Against the backdrop of western slopes of the Black Mountains in Wangdue Phodrang, lies the bowl-shaped Phobjikha valley that offers breathtaking views of vast expanses of green fields. It is home to the endangered black-necked crane that migrates to this area during winters. Phobjikha valley also called Gangtey, is one of the few glacial valleys in the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Bordering the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, the valley is located at an altitude of 3000m above sea level, and hence comparatively cooler. It boasts being the winter home to black-necked cranes that fly from Tibet to escape the harsh winter and also one of the most prominent conservative sites of Bhutan. Relatively untouched by outsiders, the use of electricity in the valley began only a few years ago.

Apart from a few cultural trips to Lhakhangs and Goembas, Phobjikha valley houses quite a lot of trekking and hiking trails with the most beautiful views of the landscape. There are also a few villages one could visit and observe the rural life thereof. One could take home the intricately designed handwoven carpets from the famous factory in Gangtey or handicrafts from the village shops. It’s a paradise for bird watchers and trekkers, even better if you’re a nature photography enthusiast. 

National Memorial Chorten is a tourist attraction in Bhutan which you cannot miss easily. It is located in close proximity in the central part of Thimphu city. Upon visiting this iconic monument, your eyes will meet scores of elderly Bhutanese people circumambulating the Chorten for the greater part of the day. The word chorten, in the local language, means “the seat of faith”, while such monuments are often referred to by the Buddhists as “Mind of Buddha”.

The National Memorial Chorten, or the Thimphu Chorten, is built in the traditional Tibetan style of architecture. There is a pyramidal pillar topped by a crescent moon and sun. What makes it different from others though, is the round part of the structure which extends outwards at one end, thereby giving it the appearance of a vase. The chorten is also adorned with enormous images of wrathful deities in the company of their female counterparts.

You will easily be impressed by your visit to the National Memorial Chorten, as elegance shows itself both in its exteriors and interiors. As you enter, you are greeted with representations of three protective bodhisattvas (In Buddhism, a person who can attain nirvana but avoids doing so through compassion for other people). When you are finally inside the chorten, your eyes meet slated which are engraved with the images of the three gurus in Buddhism, Ngawang Namgyal, Gautama Buddha and Guru Padmasambhava. Large prayer wheels accompany these engravings. Even though there are four entrances to the chorten, only one of them remains open for the visitors. A special attraction of the chorten is the top floor which has lovely paintings depicting deities of the Nyingma school. On top of this floor is another one with a gallery in it. From here, you can get lovely views of the city.