Gangtey Goenpa and the nature trail

Gangtey Goenpa was founded in 1613 by Gyalse Pema Thinley, grandson of the treasure-revealer Pema Lingpa, who is said to have foretold that a descendant would build a monastery on this hilltop. It began as a small temple and was enlarged into a dzong-like complex by his son. From 2000 to 2008 the ninth Gangtey Tulku led a full restoration in which local craftsmen carved 104 new pillars; it was reconsecrated on 10 October 2008.

Inside the main hall you see the Buddhas of the three times, Guru Rinpoche's eight manifestations and lineage holders of the Peling tradition. Monks study at the Nyingma college above the village. Remove hats, walk clockwise and leave cameras off inside. In the courtyard, look for the stone-flagged area where the tshechu and crane festival dances take place.

From near the monastery, the nature trail descends gently for about 5 km through blue pine and juniper, past mani walls and across open meadows, to the valley floor near Khewang Lhakhang. It takes about 1.5–2 hours. Your vehicle meets you at the end. In autumn and winter you will see crane feeding grounds from the meadows; in spring, flowering rhododendron and primula.