Phobjikha Valley

Phobjikha (also known as Gangtey Valley) is a glacial valley and major conservation area — one of the only places in the world where endangered black-necked cranes winter, and Bhutan even buried its power lines underground here to protect them.

• Gangtey Goemba — a Nyingma monastery overlooking the valley floor.
• Black-Necked Crane Information Centre — displays on the cranes' migration and the valley's conservation status.
• The open valley itself, with its distinctive treeless, wetland floor.

Walk the Gangtey Nature Trail across the valley floor, visit the crane centre, or — in winter — spend time birdwatching as the cranes arrive from the Tibetan plateau.

November to February is when the black-necked cranes are present; the valley itself is scenic year-round.

Reached via Wangdue Phodrang, climbing out of the Punakha–Wangdue valley.

Black-Necked Crane Festival — held in Phobjikha each November, celebrating the cranes' arrival with a strong community and conservation focus.

Wangdue Phodrang, on the route in and out of the valley.

Phobjikha is cold, especially in winter when the cranes are present — pack proper warm layers even if the rest of your trip is in warmer valleys.

Will I definitely see the cranes? Sightings are likely but not guaranteed, and are seasonal (roughly November–February) — ask your operator about current numbers.