Gangtey Goenpa
Visit one of Bhutan’s main seats of religion based on Pema Lingpa’s revelations and one of the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism — the Gangtey Goenpa.
The Gangtey Goenpa is a monastery that overlooks the vast U-shaped Phobjika Valley and is surrounded by the also popular Gangten Village. Aside from playing an important role in Buddhism, tourists can also visit the monastery to see the views and even witness the monastery’s winter visitors, the black-necked cranes, who visit the country to roost, circles the monastery upon arrival and upon departure on their way to Tibet.
Guests would also appreciate the monastery’s interiors and architecture, which were all built using local materials and with the efforts of the local community. The pillars, beams, and windows are made from timber that came from the nearby forest trees, and building stones were taken from the local hills. Local craftsmen worked on the interiors headed by a renowned artisan of the Umze of Lhalung Monastery in Tibet.
Location
The Gangtey Monastery is located in Wangdue Phodrang District, Gangtey.
Opening Days and Hours
The monastery is open daily.
Entry Fee and Bookings
Entrance to the monastery is free.
How to Get There
- You can fly into Bhutan via Bhutan Airlines or Druk Air.
- From the airport, rent a car or taxi going to Wangdue Phodrang.
- Take a taxi to Gangtey Goenpa.
Suggested For
- Backpackers/solo travelers
- Couples
- Group of friends
- Families
Time to Spend
You can explore the monastery in 1 to 2 hours.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
You can visit the monastery any time of the day.
Activities
- Visit the monastery.
- Go on a Gangtey trek — a popular tourist trekking route that starts from the Gangtey Goenpa passes through the Kumbu, Gedachen, Khebayathang, Kilhorthang villages, and ends in Kungathang Lhakhang.
- Go on the Gangtey Nature Trail — a 90-minute trek that starts from the main stone wall, going to the north of Gangtey Goenpa and ends in Khewa Lhakhang.
Food
Food and restaurant options can be found in the nearest accommodations, the Gangtey Lodge Bhutan and Amnakora Gangtey.
Nearby Attractions
- Phobjikha Valley
- Wangdue Phodrang Dzong
Stay
You can find a number of accommodations in Wangdue Phodrang, including Gangtey Guest House, Amankora, Gakiling Guest House, and Gangtey Lodge. Prices range from USD 13 to USD 44 per night.
Good to Know
You can opt to visit the monastery during the Tsechu, a popular Bhutanese festival that is held in the country’s major monasteries and district towns and is also held in Gangtey Goenpa from the 5th to 10th days of the 8th lunar month based on the Bhutanese calendar. Another festival worth seeing is the Crane festival, which marks the arrival of the black-necked cranes from Tibet and is considered a religious blessing. This occurs on November 12 every year.
