Phobjikha is a lovely little town (village really) on the way to Tronga. It’s located more towards central Bhutan. The road from Punakha to Phobjikha is really bad. It had rained the previous day, and we could see how difficult it was for the driver to navigate through the slippery and narrow roads. Additionally, it takes a lot more time to travel further after Punakha as there are several road blocks. Roads are being constructed in these parts and they stay open for passing only half an hour after every two hours. We just missed the opening time of the first block and were stuck there for an hour. But nobody in Bhutan is bothered by things like these, and you see how it’s accepted as part of life. It also really helps that every single spot is so peaceful, green, and beautiful.
We had a great time at this block just walking around, having suja, and talking to the roadside vendors.
Because of our bad timing, we were also caught in the road block right before Phobjikha. This time for 90 minutes. Again, no reason to worry. We had the most delicious momos here. We reached the valley in just a few minutes after the second block.
The Phobjikha valley is known for black necked cranes. They can be spotted in the open areas in the winters. We couldn’t spot any as they migrate to Tibet this time of the year.
I have mentioned this before, and I want to say it again. Bhutan is a perfect example of people living in great harmony with the nature. People just blend into the natural surroundings so well, and the country is remarkable in how it values nature. The houses in Phobjikha all have dim lighting as harsher lights scare the cranes away. The noise levels are kept at a minimum to make it comfortable for the birds.
It’s a sleepy little village where you see yaks, cows and horses grazing together peacefully. The road leading up to Phobjikha is pure magic. We spotted tons of fiddlehead ferns here. There were also several medicinal plants with flowers that looked like hibiscus. The Bhutanese use these flowers for home remedies.
The road leading up and down the valley is great and so tranquil that you’re most likely to spot just one car, and that would be yours. We saw a monk and an anim (lady monk) walking down this road. They were really sweet and asked after us. They even agreed to let me take a pic. Check it here.
The next time we go to Bhutan, I’d definitely spend some more time here.
Bhutanesque 