Gangtey holidays

The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful places in Bhutan and the Gangtey Gompa monastery is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the black mountains.

Explore Gangtey

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Things to do in Gangtey

Explore the highlights of Trongsa

An exploration of the main sights of Trongsa includes the largest dzong, or fortress, in Bhutan, the Trongsa Dzong and the Ta Dzong watchtower. Built in 1647, Trongsa Dzong was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan during the reign of both the first and second kings of Bhutan. Ta Dzong, or the watchtower, once guarded the main fortress from any rebellion from its elevated position above the town. Today this building is a fascinating museum that represents a tasteful blend of tradition and modernity. Items on display include a sacred image of Sung Joenma Dorji Chang, self-pronounced Vajradharna; a bronze statue of Pema Lingpa, made by himself; and a number of centuries old treasures such as dance and ritual costumes and objects, ancient prayer books, paintings, scrolls and textiles.

Marvel at Bhutan’s largest Monastery

Perched on a small hill that rises from the stunning Phobjikha valley is the small village of Gangtey, famous for having the largest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. Gangtey monastery is in fact the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountains and is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 gomchens who look after it. The village was founded by Pema Trinley; the grandson of Pema Lingpa, the famous saint of Bhutan; and the monastery was established in 1613. The second Tulku, Tenzin Legpa Dondrup (1645 to 1726), enhanced the size of Gangtey and rebuilt the monastery in the form of a Dzong. To this day, the religious Nyingmapa school of Buddhism still teaches the lessons of Pema Lingpa.