We arrived at Gangtey Monastery in the afternoon – had a quick tour around the monastery and its temples – before hitting the Gangtey Nature Trail for a bit of a physical workout. We kicked it off at the monastery, through the little settlement next to it and then into the forest, passing by farms and pastures, eventually heading down into the Phobjikha Valley with the possibility to spot black-necked cranes (the birds come here to stay during winter, before making it back to the Tibetan plateau in spring). After conclusion of the walk, we made it over to the Black-necked Crane Visitor Centre for an introduction to the animals and their significance to the valley and also to the monastery. The hotel was a short five minute drive away – and waiting with nicely heated-up rooms.