Best Places to Visit in Bhutan for Indians

  1. PHOBJIKHA VALLEY (WANGDUE):
Best Places to visit in Bhutan
Visit PHOBJIKHA VALLEY (WANGDUE) Bhutan

Phobjikha is a small town in the central part of Bhutan.This glacial valley in Phobjikha, elevation 2900m (9500 feet), lies about 140 kilometres east of Thimphu. Phobjikha is bestowed with valleys and is surrounded by mountains and lush greenery, making it one of the top Bhutan attractions. The place is known also known as Gangteng Valley, for its beautiful landscapes and passes and a day’s hike will take you through the town and the woods. This place is at the border of the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. This ever enchanting land is where  to experience the big flock of black-necked cranes at the winter time from their summer home in Tibet. As the cranes arrive in the last week of October, they circle around the Gangteng Monastery roof three times before landing in the valley’s wetlands, and repeat this unique process as they leave for Tibet again in March. The reason the cranes do this is unknown, and Buddhists see it as an auspicious sign or good omen, and the whole area of the valley where the cranes roost for winter is protected. As it is at the side of the crucial wildlife sanctuary in the country, you might also see some barking deer nearby as well or hear their sounds. In addition to the cranes, you can sight muntjacs (barking deer), wild boars, sambars, serows, Himalayan black bears, leopards and red foxes in the surrounding hills. Apart from the wildlife in Bhutan, other attractions in Phobjikha are Gangte Goemba, Nyelung Dechenling, Khewang Lhakhang, Kumbhu Lhakhang, Damchen Lhakhang, White Chorten and Wangmo Hand-Woven Carpet Factory. Not just that, as picturesque and quiet this place maybe, Phobjikha witnesses thrilling festivals as well. Held every year in the confines of the Phobjikha Valley, Tsechu Festival and the Crane Festival that welcomes the black-necked cranes are vigorously celebrated in the Gangten Monastery courtyard. It is an ideal destination for adventure enthusiasts who like activities like hiking and trekking. On your trip to Bhutan, do not forget to take a scenic drive to Phobjikha Valley. There are numerous hiking trails throughout the Pobjikha Valley that go through villages, forests and alpine meadows. The Gangtey Nature Trail is the most popular hike and takes about 90 minutes to complete. The three day trek through the valley is popular, and hundreds of birdwatchers come to the area in October and March to witness the amazing spectacle of the cranes.

Best time/ season: October to March