Although we missed Phobjikha’s main attraction, the black-necked cranes, by a month or two, I was captivated by the sheer scenic beauty of this valley.

It may have played a part that we “earned” the valley ourselves: Yesterday, we got out of the minibus at approximately 3,200 meters above sea level and hiked from there over the Longtey La, a pass at around 3,600 meters, into the Phobjikha Valley. Today, we hiked the Gangtey Nature Trail to Gangtey Monastery – another extremely scenic route in the valley.