Gangtey Nature Trail — Attraction in Gangteng

Kumbuja is considered to be one of the best retreat places in the Gangteng Gonpa area. It is a cliff with all the distinctive features of a retreat place ,being tranquil and unpolluted and where the sun's rays fall early in the morning and go away late in the evening.

The retreat house of Gangteng Tulku Rinpoche and house of the retired Dorji Lopens of Gangteng Gonpa are astoundingly situated at the upper and the middle parts of this cliff. This is also a place where His Holiness the 68th Je khenpo Je Thrizur Tenzin Dhendup went into first three years retreat.

People say that there is a self-arisen white conch on the this cliff.

According to the verbal accounts of the local elders, this cliff contains Ku bum " a hundred thousand statue " of the Buddha inside and so it was called kubumdra " Hundred Thousand Statue Cliff ." The name became partially corrupted and today it is widely known as kubumdra.

A proof of its original name is found in the Namgur of Terton Drukdra Dorji following lines:

Om Mani Padme Hum Hri, While I was living at the secluded of kubum of Samtentse in the Lhomon Ngenlung Gonpa of the Mantra Holder Longchen Rabjam , I saw the following dream at the down of the fifteenth day of the Monkey Month : I felt [ in my dream] that I was at my place . There was a large Garudra bird, about the size of a yak . I woke up immediately. I was very joyful at the descent of this blessing...

Gangtey Nature Hike takes you through the breathtaking Phobjikha Valley, renowned for its conservation efforts and rich biodiversity. As you venture through the undulating trails, you'll encounter meadows, forests, and open spaces that reveal the untouched beauty of Bhutan.

Highlights:

Black-Necked Crane Sanctuary: Witness the grace of the endangered Black-Necked Cranes, a highlight of Gangtey's conservation success. Learn about their migratory patterns and the efforts in place to protect these majestic birds.

Gangtey Monastery: Explore the iconic Gangtey Monastery, perched on a hilltop with panoramic views of the valley. Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance and discover the cultural significance of this sacred site.

Local Flora and Fauna: From rare orchids to Himalayan blue sheep, every step reveals a new facet of Gangtey's natural wonders.

Traditional Farmhouse Visit: Engage with local communities by visiting a traditional farmhouse. Experience Bhutanese hospitality, sample local cuisine, and gain insights into the traditional way of life.

Scenic Overlooks: Pause at strategic viewpoints that offer sweeping vistas of the Gangtey Valley. Capture the beauty of the landscape and embrace the tranquility that surrounds you.

Practical Information:

Duration: 1 hr Difficulty: Gentle hike Recommended Attire: Comfortable hiking shoes, layered...

This was definitely one of the best things I did during my two weeks in Bhutan. The nature trail isn't particularly long, nor is it particularly demanding, but the views are incredible (at least for the first half, before you head into the forest).

This isn't a hike, more like a glorified walk in nature. As you approach the Gangtey Monastery there is definitely some uphill climbing, but anyone is halfway decent shape should be able to do the walk with a few breaks. If you're really out of shape, you can always do the nature walk in reverse, starting from the monastery and walking down to the valley. The views won't be as good this way, though you can always turn around periodically to enjoy the same views you'd see if you waked the typical direction. But walking the trail in reverse would definitely be A LOT...