Trip Name: Gangtey Trek Itinerary
Duration: 10 days
Grade: Easy to Exotic
Type: Trekking
Max Elevation: 7541m
Route: Paro - Thimpu - Gangtey Gompa - Gogona - Khotokha - Tikke Zampa - Punakha - Thimphu
Best Season:
Duration: 10 days
The Gangtey Trek Bhutan, also known as Gangtey Valley Trek, is a captivating journey through Bhutan’s most beautiful landscapes, natural beauty, and cultural exposure, including Phobjikha Valley, Monastery Visit, Crane Watch, and many more.
The trek typically starts from the picturesque Phobjikha Valley, renowned for its sweeping vistas, rolling hills, and lush meadows. This glacial valley is also the winter home of the endangered black-necked cranes, making it a haven for birdwatchers. The trek passes through several remote villages, such as Gogona and Khotokha, allowing trekkers to interact with local villagers and gain insights into rural Bhutanese life and customs.
Additionally, the Gangtey Trek Bhutan tour is a short and exotic trek that leads you to experience the glacial valley of Bhutan.
Furthermore, Bhutan Gangtey Trek's difficulty is considered to be relatively easy to moderate. This 10-day trek reaches an altitude of approximately 3,500 m. It involves 6-7 trekking hours daily that visits Gogna and Khotoka, passing through the forest of Juniper, Magnolia, Rhododendron, and a small stream of cold mountain water.
Bhutan Gangtey trekking helps you explore abundant flora and fauna residing in the mountain ecosystem of Gangtey, which Bhutanese Buddhists have preserved for an extended period. Black Necked Carnes migrate in Gangtey every winter from the Tibetan plateau.
Gangtey Trek's starting point in Bhutan is from Phobjikha Valley, near the Gangtey Monastery.
Trekking in Gangtey Valley in Bhutan is ideal for visitors unfamiliar with high-altitude trekking as it complements trekkers with mostly gentle and forested slopes. Visit the only Nyingmapa monastery of Gangety in the southern part of Black Mountain.
Gangtey Valley trek in Bhutan is suitable for all months except July and August. April and early May are the best seasons for the Gangtey trek in Bhutan when the sky is clear and the rhododendrons bloom.
As we already explained, this trek is relatively easy to moderate, so a beginner can also easily experience this journey. It is an easy route, and our friendly guide makes this trek an entirely new trekking experience is needed for this trek.
To take part in this trek, you should be physically fit, meaning you should be able to walk a full day with a small day pack. Animals will carry the bulk of our loads.
1) Gangtey Monastery was one of the oldest and largest Nyingma monasteries in 1613.
2) Drukgyel Dzong is a 17th-century fortress with views of Mt. Jhomolhari Peak.
3) Tiger’s Nest Monastery is an iconic landmark perched on a cliff.
4) Traditional Bhutanese Farmhaours provide the authentic local lifestyle of Bhutanese people.
5) Gangkhar Puensum views it as the world’s highest unclimbed mountain.
6) Wangdue Town Visit helps you explore local culture and crafts.
7) Tselela Pass is a mountain pass with lush juniper and rhododendron forests.
8) Gogona Village and Monastery is a traditional Bhutanese village with a small monastery that reflects spiritual and cultural significance.
9) Shobjula Pass offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
10) Tashila Pass is the last major ascent pass of the Gangtey trek.
11) Chimi Lhakhang Hike is famous for its fertility blessings for couples.
12) National Memorial Chorten, National Painting School, Thimphu weekend market, and archery ground.
1) Gangtey Monastery was one of the oldest and largest Nyingma monasteries in 1613.
2) Drukgyel Dzong is a 17th-century fortress with views of Mt. Jhomolhari Peak.
3) Tiger’s Nest Monastery is an iconic landmark perched on a cliff.
4) Traditional Bhutanese Farmhaours provide the authentic local lifestyle of Bhutanese people.
5) Gangkhar Puensum views it as the world’s highest unclimbed mountain.
6) Wangdue Town Visit helps you explore local culture and crafts.
7)Tselela Pass is a mountain pass with lush juniper and rhododendron forests.
8)Gogona Village and Monastery is a traditional Bhutanese village with a small monastery that reflects spiritual and cultural significance.
9)Shobjula Pass offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
10)Tashila Pass is the last major ascent pass of the Gangtey trek.
11)Chimi Lhakhang Hike is famous for its fertility blessings for couples.
12)National Memorial Chorten, National Painting School, Thimphu weekend market, and archery ground.
Choosing Dream Bhutan, aka we for your Gangtey Tre,k offers several advantages that can enhance your trekking experience. We provide you with a well-organized and comprehensive itinerary covering all the Gangatey Trek's highlights, ensuring you don’t miss out on any of the stunning landscapes or cultural sites.
Dream Bhutan offers the best Bhutan Gangtey Trek package for 10 days. This Bhutan Gangtey trek gives you the perfect blend of cultural and scenic experiences. It is ideal for nature lovers who love to trek through peaceful valleys with stunning panoramic Himalayan views.
You can trek Gangtey in Bhutan, where you can visit the Gygadgetygety monastery, which reflects Bhutan's cultural highlights and spiritual significance. This trek takes you through remote villages and visits with wildlife sightings.
Dream Bhutan provides a Bhutan Gangtey Trek guided tour, and we also offer the best Bhutan Gangtey Trek tour guide who brings Bhutan’s history and culture to life. We provide all the necessary Bhutan travel permits and fees for our travelers.
Not only this, but we also offer customizable, tailored itineraries to suit your interests. We do not compromise with the facilities of our travelers.
Book a Bhutan Gangtey Trek tour with Dream Bhutan. For more details about Bhutan Gangtey Trek prices and packages, contact us today and start your Bhutan Gangtey Trek adventure with Dream Bhutan!
Day 01: Arrive - Paro by Druk-Air
Day 02: Paro - Thimphu
Day 03: Thimphu - Gangtey Gompa
Day 04: Trek Day 1 Start of Trek - Gangtey Gompa-Gogona
Day 05: Trek Day 2 - Gogana-Khotokha
Day 06: Trek Day 3 End of Trek - Khotokha-Tikke Zampa/Punakha
Day 07: Punakha - Thimphu
Day 08: Thimphu - Sightseeing
Day 09: Thimphu - Paro
Day 10: Farewells and departure
1) You should drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, which helps avoid altitude sickness.
2) Bring layered clothing to help you keep your body warm.
3) Stay calm, maintain a steady pace, and rest when your body needs it.
4) Always ascend slowly to acclimatize to the weather with the rise in altitude.
5) Eat energy-giving food to strengthen your energy and avoid alcoholic beverages.
6) Carry cash because ATMs are unavailable in required places, and international cards cannot be used.
7) Respect local customs and be mindful of the environment.
8)Use trekking boots for ankle support and for a comfortable journey.
The best time for the Bhutan Gangtey trek is during Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November).
Spring offers the Gangtey Trek in Bhutan with scenic views of blooming rhododendrons, lush green valleys, and the snow-capped Himalayas. This season provides the perfect blend of cultural and picturesque experience, as trekkers can witness vibrant landscapes while exploring ancient monasteries and traditional Bhutanese villages.
Similarly, Autumn offers Bhutan Gangtey Trek with panoramic Himalayan views and clear skies. This season is perfect for nature lovers because of suitable weather, green forests, and breathtaking mountain scenery.
Winter (December) is cold as you ascend to higher elevations, but if you don’t mind cold and chilly weather, the Bhutan Ganftey trek can be a peaceful time to trek through a quiet valley.
Summer (June-August) is also known as monsoon season, but it is not recommended because of heavy rains and slippery trails.
Base layers such as thermal tops and bottoms
Mid layers such as fleece jacket or woolen sweater
Outer layers such as waterproof, windproof jackets and pants
Lightweight trekking pants
Waterproof, ankle-supporting boots
Extra pair of warm socks
Windproof gloves
Warm hat or beanie
Trekking bags up to 30-40 liters
First-aid kit
Trekking stick
Water bottles
Powerbank and multiple batteries
Flashlight/Headlight
Sunglasses to protect from UV rays of the sun
Camera/Smartphone
Lightweight towel
Sunscreen
Lip Balm
Travel documents include passport, permits, and insurance
Cash for donations
Binoculars for wildlife spotting
Camping gear if you want to camp
Day 1: Arrival Paro by Druk Air
On landing at Paro, you will be met by our representative. After Customs and immigration formalities, you will be escorted to the hotel.
Day 2: Sightseeing at Paro and drive to Thimpu.
Drive the winding road northwest up the Pa-Chu to Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined Fortress that once defended this valley from Tibetan invasion. This Dzong was built in the 17th century by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel, the spiritual leader of Bhutan.
On a clear day, one can view Mt. Jumolhari, the sacred Mountain. We stopped at Takshang Viewpoint on the way back to look at the fabulous Takshang Temple. We also visit one of the Typical Bhutanese farmhouses. After lunch at the hotel, we drive to Ta-Dzong, which was once the watch tower for Paro Valle and now houses the National Museum, and then walk downhill past the Paro Dzong and crossing the typical traditional roofed bridge to Paro town. In the evening, we drive to Thimpu.
Day 3: Thimphu - Gangtey Gompa
The first half of the day is spent on a 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 world's highest unclimbed mountain. The descent through the temperate forest colored with Rhododendrons and Magnolias takes you to the semi-tropical zone of orange, bananas, cactus, and the valley of Wangdue. We visit the town of Wangdue.
After lunch, drive to Gangtey Gompa, and you will be lodged in a farmhouse converted into a small guest house or camp if rooms are unavailable.
Day 4: Gangtey Gompa - Gogona
Trek Day 1: Distance 15 km and walking time 6-7 hours.
The trek starts at Tabiting (2830m) and takes you through meadows and fields, then ascends the Tselela pass at 3440m through a mixed forest of Juniper, bamboo, 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 dialect and live lives of their own. Gogona is a small village with an outstanding monastery under the care of Gangtey Gompa.
Day 5: Gogona - Khotokha
Trek Day 2: Distance 16 km and about 6-7 hours walking time.
Starting at Gogona, 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.
Day 6: Khotokha - Tikke Zampa/Punakha
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 the road, 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 30-minute drive to Punakha.
Day 7: Punakha - Thimphu
Morning at leisure or hike to Chhimi Lhakhang (temple of the divine madman). It will be a 2-hour roundtrip hike. After lunch, drive to Thimphu (3 hours)
Day 8: Thimphu Sightseeing
After breakfast, visit the National Memorial Chorten, which is built in memory of the late King. Also, see the Handicraft Emporium/Chokey Handicraft and the National Painting School. After lunch, visit the traditional gold smiths and stroll through the Thimphu market. If the day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, visiting the weekend market and archery ground is necessary.
Day 9:Thimphu - Paro
Drive to Paro and sightseeing.
Day 10:Farewells and departure.
