Gangtey Monastery Bhutan is the oldest monastery in Bhutan. It is located on the hilltop at an elevation of 2800m under the Wangdiphodrang district of Bhutan. It was built in 1613 by the first Peling Gyalsé Rinpoche or Gangteng Tulku, Rigdzin Pema Tinley, who was the grandson of the great Bhutanese “treasure revealer” Terchen Pema Lingpa.
Before you reach Phubjikha glacial valley you will be visiting the Gangtey Monastery Bhutan. It is an important monastery for the Nyingmapa school of thought.
Phobjika valley just below the Gangtey Goenpa is famous as the winter nesting ground of black-necked cranes which migrate there from Tibet. A popular legend states that they circle the Gangtey Monastery three times on their final landing approach, then do the same upon departure at the end of the season.
The Monastery’s history traces to the early 17th century and back to the prophecies made by the well-known Terton (treasure finder) Pema Lingpa in the late 15th century.
Pema Lingpa got his first religious revelation when he was running 25 years old. He was directed through his vision to assemble at a place called Naring Rock on the night of the full moon. He was with his five friends. When they reached the spot, He dove naked into the waters near Naring Rock alone. He found out Buddhist scriptures below the water.
His grandson Pema Thinley fulfilled the prophecy by establishing a monastery at the site located by Pema Linga. He named the site “Gangteng Sangngak Chöling”, which literally means “Summit for teaching the dharma”. According to Pema Thinley, when the pine trees of the monastery were planted, each seed was as good as a minor relic of the Buddha. Anyone who dared disturb the trees would accrue a vast measure of negative karma.
The design and Architecture of the Gangtey Monastery Bhutan are similar to Dzong’s appearance. The monastery was not built with a defensive fort. You cant find any arrow slits or other defensive structures as such when you see the Monastery. The main tower or “Utse”, a multi-story tower the design is borrowed from dzong architecture. The ground-floor hall has eighteen large pillars, which support the building in the center. Around the side of the main structure, you can see many small rooms. On the ground floor, you can see Buddhas of the past, present, and future.
The middle floor is a residential area, three shrine rooms, and the temple’s treasury. The uppermost floor compromises house of several functions. The central hall is the Lamai Lhakhang temple, with a statue of Vajrasattava and Peling lineage. It serves as a library for various Nyingma Buddhist texts.
On the north side is Machen Lhakhang which houses the body of the 6th Gangtey Tulku (1838-74) and statues of the sixteen arhats. On the south side is the Tshengye Lhakhang, with figures of the eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche.
The outer walls of the monastery are mainly used as living quarters for the resident monks. On the south side for the head abbot room. You can find storerooms, kitchens, and several other halls are also located within the Gangtey Monastery Bhutan.
The Gangtey Monastery Bhutan was reconstructed from 2000 to 2008. The re-work of the monastery was completed by October 10, 2008. The restoration was carried out using traditional materials. The subsequent reconstruction was done for the 400-year old monument.
Gangtey Nature Trail starts from Gangtey Goenpa to Phubjikha Valley. You will enjoy hiking through the village and pine forest. Finally, you land up the glacial valley of Phubjikha. Gangtey Nature will provide you peace of mind and a refreshing holiday mood. It takes nearly 45 minutes to reach a monastery where your driver will wait to pick you.