Bhutan
A valley closed to foreigners until 2002, then a black-necked crane sanctuary in a U-shaped glacial valley
Bhutan
A journey between two Bhutanese valleys long kept off the tourist trail: Haa, a valley bordering Tibet that only opened to foreign visitors in 2002 due to its strategic proximity to China, and Gangtey, in the Phobjikha glacial valley, whose characteristic U-shape hosts black-necked cranes from the Tibetan plateau every winter, considered sacred by local Buddhist tradition.
When
Nov to Feb
Price
From 4 600€ excl. flights
(based on 2 people sharing)
How long
7 nights
Ideal length
Days 1-2
The first chapter unfolds in the Haa Valley, kept closed to foreigners until 2002 due to its strategic border position with Chinese-controlled Tibet, making it today one of Bhutan's least-visited regions despite its relative proximity to Paro. The valley is home to the twin temples of Lhakhang Karpo (the White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (the Black Temple), as well as a yak-herding tradition still fully alive in the surrounding highlands.
Day 1
The twin temples of Haa
A visit to the twin temples of Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo, among the valley's oldest, then a walk through Haa village, whose traditional architecture remains largely preserved.
Day 2
A hike to a yak herders' camp
A hike into the valley's highlands to meet semi-nomadic yak herders, a tasting of yak cheese and butter prepared using traditional methods.
Days 1-2
The road to Gangtey, in the glacial Phobjikha Valley, whose characteristic U-shape and deliberately buried power lines preserve the natural habitat of the black-necked crane. These migratory birds, considered sacred incarnations in local Buddhist tradition, perform a ritual three-circle flight over Gangtey Monastery each year before landing in the valley, a behaviour that has given rise to an annual festival celebrating their arrival.
Day 1
Gangtey Monastery
A visit to Gangtey Monastery, perched on a hill overlooking the entire Phobjikha Valley, then a hike along the nature trail crossing the marshy valley floor.
Day 2
In search of the black-necked cranes
A visit to the black-necked crane information centre, then observation from dedicated hides of these migratory birds that come to winter in the valley from the Tibetan plateau.
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