Getaway to the Glacial Valley of Phobjikha

I graced the world for twenty two years and learned little that trekking and hiking creates a climate of relaxation amidst our mundane usual days. It can reach us to a gorgeous space where we get to admire the light, the silence, and every beautiful lub and dub beats of nature. Nature became my closest confident, providing the new views of the world. My getaway to Phobjikha was to rewind my initial bygone days after thirteen years, for my root of education initiated its radicle from this very place.

The bowl shaped valley of Phobjikha appeared to be an oasis of glaciers and storehouse of Shangrila. The valley is flooded with the glaciers during the cold and spreaded miles of green meadows during other season. I can proudly say that Phobjikha carries the charm of being living museum as it host the flock of black necked cranes, presence of sacred sites, rolling miles of green fields and patches of trees and occasional barns. The valley different from other can be uttered with the underground electrification system to the least, as a prevention to the threatening habitat mood of black necked cranes.

As we step in to the valley of Phobjikha, the majestic stand of Gangtey Goenpa on the hillock greets us by rippling its spiritual energy through out the valley. Gangtey monastry overlooks the entire pockets of Phojikha and bless the souls of seekers with the spiritual blessing of Terton Pema Lingpa. For, it was the renowed site founded by Gyalse Rigdzin Pema Thinley who was the re-embodiment of Terton Pema Lingpa.

Not very far from the Gangtey monastry, Nyelung Drachagling which was founded by Master Kuenkhen Longchen Rabjam lies at its periphery. It is one among eight temples with "Ling" in Bhutan. Viz; Bumthang Tharpaling, Paro Samtenling, Kurtoe Kunzangling, Shingkhar Dechenling, Tang Ugyen Choling, Sha Kunzangling and Khotongkha Rinchenling. The walking stick of Kuenkhen Longchen Rabjam, which was miracled to grow in an inverted topsy-turvy position can also be seen towering among the blue pines at the outer periphery of Nyelung Drachagling.

As we hike through the alternate farms and swampy streched land to the east of Phobjikha, Khewang lhakhang that houses the aesthetic wall paintings and statue of Maitreya Buddha with raw appearence (irregular ears and other parts) can be seen. The raw look of buddha's statue was said that the Tibetan scuptor who knew the nearing of his death curved the statue in a hurry (Source: Custodian of temple).

Myth behind absence of paddy cultivation at Phobjikha.

It is utterly impossible yet contains a trace of myth embedded in the Nakay Chu and Gay chu threading it way majestically through the heart of valley. Nakey chu (Chhu Naap-black water) is believed to represent snake and Gay Chhu (Chhu Karp-white water) represents Boar. It was said that snake and boar once agreed to run a race. They betted "Phobjikha to be blessed with a valley favourable for paddy cultivation if snake win the race and vice versa if boar wins."

As they did the race, boar was quick enough to complete the race before snake due to the meandering nature of snake slowing its race. Hence, the Nakey chu representing snake can be seen flowing its way in a zig zag trail of snake. Moreover, the valley can be found devoid of paddy cultivation. Believe it or not, this legend does justice enough to prove its myth.