Gangtey Natural Trail, Phobjikha valley, Bhutan

The Gangtey Nature Trail is a gentle two-hour trek that lets you soak up the remarkable Phobjikha Valley. Starting at the 17th century Gangtey Monastery, you’ll amble down a fairly flat terrain that ends at the bottom of the valley. En route, you’ll pass grass planes, farmhouses and dense pine forests before reaching a vast open space of the wide valley.

The endangered black-necked cranes make Phobjikha valley their breeding ground in winter and can be observed feeding on the valley marshlands from late October to mid-February. Your driver will meet you and your guide at the end of the trail and on the way back to your hotel you can call into the Crane Information Centre to learn more about these fascinating birds and their place in Bhutan's culture and beliefs. The centre is a fairly basic affair but has several sets of decent binoculars set up on tripods with which you can get a close look at the birds