Day Day 3: Thimphu – Gangtey, 135 km, 4.1/2 hours drive
After breakfast, drive to Gangtey across Dochu-La pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m ), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.
Afternoon visit Gangtey monastery. Gangtey Goempa (monastery), is perched atop a small hill that rises from the valley floor. The Monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens who take care of the Monastery. In winter these families, together with the monastery’s monks, move away to another monastery, a day’s walk to the south. Gangtey, which is now managed by the government, is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountain’s and is also the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. It is directed by Gangtey Tulku, the ninth reincarnation (Tulku) to bear that name.
Later explore beautiful Phobjikha valley, lying at an altitude of 2900 m. This is the winter home of rare Black-necked Cranes, an endangers species that migrate from its northern habitats in Tibet and Siberia, each winter.
Overnight at the hotel in Gangtey.