- Overview
- Trip Outline
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
Although the trek is possible throughout the winter, the best time for the Gangtey Trek is between March-May and September-November. It is a short and relatively easy trek with several beautiful villages and monasteries en route. The trail winds through forests of juniper, bamboo, magnolia and rhododendrons and over small streams of cold, clear mountain water. This trek is an excellent choice for those visitors not accustomed to trekking in the mountains as it offers beautiful views of the country with mostly gentle, forested slopes. The best time for this trek is between September-May.
8 Nights 9 Days
Itineraries
Day 1
Paro - Thimphu
On the arrival at Paro International Airport, our representative will warmly welcome you and drive to Thimphu. After lunch at Thimphu, you will visit Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 in the memory of third late king Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Then visit Buddha Dordenma which is sited amidst the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, the palace of Sherab Wangchuk, the thirteenth Druk Desi. It is one of the largest statue in the world, at a height of 169 feet (51.5 meters). Then visit Mothithang mini-zoo to see the National Animal of Bhutan Takin (Budorcas Taxicolor). Evening, stroll around Thimphu city, then visit Tashichho Dzong, seat of the National Government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan).Day 2
Thimphu - Punakha
After breakfast, we will drive to Punakha/Wangdi via Dochula Pass (3150m). Here you will have a breathtaking panoramic view of the Eastern Himalayan Mountain ranges. The pass is adorned with 108 small Chorten and many kinds of prayer flags. The drive will take around 3 hours. On reaching at Lobesa, visit to Chhimi Lhakhang, which is located at a hilltop. The temple is known as ‘the temple of fertility. This place was founded by divine madman Lama Drukpa Kunley in the 15th century. Later, this temple was built by his cousin Lama Ngawang Chogyel. At Punakha, visit the most beautiful Punakha Dzong.Day 3
Punakha - Gangtey
Today after having breakfast, drive to Phobjikha valley over Lawala Pass (3280m). Here you see a yaks grazing along the roadside. The road will ascend through semi-tropical vegetation and alpine environment, with rhododendron trees and dark green dwarf bamboo till you reaches at Lawala pass and then descends till we reach to Gantey. The drive will take 2 hours and 30 minutes. On reaching at Gantey, visit to Gangtey Goenpa/Monaestry. Then, we will hike to Gangtey Natural Trail Hike, the most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan.Day 4
Trekking
Distance 15 km, 6-7 hours, 610 m ascent, 410 m descent, camp altitude 3,130 m. The Trek starts near the village of Tabiting. The trail winds through meadows and fields and the climb takes you through a mixed forest of juniper, bamboo and rhododendron to Tsele La (3430m). From here you descend into the Juge Kangkha Chhu valley. Further on, the path leads to Gogona, well known for its “Gogona Cheese” production.Day 5
Trekking
Distance 16 km, 5-7 hours, 450 m ascent, 860 m descent, camp altitude 3,330 m. A gentle climb leads to ShobeLa pass (3,480m). The descent from the pass leads to a wide valley, surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges. Below the route one can see Khothokha, a village with about 60 houses. You finally reach the campsite by climbing gently up till you see four chortens in a forest of blue pine.Day 6
Trekking
Distance 12km, 4-5 hours, 120m ascent, 1,340m descent. From the camp you climb till you reach a forest road. From here it’s an easy walk up to a little ridge at 2,800m. The walk down back into the valley leads you through Bhutan’s best bird watching areas. Once we reach at Tikke Zampa, we will do fare well with our crew members and will meet with our driver and then we will drive to Punakha/Wangdi Phodrang.Day 7
Punakha - Paro
After breakfast, we will drive back to Paro. The road ascends up to the Dochula Pass (3150m) and descends till reach to Semtokha. On reaching Paro, visit to Paro Rimpung Dzong, the center of civil and religious authority in this region and drive to the village of Drukgyel and visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1649 to commemorate the victory over Tibetan invasion.Day 7
Paro Taktshang
After having breakfast, we will make a hike to Paro Taktshang Monastery, the most famous and sacred monastery in Bhutan. We have to walk about 2 hours and 30 minutes up steep from the road end. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. Lunch will be served at Taktshang cafeteria. While coming back, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, it is one of the two most sacred and the oldest temples in Bhutan, built in 7th century by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. Evening at leisure.Day 8
Departure
After our breakfast, we will drive to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. Our guide and driver will bid you farewell here at the airport.- Government Royalty and taxes
- Dedicated English speaking tour guide
- Dedicated tour vehicle and driver
- 3-star accommodation (twin sharing)
- Daily 3 meals (B/L/D)
- Airport transfers
- Bottled water
- Entry fees to parks and monuments
- Flights to and from Bhutan
- Personal expense/shopping
- Beverages (soda/juice/alcohol)
- 4 or 5 star accommodation (extra charges will apply)
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guide and driver