Gangtey Goenpa above the crane valley

Gangtey Goenpa was founded in 1613 by Gyalse Pema Thinley, grandson of Pema Lingpa, the 15th-century treasure-revealer of Bumthang. It is the main seat of the Pema Lingpa tradition and is headed by the Gangteng Tulku, a line of reincarnate lamas. The monastery is built like a small dzong, with a central temple surrounded by monks' quarters and a stone-paved courtyard. Village houses cluster around it on the ridge.

By the late 20th century the old timbers were rotten with beetle damage, and between 2000 and 2008 the monastery was taken apart and rebuilt under the ninth Gangteng Tulku, using traditional carpentry and the help of local families. It was consecrated again in October 2008 in the presence of the Fourth King. Inside the main hall are large statues and painted walls; the woodwork of the new building is fine and still smells of pine.

Visit in the morning, when the light falls across the valley and monks are at prayer. Wear long sleeves and trousers and remove shoes and caps inside. Photography is not allowed in the temple. The monastery's tshechu, held in the eighth lunar month (usually September or October), and the crane festival on or around 11 November both take place in its courtyard. Entry about Nu 300–500, indicative 2026.