Gangtey Trek | Trekking In Bhutan

Trekking Itineraries

10 Days Gangtey Gompa Trek

Day 1 : Paro- Sightseeing

Arrive at Paro Airport by Druk Air. During the flight, one will experience breathtaking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro Airport, representatives of Zopa Adventure Travels will escort you to the hotel where arrangements have been made.

After lunch, drive to Drugyel Dzong (a ruined fortress- 16 Kms away from the Paro town). Although now in ruins, this Dzong is of historical importance. It was here that Bhutanese finally defeated the Tibetans. You can also view the peak of Jumolhari “Mountain of the Goddess”, alt. 7329 m (24,029 ft.) on a clear day. On the way, back visit Kyichu Lhakhang (Temple) built in 7th century and is one of the oldest temple in Bhutan.

Day 2 : Visit Paro Dzong

This massive fortress is located in the Paro valley and houses the District Administration office and the Monk body. It was built in 1645 AD. Visit National Museum (Ta- Dzong). This was actually the watch- tower for Paro Dzong. It was converted into the National Museum in 1968. After lunch, drive to Thimphu (Capital). Thimphu is 65 Km away from Paro and takes about 2 hours drive. Overnight in hotel.

Day 3 : Thimphu- Sightseeing

Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main Secretariat building where the office of the government ministries, the office of the King and the throne room, and the office and living room of the monk body and its Chief Abbot are housed. Visit the handicraft emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts are displayed and can be purchased. Visit the painting and woodcraft schools where traditional art and paintings are kept alive. Visit Memorial Chorten (a huge stupa) built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972.

Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved.

Day 4 : Thimphu- Gangtey

Drive to Gangtey 90 Km from Thimphu. On the way, halt at Dochula Pass (26 Km, Alt. 3100m) for tea and snacks and enjoy the most spectacular view of the eastern Himalayan ranges (the view is possible only on a clear day). Also visit Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. The Punakha Dzong lies between two rivers known as Phochu and Mochu, which mean “Male River and Female River”. The Dzong now houses the District Administration office and the winter residence of the State Monastic Body and its Chief Abbot. It was built in 1637 AD.

Continue your drive towards Gangtey. The guesthouse in Gangtey is not luxurious but very clean and comfortable. The food is excellent. Gangtey is beautiful place surrounded by snowcapped mountains in the distance with a landscape of rolling hills and green meadows. It is situated at an altitude of 3000 meters. From Gangtey, one can closely view the picturesque Black Mountain ranges as well as the beautiful Phojikha valley. Gangtey Gompa (Gangtey Monastery) is perched atop a small hill that rises from the valley floor. The Gangtey Gompa is the only Nyingmapa Monastery in the western side of the Black Mountain and is also the biggest Nyingmapa Monastery in Bhutan.

Day 5 : Trek Begins

Phobjikha - Gogona
Distance 15 km, walking time: 7 hours

Start of the Gangtey trek. The trail winds up on a slow climb through meadows and fields and then ascends the Tselela pass (3,400m). From the pass, the trail descends gradually for some time through forests of juniper, bamboo, magnolia and rhododendrons until our camp on the outskirts of Gogona village.

Day 6 : Gogona - Khotokha

Distance 16 km, walking time: 7 hours

The trail winds up gently above Gogona village, climbing into a forest of fir, oak, spruce, rhododendron, cypress and juniper. A long and gradual climb leads to Shobjula pass (3,400m). Later the path leads down to a wide valley of Khotokha, a summer place of people of Sha region of Wangdiphodrang district.

Day 7 : Trek Ends

Khotokha – Teke Zam – Punakha | Altitude: 1250 m.
Distance 12 km, walking time: 6 hours

A short climb takes you to the Tashila pass at 2800m. From the pass, it is all the way downhill, through dense rhododendrons, magnolias, ferns and dwarf bamboo. Experts claim this stretch of the trek is one of the finest bird watching areas in Bhutan, with rarities such as the Great Pied Horn Bill. We will be met by our transport at Teke Zam (1300m.) and driven to Kyichu Resort, Wangdi (45 minutes) Overnight in Kyichu Resort, Wangdi.

Day 8 :

Visit Wangdi Dzong and drive towards Paro. Night halt at Paro.

Day 9 : Paro- Visit Tiger’s Nest

Spend a full day hiking to Taktshang, the Tiger’s Nest. This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 4000 ft. above the valley floor. Legend says that Guru Padmasambhava flew here on the back of Tigress from Khengpajong in Kurtoe and meditated for three months in a cave a Taktshang and converted the Paro valley to Buddhism. The Tigress was actually his favorite consent, Yeshey Tshogyal, whom he transformed to a flying tigress for the purpose of this journey. The Guru finished his meditation; he instructed that a monastry be built. The hike to Taktshang monastry takes about 4 hours.

Picnic lunch at Taktshang Cafeteria.