Overview:

Gangtey Valley is located in central Bhutan and is home to the beautiful Gangtey Monastery, one of Bhutan's oldest and most revered monasteries. The valley's steep cliffs and forested hills stretch across the horizon as far as the eye can see, with the beautiful Phobjikha glacial valley nestled in the centre. A wide range of flora and fauna inhabit the valley, making it a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers. From the valley, one can also view the majestic peaks of the Jomolhari and the Jichu Drake range, as well as the sacred mountain of Tsenda Gang. The valley is of significant cultural importance to the local communities and is home to the rare Black-necked Crane, which migrates here to breed every winter. Gangtey Valley is also known for its rural villages, pristine forests and unique lifestyle. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Bhutan
Prominent Features:

1. Magnificent Scenery: Gangtey Valley is known for its stunningly varied landscape, with spectacular views of mountain ranges, vast meadows, and crystal blue-sky views. 2. Phobjikha Wetland: The Phobjikha wetland is a protected area situated at the base of Black Mountain in Gangtey Valley. It is the only wintering ground of the rare Black-necked Cranes in Bhutan. 3. Historic Monasteries: Gangtey Valley is home to some of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan. The famous Gangtey Gompa, established in 1613, is a highly renowned Buddhist monastery and is renowned for its very own 'Bhutanese Nyingma-pa' Buddhist tradition. 4. Wildlife: Gangtey Valley is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, from the rare and endangered Black-necked Cranes to red pandas, musk deer, Snow Leopards and more. 5. Trekking: Gangtey Valley is a great destination for trekking as its landscape allows for a variety of trails. With its stunning views and landscapes, trekking in Gangtey Valley is sure to be an adventure. This national monument of Bhutan portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Gangtey Valley has been used as an important trading route since ancient times. This small valley, located in the western central part of Bhutan, was traditionally known as Phobjeka in the local tongue. The Gangtey Valley was an important route for trading partners from the Indian Subcontinent with countries such as Tibet, Nepal, and China. In 1682, the East India Company opened a trading post in the region, making the Gangtey Valley a mandatory trade route for goods traveling between the eastern and western portions of Bhutan. The Gangtey Valley is home to some of the oldest Buddhist temples in Bhutan. Today, Gangtey is also famous as one of the most important centers of the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism in Bhutan. The most popular and well-known temple of Bhutan is located in this valley – the Gangtey Monastery. Built in 1613, by Gyalse Pema Thinley, the founder of the Nyingma order, the Gangtey Monastery is an impressive structure located on the upper slopes of a mountain called Shinglung. The Gangtey Goemba, as it is called in local language, is one of the most sacred sites in Bhutan. Apart from being an important spiritual and trading site, the Gangtey Valley is also renowned for its varied scenic beauty. Towering hills with thick coverings of mixed evergreen forests, glacial lakes, crystal clear streams and meadows are just some of the natural vistas that make a visit to the valley highly attractive. The Phobjikha Valley, which is a part of the Gangtey Valley, is an important wetland that serves to protect the endangered black-necked cranes which migrate to Bhutan from the Tibetan plateau every winter. In earnest to protect the species, the Bhutanese government has declared the area as a National Wildlife Sanctuary. You must visit one of these historical places in Bhutan on your Bhutan tour

Interesting facts:

1. Gangtey is the name of a valley in western Bhutan located in the Phobjikha basin. It is home to one of the country's most beautiful landscapes, boasting grassy hillsides and glacial valleys. 2. Gangtey Valley is a protected area of 930 sq. km and is part of the Black Mountain National Park. It is considered one of the most important wildlife habitats in Bhutan. 3. Gangtey is the winter home of the endangered and majestic black-necked cranes from the Tibetan plateau. Tens of thousands of these graceful birds migrate to Gangtey in the winter season. 4. The area is known for its ancient monasteries which were built in the 17th century by Pema Lingpa, a great treasure revealer. 5. The Gangtey Goemba (monastery) provides a spectacular view of the valley, and a window into the Buddhist culture of the region. The pilgrimage to this site for the annual festival of Guru Rimpochi is an event that attracts thousands of visitors every year. 6. The Gangtey Valley is also known for its beautiful meadows, a great variety of trees, and abundant wildlife, including the national animal of Bhutan: the Takin. Visit one of the famous monuments of Bhutan with your friends and family.