Phobjikha Valley

About 65 kms from Wangdue Phodrang is the beautiful valley of Phobjikha. The valley of Phobjikha is one of the most stunning valleys in the country, and many call it the Shangri La of Bhutan, just as how Bhutan is well known for being “one of the world’s happiest nations,” and “the last Shangri La on Earth.” It is extremely a rare experience to find wide open ground without any trees in Bhutan. This place is the winter home of black necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north to pass winter in milder and lower climate. Owing to its high elevation (2900 m) rice is not cultivated but people grow abundant potato, which is the main cash crop of the valley. There are moderate trek route towards Gogona and Khotokha from Gangtey and Phobjikha, the trails of which pass through meadows and fields, then forests of junipers, magnolia and rhododendron, which will be in full blossom in April.

Wangdue Phodrang, one of the central districts is located towards south of Punakha. Bajothang is where the town is located and peoples from various villages under the district come for major shopping in Bajo town. The valley is beautifully drained by Puna Tsangchhu where tourists can do boating. Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, (now under reconstruction) is one of the major cultural showcase in Wangdue