Phobjikha Gangtey

The Gangtey Trek is a short and scenic trek in the Phobjikha Valley (Gangtey), one of Bhutan’s most beautiful glacial valleys and winter home to the rare black-necked cranes. This 7-day itinerary blends cultural exploration with gentle trekking, making it ideal for beginners, families, and those seeking serene nature walks without high altitudes. The trail winds through pine forests, remote hamlets, monasteries, and rhododendron groves, offering a peaceful Himalayan experience.

Highlights

• Scenic trekking through Phobjikha Valley, Bhutan’s wetland conservation area

• Visit Gangtey Goenpa, an ancient Nyingma monastery perched above the valley

• Explore traditional villages and interact with locals

• Trek through blue pine forests, yak herder camps, and mountain ridges

• Opportunity to witness black-necked cranes (Nov–Feb) in their winter roosting grounds

• Soft camping trek ideal for all age groups

Duration

7 Days / 6 Nights
(Trekking: 3 days | Cultural tour: 4 days)

Best time to visit

• Autumn (September – November): Best weather, clear skies, colorful forests

• Winter (November – February): See black-necked cranes in Phobjikha

• Spring (March – May): Rhododendrons in full bloom

Note: Not recommended during monsoon season (June–August)

What is included

✔️ Bhutan visa and Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
✔️ Licensed English-speaking guide
✔️ All permits and park entry fees
✔️ Private transportation and airport transfers
✔️ 3-star hotels in city areas (Paro, Thimphu, Punakha)
✔️ Camping gear (tents, mats, sleeping bags) during trek
✔️ Horses/porters for trek luggage
✔️ All meals (B/L/D) and tea/snacks
✔️ Bottled mineral water
✔️ All taxes and government surcharges

What is not included

❌ International airfare
❌ Personal hiking equipment (shoes, poles, daypack)
❌ Insurance of any kind
❌ Alcohol, laundry, tips, souvenirs

Day to day itineraries

Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Transfer to Thimphu

Drive time: 1.5 hrs | Altitude: 2,320m

• Meet your guide at Paro Airport

• Drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital

• Visit Buddha Dordenma, Tashichho Dzong, and Craft Bazaar

• Evening leisure walk in Norzin Lam
  Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu

Day 2: Thimphu – Dochula – Punakha

Drive time: 2.5–3 hrs

• Drive over Dochula Pass (3,100m) with 108 stupas and panoramic views

• Continue to Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Bliss”

• Visit Chimi Lhakhang (fertility temple)
  Overnight: Hotel in Punakha

Day 3: Punakha – Gangtey Valley

Drive time: 3–4 hrs

• Scenic drive to Phobjikha Valley (3,000m), home of the black-necked cranes

• Visit Gangtey Monastery (Gangtey Goenpa)

• Explore the Crane Information Centre

• Begin acclimatization hike along Gangtey Nature Trail
  Overnight: Hotel or farmhouse stay in Gangtey

Day 4: Trek Day 1 – Gangtey to Gogona

Trek distance: ~14 km | Duration: 6 hrs | Camp Altitude: ~3,100m

• Start trek from Gangtey, ascending through forests of juniper and bamboo

• Pass meadows and yak herder huts

• Reach Gogona Village, famous for its cheese
  Overnight: Camping at Gogona

Day 5: Trek Day 2 – Gogona to Khotokha

Trek distance: ~16 km | Duration: 7 hrs | Camp Altitude: ~2,700m

• Hike through mixed forest and alpine vegetation

• Cross Shobju La Pass (3,400m)

• Descend into Khotokha Valley, rich in birdlife and rare orchids
  Overnight: Camping at Khotokha

Day 6: Trek Day 3 – Khotokha to Tikke Zampa – Drive to Paro

Trek distance: ~12 km | Duration: 4 hrs | Drive time: ~5–6 hrs

• Final day trek through fir forests and village paths

• End trek at Tikke Zampa and meet your vehicle

• Drive back to Paro via Wangdue and Dochula
  Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Day 7: Departure from Paro

• Transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey

• Farewell and traditional “Tashi Delek” from Asiatic Bhutan Tours

Optional extension

• Add Tiger’s Nest Hike (1 more day in Paro)

• Add cultural extension to Haa Valley or Bumthang

• Upgrade to luxury hotels (Como Uma, Amankora, Six Senses)

• Add birdwatching guide during crane season