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Gangtey Valley Trek – A Journey Through Bhutan’s Hidden Glacial Paradise

  • Duration 10
  • Destination Nepal
  • Trip Grade Medium
  • Starts at Bhutan
  • Ends at Bhutan
  • Meals
  • Accommodation
  • Max. Altitude 7541m
  • Activity Trekking
  • Group Type
  • Group Size 01-10
  • Best Season
Highlights

  • 🌿 Scenic Low-Altitude Trek – Ideal for beginners with mostly gentle, forested trails

  • 🏔️ Explore the Glacial Valley of Gangtey – Rich in alpine flora, fauna, and pristine beauty

  • 🏞️ Traverse Through Charming Villages – Gogona and Khotokha offer a glimpse into local life

  • 🌸 Springtime Rhododendron Blooms – Best experienced in April and early May

  • 🐦 Witness Black-Necked Cranes – Rare migratory birds from the Tibetan Plateau (in winter)

  • 🛕 Visit the Historic Gangtey Monastery – The only Nyingmapa monastery in the Black Mountains

  • 🚶‍♂️ No Prior Trekking Experience Required – Suitable for all fitness levels

  • 🗓️ Trek Available Most Months – Avoid July and August due to monsoon season

Gangtey Valley Trek – A Journey Through Bhutan’s Hidden Glacial Paradise Overview

The Gangtey Trek is a short yet captivating adventure into one of Bhutan’s most serene glacial valleys. This scenic trail winds through peaceful alpine forests filled with juniper, magnolia, and blooming rhododendrons, as well as charming villages like Gogona and Khotokha. Along the way, you’ll cross crystal-clear mountain streams and encounter the rich biodiversity that thrives in this protected ecosystem, preserved for centuries by the spiritual beliefs of Bhutanese Buddhists.

One of the unique highlights of this region is the rare black-necked cranes that migrate to Gangtey every winter from the Tibetan Plateau — a magical sight for nature lovers.

This is a low-altitude trek, ideal for travelers new to Himalayan trekking. The route follows mostly gentle slopes and forested paths, making it a comfortable option for all levels of fitness. The trek also includes a visit to the sacred Gangtey Monastery, the only Nyingmapa monastery in the region, nestled on the southern edge of the Black Mountains.

Best Time to Visit:
While the trek can be enjoyed most of the year, it is best undertaken in April and early May, when the skies are clear and the rhododendrons are in full bloom. It is recommended to avoid July and August due to the monsoon.

No Trekking Experience Needed:
You don’t need any previous trekking experience — just a reasonable level of fitness and the ability to walk comfortably for a full day with a light daypack. Pack animals will carry the heavier gear, allowing you to fully enjoy the journey.

 

Day to Day Itinerary
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Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, our representative will greet you and assist with immigration and customs formalities After escorting you to your hotel for check-in.

  • Hotel
  • Dinner

We begin our journey with a scenic drive along the winding Pa-Chu River, heading northwest towards Drukgyel Dzong, a historic fortress that once protected the valley from Tibetan invasions. Built in the 17th century by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel, the spiritual leader of Bhutan, the ruins offer a glimpse into Bhutan’s rich past. On clear days, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the sacred Mt. Jumolhari.

On our way back, we’ll stop at the Takshang viewpoint to admire the stunning Tiger’s Nest Monastery perched on the cliffside. We’ll also visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse to experience the local lifestyle. After a delightful lunch at the hotel, we’ll head to the Ta-Dzong, a former watchtower now housing the National Museum. From there, we’ll take a leisurely walk downhill past the Paro Dzong and cross the traditional wooden bridge into Paro town.

In the evening, we’ll drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, to continue our exploration.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast Luncha and Dinner

The first half of the day is a relaxed drive across the Dochula Pass, located at 10,000 feet, as we make our way toward Wangdue. Along the route, you’ll be treated to stunning views of some of Bhutan’s highest peaks, including Gangkhar Puensum (7541m), the world’s highest unclimbed mountain. As we descend, the landscape transitions from temperate forests of rhododendrons and magnolias to a semi-tropical zone filled with vibrant oranges, bananas, and cactus, leading us into the valley of Wangdue. We’ll take some time to explore the town of Wangdue before continuing our journey.

After a delicious lunch, we’ll drive to Gangtey Gompa, where you’ll be accommodated in a charming farmhouse converted into a small guesthouse, or in a camp if rooms are unavailable.

  • Guest House.
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

 The trek begins at Tabiting (2830m) and takes you through lush meadows and fields, gradually ascending to the Tselela Pass at 3440m. Along the way, you’ll traverse mixed forests of juniper, bamboo, rhododendrons, and magnolias, immersing yourself in the beauty of Bhutan’s natural landscape.

As you hike, you’ll encounter the unique culture of the local people, speaking the Bjop-kha dialect, a language used by the nomadic communities in Bhutan. Due to their remote way of life, they have preserved their own distinct dialect and traditions. The trek culminates in Gogona, a small village known for its remarkable monastery, which is under the care of Gangtey Gompa.

  • Guest House.
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 6-7 hours
  • 15 km

Starting from Gogona, today’s trek begins with a gradual ascent to Shobjula Pass at 3410m. After reaching the pass, you’ll descend into a wide valley, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

  • Guest House
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 6-7 hours
  • 16 km

A short climb will lead you to the Tashila Pass at 2800m. As you descend, you’ll observe changes in the vegetation, offering a unique glimpse into the region’s diverse flora. The trek ends at the motorable road at Tikke Zampa, where our tour bus will be waiting to take you on a 30-minute drive to Punakha.

  • Guest House.
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 5 hours.
  • 12 km

You have the morning at leisure, or you may choose to take a scenic 2-hour roundtrip hike to Chhimi Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of the Divine Madman. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely lunch before embarking on a 3-hour drive to Thimphu.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • 2 hour

After breakfast, we’ll visit the National Memorial Chorten, dedicated to the late King. Next, we’ll explore the Handicraft Emporium/Chokey Handicraft and the National Painting School. Following lunch, we’ll visit the traditional goldsmiths and enjoy a leisurely stroll through Thimphu’s vibrant market. If your visit falls on a Saturday or Sunday, a trip to the weekend market and the archery ground is highly recommended.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Drive back to Paro and enjoy a sightseeing tour of the town.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Farewells and departure.

  • Breakfast

Our team guides, porters and accompanying staff are locals with a broad knowledge about each and every location that we travel through.

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Difficulty: Medium 10 Days
Max. Height: 7541m