The Gangtey Valley Trek is one of the low-altitude treks in Bhutan and also the easiest. The trek goes to the wide green lush and glacial valley of Phobjikha at an altitude of 3000 meters. The valley is also the winter home of the black-necked cranes migrating from the Tibetan plateau.
Paro International Airport (Google Map)
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Fly into Paro. You will be met by our representative. After Customs and Immigrations formalities, you will be escorted to the hotel. Over night at hotel
Starting our Gangtey Trek, after breakfast we drive through the valley straight north to see the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, a victory fortress of the 17th century. On the way back stop at the Takshang (tiger’s nest) viewpoint, visit a farmhouse. After lunch visit Ta-Dzong (National Museum) which is considered to be one of the best natural and historical museums and walk downhill for a view of Paro Dzong with its traditional bridge over the Pa-chu (Paro River).Evening drive to Thimphu. Overnight hotel
Today’s drive will be 6-7 hours. The first half of the drive is about 3 hours leisurely drive over the Dochula pass at 10,000 ft. to Wangdue. En route, you will see some of the highest peaks in Bhutan including Gangkhar Puensum(7541m), the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. The descent through the temperate forest colored with Rhododendrons and Magnolias takes you to the semi-tropical zone of orange, bananas, and cactus and to the valley of Wangdue. Visit the town of Wangdue, After lunch drive to Gangtey Gompa, 3 hours. You will be lodged up in a farmhouse converted into a small guest house or camp if rooms are not available. The campsite and guest house are at Tabiting.
Gangtey Trek Day 1: Distance 15 km and walking time 6-7 hours. The trek starts at Tabiting at 2830m and camp at Gogona (3100m). A moderate trek that takes you through meadows and fields then ascends the Tselela pass at 3440m through a mixed forest of Juniper, bamboos, Rhododendrons, and Magnolias. On this trek, you will meet people who speak a different dialect called Bjop-Kha (a language spoken by nomads in Bhutan). Because of their isolation, they continue using their own dialect and a life of their own. Gogona is a small village with an outstanding monastery under the care of Gangtey Gompa.
Overnight camp.
Gangtey Trek Day 2: Distance 16 km and about 6-7 hours walking time. Starting at Gogona and camp at Khotokha (2790m). A gradual climb today takes you to Shobjula pass at 3410m. On descending you will reach a wide valley with a clear view of the mountains around you. Overnight camp.
Gangtey Trek Day 3 End of Trek: Distance 12 km and walking time 5 hours. A short climb takes you to the Tashila pass at 2800m. As you walk down you will notice the changes in the vegetation and finally reach the motorable road at Tikke Zampa where you will be received by our tour bus. From here it is a 30minute drive to Punakha.
Overnight Hotel.
Morning at leisure or take a hike to Chhimi Lhakhang (temple of the divine madman) It will be a 2-hour roundtrip hike.
After lunch drive to Thimphu (3 hours)
After breakfast visits the National Memorial Chorten, built-in memory of the late King. Also, visit the Handicraft Emporium/Chokey handicraft and the National Painting School. After lunch visits the traditional goldsmiths and a stroll in the Thimphu market. If today is a Saturday or Sunday then a visit to the weekend market and archery ground is a must.
To Paro (2 hours drive) and sightseeing in Paro.
Your Gangtey Trek terminates today so after breakfast, your representative will help you with the exit formalities and bid you farewell and wish you a happy journey back home.
