🏔️ Gangtey Monastery (Gangtey Goenpa)
Bhutan
About This Sacred Site
Gangtey Monastery is the only Nyingmapa (oldest school of Tibetan Buddhism) monastery in western Bhutan, spectacularly situated on a hilltop overlooking the pristine glacial Phobjikha Valley. Founded in 1613 by Gyalse Pema Thinley, a grandson of the great treasure-revealer Pema Lingpa, the monastery is the largest in the region. The valley below is the winter home of the endangered black-necked cranes, which migrate from Tibet each year. Local legend holds that the cranes circle the monastery three times upon arrival and departure, paying homage to the sacred site.
Key Facts
- •The only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan, founded in 1613
- •Overlooks the Phobjikha Valley, winter home of endangered black-necked cranes
- •Legend says cranes circle the monastery three times upon arrival and departure
- •Founded by a grandson of the treasure-revealer Pema Lingpa
- •Recently underwent a major eight-year restoration completed in 2008
Location
Coordinates: 27.4667, 90.1667
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