After settling in Bumthang for a few nights, we turned around and began heading back west again. Rather than going back through Trongsa and Punakha, we overnighted in the Gangtey Valley. This area is famous for the Black Necked Cranes that winter here from about December through February, before heading back north to Tibet.
Unfortunately, we actually saw one of the cranes. I say unfortunately because it was an injured bird and shouldn’t have been there at all. It should have headed north months earlier with its flock. But because of an injured wing it was stuck in the valley. It’s unlikely that it survived.
Despite this bit of sadness, we thoroughly enjoyed this area. It really is spectacular. It’s actually been called the most beautiful valley in all of the Himalayas and from the photo at top, I’m sure you can see why.
In this little valley, there are a couple of really topnotch hotels, including the AmanKora and a rustic cabin-like hotel co-built by National Geographic (above). Isn’t that an amazing room with a view?
And here’s a view of the hotel’s exterior.
And the view from my room.
On the other side of the valley sits the Gangtey Gompa, the local monastery. This was recently renovated. When I was there just last year it was under construction so I was excited to see it completed. I featured it in my blog last week.
One final note… this was meat left out to dry on someone’s deck. Yeah, it pretty much disgusts me to see this since I’m a vegetarian, but it’s the way things are done so I gotta cut them some slack. It’s how they survive.
I have 2 more tours to Bhutan this fall. One is a co-ed Buddhism focused tour and the other is a co-ed photography tour led by Brenda Tharp. Slots are filling fast so please email me right away if you’re interested: beth (at) wanderlustandlipstick (dot) com
Travel Well,
Beth
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Related links:
Bhutan April, 2009 Update 3
Bhutan April, 2009 Update 2
Bhutan April, 2009 Update 1
Photo of the Day: Bhutan Architecture
Bhutan Tour – Buddhism-focused co-ed trip
Bhutan Tour – Photography trip with Brenda Tharp
Beth’s Bhutan Photo Gallery
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