Gangteng Monastery

Also known as the Gangtey Gonpa or Gangtey Monastery, the Gangteng Monastery is an important monastery of Nyingmapa school of Buddhism. Situated in the Wangdue Phodrang Disrtrict in central Bhutan, the monastery lies on the west side by the Black Mountains, and is located amidst the Gangtey Village. Overlooking the vast U-shaped glacial Phobjika Valley, adorned with striking views of the Phubjika Valley, the monastery was established in 1613 by the first Peling Gyalsé Rinpoche.

Structure and Architecture
This beautiful looking monastery is a wonder in itself. The construction of the pillars, beams and windows of the monastery were done by cutting off the nearby forest trees. A renowned artisan was specially brought from Tibet to guide the team of local craftsmen. Voluntary labour force was organized from among the devotees of the local village of Gangten.

Since the year 2000, the monastery has undergone a major renovation. It was planned in such a way as to not disturb the original charm and grandeur of the monastery. All the important measures were taken to preserve the old structures, carvings, and paintings. The monastery was painted with durable special mineral paints, locally called the dotshoen.

Major Festival celebrated in the monastery
Tsechu is the popular Bhutanese festival that is celebrated all over Bhutan in all the major monasteries. The festival is held from the 5th to 10th days of the eighth lunar month, and attracts many foreign tourists.
In addition to this, the Crane Festival is also celebrated here. The festival marks the arrival of Black necked cranes from the Tibetan plateau during the winter months. The arrival of the birds is held as a religious blessing by the people. It is held on 12 November, every year, which is a day after the celebration of the King’s birthday.

Attraction around
The major attraction around Gangteng Monastery is Gangtey treks, which is a huge crowd puller. The trekking route starts from Gangteng Gonpa in the Phobjika valley, and passes through the Kumbu village.

Religious Institutions
A Buddhist College and a meditation centre have been established at the monastery, at the command of the fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The idea was to propagate the Buddhist Dharma with support from the Royal Government of Bhutan. Following this, 35 new and old subsidiary meditation and learning centres of the Gangteng Gönpa have been established in the country.