Phobjikha
Once you depart the warm valley of Punakha, you are greeted by the cool, refreshing air of Phobjikha. Situated at around 3,000 m above sea level, Phobjikha is a U-shaped valley in central Bhutan, with vast green marshlands surrounded by mountains. The valley attracts visitors from around the world, as well as a rare group of visitors—the black-necked cranes.
The valley is the winter home of these cranes, which migrate from the Tibetan Plateau to escape the harsh winter. Life in Phobjikha revolves around their presence, with much of the valley protected to preserve their delicate habitat. Every year on November 11, locals celebrate the Black-Necked Crane Festival at Gangtey Monastery to welcome the returning cranes. Visitors can also explore the BlackNecked Crane Information Centre to learn more about these magnificent birds.
Such a location, treasured by both locals and visitors, deserves to be explored on foot. This is made possible by several day hikes that allow visitors to experience the valley at a leisurely pace. The most popular and perhaps the most leisurely is the Gangtey Nature Trail. Easy on both the knees and the eyes, the trail takes you through the heart of the valley and offers opportunities for birdwatching, made possible by the conservation of its rich biodiversity. The trail begins near Gangtey Goenpa, a sacred monastery dating back to the early 17th century and an important seat of the Pema Lingpa tradition.
There are also more demanding hikes, such as the Shashila and Khotokha hikes, for those looking for a more challenging experience.
