Overview:

Gangtey Goenpa is one of the oldest and most important temples in Bhutan. It is located in the Phobjikha Valley of the Wangdue Phodrang District in the western part of the country. Gangtey Goenpa is known for its exceptional view of the Black Mountain Range of Bhutan, as well as its significant cultural importance. The monastery was founded in 1613 by Gyaltak Drukpa Kunley, an infamous religious figure. On a hilltop above the village is a temple, which is the current location of the Goenpa. With its impressive architectural style and peaceful atmosphere, it has become one of Bhutan’s most spiritual sites. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Bhutan
Prominent Features:

1. The historic Gangtey Goenpa Monastery in Bhutan is one of the oldest and most venerated of the country's sacred shrines. 2. The temple was founded in 1613 by Gyalse Pema Thinley, the grandson of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. 3. Soon after its foundation, the monastery became the largest Nyingma school in the country, becoming the seat of Lama Ngawang Gyaltshen, the incarnation of Pema Lingpa. 4. The monastery complex occupies an entire hill and is surrounded by a white border wall adorned with flags. 5. A stone stupa stands in the courtyard in front of the main temple building, where visitors can donate money, light butter lamps and circle the stupa in clockwise direction to pray. 6. The fortress-like monastery building is composed of two floors; the first is open to visitors and includes a small chapel and library, while the second floor is used exclusively for the monks. 7. Visitors to the Gangtey monastery can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from the temple grounds as well as enjoy prayer and meditation. 8. The monastery is also known for its vibrant mask dances performed during annual festivals in the summer and winter months. 9. Near the monastery, the Phobjikha Valley is a spectacular landscape and home to the endangered black-necked crane, which migrates to the valley each winter. This national monument of Bhutan portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Gangtey Goenpa is one of the oldest Nyingmapa Buddhist monastery in Bhutan and dates back to the 17th century. The original Gangtey Goenpa was founded in 1613 by the great tertön Pema Lingpa. After his death in 1621 the monastery became very important for the Drukpa Kagyu lineage and was known and visited by many great teachers of the lineage such as Shakya Rinchen, Nuden Dorji and Desi Tenzin Rabgye. The monastery was founded because of the local belief that the region was blessed by Guru Rimpoche's appearance in a fire and water. In the 18th century, the great master Terton Pema Tobgyal re-established to Gangtey Goenpa and built the main temple as it is seen today. The temple is surrounded by a wall with 8 chapels inside, representing the eight manifestations of Guru Rimpoche. Rearranged in the 18th century, the main structure is the protector shrine with Guru Rimpoche and other protectors of the Drukpa Kagyu lineage. Gangtey Goenpa is well known for its traditional system of Choede, which is an oral tradition of reciting sacred texts in order to preserve and spread the teachings of the lineage. This practice has been preserved since the time of the founder Pema Lingpa and is unique in the Drukpa Kagyu lineage. For centuries, the monastery has been preserving and sustaining the teachings of the ancient masters and helping to spread the message of the Buddha. You must visit one of these historical places in Bhutan on your Bhutan tour

Interesting facts:

1. Gangtey Goenpa dates back to 1613 and was founded by the first Gangtey Trulku Pema Thinley. 2. It is believed that the sacred remains of Pema Thinley are still enshrined at Gangtey Goenpa. 3. Gangtey Goenpa offers 180° views of the Gangtey Valley and breathtaking landscapes. 4. Every winter, migratory black-necked crane birds flock to this area to roost in the monastery’s yard. 5. Its annual festival takes place during the first week of December—honoring the Gangtey Trulku, Pema Thinley. 6. The ancient fort walls of Gangtey Goenpa once served to protect the monastery from potential enemies. 7. Gangtey Goenpa is home to a sacred lake called Talak of which the waters are believed to heal illnesses and ward off evil spirits. 8. The monastery complex is also home to many venerable prayer flags which represent blessings from the Buddhist deities. Visit one of the famous monuments of Bhutan with your friends and family.