Phobjikha Valley is the most stunning area in the country; the wide flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forest is an extremely rare experience in Bhutan. In contrast to some parts of Bhutan, where modern development is already very apparent,
Phobjikha is a place with natural beauty, untouched scenery, local traditions and culture, and unconstrained peacefulness. Unlike the rest of Bhutan where you walk from one stunning view point to the next, in Phobjikha Valley you will have constant breathtaking views wherever you venture. To assure that you get the most out of your time in the valley, we have gathered some information about a variety of activities and hikes that will allow you to experience the natural splendor of the valley and its surroundings.
The paths throughout the valley have largely been created by the locals and the animals wandering from pasture to pasture. For your own safety and convenience, we would suggest you keep to the recognizable footpaths and roads and always wear sturdy footwear or trekking boots.
Please be advised that the paths can be quite muddy and wet during the rainy season. Due to the high altitude, the sun is relatively strong during the summer months and we would therefore recommend you carry sunscreen whenever you are outdoors.
Visit to Gangtey Goemba:
Gangtey Goemba is a 16th century monastery situated picturesquely at the hilltop at the edge of Gangtey village, making it the landmark structure of Phobjikha valley. It is the central seat of the Pedling tradition of Buddhism in Western Bhutan, and was built as a centre of spiritual teaching. Legend has it that Pema Lingpa prophesied that his next re-incarnation would establish a monastery on the hill-lock for the propagation of the Pedling sect. True to his prophesy, Pema Lingpa’s first re-incarnation, Gyalse Pema Thinley, arrived in Gangtey to build the first small temple. The current Goemba was established in 1613 by the second re-incarnation, Tenzin Lekpai Dendup. The present-day abbot, Gangtey Trulku Kuenzang Pema Namgyal, is the ninth “body” re-incarnation of Pema Lingpa. The extensive complex of the Goemba consists of several outbuildings which include monks’ quarters, meditation and altar rooms and a school to house and teach the approximately 60 resident monks. The Goemba was just re-opened in September 2008 after major renovations.
Visit to Yak Herder Camp:
In the high-altitude areas of Bhutan at elevations higher than 3000 meter above sea level, raising yak has been, and continues to be, the main source of livelihood for people inhabiting this rugged landscape who are known as Joabs and Brokpas. Aptly referred to as the ‘camel of the snows’, the yak is a multi-purpose animal providing milk, meat, warmth and manure. The animals are also used for carrying loads and riding in high altitudes. It also adds to the aesthetic value of the Himalayas. From November to March, the yak herders keep their livestock in the valley, and set up small camps in the yak fields where they stay throughout the winter season. Two such camps are located just below the Lawola pass. To give you an insight into the life of a yak herder, we would be happy to take you to their camp. You will get the chance to taste some of the yak products such as cheese, butter and milk, and learn about the nomadic existence of the herders.
Feeding the Monks:
160 monks aged from 15 to 40 reside in the Gangtey Shedra. They have all come for different reasons; some for religious and spiritual fulfilment, and some to participate in a four, six- or nine-year course in Nyingma Buddhism, but most have come because their families are too poor to keep them at home. The Shedra is also the home of nine young reincarnates. The Shedra does not receive any financial support from the government, and therefore rely solely on different sponsors to operate. The meals for the monks are party financed by the generous Gangtey Trulku Rinpoche, private sponsors, and the villagers with whom the Shedra has a “barter-system” – in return for food donations, the monks will give daily prayers to the villagers for peace and protection. The three meals a day mainly consists of rice. Breakfast includes rice with ezay (chilli dip) and suja (butter tea). Lunch and dinner usually consist of rice and one curry. Normally all meals are served outside, however when a meal has been provided by a sponsor and the sponsor is present, the meal will be served inside in the dining hall combined with a prayer for the sponsor. Feeding the monks is a generous and very rewarding gesture that you can personally get involved in.
A donation of USD 300 is enough to provide the 160 monks with one extensive meal. You can take part in purchasing rice and vegetables from the local shops near by the monastery. You are also welcome to overlook the meal preparations in the Shedra kitchen before taking part in the meal service itself.
Gangtey Khenpo Lecture:
If you have unanswered questions about Buddhism, or maybe wish to explore Buddhist philosophy further, we can help you arrange a meeting with the Gangtey Khenpo. The Gangtey Khenpo has been the head lama at the Shedra for the last one year and has previously taught Buddhism in India and Tibet. Over the last year he has initiated numerous improvement projects in the Shedra; both to advance the aesthetics and living conditions of the monks, as well as improving the curriculum and quality of education. The Khenpo will wholeheartedly discuss Buddhism with you over a cup of tea, either in the Shedra itself.
Price: USD 150 per lecture
Gangtey Shedra Debate Sessions:
In the evenings between 5 pm and 6 pm, the 160 monks who reside and study in the Shedra engage in discussions about various topics. The discussions are in Dzongkha, the local language, and the formal language used is often difficult to understand, even for the locals. Nevertheless, it can be very fascinating and amusing to see them all going off at one another; all of them trying to prove their point of view. Time: 5 pm – 6 pm most evenings.
Visit to the Royal Society for Protection of Nature:
The Royal Society for Protection of Nature is commonly referred to as RSPN or The Crane Centre. The centre is located just above the valley floor and is the center for crane observation and conservation in Phobjikha valley. The black-necked cranes occupy a special place in Bhutan’s heart and folklore, and RSPN displays information on the cranes and the surrounding environment, in addition to conducting awareness campaigns which educates the local people and tourists about these endangered species.
The Black-Necked Cranes:
Migrating in late autumn from Tibet, the rare birds herald the end of the harvesting season and indicate the time when farming families move to warmer climates in the lower valleys. About 450 birds spend the winter season, from the end of October to the second week of March, in the valley.
Buddhist Fumigation:
It is a common belief that every place has its local protective deity or spirit. To please this spirit and keep the spirit happy, the Bhutanese fumigate every morning and during special religious ceremonies. It is also a ritual for self-cleansing of all bad spirits surrounding us, and to be blessed with good luck. Fumigation involves the burning of selected herbs in a fumigation stupa.