Places of interest around Phobjikha

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Black-necked crane information centre

Thrung Karma, in Phobjikha is the land of rare black necked cranes and is quite famous for sightseeing of this wonderful bird. Phobjikha Valley is habitat to the highest number of Cranes. During 2017-2018 the final count of Black Necked Crane was 504 marking the count highest since 32 years of Crane arrival in Bhutan.

Gangtey

The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forests is augmented by an impression of vast space, and extremely rare experience in Bhutan where most of the valley’s are tightly enclosed. The Gangtey valley is one of Phobjikha’s beautiful gem, you must visit while here.

The Gangtey monastery

The Gangtey monastery also known as Gangtey Gompa is situated on a hill-ridge overlooking the U-shaped glacial valley of Phobjikha/ Gangtey. The monastery was established in the 17th century. Recognized as one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, Gangtey monastery is the largest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. The head lama of the monastery is the ninth incarnation of Pema-Lingpa who was a 14th-century saint. The road that leads to the monastery is lined by wooden houses beautifully carved in exquisite designs and colors.

Wangmo Hand-Woven Carpet Factory

This manufacturing plant contains excellent hand woven floor coverings with intricate patterns and designs. It was set up by a talented hand weaving artist, known as Dorji Wangmo in 1992. A must-visit when in Bhutan, the factory contains beautiful handwoven carpets with intricate patterns and designs. It was set up by a local woman known as Dorji Wangmo in 1992.

Nyelung Dechenling

This temple is one of the eight residences of Nyingma Dzogchen master Longchen Rabjam (Longchenpa). The monk might indulge one in historic tales and fascinating relics and might even bless the visitor with the religious picture called Thangka which contains the handprints of Master Longchen. There is an old cypress tree nearby which is said to have emerged out of his walking stick. It is also a popular pilgrimage which must be visited atleast once.