About 970 hectares of the Phobjikha valley were declared a Ramsar wetland of international importance on 2 May 2014, managed by the Royal Society for Protection of Nature.
Source: Phobjikha Valley
Valley in Bhutan
Phobjikha (Gangtey)
A glacial bowl where black-necked cranes spend the winter
Phobjikha is a wide, marshy glacial valley at about 3,000 m on the western edge of the Black Mountains, home to Gangtey Goenpa and winter roost of black-necked cranes from late October to February. Spend two nights: one day for the monastery and crane centre, one for the Gangtey nature trail.
Photo: Phuentsho · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsPhobjikha is a U-shaped valley of grass, dwarf bamboo and potato fields, closed in by forested ridges. You reach it by leaving the Lateral Road near Lawa La, east of Wangdue Phodrang, and dropping over a low pass into the bowl. Gangtey Goenpa sits on a spur above the valley, with the village of Gangtey around it. Below lies the marsh, about 970 hectares of which were declared a Ramsar wetland in 2014, managed by the Royal Society for Protection of Nature.
The marsh is the reason the cranes come. Black-necked cranes breed on the Tibetan Plateau and winter in a few sheltered valleys in Bhutan, India and China. In Phobjikha they arrive in the last week of October and leave in February or March. Local belief holds that on arrival and departure they circle Gangtey Goenpa three times. To protect them, the valley's electricity runs through underground cables rather than overhead lines.
Gangtey Goenpa is one of the main seats of the Pema Lingpa tradition of the Nyingma school, founded in 1613 by Pema Lingpa's grandson and restored from 2000 to 2008. The people of the valley speak Henkha or Nyenkha, a language of the Bumthang group, and many families move down to warmer Wangdue in January and February. Nights drop below freezing from November; bring layers and do not expect much nightlife.
Say it like a local · DzongkhaTsho
lake; marshes and lakes are often home to local deities
What to do in Phobjikha (Gangtey)
Black-necked cranes
From the last week of October to about February, the cranes feed on the marsh by day and roost there at night. Watch from the viewing points near the crane centre, keeping well back from the birds; dawn and late afternoon are best.
Gangtey Goenpa
Founded in 1613 by Gyalse Pema Thinley, grandson of Pema Lingpa, the monastery was rebuilt from 2000 to 2008 with 104 new carved pillars. A Nyingma monastic college sits above the village. Entry is about Nu 100.
Gangtey nature trail
A gentle walk of about 1.5–2 hours from the Gangtey village area down through pine forest and meadows to the valley floor, ending near Khewang Lhakhang. Fine for families and the best way to see the marsh.
Black-necked Crane Education Centre
Run by the Royal Society for Protection of Nature, it has spotting scopes, crane displays and information on the valley's conservation. Entry is about Nu 200. Staff can tell you how many cranes have arrived.
Crane Festival
A one-day festival in Gangtey Goenpa's courtyard each November welcomes the cranes with masked dances and school performances in crane costumes. In recent years it has been held on 11 November.
Field notes
What most guides miss about Phobjikha (Gangtey)
To keep wintering cranes from colliding with wires, overhead power lines were not allowed in Phobjikha; the valley was later connected to the national grid by underground cable.
Source: Phobjikha Valley
The cranes feed on the valley's marsh grass and dwarf bamboo, Yushania microphylla, and an attack by leopards on roosting cranes at night has been recorded here.
Source: Black-necked crane
Experiences
Three days worth having in Phobjikha (Gangtey)
Photo: Sumeetmoghe · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Phobjikha (Gangtey) · 2–3 hours
Dawn crane watching on the Phobjikha marsh
Watch black-necked cranes leave their night roost and spread across the marsh to feed, calling as they go. Start at the…
Crane centre Nu 200; otherwise free
Photo: Christopher J Fynn · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Phobjikha (Gangtey) · 3–4 hours
Gangtey Goenpa and the nature trail
Visit the 1613 monastery on its spur above the valley, then walk the Gangtey nature trail down through pine forest and …
Monastery Nu 100; trail free
Photo: Christopher J. Fynn · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Commons
Phobjikha (Gangtey) · Evening
Farmhouse dinner and a hot stone bath
Spend a cold evening in a Phobjikha farmhouse: a wooden tub of water heated with river stones baked in a fire, followed…
Bath ₹800–1,500; dinner ₹500–900
Real prices
What things cost in Phobjikha (Gangtey)
ItemIndicative 2026
Gangtey Goenpa entryNu 100
Crane Education Centre entryNu 200
Farmhouse stay with dinner and breakfast₹2,000–3,500 per person
Hot stone bath at a farmhouse₹800–1,500
Mid-range lodge, double₹6,000–12,000 a night
Bowl of thukpa or plate of ema datshi₹200–400
Local prices change with season and fuel costs. Check current status before you travel.
Getting there
How to reach Phobjikha (Gangtey)
Air
Fly to Paro, then drive via Thimphu and Punakha, about 200 km and 7–8 hours in total. Most trips break the drive with a night in Thimphu and one in Punakha.
Bus
There is no practical public bus service for tourists into the valley. Travel with your operator's vehicle and licensed guide.
Road
Punakha to Phobjikha is about 80 km and 3 hours via Wangdue Phodrang and the Lawa La turn-off. Phobjikha to Trongsa is about 120 km and 4–4.5 hours over Pele La at 3,420 m.
Where to stay
Sleeping in Phobjikha (Gangtey)
Saver travellers stay in farmhouse homestays in the villages around the valley floor, often with a wood stove and a hot stone bath, from about ₹2,000–3,500 per person with meals. Comfort travellers choose Dewachen Hotel, a 16-room lodge with valley views, or one of the small family-run hotels near Gangtey village. For signature stays, Gangtey Lodge, Six Senses Gangtey and Amankora Gangtey all look over the marsh.
Photo: Phuentsho · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Budget
Homestay village · Phobjikha (Gangtey)
Phobjikha valley farmhouse stays
Registered farmhouse stays scattered around the Phobjikha valley floor and Gangtey village, a short walk from the …
₹2,000–3,500 per person with dinner and breakfast (indicati…
Photo: Phuentsho · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Mid
Lodge · Phobjikha (Gangtey)
Dewachen Hotel, Gangtey
A 16-room lodge in traditional Bhutanese style at the edge of the Phobjikha valley, near Gangtey village and the B…
₹7,000–12,000 a night for a double with meals (indicative)
Photo: xiquinhosilva · CC BY 4.0 · Commons
Luxury
Lodge · Paro
Amankora
Aman's circuit of five lodges in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey and Bumthang, designed to be travelled in sequenc…
From about ₹1,50,000 a night for a suite, full board (indic…
Photo: Christopher J. Fynn · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Luxury
Lodge · Punakha
Six Senses Bhutan
Five lodges in Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Gangtey and Bumthang, with 82 suites and villas in all, designed for a mult…
From about ₹1,20,000 a night for a suite (indicative)
Trips that stop here
See Phobjikha (Gangtey) on a trip
Photo: Christopher J. Fynn · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Commons
Comfort
Bhutan · 12 nights · sleeps to 3,000 m
Central Bhutan to Bumthang, 12 nights
Private car with driver
From, per person₹1,44,000Mar – Apr · Oct – Nov
Photo: Afifa Afrin · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Commons
Saver
Bhutan · 7 nights · sleeps to 3,000 m
Bhutan saver with Phobjikha farmhouse, 7 nights
Shared jeep or bus to Jaigaon, then shared vehicle with licensed guide
From, per person₹40,000Mar – Apr · Oct – Nov
Photo: Christopher J. Fynn · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Commons
Signature
Bhutan · 8 nights · sleeps to 3,000 m
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Bhutan by Amankora lodges, 8 nights
Private car with driver
From, per person₹6,50,000Mar – Apr · Oct – Nov
Questions
Phobjikha (Gangtey), answered
Is Phobjikha worth visiting outside crane season?
Yes. April and May bring rhododendrons and green meadows, and the nature trail and Gangtey Goenpa are worth a night any time. Summer is wet and misty. Crane season, late October to February, is still the highlight.
How high is Phobjikha?
About 2,900–3,100 m, the highest overnight stop on most Bhutan itineraries. Arrive after a few nights in Thimphu and Punakha. Walk slowly the first afternoon, drink water and limit alcohol. Talk to your doctor if you have heart or lung conditions.
When is the Black-necked Crane Festival?
It is held in the courtyard of Gangtey Goenpa in November, on 11 November in recent years including 2026 and the tentative 2027 calendar. Check current status before you travel.
Is there mobile network in Phobjikha?
Yes, both B-Mobile and TashiCell cover the main valley, though signal drops in parts of the marsh and forest. Internet is slow at farmhouses. Download maps and documents before you arrive.
Are there ATMs in Phobjikha?
Do not count on one. Carry enough cash from Thimphu or Wangdue for homestays, fees and small purchases. Indian rupees in ₹100–500 notes are accepted.
How cold does Phobjikha get?
The mean minimum in December is about −5 °C, and the valley can see snow in January and February. Days are often sunny and 10–14 °C. Pack thermals, a down jacket, warm socks and gloves.
Can kids enjoy Phobjikha?
Yes. The nature trail is easy, farm animals are everywhere and the crane centre's scopes interest children. Keep them warm, and explain that they must stay quiet near the cranes.
Can I visit Phobjikha on a day trip from Punakha?
It is possible, at about 3 hours each way, but you will miss dawn and dusk with the cranes. We suggest at least one, ideally two, nights in the valley.
Do I need a separate permit for Phobjikha?
Phobjikha lies in Wangdue Phodrang district, which must be on your entry permit. Your licensed operator arranges this. Check current status before you travel.