Gangtey Monastery in Phobjikha Valley

Situated atop a hill overlooking the stunning Phobjikha Valley, Gangtey Monastery is an important center for the Nyingma school of Buddhism. The valley itself is famous for its winter visitors – the black-necked cranes.

The monastery, with its whitewashed walls and golden rooftops, offers a stark contrast to the green valley below. Every year, the Black-Necked Crane Festival is held in the monastery’s courtyard, celebrating the crane’s winter arrival with dances and songs.

Kurjey Lhakhang, Bumthang

Kurjey Lhakhang, located in the Bumthang district, is a complex of temples with significant religious importance. It’s believed that Guru Rinpoche left an imprint of his body on a cave here, which led to the temple’s establishment.

The oldest of the three temples in the complex was built in 1652 against the cave where Guru Rinpoche left his imprint. The surroundings, filled with large, old chortens and trees, add to the spiritual ambiance of the place.