Phobjikha Valley Exploration Day

 Phobjikha Valley Exploration Day 

After breakfast we drove to Gangtey Goemba, an important 450-year-old monastery and the main seat of the reincarnations of Pema Lingpa, a Bhutanese saint and renowned treasure hunter. We attended a prayer ceremony followed by a butter lamp lighting ceremony. 



The monks served us Butter Tea and snacks during the prayer ceremony. 



Then we headed out on a morning hike through the forested areas along the Phobjikha Valley, keeping an eye out for any birds and wildlife that may be present. During the winter months, hundreds of black-necked cranes migrate over the Himalayan Mountains to roost in the valley.

The hike into the valley floor was very nice, albeit a little steep and rutted at times. At the end of the hike we were greeted at a local farm house for lunch. We hiked about 3.6 km.



We started with learning how butter tea was made followed by a demonstration of the making of Chili Cheese. 
This was the hottest chili cheese we have had thus far. 

Then Lunch was served, all rather tasty. Veggies, Rice, Chicken, and noodles. 


Then there was a Q&A session with our host. The lady head of the household was so, so entertaining. She the offered us some homemade booze made from barley. I was surprised it was rather mild and tasty. 

 

 



Then it was time to sing and dance. We did 3 dances as 3 is an important number. There are several important numbers here, mostly based in Buddhism. 



 

 

 

 

This was a wonderful heart warming time. While we may not speak the same language and are different in various ways. We can be bonded by laughter, singing, dancing, and food. 

The families temple/shrine room.

  



Then a visit to the Black-Necked Crane Center to meet with a representative from the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN), who will discuss RSPN’s research of the black-necked cranes and their efforts to preserve and protect their roosting areas. We did see a great video about their migration.

 There are two disabled cranes there so we could get a close look at them. There are over 600 Black Necked Cranes which visit this valley to winter form the months of
October/November to mid March when they leave to fly over the Himalaya to winter.  

Back to the Hotel for the evening.