Beyond Phobjikha Why Khotokha is Bhutan’s Hidden Gem

Khotokha Valley in Wangduephodrang is a serene wetland sanctuary, home to endangered Black-necked Cranes and recognised as one of Bhutan’s Ramsar sites. Often called the hidden twin of Phobjikha, the valley blends breathtaking landscapes with sacred monasteries, heritage homes, and timeless traditions. With the Gyalsung project and responsible tourism initiatives, Khotokha is emerging as a unique destination where nature, culture, and spirituality come together.

Khotokha Valley, in the western district of Wangduephodrang, is best known for its vast marshlands and as a winter roosting ground for the endangered black-necked cranes. More secluded than the better-known Phobjikha Valley, it remains a tranquil haven of natural beauty. The fertile land supports thriving potato cultivation, while its ecologically sensitive wetland ecosystem is closely protected, with development carefully monitored.

Once a hidden gem, Khotokha—often referred to as the twin of Phobjikha—is now gaining recognition among both locals and travellers. With the Gyalsung project bringing renewed attention, the valley is emerging as a sought-after destination, celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and sacred pilgrimage sites.

With thoughtful planning, responsible tourism policies, and active community participation, Khotokha has the potential to establish itself as a distinctive and sustainable tourism hub in its own right.

These include Dechen Draphug Ney, believed to have been revealed by Guru Rinpoche, the Dolung Monastery, and Dorji Phaam Ney. The area also boasts heritage homes like Shelley Saam, once the residence of the revered Dakini Wangchuk Gyelmo, and Namsaycholing Nangtshang, a century-old traditional house built during the era of Desi Jigme Namgyel.

The Gyalsung project for Khotokha 

The Gyalsung project at Khotokha is one of the four Gyalsung Academies being established across Bhutan under His Majesty’s initiative. Each academy will provide one-year mandatory training for all Bhutanese youth when the program begins. Although the academy is still under construction, with major infrastructure works ongoing, roads, utilities, and campus facilities aimed at being ready for the program’s rollout. Khotokha hosted the first cohort that began around early September 2024 and their Passing Out Parade took place on December 3, 2024. 

The second batch enrolled on December 16 and a total of 485 trainees passed out from Khotokha as part of this batch. 

Currently, the Gyalsung project in Khotokha is hosting its first cohort of 2025 which began in April and will complete their trainings on June 30.

About a two-hour drive from Wangduephodrang and over four hours from the capital, Thimphu, lies the Khotokha Valley which is often described as the lesser-known twin of Phobjikha. Tucked away in the heart of Wangduephodrang, this high-altitude valley sits quietly surrounded by pine-covered hills and wide open wetlands.

Much like Phobjikha, Khotokha offers a similar cool climate, open spaces, and spiritual calm. The valley is dotted with traditional Bhutanese farmhouses, sacred sites, and a monastic community, making it a perfect blend of natural beauty and spiritual retreat.

The valley is home to the endangered black-necked cranes during their annual winter migration, adding to its ecological importance. Recognizing its rich biodiversity and fragile ecosystem, Khotokha has been designated as one of Bhutan’s Ramsar sites—wetlands of international importance.

Dechen Draphug Nye

Dechen Draphug Nye, is a sacred site and is one of four dra (cliff) pilgrimage site in Khotokha, Wangdue, entrusted to Phajo Drugom Zhigpo (A religious master who first introduced Drukpa Kagyu to Bhutan in 1224 AD) by Guru Rinpoche (Precious Guru). The site holds spiritual significance as the place where Phajo Drugom Zhigpo had a profound vision of the Mandala of the Eight Precepts during meditation.

It is also where his scattering rosary beads symbolically indicated that his teachings would one day spread to the south. Despite its sacred importance, the site has remained relatively unknown and seldom visited, largely due to the poor condition of the road that winds its way to the cliffs, discouraging many pilgrims from making the journey.

Dolung Monastery 

Dolung Sherub Yoedsel Chhoeling Goenpa popularly known as Dolung monastry is a sacred 17th century monastery which was founded by the second Je Khenpo, Sonam Wozer. The monastery houses a collection of sacred relics. One of the most sacred relics is the Dolung- a stone with a handle which was discovered by the second Je Khenpo. Do-Lung (Do-Stone, Lung- handle) also has the foot print of Sonam Wozer the second Je Khenpo. Another important relic of the monastery is Dolung Raksha (Ox head mask). The mask plays a central role in the annual Dolung Mani festival and the Wangdue Tshechu, making it one of Bhutan’s most sacred religious artifacts. Visitors are allowed to visit the monastery and witness the relics but are not allowed to photograph.

Shelley Saam house 

Khotokha valley also boasts heritage homes like Shelley Saam, once a house of revered Dakini Wangchuk Gyelmo and Namsaycholing Nangtshang, a century-old traditional house. 

The two-story structure retains the elegance of traditional Bhutanese architecture. Intricately carved wooden panels adorn the upper floor, while below, a simple wooden door and windows hint at lives once lived within. A raised wooden platform, worn smooth over time, marks the entrance. Despite its enduring charm, the signs of aging are evident peeling paint, crumbling edges, and exposed mud walls reveal the vulnerability of this historic home.

While no formal documentation confirms the exact age of Goenphakha Nangtshang, descendants of Shelley Saam believe the house is over a thousand years old. Over the years, restoration efforts have aimed to preserve its authenticity, ensuring that this relic of Bhutanese heritage continues to stand as a bridge between the past and present.

Among those carrying forward the legacy of Shelley Saam is 55-year-old Thinley Dorji, a direct descendant. Though his family moved away from the house for safety reasons, they continue to honour its deep spiritual significance. Today, the house stands locked and unoccupied, yet it is visited each year for important rituals. While villagers are welcome to offer prayers, few outsiders are aware of its rich historical value.

A steep 15-minute uphill hike through dense forest leads to the house, shrouded in silence except for the whispers of the wind and rustling leaves.

Khotokha and the Ramsar Designation

Khotokha is also a wintering ground for the endangered Black-necked Cranes and was officially designated as a Ramsar site in 2012. A Ramsar site is a wetland recognised under an international treaty for its ecological importance and the need for careful protection.

Khotokha’s peaceful setting and breathtaking views make it an ideal escape from the rush of modern life—perfect for slowing down in nature, experiencing local culture, and capturing awe-inspiring photographs. On 10 January 2012, Bhutan’s National Council ratified the country’s entry into the Ramsar Convention, recognising three vital crane habitats—Phobjikha, Khotokha in Wangduephodrang, and Bumdeling in Trashiyangtse—as internationally important wetlands. Between 2024 and 2025, Khotokha Valley continued to serve as a roosting ground for two adult Black-necked Cranes, reaffirming its ecological significance.

Namsaycholing Nagtshang (Manor house)

The 100-year-old four-storied vernacular house in Shelly village, Rubesa gewog which once was a fortress-like home for Bhutanese aristocrats now stands on the brink of ruin. Registered as a heritage site, the unique structure still draws the attention of locals for its distinct design, even in its fading state.

A 2022 study revealed that the house is over a century old and noted for its distinctive architectural features.

Constructed in the late 1800s during the reign of Desi Jigme Namgyel (Father of the first King), Namseycholing Nagtshang stands out as a rare architectural gem in the region. Unlike typical Bhutanese homes, which usually have two or three floors, this mansion rises to four stories. Restoration plans have been prepared by the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development. 

The mansion was built by Zimpon Cheba Raza, who served as chamberlain to Trongsa Penlop Ugyen Wangchuck, the man who would later become Bhutan’s first king.

Namseycholing Nagtshang is not only historically significant but also a rare architectural treasure. This four-storey mansion, constructed from rammed earth and timber, boasts 18 doors and a central courtyard that once served as horse stables.

Khotokha Valley may be less known than its twin, Phobjikha, but it carries within its folds a wealth of natural beauty, sacred heritage, and timeless traditions. From its role as a sanctuary for the endangered Black-necked Cranes to its revered monasteries, hidden pilgrimage sites, and historic manor houses, the valley embodies Bhutan’s unique blend of spirituality, culture, and conservation.

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