Phobjikha Valley - Beautiful Landscape and Paradise for Wildlife

Take a Leisure or In-depth Phobjikha Valley Hiking

Phobjikha Valley has one of the most beautiful hiking trails and is on the top of hiking choices listed by Lonely Planet. In order to protect local environment, the Bhutanese government advocates tourists to take an ecological tour by hiking. In this way, visitors can not only get closer to the animals and plants in the valley, but also reduce pollution.

Leisure Hiking - Gangtey Nature Trail

This is one of the most popular hiking trails in Phobjikha Valley. It is about 4 km long and usually needs 2 hours to finish. It is short and easy trek very suitable for those who want to have a hiking experience but has a relatively tight schedule. You will start from the north of the Gangtey Monastery and descend to Semchubara Village through beautiful meadows, then come to a pine forest where the air smells rather fresh and finally get to the Khewang Lhakhang.

In-depth Hiking

If you are looking forward to some in-depth hiking, there are many choices and they usually need half a day. For example, you can take Tenkhor Yuetshe Sum Trail behind Khewang Lhakhang to some other quiet villages such as Gophu and Doksina. Another tougher hiking is Shashi La Nature Trail, which leads you up to the valley behind Beyta School through rhododendron forests and comes to Ramgokha village. You can take this trail if your next destination is Wangdue.

Pay a Visit to Gangtey Monastery

Gangtey Monastery, also known as Gangtey Goempa, sits on a ridge of Phobjikha Valley enjoying a perfect panoramic view. Phobjikha Valley is popularly called Gangtey because of the temple. It is said that in the 15th century, treasure-finder Pema Lingpa (disciple of Padmasambhava) predicted that here would be a goempa to spread his teachings. Then in 1613, his grandson and reincarnation Pema Thinly built this Ningma temple to fulfill his prediction. Gangtey Monastery is built in Tibetan style and famous for the complicated and exquisite colorful wooden painting. The architecture complex is more than a monastery, but includes Nyingmapa school, living quarters of the monks, meditation center, etc. Every year from the 8th to 10th day of the Bhutanese lunar month (usually in late September or early October), the grand Tshechu Festival will be held here.

See Black Necked Crane in Winter

Phobjikha Valley has always been a paradise for all kinds of animals, especially birds. Every year from late October or early November, the black-necked cranes will fly here from Tibet Plateau to pass the winter. Local people consider the cranes as a sacred bird that will bring luck and prosperity. They even set up an annual Black-Necked Crane Festival on Nov. 11th to celebrate their coming. On that day, the kids will dress like a black-necked crane and dance together. If you happen to visit here in other time of the year, you can go to the Black-Necked Crane Visitor Center to learn some knowledge of this rare creature and the efforts local people have put in protecting them.

☞ 6 Days Last Shangri-La Bhutan Highlights Tour with Phobjikha Valley

Vast Phobjikha Valley

Phobjikha Valley In-depth Hiking

Gangtey Monastery

Tshechu Festival Performance

Black-Necked Cranes

Phobjikha Valley is in Wangdue Phodrang district. There is no international airport or train station, so the only option is by car. For foreigner tourists, you can fly to Paro International Airport first, and then drive about 180 km (5 hours) to Phobjikha Valley.

If you think it is too long a drive, you can make a stop and tour the cities on the way such as Thimphu (capital of Bhutan) and take a short detour to the beautiful Punakha (only 30 minutes’ drive from Wangdue Phodrang).

Paro to Phobjikha Transportation Map

Hotels in Bhutan that receive foreign tourists need to be authorized by the government and people visiting Bhutan need to pay a minimum daily fee (USD $250 per person per night in March, April, May, September, October, and November, and USD $200 per person per night in other months). 3-star accommodation is covered in the fee while more luxury hotels will need an extra charge. But don’t worry, there are many accommodation choices in Phobjikha Valley and no matter which one you choose, you will be welcomed with warmth and hospitality.

5-star hotels such as Amankora Resort, Gangtey Lodge and Six Senses provide you with a superb living environment with complete services and nice view of the valley. 3-star hotels and homestays like Dewachen Hotel and RKPO will meet your basic accommodation demands such as Wi-Fi, hot water, heater, etc.

Big-bed Room of Gangtey Lodge

Wangdue Phodrang Dzong is on the west edge of Wangdue Phodrang district, about 2.5 hours’ drive from Phobjikha Valley. People usually pay a visit here on the way from Punakha to Phobjikha or the way back. Wangdue Phodrang Dzong was built in 1638 atop a high ridge between Puna Tsang Chhu and Dang Chhu. You can reach there through a hanging bridge. It is said that when selecting the site location, 4 crows were seen flying away in four directions, which is considered as an auspicious sign, representing the spread of Buddhism. After it was completed, the annual Tshechu Festival was held here. But unfortunately, in 2012, Wangdue Phodrang Dzong was heavily damaged in a fire and it’s under reconstruction now. Hopefully the reconstruction will finish in 2021.

Wangdue Phodrang Dzong