Embedded on the western slopes of the Black Mountains is the bowl-shaped Phobjikha Valley, a staggeringly scenic glacial valley perched at 3000 metres above sea level and tucked close to central Bhutan. A large flock of black-necked cranes soar above the vast stretches of luxuriant greenery that swathe the countryside, covering the alpine territory with thick grassland, marsh, and dwarf bamboo. Abundant wildlife also inhabits the area, including the barking deer, wild boars, sambar, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan serow, leopards and foxes. Highlights include the Gangtey Goenpa Monastery, the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre, and a 2-hour trek along the Gangtey Nature Trail. The valley also serves as a convenient base for the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, one of the biggest virgin tracks of forest in the Himalayas.