Embedded on the western slopes of the Black Mountains is the bowl-shaped Phobjikha Valley, a staggeringly scenic glacial valley perched at 3000 metres above sea level and tucked close to central Bhutan.

Visitors come to witness large flocks of black-necked cranes soaring above the vast stretches of luxuriant greenery that swathe the countryside, covering the alpine territory with thick grassland, marsh, and dwarf bamboo.

Abundant wildlife also inhabits the area, including barking deer, wild boar, sambar, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan serow, leopard and foxes.

Highlights include the Gangtey Goempa Monastery, the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre, and a 4-kilometre long trek along the Gangtey Nature Trail.

The valley also serves as a convenient base to the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, one of the biggest virgin tracks of forest in the Himalayas.