Overview
The Gangtey Valley Trek is a captivating journey through the pristine landscapes of Bhutan, offering adventurers a remarkable blend of natural beauty, cultural encounters, and serene spirituality. Stretching over approximately 4-5 days, this trek takes you on a memorable exploration of the Gangtey Valley, also known as the Phobjikha Valley, nestled within the heart of the Himalayas.
Starting from the charming village of Gogona or other entry points, the trek winds through lush forests, quaint villages, and rolling hills, providing panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The trail also meanders past terraced fields, where locals cultivate crops and tend to their livestock, providing a glimpse into the traditional rural way of life in Bhutan.
One of the highlights of the Gangtey Valley Trek is the Phobjikha Valley, a glacial basin known for its rich biodiversity and as the winter nesting ground for the rare black-necked cranes. This avian spectacle is also a sight to behold, with these elegant birds seeking refuge in the valley’s marshes amidst a backdrop of majestic mountains.
Immersive Cultural Encounters and Tranquil Landscapes: Experiencing the Gangtey Valley Trek
Throughout the trek, you’ll have the chance to interact with the friendly locals, known for their warm hospitality and deep-rooted cultural traditions. You might visit monasteries and temples, such as the Gangtey Monastery, where you can immerse yourself in Bhutan’s spiritual heritage and gain insight into the daily lives of the monks.
As the trek progresses, the landscape evolves, and you’ll find yourself passing through fragrant pine forests and verdant meadows. The crisp mountain air and breathtaking vistas create an atmosphere of tranquility and introspection, making the trek a rejuvenating experience for both the body and soul.
The Gangtey Valley Trek is also moderately challenging, making it accessible to a wide range of trekkers. Accommodation along the route is often in cozy guesthouses, allowing you to rest comfortably each night after a day of exploration.
Conclusion and Summary
In conclusion, the Gangtey Valley Trek is a harmonious fusion of nature and culture, taking you on an unforgettable expedition through Bhutan’s untouched wilderness and cultural treasures. With its diverse landscapes, close encounters with wildlife, and opportunities to connect with local communities, this trek is an ideal choice for those seeking a transformative adventure that reveals the essence of Bhutan.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival Paro (2,250m)
Arrive Paro by the Bhutanese National Carrier flying over the world’s highest mountains and finally landing at the lush green Paro valley. A cool and clean fresh air greets the visitor as stepping down from the plane, the first gift of Bhutan. After clearing customs and visa formalities, meet the representatives and the Bhutanese guide, and a short tour brief by the guide then transfer to Paro town for lunch. After lunch visit Rinpung Dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan; the Dzong continues its age-old function as the seat of the district administration, district court and the monastic body. The southern approach to the Dzong also has a traditional roofed cantilever bridge called Nemi Zam. Overnight at Hotel.(Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 02: Paro – Thimphu (2.350m)
After breakfast, drive to Thimphu (1 hour) following Pa Chhu downstream. In Thimphu, drive on to the Buddha Terrance for a stunning view of the valley and take a drive to visit Takin Preserve to see Takin, Bhutan’s national animal – a strange looking beast which some say resembles a beestung moose! Take a view of the majestic Tashichoe Dzong, the seat of the government before circumventing the Memorial Chorten – a monument erected in memory of Bhutan’s third king H.M. Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Visit Centenary Farmers Market, the new authentic craft bazaar, National Institute of Traditional Medicine that still dispenses traditional herbal medicines to the locals, the Folk Heritage Museum – a 300 year old traditional house converted into a museum. Overnight at Hotel (Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 03: Thimphu – Gangtey Gompa (2,900m)
Today’s drive will be 6-7 hours. The first half of the drive is about 3 hour’s leisurely drive over the Dochula pass (3,150m) to Wangdue. Also En-route spot some of the highest peaks in Bhutan including Gangkhar Puensum (7541m), the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. The descend through the temperate forest colored with Rhododendrons and Magnolias will enter the semi-tropical zone of orange, bananas and cactus and to the valley of Wangdue. Visit the town of Wangdue, after lunch drive towards Gangtey Gompa for another 3 hours. Accommodation will be in a farm house at Tabiting (2830m) converted into a small guest house or camp if rooms are not available. Overnight at Lodge/Camp.(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 04: Trek to Gogona (3,100m)
Start the trek from Tabiting at 2830m towards Gogona. Today is a moderate trek passing through meadows and fields then ascends the Tselela pass at 3440m through mixed forest of Juniper, bamboos, Rhododendrons and Magnolias. After crossing Tselela, the trail crosses several meadows, and descends through forest to Gangak (3020m) – a beautiful hilltop overlooking a long valley. Gogona us reached upon a short climb. Gogona is a small village with an outstanding monastery under the care of Gangtey Gompa. En-route come across people who speak different dialect called Bjop-kha (language spoken by nomads in Bhutan). Because of their isolation they continue using their own dialect and a life of their own. Overnight in Camp. Walking Duration: 6-7 hrs.(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 05: Trek to Khotokha (2,790m)
The trial gently goes up from Gogona village and climbs into a forest of fir, oak, spruce, dwarf rhododendron, miniature azaleas, cypress and juniper. Then a long but gradual climb leads to Shobju La pass (3410m). The trail down from the pass is rocky and muddy, weaving through the forest and criss- crossing a small stream. Eventually, at about 3000m, the trail meets a rough trail used by tractors to collect wood from the forest. Follow the road, with a few short cuts through the woods, to sawmill and woodcutters camp at Dolonaga (2830m).
Still heading down, the trail overlooks the broad Khothangkha valley and eventually reaches a clearing, Chorten Karpo, where four Chortens are located dedicated to the four Je Khenpos who came from this area. Set camp in this clearing at 2,790 m beside a forest of a large blue pines overlooking the valley and the village of Khothangkha. Overnight camp. Walking Duration: 6-7 hrs.(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 06: Trek to Tikke Zampa & drive to Punakha (1,310m)
A short climb will reach the Tashila pass at 2800m. Then the trail does down through a beautiful forest changing from rhododendrons to magnolia to ferns and dwarf bamboos. This stretch of trail is one of the finest bird-watching areas in Bhutan where species like laughing thrush, shrike, magpie and woodpecker can be spotted. The trail then plunges down past steep terraced wheat fields to a cluster of houses at Whachay. The trail eventually meets the road near Tikke Zampa at 1500m. Drive from Tikke Zampa to Punakha which is around 30 minutes drive. Overnight at Hotel. Walking Duration: 5 hrs.(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 07: Punakha – Thimphu (2,350m)
In the morning, visit Punakha Dzong located at the confluence of the Pho-chu (male-river) and Mo-chu (female-river), the Punakha Dzong is also arguably the most impressive dzong in the country. Take a short hike through beautiful rice fields to Chimmi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, who as a favorite saint of the Bhutanese people is known affectionately as “the Divine Madman”. The temple is on a hillside in the middle of rice fields and has become a pilgrimage site for childless couples. Afterwards, drive to Thimphu which is about 3 hours drive. Overnight at Hotel.(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 08: Thimphu – Day excursion to Haa Valley (2740m) – Paro
After breakfast, drive over the Chelela pass (3899 m). From the pass, good view of the Himalayan Ranges and the valley beyond can be spotted. Then continue the drive towards Haa. Haa is made up of five counties and was closed to outside world until 2002. There is also a military camp by the Indian Army. In Haa valley, visit Wangchucklo Dzong dating back to 1915 and Lhakhang Nakpo (Black temple) is said to have been built by pigeon emanation of King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and Lhakhang Karpo (white temple). After the visit drive to Paro. Overnight at Hotel (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 09: In Paro – Hike to Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’ (3,120m)
After breakfast drive towards the base camp of Taktsang for the hike up to the Taktsang Monastery-Tiger’s Nest. It’s about two hours hike up the cafeteria. From this point, enjoy the spectacular view of the monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in 8th century. Then visit the Taktsang Monastery and hike back to the road point then drive to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan. Afterwards, back to hotel. Overnight at Hotel (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 10: Paro depart
After breakfast, drive to the Paro airport in time to catch the onward flight. Bid farewell to the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom disappears again behind its guardian mountains.(Breakfast only included)