Trip Duration
21 Days
Trip Difficulty
Moderate
Group Size
2-16 pax
Nature of Trip
Trekking
Max. Altitude
5,005m. /16,421 ft.
Transportation
Bus , Flight
Best Seasons
Spring, Autumn
Start/End
ParoTrip Overview
The Gangtey valley in Wangdue Phodrang district is one of the most beautiful regions of Bhutan. Alternatively called the Phobjikha valley, our Bhutan Gangtey Trek takes you on a round trip around the valley, exploring its nature, villages, and high passes. The valley is towered by 5000 meters high peaks in the distance and features a conserved area where animals like Takin thrive.
This valley is also home to the endangered black‑necked cranes. These birds fly from Tibet to Bhutan’s Gangtey region to escape the extreme cold of Tibet. Every year, on the 12th of November, the Crane Festival is celebrated in this region. It is said that the birds encircle the Gangtey Monastery three times before landing at their preferred location. This monastery dates back to 1613 AD, sitting atop a hill, and serves as the main seat of the Nyingma lineage.
In addition to Gangtey Monastery, we will also visit Khumbu Lhakhang, Geda Chan Lhakhang, and more during the trekking days. Meanwhile, the day tours in Wangdue Phodrang district and Thimphu offer a great sightseeing experience around the region. The tour guide will take you to visit many historic and religious sites, explaining the importance and history of the sites as we go.
One of the best things about this trek is the amazing, wide, and scenic views of the valley and different peaks you get to see from the top of the passes. For instance, we will see a picturesque view of Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tsherimgang from the summit of Nyile La Pass. Likewise, we will cross many high mountain passes, including Jhari La pass, Kohi Lapcha Pass, and Sinche La Pass. Not only do these passes offer beautiful views, but they also help us acclimate well to the environment.
Highlights of Bhutan Gangtey Trek
- Visit the Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro.
- Reach the Jangothang Base Camp (4080 m) for a panoramic view of Jichu Drake and Tshering Gang peak.
- Visit a bunch of monasteries all over Bhutan and experience the religious traditions.
- Experience the authentic countryside of Bhutan and taste their local specialities.
- A whole day of sightseeing in Thimphu and Wangdue Phodrang district.
Itinerary of Bhutan Gangtey Trek
Day 01: Arrive in Paro and transfer to Thimphu
Your arrival in Paro counts as the first day of the Bhutan Gangtey Trek. Bhutan has only one airline and international airport, which limits its flight numbers and destinations. Currently, you only have direct flights to Bhutan from Nepal, Thailand, and India. After you reach Paro, the only city with an international airport in Bhutan, your visa and other documents will be checked before you are allowed to leave the airport.
After having your documents verified, you will find one of our representatives waiting for you at the terminal. He will greet you and take you to your accommodation for the night.
Max. Altitude: 2200m./7,218ft. (Paro)
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 02: Paro Acclimatization Hike to Takstang Monastery
The 2nd day of the Bhutan Gangtey Trek begins with a drive to the foothill of Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery. From the city center, we will head northwest and travel just 10 km to get to the starting point of the hike. This uphill hike is about 6.5 km long round trip, with a net elevation gain of 520 meters. The ascent will take us about 3 hours, while the descent takes 2 hours on average.
Sitting at 3120 meters above sea level, this monastery is one of the main religious sites in the country and offers a great scenic view.
Max. Altitude: 2200m./7,218ft. (Paro )
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 03: Drive to the trailhead, Trek to Shana
Our trailhead of the day is Drukgyal Dzong in Paro, we will drive there after breakfast and get ready to start the trek. Starting from Drukgyal, we will trek about 14 km, gain over 300 meters of elevation, and trek for about 5 to 6 hours to reach our destination of the day. The trail follows a riverbank, crosses many streams and traditional Bhutanese villages, and features a checkpost at Gunyitsawa.
After having our permit checked, we will head towards the last leg of today’s trek. This slightly ascending trail takes us to Shana shortly afterwards.
Activity: 5 to 6 hours trek
Accommodation: Camp
Day 04: Trek from Shana to Soi Thangthangkha
Today’s Bhutan Gangtey Trek features a 19-km trek with an estimated trek duration of 7 to 8 hours. At the end of the day, we will have gained about 900 meters of elevation, reaching 3750 meters above sea level. Leaving Shana, we will traverse a grassy trail following a riverbank. Soon enough, we will gently ascend, cross a bridge, and approach the final segment of the day.
Activity: 7 to 8 hours trek
Accommodation: Camp
Day 05: Trek from Soi Thangthangkha to Jangothang
On the 5th day of the Bhutan Gangtey Trek, we will reach Jangothang, also known as Jomolhari Base Camp. This requires us to trek for 5 to 6 hours, covering over 19 km, with a net elevation gain of 480 meters. Leaving Thangthangkha, we will head towards the Army Camp, traversing an open grassland. After a quick rest break, we will leave the camp and head towards the high camp, our lunch spot of the day.
After about 3 hours on the trail, we will reach the high camp. From there, we will descend to Jangothang. This is a short and gentle descent that leads us into the Jangothang plateau.
Activity: 5 to 6 hours trek
Accommodation: Camp
Day 06: Trek from Jangothang to Lingshi
Today’s trek features a total distance of 18 km with an estimated trek duration of 6 to 7 hours. The net elevation change of the day is trivial, but throughout the day, we will gain over 840 meters and descend about 870 meters, as we will be climbing the Nyile La Pass. This pass reaches 4870 meters above sea level, offering an expansive view of the peaks, hills, and rivers. Peaks like Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tsherimgang will be visible from the summit.
After the initial steep descent from the pass, we will descend gently into the Lingshi valley basin. We will also visit the Lingshi Dzong on the way to our accommodation for the night.
Activity: 6 to 7 hours trek
Accommodation: Camp
Day 07: Trek from Lingshi to Chebisa
Starting from the Lingshi valley floor, we will have to lose a net elevation of 130 meters to get to Chebisa. This trek is 10 km long with an estimated trek duration of 5 to 6 hours. Leaving Lingshi, we will first cross a bridge and trek about 1 km, where we reach an optional short hike to a viewpoint. Continuing the trek, we will pass by a few settlements and reach the village of Goyul.
After a filling lunch at Goyul, we will get on the final part of today’s trek. This gradual ascent soon turns into a descent, taking us to Chebisa valley.
Activity: 5 to 6 hours trek
Accommodation: Camp
Day 08: Trek from Chebisa to Shomuthang
On the 8th day of the Bhutan Gangtey Trek, we will travel about 17 km with a net elevation gain of 300 meters. This will take us about 6 to 7 hours, ascending over 890 meters and descending about 550 meters. Starting off, we will pass by the shops in Chebisa and climb a steep trail, heading towards Gombu La. This ascent takes about 3 hours to complete, taking us to 4440 meters above sea level.
From there, we will descend sharply all the way to the next valley. We will follow the valley floor, which flattens as we lose elevation. Soon after, we will reach Shomuthang and set up the camp for the night.
Activity: 6 to 7 hours trek
Accommodation: Camp
Day 09: Trek from Shomuthang to Robluthang
Day 9 of the Bhutan Gangtey Trek features a total trek distance of 18 km, with an estimated trek duration of 6 to 7 hours. This trek has minimal net elevation change, but en route, we will climb over 700 meters and lose about 760 metres of elevation. Leaving Shomuthang, we will ascend gently with views of the Kangbum peak. After about 2 hours, the gentle climb turns relatively flat, reaching Jhari La pass.
After that, we will descend all the way to Tsheri Jathang Valley, a protected region featuring Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. From there, we will ascend a little to get to Robluthang.
Activity: 6 to 7 hours trek
Accommodation: Camp
Day 10: Trek from Robluthang to Lingmithang
Trekking from Robluthang to Lingmithang takes about 7 to 8 hours with a total trek distance of 19 km. At the end of today’s trek, we will have minimal changes in elevation but en route, we will ascend over 850 meters and descend 870 meters. Leaving Robluthang, we will ascend steadily, passing by grassy patches. After about 3 hours, we will reach the summit of the Sinche La Pass.
From the summit, we will have the first view of the Gangchhenta peak, also known as Tiger Mountain. Soon after, we will descend from the pass and reach the Kango Chhu river. Following the riverbank, we will ultimately reach Lingmithang.
Activity: 7 to 8 hours trek
Accommodation: Camp
Day 11: Trek from Lingmithang to Laya
Today is one of the shortest trekking days of the entire Bhutan Gangtey Trek. We will be covering just 10 km, which takes us about 3 to 4 hours. The elevation gain of the day is about 300 meters.
Enjoying the amazing view of Gangchhenta peak, we will trek along a wide trail with a slightly ascending climb occasionally. This short walk feels more like a rest day than a trek day since it is very short-lived. The village of Laya is the 2nd highest settlement in all of Bhutna, sitting at 3850 meters above sea level.
Activity: 3 to 4 hours trek
Accommodation: Camp
Day 12: Acclimatization and exploration day
Laya village is a culturally rich settlement, offering great views of the peaks and valleys along with a peek into traditional countryside life in Bhutan. We will start the day with breakfast and explore the village shortly after. Walking over the stone-paved alleys, we will visit traditional-style houses and engage with the locals.
We will also go on a short 1-hour walk to Longola, from there we will enjoy a great scene of Gangchhenta, Masagang, and Laya village. Or we can alternatively climb up a nearby ridgeline.0
Accommodation: Camp
Day 13: Trek from Laya to Koena
Leaving Laya, we will follow the Mo Chhu river valley, ascending and descending slightly, and passing by stone huts and tents of shepherds. This trek is about 19 km long with an estimated trek duration of 6 to 7 hours. Throughout the way, we will climb 260 meters and descend over 1050 meters.
After about 4 hours on the trail, we will reach the summit of Kohi Lapcha pass, reaching 3300 meters above sea level. Descending from this pass, we will lose about 1200 meters of elevation before ascending back up to reach Koena.
Activity: 6 to 7 hours hike
Accommodation: Camp
Day 14: Trek from Koena to Gasa
Day 14 of the Bhutan Gangtey Trek takes us to Gasa village. This trek features 6 to 7 hours of hiking, a 14 km long trail distance, and a net elevation loss of about 300 meters. From Koena, we will follow an uphill trail and ascend gently all the way to Babela Pass, reaching 3740 meters. After about 3 hours of trekking, we will reach the summit of the pass.
Descending from the pass, we will shortly get to the final part of today’s trek. This steep descent loses us over 900 meters of elevation.
Activity: 6 to 7 hours trek
Accommodation: Camp
Day 15: Trek from Gasa to Gasa Tsachu
Today’s Bhutan Gangtey Trek is about 6 km long with a total trek duration of 4 to 5 hours. At the end of the day, we will lose over 500 meters of elevation. Starting off, we will descend gradually through bamboo groves and pine forests. Moving on, we will cross a couple of streams and bridges to get to the final part of the trek. Continuing the trek, we will descend further and reach a river gorge, which means we are very close to our destination of the day.
Activity: 4 to 5 hours trek
Accommodation: Camp
Day 16: Trek from Gasa Tsachu to Tashithang, end the trek, and drive to Punakha
Day 16 is the last trekking day of the Bhutan Gangtey Trek. This trek features 6 to 7 hours of walking, 18 km of trek distance, and a net elevation loss of about 600 meters. First off, we will descend through a forest, cross streams, and pass by traditional villages. This route leads us to the Gasa Gewog village. From there, we will continue going downhill till we reach Tashithang. After a short break, we will get on the ride to Punakha.
Activity: 6 to 7 hours trek
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 17: Punakha to Wangdue excursion
It will take us about 1.5 hours to get to Wangdue Phodrang from Punakha. Our first site of the day is Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, a historic fortress built in the 1600s. After that, we will visit the Sha Radap Temple, also known as Rada Lhakhang. This temple is dedicated to the local guardian goddess, who is said to protect Wangdue Phodrang.
Following a lunch break, we will head towards Rinchengang village. The ancestors of the villagers are the ones who built the Wangdue Dzong and at present, their traditional masonry practices are still used. Towards the end of the tour, we will visit the Bamboo and Slate craft market, Gangtey monastery, and the Black‑Necked Crane Information Centre.
Activity: 1.5 hours drive
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 18: Drive from Punakha to Thimphu
Today, we will drive from Punakha to Thimphu, which covers about 75 km, lasting about 2.5 to 3 hours. After we get there, we will check in at our accommodation for the night.
Activity: 2.5 to 3 hours drive
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 19: Sightseeing in Thimphu
Our itinerary today features many historic sites like the Tashichho Dzong, the Buddha Dordenma Statue, the Folk Heritage Museum, National Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Lhakhang, Simply Bhutan Museum, and more. We will begin the day tour after breakfast, and our lunch will be served at your preferred restaurant at around 1 PM.
Activity: Sightseeing
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 20: Drive Thimphu to Paro
From Thimphu, we will head southeast and follow the Phuentsholing Thimphu highway to get to Paro. After about 10 minutes, we will head west and pass Khasadapchu, Langdru, cross the Chhuzom Bridge, and head north west. After about 30 more minutes, we will reach the city of Paro. The total travel time is 1 hour 20 minutes, covering about 50 km.
Activity: 1 hour 20 minutes drive
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 21: Final departure transfer to the airport
This is the final day of the Bhutan Gangtey Trek. The tour guide and representative will drop you off at the airport at your preferred time as per the flight schedule.
Includes/Excludes
What is included?
- Airport pick up and drop
- Sightseeing Fee
- Bhutan Tourist Tariff Royalty & Visa fees.
- All private excursions and transfers in superior air – conditioned vehicle.
- Local English speaking trekking guide/tour leader.
- Cook and camp hand who will take care of camp chores and rovide wholesome meals.
- Accommodation in carefully selected, highest standard goverment approved hotels & guesthouses.
- All meals in Bhutan.
- All entrance fees and permits.
What is not included?
- International air fares.
- Personal equipment for trekking.
- Meals other than indicated.
- Personal expenses.
- Expenses of personal nature such as drinks, tipping, laundry, phone etc.
- Extra expenses due to nature and unforeseen events such as flight delay, cancellation, trip interruption due to inclement weather, civil unrest etc.
- Emergency medical transportation.
- Airport taxes .
- Travel insurance.
Trip Information
Add-Ons
Upgrade Your Accommodation in Paro and Thimphu
Paro and Thimphu are the two major cities of Bhutan; these two metropolises are the ones with the most high-end accommodations and luxury hotels. If you are interested in experiencing a bit of luxury before and/or after the trekking days, we will happily arrange your preferred type of accommodation. While the standard accommodation is 3-star hotel rooms, upgrades are 4-star, 5-star, and luxury resorts.
How does our trip start?
The Bhutan Gangtey Trek starts with your arrival at Paro International Airport. One of our reps will escort you to your room for the night. The next day, we will go on a short hike up to the Taktsang Monastery. The following day, we will start the trek with a hike from Drukgyal Dzong to Shana.
Difficulty
Our Bhutan Gangtey Trek itinerary is simple and easy to travel. It is very suitable for beginners and first-timers alike. Despite the fact that we have to cross many passes, it is still considered an easy-to-moderate trekking experience since the trails are very beginner-friendly. On a scale of 10, this trek deserves a rating of 5.
Best seasons
The best seasons for this Bhutan Gangtey Trek are autumn and spring. These are the best seasons to do any outdoor activities since they offer great traits such as fewer chances of rainfall, clear skies, and great visibility. While summer is also a good option, it can be a bit too hot, and there are greater chances of rainfall. In general, you should not do this trek in winter and monsoon season, as the views are not that great and the cons outweigh the pros.
Altitude Sickness
You are very safe from altitude sickness on this Bhutan Gangtey Trek. We will barely spend any time over 4500 meters, crossing high mountain passes such as the Nyile La Pass (4870 m), Jhari La Pass (4750 m), and Sinche La Pass (5005 m). The majority of our nights will be spent below 4000 meters of elevation, which will keep us safe from altitude sickness.
Accommodation, Food and Drink
The standard accommodation arrangement features 3-star hotels in cities and lodges or camps during the trekking days. All of these arrangements are based on a twin-sharing basis. Your food options are a mix of traditional and local Bhutanese dishes with a few western options. While the Bhutan Gangtey Trek package provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the tour, it does not cover any beverage expenses.
Transportation
Every bit of transportation required by the itinerary we have discussed above is a part of the Bhutan Gangtey Trek package. We will arrange it all for you, and the package will cover the expense, except your flight to and from Bhutan.
Permit
You are required to have a tourist visa and a trekking permit to do this trek legally. We will help you get both of these permits and also cover the expenses related to it.
Trip preparation and fitness
Since this Bhutan Gangtey Trek is an easy one, you do not have to prepare for long. You can just start your training about 4 to 5 weeks before the start of the trek. Your main focus should be cardio and stamina increment. This will help you go over the steep tralis with ease.
Cost & Budget
The cost of our Bhutan Gangtey Trek package is USD ________ per person. We will cover your visa fees, all ground transportation expenses, daily meals, daily wages of the guides and drivers, daily accommodation expenses, permit fees, local taxes, and more.
Gadgets charging & Internet
The entire route is not very well-facilitated, and you will have issues charging your devices; moreover, internet connections are not that good in certain areas. The highlands are prone to weak internet connections or no connection at all. Moreover, you can use a Bhutanese SIM card to access the internet on the way.
Your Extra expenses
Things like international flight expenses, extra meals, additional and upgraded accommodation, emergency medical services, personal trekking gear, personal travel insurance, and anything not mentioned as a part of the package.
Things to Remember Before Trekking The Bhutan Gangtey Trek
- Carry water purification tablets just in case you have to use them.
- Pack a sleeping bag that is rated at least 10°C to protect you from the cold of the highlands.
- Sturdy trekking boots, sunglasses, hats, warm gloves, etc. are essentials for this trek.
- You will be spending most of your nights in tents and camps, so do not expect a high level of facilities there.
- Phone networks are not stable in most of the highland villages, and you are less likely to get internet connectivity as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the Laya–Gasa region is a part of Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) region. All those who visit Bhutan are expected to pay the SDF fee, which covers many trekking regions such as the Bhutan Gangtey Trek. This fee is mandatory, and the proceeds go straight to the developmental and conservation initiatives in the region.
Yes, technically, we can combine the trek with a summit to Jomolhari or Jichu Drake, but climbing mountains has been banned in Bhutan since the mid 90s. Even if you are physically capable of climbing the peak, have years of experience mountaineering, you will not get to climb either of those peaks until the country lifts the ban.
Gear and camping equipment are mostly transported by animals, but in the case of trekking goods and gear, porters are a better option. The lower region villages use donkeys and mules to transport goods, while the highland villages depend on Yaks for such activities. We will handle your luggage, you can just have a light daypack on.
No, we do not provide trekkers with communication devices or satellite phones. The trek guide has a satellite phone, which he uses to communicate with the team in the city. The satellite phone is the only thing that will connect us with emergency services in case we need their assistance.
While some of the camps in the lower regions have on-camp charging facilities, most of the other ones do not offer such luxury. However, you can still charge your devices at a nearby station. Solar panels and power banks come very handy in these situations.
During the peak trekking season of spring and autumn, the SInche La Pass remains mostly clear of snow, with some icy patches. You do not require any specific trekking gear during the two seasons; however, trekking poles can come in very handy.
Around the Sinche La Pass and the Robluthang village, there have been many instances of encountering animals like Himalayan Takins, Vultures, Blue Sheeps, wild cats, and more. Our nightly campsites around Robluthang and Jholethang Chu are within the Takin conservation area.
During the trekking seasons of autumn and spring, you are very unlikely to experience any hurdles caused by landslides or other seasonal issues. They usually occur in the monsoon, but since the region is heavily conserved, landslides and other issues are very uncommon.
The Bhutan Gangtey Trek is actually a camping trek with the majority of nights being spent in camps. Some of the villages en route offer lodges, but the standard accommodation is camping.
None of the camps has portable shower facilities; however, you will get the chance of shower every other day or two during the trekking days. Additionally, hot showers are not available at most of the villages in the region,
The tents themselves are not insulated, but the sleeping mats are. We do not provide extra blankets as they take up a lot of space while packing luggage for the trek, and it is also extra weight for our porters.
During the camping nights, the trek guides and porters will cook your daily meals. While the options are limited, you will get to have ema datshi, as it is the national dish.
Mineral water or bottled water is available at most of the daily destinations, but we recommend that you use reusable water bottles with water purification tablets to minimize the pollution.
Yes, you are free to participate in local festivals if you happen to be right on time. However, make sure that the locals are okay with you joining the fun, either wait from the locals to invite you or politely ask them.
