The high mountains and dense coniferous forests surrounding Phobjika Valley open into wide flat spaces where Gangtey village makes its home. The spot seems almost purpose made for the handsome hamlet of half-timbered Bhutanese homes that are chaperoned by the multi-stepped roofs of the Gangtey Gompa. Dating from the early 1600s, this great whitewashed monastery decorated in fiery dragon filigrees and wreathed in colorful Buddhist prayer flags is one of the holiest in the country. It won't take long though to turn one’s attention to the valley’s beautiful setting once again; a lesson in balancing conservation and tourism. After all, other than its human residents, this area is also the winter home to more than 400 endangered black-necked cranes. Ask your Gangtey tour guides to point them out, as well as to reveal the walking routes of the iconic Gangtey Trek up to the Kungathang Lhakhang.