow gorges elsewhere, and the mountains stand clear on all sides.
Gangtey Goenpa, the 17th-century monastery, overlooks the valley and is the focus of the area. Below, the Gangtey Nature Trail is an easy walk across the meadows and through the forest, and the Black-Necked Crane Visitor Centre explains the endangered cranes that winter here. The birds are the reason many travellers come.
Gangtey suits walkers and wildlife lovers who like quiet scenery. Winter is the time for the cranes, while the greener months are better for hiking and clear mountain views.
- Country
- Bhutan
- Currency
- BTN
- Time zone
- Asia/Thimphu
Last updated
Top places to visit in Gangtey
Phobjikha Valley
valley · 4.8 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Serene U-shaped glacial valley ringed by the Black Mountains, famed for its winter black-necked cranes, open meadows and crisp mountain air; the heart of the region.
Gangtey Goenpa (Gangtey Monastery)
monastery · 4.5 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Important 17th-century Nyingma monastery of the Pema Lingpa lineage, overlooking the glacial Phobjikha Valley; spiritual heart of the black-necked crane region.
Black-Necked Crane Visitor Centre
visitor_centre · 4.3 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Conservation and information centre on the valley floor with exhibits, spotting scopes and rescued cranes; the place to learn about the endangered cranes that winter in Phobjikha (Nov–Feb).
Gangtey Nature Trail
trail · 4.9 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Easy ~4 km valley walk from Gangtey Goenpa down through pine forest and open meadows to Khewang Lhakhang; superb views and, in winter, black-necked cranes.
Phobjikha Viewpoint Chorten
scenic · 4.7 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Small chorten on the Gangtey Nature Trail set against the open valley, a scenic resting and photo spot popular for music-video shoots.
Things to do
- Black-Necked Crane Watching Wildlife · 1.5 h
- Gangtey (Phobjikha) Valley Nature Walk Nature · 2 h
- Shasila Nature Trail Hike Hiking · 4 h
Where to stay in Gangtey
- Gangtey Village
Hilltop village by the monastery overlooking Phobjikha, with lodges ranging from homestays to high-end.
Hotels
- Pem Village Homestay 3-star
- Sigay Dorji Farm House 3-star
- Lhakpa Homestay 3-star
- Taj Gangtey Resort & Spa 5-star
- Karma Wangmo Homestay 3-star
- Gangtey Lodge 5-star
Where to eat
- Black Necked Crane Restaurant Bhutanese · about BTN 250 per person
- Gangtey Restaurant Bhutanese, Vegetarian · about BTN 250 per person
Getting to Gangtey
Nearest airport: Bumthang (BUT), about 57 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Car With Driver
- Walking
More in Bhutan
Frequently asked questions about Gangtey
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Gangtey?
- The highest-rated places in our Gangtey guide are Gangtey Nature Trail, Phobjikha Valley, Phobjikha Viewpoint Chorten, Gangtey Goenpa (Gangtey Monastery), Black-Necked Crane Visitor Centre.
- Where should I stay in Gangtey?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Gangtey: Gangtey Village.
- How do I get around Gangtey?
- Ways to get around Gangtey covered in our guide: Car with driver, Walking.