Phobjikha valley (now people there prefer to call Gangtey-Phobji valley) under under Wangdue Phodrang district is situated at about 3000m above the sea level. It is one of the the popular and largest wintering habitats of Black-necked Cranes (Grus nigricollis). People believe the cranes as heavenly birds. Gangtey-Phobji valley is declared as the third Ramsar Site of Bhutan. It has been included in the List of Wetlands of International Importance under Ramsar convention.
Khewang Lhakhang is located at south-east of the valley. It is one of ancient community monasteries in the valley. The community celebrate their annual festival called Tshechu at the monastery.
It was so amazing to see the mists meandering from warmer part in the south to the colder part of the valley which was still waiting for the daylight to warm up. It gradually filled up the whole valley. The loud calls of the Black-necked Cranes were soothing. They appeared camouflaged in the white rising mists. They would fly to various feeding areas as the valley warmed with winter morning rays.
The common livestock and cranes co-exist peacefully in the valley. The valley hosts many dependents – local and the migrants. Among those were grazing yaks. It appeared so peaceful with morning mist creating boundary between them and the traditional houses of the valley adorned with farmlands.
Farmers in the valley raise horses to cater to increasing tourists in the valley. There are still several tourist spots not connected by motor roads. There were many of them freely grazing in the valley.
They looked healthy and happy. The valley was still fresh with frost waiting for early rays.
As the valley warmed up, cranes started flying to their feeding grounds. As the number increased, competition for food too increased. They would fly farther from their roosting grounds in the coming days. The valley was receiving additional number of cranes daily from their summer habitats.
The cranes would feed in the farmlands and gardens of the farmers. I found this one near Khewang monastery. It was very attentive to any unexpected intruders or dangers while they were feeding.
As the valley warmed up, a herd of cattle was heading toward the valley. I could see more lives in the valley. I could see smoke rising from most of the houses.
With more lights, several meandering streams looked more calm and beautiful reflecting brighter colors of the sky above.
It looked more dramatic and picturesque with more lists and blue skies.
It was very enriching and immersive to be in the valley in early hours. According to my trainers, the best time to take picture is before 9AM and after sun set. Nothing would be good during harsh daylight. As the valley was brightly lit, I headed back to my training camp.
I would like to thank my Directors and colleagues of Bhutan Foundation for giving me such rare opportunities to enhance my skills and passion. I would continue to explore and learn to further my amateur photography skills.
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18 November 2018
Phobjikha Valley, Wangdue Phodrang
