The Gantey Trek is a journey to the breathtaking Phobjikha Valley, one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys located in the eastern mountains of Wangduephodrang. As you traverse over the pass, you’ll be welcomed by the grandeur of Gangtey Monastery, an establishment dating back to the 17th century. Nestled a few kilometers down from the monastery is the tranquil village of Phobjikha. This remote valley serves as the cherished winter sanctuary for the rare black-necked cranes, annual migratory visitors from the Tibetan plateau. This moderate trek explores the villages of Gogona and Khotokha, guiding you through meadows, fields, juniper forests, and the splendid rhododendron blossoms in full bloom during April. It’s among the most rewarding low-altitude treks in Bhutan.
Season: The best times for this trek are March to May and September to November, with April and early May being particularly exceptional when the rhododendrons are in full bloom.
Upon your arrival at Paro airport, our representative will warmly welcome you and facilitate your transfer to Thimphu. After completing the arrival formalities, you’ll check in to your Thimphu hotel for an overnight stay.
Following breakfast, embark on a morning tour of Thimphu. Your journey includes visits to the National Memorial Chorten, Tashichhodzong, the National Library, and the Institute for Zorig Chusum, also known as the Painting School, where students master the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. After a delightful lunch, you’ll embark on a scenic 5-hour drive to Gangtey. Along the way, you’ll traverse the Dochu-la pass (3,088m) and pass by Wangduephodrang Dzong. Your overnight stay awaits at a camp or farm house in Gangtey.
Today, the trek officially begins. The trail gracefully winds through meadows and fields as you ascend to the Tsele-la pass (3,400m), where a lunch stop is in order. The path then guides you through forests of junipers, bamboo, magnolias, and rhododendrons as it gradually descends. The trek concludes in Gogona village, where the inhabitants, originally nomads, speak Bjopkha, the language of the nomads. Your overnight campsite awaits.
The trail leads you on a gentle ascent above Gogona village, meandering through a forest teeming with firs, oak, spruce, rhododendron, cypress, and junipers. The journey culminates with a long, gradual climb to Shobju-la pass (3,400m). The path descends into the expansive Khotokha valley, where the people of Sha graze their animals during the summer. You’ll spend the night at your campsite.
A brief ascent leads to a pass, and from there, the path descends steeply through ever-changing vegetation until you reach the bridge at Wangduephodrang. Your trek concludes here, and you’ll spend the night at a Wangduephodrang hotel.
Today, your trek begins.
The route covers 14 km over approximately 6 hours, following the Chamkhar Chu (river). You’ll traverse meadows, blue pine forests, and bamboo thickets, passing by numerous villages and temples. It’s a relaxing and easy day.
Camp overnight at a village (2,900m).
In the morning, you’ll drive to Paro, visiting Simtokha Dzong along the way. The day’s sightseeing in Paro features visits to Ta Dzong (National Museum), Rinpung Dzong, Drukgyel Dzong, and Kyichu Lhakhang. You’ll spend the night at a Paro hotel.
An early breakfast sets the tone for your drive to Paro airport, where you’ll embark on a flight to your onward destination. As you leave the valley, you’ll enjoy stunning mountain views from the aircraft, bidding farewell to Bhutan shrouded in mist and framed by its guardian peaks.
Start your day with a visit to Jambey Lhakhang, founded in the 7th century by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo, who is considered to be the reincarnation of Jambey (Avalokitesvara), the Bodhisattva of Compassion.
Across the river, explore Tamshing Lhakhang, which contains fascinating old religious paintings. Drive to Punakha with lunch en route.
Overnight stay at a Punakha hotel.
Today, you’ll return to Paro.
This will be a leisurely day, and you’ll arrive in Paro by lunchtime. Enjoy free time for relaxation or some last-minute shopping.
In the evening, take a stroll around Paro’s market. Overnight stay at a Paro hotel.
After an early breakfast at the hotel, you’ll be driven to the airport for your flight to your onward destination.
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