Gangtey Trek

06 Nights/07 Days

Places Covered :

$2240

This itinerary provides a gradual acclimatization with a scenic and culturally immersive trek, ensuring comfort and an enjoyable pace

Best Time to Trek

Best Seasons: Spring & Autumn – March-May for rhododendron blooms; Sept-Nov for clear skies & mountain views.

Perfect for Beginners & Nature Lovers – A short, scenic trek with gentle ascents and descents, making it ideal for those new to multi-day hikes.
Cultural & Trekking Combo – Includes Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Thimphu sightseeing, and Gangtey Trek, blending adventure with Bhutanese culture.
Stunning Himalayan Scenery – Hike through lush pine forests, meadows, and farmlands, with panoramic views from Shobju La Pass.
Phobjikha Valley & Black-Necked Cranes – Explore one of Bhutan’s most picturesque valleys, a winter habitat for the rare black-necked crane (Oct-Mar).
Comfortable Acclimatization – Starts with a relaxed arrival, Tiger’s Nest hike, and gradual altitude gain, ensuring a smooth adjustment before trekking.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience – Enjoy a peaceful trek with fewer crowds compared to Bhutan’s more challenging trails.

Scenic & Easy Trek – A short yet rewarding hike through forests, meadows, and farmlands in the stunning Phobjikha Valley.
Panoramic Views from Shobju La Pass (3,400m) – Enjoy breathtaking Himalayan landscapes from the trek’s highest point.
Black-Necked Crane Habitat – Visit the winter home of the rare black-necked cranes (Oct-Mar) in Phobjikha Valley.
Gangtey Monastery – Explore this 17th-century monastery, one of Bhutan’s most important Buddhist sites.
Tiger’s Nest Monastery Hike – Trek to Bhutan’s most iconic landmark, perched dramatically on a cliff.
Village & Cultural Encounters – Pass through traditional Bhutanese villages, experiencing local life and yak herding culture.

Trek Stats:

Altitude: Paro (2,200m / 7,218 ft)
Activities:
- Arrive at Paro International Airport and meet your guide.
- Transfer to hotel and rest after your journey.
- Sightseeing:
  - Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) – a stunning fortress with views of the valley.
  - National Museum of Bhutan – to learn about Bhutanese history and culture.
- Relax and explore Paro town in the evening.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Altitude: Paro (2,200m) → Tiger’s Nest (3,120m) → Thimphu (2,334m)
Hike Distance: 8 km (round trip)
Altitude Gain: +920m (3,018 ft)
Altitude Loss: -920m (3,018 ft)
Hike Duration: 56 hours round trip
Activities:
- Early breakfast, then drive (~30 min) to Tiger’s Nest Base (2,600m).
- Hike through pine forests, crossing fluttering prayer flags.
- Stop at the halfway café (~2,950m) for a rest and tea.
- Final ascent on stone steps to Taktsang Monastery (3,120m).
- Explore the monastery and enjoy stunning views.
- Descend to the base and drive (~1.5 hrs) to Thimphu.
- Evening visit to Buddha Dordenma, a giant golden Buddha overlooking Thimphu.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu

Altitude: Thimphu (2,334m) → Dochula Pass (3,100m) → Phobjikha Valley (3,000m)
Drive Duration: 56 hours (135 km)
Activities:
- Drive via Dochula Pass (3,100m) with Himalayan views (weather permitting).
- Optional stop at Punakha Dzong, Bhutan’s most beautiful fortress.
- Continue to Phobjikha Valley, a U-shaped glacial valley and habitat of the black-necked cranes (late Oct–mid-March).
- Sightseeing in Gangtey:
  - Visit Gangtey Monastery (3,000m), a 17th-century Buddhist monastery.
  - Explore the Crane Information Center to learn about the rare birds.
  - Short nature walk through pine forests and farmlands.
Overnight: Hotel/Lodge in Phobjikha

Altitude: Gangtey (3,000m) → Gogona (3,100m)
Trek Distance: 16 km
Altitude Gain: +450m (1,476 ft)
Altitude Loss: -350m (1,148 ft)
Trek Duration: ~56 hours
Terrain: Forest trails, meadows, gradual climbs
Activities:
- Start from Gangtey Monastery, ascending through thick pine and rhododendron forests.
- Trek past meadows, yak herding areas, and Sumchubara Village (3,350m).
- Descend slightly to Gogona Village (3,100m), known for yak cheese production.
- Experience Bhutanese rural life and visit a farmhouse.
Overnight: Camp at Gogona

Altitude: Gogona (3,100m) → Shobju La Pass (3,400m) → Khotokha (2,800m)
Trek Distance: 16 km
Altitude Gain: +300m (984 ft)
Altitude Loss: -600m (1,969 ft)
Trek Duration: ~67 hours
Terrain: Forested trails, high pass, steep descent
Activities:
- Gentle ascent through mixed oak and rhododendron forests.
- Climb to Shobju La Pass (3,400m) – the highest point of the trek.
- Enjoy spectacular views of the mountains and valleys.
- Steep descent into the beautiful Khotokha Valley, a remote agricultural basin.
Overnight: Camp at Khotokha

Altitude: Khotokha (2,800m) → Chuzomsa (1,200m) → Thimphu (2,334m)
Trek Distance: 12 km
Altitude Gain: +100m (328 ft)
Altitude Loss: -1,600m (5,249 ft)
Trek Duration: ~4 hours
Drive Duration: ~3-4 hours
Terrain: Steep forest descent, farmlands, dirt trails
Activities:
- Descend through dense pine forests and terraced farmlands.
- Trek ends at Chuzomsa, where the vehicle awaits.
- Drive back to Thimphu (~3-4 hours).
- Free evening to explore Thimphu at your pace.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu

Activities:
- Visit Tashichho Dzong, Bhutan’s government & religious center.
- Explore the Craft Bazaar for Bhutanese souvenirs.
- Optional visits to:
  - Folk Heritage Museum – to learn about Bhutanese traditions.
  - Royal Textile Academy – showcasing Bhutanese weaving.
- Transfer to Paro International Airport for departure.