Gangtey Tshechu
The monastery above the crane valley unfurls its thongdrel.
Three days of cham at Gangtey Monastery above Phobjikha, ending with the unfurling of the great thongdrel at dawn.
Gangtey Gonpa commands the lip of the Phobjikha valley, seat of the Gangtey Trulku, and its tshechu comes as the valley turns toward autumn — weeks before the cranes arrive to winter in the marsh below. The final morning brings the thongdrel, the giant appliqué banner whose sight alone is held to cleanse, unfurled before the sun reaches the courtyard.
Guests staying in the valley walk up to the festival through blue pine, and the pairing of monastery pageantry above and glacial valley silence below makes this one of the most complete festival settings in the kingdom.
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